Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward
Sir: On consultation with my colleagues, the representatives of England, France, and Holland, we have deemed it best to make an examination personally of the west coast of Japan for the purpose of determining what port it is expedient [Page 43] to open in the place of Neeëgata, which is deemed unfit as a harbor. Admiral Bell has kindly directed the Shenandoah, under command of Captain J. R. Goldsborough, to afford me facilities for such personal examination, and I expect to leave here about the 25th instant for that purpose. No American vessel of war having for some years been at Hakodadi, we shall probably visit that port en route to the western coast, intending to return via Nagasaki and the inland sea.
My colleagues have notified me of their intention of leaving here for the same purpose early in July. I trust my action in this matter will meet the approval of the President and yourself.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.