Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward

No. 24.]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Osacca, May 18, 1867.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith No. 1, copy of a letter from the Gorogio, announcing the intention of the Japanese government to send envoys to Corea, for the purpose therein set forth. I transmit No. 2, copy of my reply.

This mission is expected to leave within a fortnight, and as soon as the result shall be made known to me, I shall immediately report the same to you.

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

R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH.

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

[Untitled]

We have heard that recently there was war in Corea with the French, and that a merchant vessel of the United States was treated with great cruelty in the country.

Corea being the neighbor of Japan, with which friendly relations have been maintained so long, the Tycoon feels much grieved at learning, in view of the sincere friendship subsisting between Japan and the United States, that a wrong has been perpetrated upon American citizens, and he will not fail therefore to tender friendly advice to Corea and to endeavor to induce that country, with due regard to the friendship which should govern the intercourse between neighbors to mend its course in future.

A letter on the subject will be sent to the king of that country, and Hirayama Diurho No Kami and Koga Kingitshero will be directed to address him in accordance therewith.

And if, on reflection of the wrong that has been committed and through our influence, he should sue for peace, we hope that the flag of the United States will return; that retaliation will be abandoned and the means for friendly intercouse be found.

We now request your excellency to communicate the foregoing to your government.

We have only to add, that it is of course uncertain whether the Coreans will be dissuaded from persisting in their course. Yet it is the wish of the Tycoon that no effort should be left untried, with the object of promoting peace in this part of the world, and we further request your excellency to use your best endeavor in the same direction.

Stated with respect and consideration the 7th day of the 4th month of the 3d year of Keu. 10th May 1867.)

ITAKURA EGA NO KAMI.

OGASAWARA IKI NO KAMI.

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

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Ministers for Foreign Affairs

No. 43.]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Osacca, May 18, 1867.

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, in which you announce your intention of sending envoys to Corea; a copy of which letter I shall not fail to send to my government by the earliest opportunity.

With respect and esteem,

R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan.

Their Excellencies the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Osacca, &c., &c., &c.