Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the Japanese government has appointed two commissioners to proceed to the United States for the special purpose of purchasing from the United States government, if possible, some ships of war, as mentioned in my despatch No. 43, under date of September 29th, 1866, and also No. 45, dated October 9th, 1866.
Should the United States government not be able to furnish them with what they desire, then their purpose is to purchase, if possible, of private individuals, or procure such vessels to be constructed in the United States. The Japanese officials here have verbally requested me to ask for these commissioners the kind attention of the United States government, and also that some competent naval officer or other person may be assigned with whom they may consult and advise. They are entirely ignorant of our manner of doing business, and take no foreigner with them, relying upon the assistance of our government in such business as they may find it necessary to transact.
The Japanese feel most friendly towards our people, and are very much inclined, I think, to rely upon the advice received from them. I trust the impressions they get of the prosperity of our country through this embassy, on its return, may induce them to make more rapid progress in civilization. They purpose remaining in the United States about three months, and are desirous of seeing the navy yards, arsenals, foundries, machine shops, &c., and, in fact, learning as much as possible in that brief period.
Enclosed (No. 1) I send copy of translation of their appointment by the Tycoon, the red seal being his official signature. Enclosure No. 2 is copy translation of a letter of the Gorogio, or ministers for foreign affairs, to the Secretary of State, defining their powers.
* * * * * * * *
Enclosure No. 4 is copy translation of the names of the commissioners and their suite, and No. 5 a copy of the translation of a letter from the Gorogio to me, announcing the appointment of the commissioners.
Ono Tomogoro, the first commissioner, was formerly a lieutenant in the navy, and in such capacity visited San Francisco in 1858. He was afterwards promoted to be captain, and has since been again promoted to a position in the finance department, a civil office. He is charged generally with the receipt and disbursement of a portion of the funds, and is called by them a commissioner of finance.
Matsmoto Judayu was a low officer in the embassy which visited the United [Page 25] States some years ago, has since been promoted, and is now at the head of the educational bureau in Japan.
Sekey Shimpatchi, one of the interpreters, was some years ago in France with Japanese officers who were sent there by this government, but since my residence in Yedo, at my request, he has been attached to this legation as Japanese interpreter.
Neither of the commissioners are of high rank, but are about the average in intellect and ability of the official class.
They carry with them the originals, as well as copies of the translation of enclosures Nos. 1, 2, and 3, and also a duplicate of this despatch.
I have the honor to be, sir. very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.