Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith the latest official intelligence, received by me on the 16th of September, concerning the illness of the Tycoon. [Page 220] It is generally reported and commonly believed that he died of dropsy in the latter part of August, and that Hitotsbasi has been appointed his successor; but this cannot, by the laws of the empire, be made known until the choice of the new Tycoon has been approved by the Mikado, and a decree has been issued announcing him.
There are also reports in circulation that three powerful Daimios, whose territories lie contiguous to those of the Choshiu, and who have hitherto remained neutral, have not only sent in their adherence to Hitotsbasi, but have sent their contingents of troops to aid him. If these rumors are true I have no doubt that the war will soon be ended, either by a treaty or by the subjugation of Choshiu, for it is generally believed that it was brought about in great part by the personal hostility between the late Tycoon and Choshiu, and it is known that Hitotsbasi is personally friendly to Choshiu, and that he is a man of decision and promptness,
I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.