Mr. Ford to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the government of the Tycoon of Japan having solicited a delay of two years in the payment of the outstanding balance of the Simonosaki indemnity, her Majesty’s government have acceded to their request, on the condition that the sum, amounting to $1,500,000, is repaid by the month of May, 1869, and that in the interval interest is paid, the rate of which her Majesty’s government have left to the decision of her Majesty’s minister at Yeddo, in conjunction with the representatives of the other powers concerned.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my highest consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.