Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward.
Sir: A slight delay in the departure of our mail enables me to inform you that I have this moment heard of an intention expressed to one of my colleagues, by the local Japanese authorities, to invite the foreign representatives to remove their legations to Osaka, the object of such invitation being no doubt to derive moral support from their presence to the Kioto Mikado’s government.
At the same time I learn that the northern Mikado’s troops have gained an advantage over the Kioto Mikado’s forces. If the Kioto Mikado’s government is really in such need of moral support it may be unadvisable to grant it. The fact of the northern government not applying for support would seem to show that they are strong enough without it. At all events, it is in this part of Japan that our interests lie, and where the Japanese question must be solved. I do not propose therefore to accept the invitation when it shall be tendered, but to remain here for the present and until it shall have been ascertained that a Japanese government strong enough to protect foreign interests and to carry out the treaties has made its reappearance.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.