Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward.

No. 46.]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Yedo, October 6, 1866.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a communication from the Gorogio which I received yesterday, announcing the death of the late Tycoon on the 20th day of the 8th month, (September 28th,) and the appointment of Prince Hitotsbasi to be his successor, with the title of Nye Sama, (his majesty.)

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

[Translation.]

Sir: We have to inform your excellency that it has been published that his Majesty the Tycoon is dead, and herewith send you a copy of that proclamation.

Which we state with respect and esteem, on the 27th day of the eighth month of the second year of Kaiao, (October, 1866.)

INOWEYE KAWATSI NO KAMI.

MATSU DA IRA SUWO NO KAMI.

MATSU DA IRA NO-EO NO KAMI.

His Excellency R. B. Van Valkenburgh, Minister Resident of the United States of America.

[Translation.]

Kubo Sama (his Majesty the Tycoon) got sick and did not recover, and died at Osacca on the 20th instant, at 6 o’clock in the morning.

As previously announced, Hitotsbasi Chunangong Sama (his highness Prince Hitotsbasi) succeeds to the throne, and since the 20th instant is styled Nye Sama, (his majesty.)