The most noteworthy feature of this document, the authenticity of which
(although not officially communicated) is beyond question, is the
injunction to deal straightforwardly in future.
It gives me pleasure to state that all the officers of this government
thus far appear to act fully in accordance with both the letter and
spirit of the Tycoon’s special instructions, and that in the opinion of
my colleagues as well as myself there is every indication that much
progress has been made in our official intercourse.
I might easily, while at Osacca, have landed marines from the Shenandoah
and Wyoming to go through their drill before the Tycoon; but as the
Tycoon fully appreciates the military power of the United States, I
deemed it better not to follow the example of my colleagues of France
and England in treating him to the drill of a small guard which could
never be very imposing.
In conclusion I beg to add that I received presents of lacquerware and
garments from the Tycoon, precisely as my colleagues of England and
France.
Coming from so high a source, it may be supposed that these presents are
very valuable. They are not so, however. The expense of sending to the
Patent Office would be in excess of their intrinsic value, and as they
may fairly be considered as returns or equivalents for valuable presents
his Majesty the Tycoon has been pleased to accept from me, I did not
hesitate to receive the same as mementoes of my very interesting visit
to Osacca, and I hope you will be pleased to approve of my action.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
[Translation.]
12th day of the 4th month, (May 15, 1867.)
By order of Inowuye Kawatsi No Kami, Sato Seingoro, chief secretary,
makes known to the ometskes, (auditors,) the governors for foreign
affairs, the governors of Kanagawa, the governors of Nagasaki, and
governors of Hakodadi, the following:
The four representatives, namely, of the United States, England,
France, and Holland, were invited by the Tycoon to meet him at
Osacca.
The invitation was accepted and they arrived in the following order:
the English minister on the 14th day of the 3d month, the Dutch
minister on the 16th day of the 3d month, the French minister on the
22d day of the 3d month, the American minister on the 28th day of
the 3d month.
Immediately on arrival a Gorogio went to their respective places of
residence, to bid them welcome.
On the 25th day of the 3d month the English minister and suite
visited the Tycoon in his castle, at 10 o’clock. They came on
horseback. They dismounted at the Sakura gate, and were conducted to
the room Thiro Shoïn.
The Gorogios, members of the second council, and other high officers
were present.
After conversing a while, they were conducted to the grounds in front
of the room Ohiroma, where, at the Tycoon’s request, the English
mounted guard went through some evolutions.
The Tycoon then retired. Refreshments were provided in the room Thiro
Shoïn.
The Gorogios, members of the second council, and other high officers
were present.
A few articles of lacquerware were presentedtothe English minister,
and crape-silk to the officers of his suite.
The English minister and suite were then conducted from the room
Thiro Shoïn to the room Botannoma, and there entertained at dinner.
In the evening they returned.
All the Japanese high officials present on this occasion came to the
castle at the usual hour, and in their usual dress, and the Gorogios
acted as masters of ceremony.
On the next day, being the 26th, the reception of the consul general
of Holland took place. It was in all respects similar to that of the
English minister, with the exception of a cavalry display.
On the 27th day the reception of the French minister took place.
There was a drill of French mounted soldiers. The carriage of the
French minister was shown, and during dinner the band of the French
flag-ship performed.
On the 28th day, (2d May,) the English, Dutch, and French
representatives were officially received by the Tycoon.
The officers of the English minister’s suite were presented by the
Gorogio.
The Tycoon having retired, dresses of ceremony were presented to the
English minister, by the Gorogio. The Tycoon making his
reappearance, the English minister returned thanks.
The Tycoon then retired and the English minister and suite were
conducted in ceremony to the gate.
On the same day the representative of Holland was officially received
by the Tycoon. He delivered a letter from his king, which he handed
to the Tycoon in person.
The ceremony was precisely the same as that observed on the reception
of the English minister. Only seven garments were presented.
On the same day, also, the French minister was officially received.
He was accompanied by the French admiral, to whom the Tycoon
addressed a few words. Ten garments were then presented. The
ceremonies were the same. All the Japanese officials were in court
dress.
From 8 o’clock in the morning the guards were on duty. They were
dressed in foreign uniform, and presented arms when the minister
passed them.
On the 29th day, at 10 o’clock, the English minister came to the
castle, to the Ohiroma grounds. The Tycoon saw the drill of the
English soldiers. His photograph was taken on this occasion, and
foreign refreshments were offered to the English minister and the
Gorogios who were present.
On that day, at 3 o’clock, the American minister was received, in
precisely the same manner as the three other representatives.
On the 1st day of the 4th month the French minister came to the
castle to show the drill of French soldiers. Refreshments were
offered in the same manner as with the English minister.
On the same day, at half-past 3 o’clock, the American minister was
officially received, on which occasion he placed his letters of
credence into the hands of the Tycoon in person.
And because the ministers have been received with great ceremony,
they will, on the occasion of receiving the congratulations, on
their return to Yeddo, be invited to the residence of the Gorogios
and entertained by them, and during such entertainment no business
will be transacted, but only pleasant matters will form the subject
of conversation.
And hereafter, from time to time, the Gorogios will invite the
foreign ministers to their houses and entertain them. They may also
accept invitations from the foreign ministers, and be entertained at
their legations.
[Page 45]
When, however, a foreign minister visits the Gorogio on business, an
entertainment is not required, but only tea and sweetmeats will be
offered.
The foregoing is also to be observed by the governors for foreign
affairs, and the governor of Kanagawa.
Ministers and other officers may visit the governors at their houses
in a friendly manner, and also on business.
This applies not only to the governors for foreign affairs, but also
to the governors of the army, navy, and all other departments.
For the information of the principal officers in the department for
foreign affairs, letters sent to the foreign ministers and others
must be respectful, and signed with the small seal. Invitations must
be tendered in most respectful terms.
In dealing, with foreigners straightforwardness must be the rule in
future.
Note.—Then follow the replies of the Tycoon
to the addresses of the four representatives named. Enclosures Nos.
2 and 4, of despatch No. 22, of May 6, 1867, were translations of
the Tycoon’s replies to myself and the English minister,
respectively. The replies to the French and Dutch representatives
were, with a slight variation of language, similar to those already
transmitted.
The addresses of the four representatives to the Tycoon are not even
mentioned in the document.
