Mr. Seward to Mr. Van Valkenburgh
Sir: You are aware of the purchase by the Japanese government of the iron-clad ram Stonewall. She is now being fitted for sea at the navy yard here, and it is understood will be ready to leave about the 1st of next month. She will go out under command of Captain George Brown, an accomplished officer of the United States navy, who has been granted the necessary leave of absence to act as the agent of the Japanese commissioners in the transfer of the vessel to Yokohama.
The price agreed upon for the Stonewall was $400,000. Of this sum $300,000 have been paid. The remaining $100,000 will be transmitted hither by the Japanese government through you. Should this deferred payment be made promptly no interest will be expected, but in the event of any considerable delay in making it, it is proper that interest upon the sum should be paid with the principal. This expectation was made known, to his Excellency Ono Tomogoro. The proper mode of remitting the money will be left to your judgment.
It is hoped that the commissioners, who are now crossing the Pacific on their way to Japan, will carry back with them an impression of us as agreeable as that made by themselves upon all who had the pleasure of meeting with them here.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
R. B. Van Valkenburgh, Esq, &c., &c., &c.