No. 286.
Mr. De Long to Mr. Fish.
No. 16.]
Yokohama, Japan,
January 23, 1870. (Received February
24.)
SIR: The mail steamer is just about to sail,
and I have but just time sufficient to transmit to you a couple of
reports, made by the native governor of Nagasaki to the Mikado’s
government, relative to the number of native Christians deported by him
from Urakami, their [Page 472]
destination, treatment, &c., and which were by the government just
transmitted to me. From these you will learn their own account of the
manner in which this business was transacted, and to this you can of
course attach such importance and credence as you may see proper. It is
probable that these statements have been prepared and furnished with a
view on the part of this government of allaying, as far as possible, the
feeling abroad which this deportation is likely to create, and
undoubtedly it is as favorably stated as the truth will allow. These
reports fail to change in the least my former views of the subject, or
of the intended treatment of these exiles, as I have explained to you in
my dispatch No. 13 of this series.
C. E. DE LONG, Minister
Resident.
[Untitled]
To his Excellency Charles E. De Long,
Minister Resident of the United States:
We beg to inclose herewith copies of two reports relative to the
native Christians received by us this morning from the authorities
at Nagasaki.
The 20th day of the 12th
month, (January 21, 1870.)
With respect and consideration,
Sawa Jusaunei Kiyowara Nobu Yoski,
And Teraschima Jüskii Fiyiwara
Munenori,
Ministers of Foreign
Affairs.
Report to the department for foreign affairs by
the authorities of Nagasaki, dated January 9, 1870.
We beg to report that up to yesterday we continued sending off the
native Christians to various Provinces as set forth in accompanying
paper, taking good care, in conformity with the instructions
received, to treat them kindly and tendering them advice. Heads of
families were provided with money and the sick who applied for
relief were sent into hospital. The old and infirm were furnished
with sedan chairs in places whole the road was rough, and sandals
for travelers were given to all. Families were not separated in
accordance with instructions, but some were sent to different places
at their own request. We allowed them to take whatever they required
of their own goods, and such as were left behind were placed in
strong warehouses to await your further orders as to its disposal.
As it was exceedingly cold and snow falling at the time, we
furnished all with sake (rice whisky) to use on the road as and when
they pleased. Strict orders were given by us to those officers who
accompanied them to provide whatever could contribute to their
comfort. It was clearly explained to them that all reasonable wants
they may have shall be duly supplied in the provinces whither they
are sent, and they all left cheerfully and in good spirits.
[Inclosure with report of the Nagaski authorities to the
department for foreign affairs.]
List of distribution of native
Christians, January, 1870.
114 persons to Kotsi; 102 to Takamatsu; 87 to Matsuje; 69 to
Matsu Yama; 256 to Waka Yama; 114 to Oka Yama; 88 to Hori Yamo;
179 to Nasso Ya; 100 to Tsu; 45 to Himegi; 209 to Kassoshima;
525 to Kana Sawa; 83 to Daishioge; 234 to Fukoka: 155 to Totton;
112 to Tok Sima; 93 to Tsuana; 66 to Fuku Yama. In all 2,810
persons. One hundred and eighty-five more persons shall be sent
by sea by the first opportunity. Between fifty and sixty persons
ran away, and their whereabouts are unknown.
