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. 39.]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Yedo, August 18, 1867.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith (No. 1) copy of a letter from S. L. Phelps, esq., chief agent in the east for the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, applying for wharf privileges at Nagasaki. I also enclose (No. 2) copy of my letter to the Gorogio, making the desired application.

After several interviews with the Gorogio and governor for foreign affairs, in which I explained this matter at length, it was agreed that the governor of Nagasaki should he furnished with full instructions on the subject to grant the application, if there were no insuperable objection of a local nature; and further, that on the occasion of my visit to that port, after returning from visiting the ports on the west coast, he would be authorized to come to a final understanding with me in the matter.

I found the governor of Nagasaki favorably impressed with the contemplated improvement; and after several interviews with him, it was agreed that he would construct a pier in front of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company’s premises into deep water, upon which merchandise may then be landed under the existing local regulations, and that the construction of this pier would be begun as soon as the requisite plans shall be furnished by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company’s agents.

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.

Mr. Phelps to Mr. Van Valkenburgh

Agency Pacific Mail Steamship Company, Yokohama, January 23, 1867.

Sir: In. order to facilitate the despatch of the mail steamers of the American line at Nagasaki, it is necessary to build out a wharf to 21 feet water off the property the company may purchase for its purposes at that port. In the foreign settlement there is not sufficient depth of water except in front of lots 45 to 51 inclusive, and a lot next southwest, owned or occupied by Kazoni, a Japanese. Following next are two lots occupied by foreigners for ship-building purposes. These properties are in the foreign quarter at Namino, and have water enough at about 100 feet from the shore.

I have caused an offer to be made to Kazoni to purchase his right at a good market value, but should he refuse to sell and it should be necessary, cannot authority be given to the governor to remove him upon application of the company’s agent at Nagasaki; Kazoni to be paid a fair compensation ?

It becomes necessary to apply to the Japanese government for the above authority as well as to build the wharf at which the steamers can lie for loading, discharging and coaling. The company will also wish to establish a “bonded warehouse,” where freight, both inward and outward, can be stored under such rules as may be necessary, the customs business being conducted entirely through the warehouse, and not the ship. Thus the steamers on arrival will at once discharge into the building and receive from it what has already passed the custom-house, and can put to sea in four hours after entering port. The company can give all the security demanded for the faithful observance of the laws of Japan in the premises.

I have the honor now respectfully to request that you will present these questions to the government of Japan, and obtain the permission to proceed with the works at as early a day as practicable.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. LEDYARD PHELPS, Agent.

His Excellency R. B. Van Valkenburgh, United States Minister, Yedo.

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Legation of the United States, Yedo, February 5, 1867.

Their Excellencies,

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, &c., &c., &c., Yedo:

You have, no doubt, been informed that it is the purpose of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, who own and run the line of large steamers from San Francisco to Japan and China, to connect Yokohama by a line of steam vessels, running through the inland sea, touching at Nagasaki, and thus to Shanghae. In order to enable them properly and expeditiously to make the trip it will be necessary for the company to erect a wharf or pier at Nagasaki, reaching from the shore into deep water, so that the steam vessels may come alongside of it; loading and discharging without the use of lighters or boats. They also desire to erect a large bonded warehouse, from and into which goods can only be taken or removed after they shall have properly passed the custom-house. I need hardly say to your excellencies that such a line would add much to the commercial prosperity of Japan, and should be encouraged by the government.

The wharf proposed to be built would not interfere with the navigation or safety of the harbor, but on the contrary would render it more safe and convenient.

I have the honor herewith to transmit to your excellencies a copy of a communication addressed to me by Captain S. Ledyard Phelps upon this subject. He is the agent of this company at Hong Kong.

I trust your excellencies will give to this application that consideration which its importance demands, and inform me of your favorable conclusion at an early date.

With respect and esteem,

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