Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 3, 1877

No. 198.
Mr. Bingham to Mr. Evarts.

United States Legation,
Tokei, Japan, May 23, 1877. (Received June 18.)

No. 570.]

Sir: His excellency Mr. Kuroda, minister of the Kaita Kushi, or agricultural department of this empire, and late His Imperial Japanese Majesty’s ambassador to Corea, having been appointed temporarily inspector-general of war, has, I am pleased to note, won additional distinction in that service, of which the Emperor has made public acknowledgment, declaring that the relief of Kumamoto Castle (so long besieged by the insurgents) “was effected through the wise counsel and energy” of the minister. I have the honor to inclose a copy of the emperor’s address.

I have, &c.,

JNO. A. BINGHAM.

[Inclosure in No. 570.]

Address of the Mikado to General Kuroda, May 15, 1877.

The Emperor addressed General Kuroda in the following terms, on the 15th instant (May), at the Auzaisho, Kiôto:

“You, Kiotaka, were appointed inspector-general of war, and at the head of our army you advanced on Yashiro, where you attacked the rebels in the rear and gained several victories over them, and finally relieved Kumamoto Castle. This has been effected through your wise counsel and energy, and I, the Mikado, am pleased with you.