Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward.
Sir: It is almost impossible to learn from the government any facts connected with the pending war in this empire. They either do not know, or, knowing, prefer not to communicate. I wrote you in my despatch No. 41, under date of September 27th, that it was generally “reported and commonly believed that the Tycoon died of dropsy, in the latter part of August,” and enclosed to you in my despatch No. 46, under date of October 6th, the official notification, announcing his death on the 20th day of the 8th month, (September 28th.) I believe he died in the latter part of August, and that his body was yesterday received for burial in this city. Acting Rear-Admiral H. H. Bell, commanding Asiatic squadron, has this day forwarded to me extracts from the report to him by commander R. H. Shufeldt, of the Wachusett, who left Yokohama for Hong Kong, via the inland sea, on the 13th of September last, as follows:
“I made no stay at Simonoseki, because it was quite evident that Choshiu had complete possession of both sides of the straits; the southern shores presenting a scene of entire desolation. The Tycoon’s steamers are all here, (Nagasaki,) as their anchorage became unsafe from the batteries on the northern bluffs, and they do not seem disposed to force a passage through. For twenty-five miles south from Simonoseki, in the Tycoon’s territory, we saw burning villages. Indeed, Choshiu seems to be advancing quite rapidly, and here at Nagasaki they are beginning to apprehend an attack from him.
“At Simonoseki the Choshiu steamers, five in number, dipped their flags as we passed; as it was the national flag of Japan, I returned the salute.”
The Japan Herald of Saturday, October 13th, published at Yokohama, contains what purports to be names of all the Daimios furnishing contingents of troops to the new Tycoon, together with the number of such troops, the names of their generals, and the revenue of each of such Daimios.
Choshiu’s troops are said to be well armed, and are evidently making a strong opposition to the government.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.