Mr. Coombs to Mr. Foster.

No. 58.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your instruction No. 32, of date September 27, 1892, authorizing me to draw upon the Secretary of State for the sum of $350 as a gift to the villagers of Shiwaki-ura, Tokushima prefecture, Japan, who were instrumental in saving the lives of the crew of the ill-fated American vessel North American.

I had the honor to transmit such draft to his excellency, Mutsu Munemitsu, His Imperial Japanese Majesty’s minister for foreign affairs, with a note to him, No. 20, of date the 16th instant.

I have the honor to inclose herewith copy of the reply of his excellency, to my note which, in itself, forms a complete record to date in the matter.

When the final distribution of the money is made and the names of those villagers most conspicuous in the rescue and entitled to medals are ascertained I shall transmit the correspondence relative to the same.

I have, etc.,

Frank L. Coombs,
[Page 388]
[Inclosure in No. 40.—Translation.]

Mr. Mutsu Munemitsu to Mr. Coombs.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s note No. 18, of the 7th instant, wherein you are good enough to communicate to me a copy of instruction No. 32, from the honorable Secretary of State of the United States, dated the 27th September last, in regard to the distribution of $350 among the villagers of Shiwaki-ura, Tokushima prefecture, in recognition of their services in rescuing the crew of the ill-fated American merchant vessel North American, and also the receipt of your note No. 20, of the 16th instant, inclosing a draft for $350 in United States gold coin.

In conveying to the governor of Tokushima prefecture the purport of your note of the 7th instant, I have directed him to determine, in consultation with the chief of the village of Shiwaki-ura, and the villagers concerned in the rescue, the mode of applying the money granted by the United States Government for such purpose as may be deemed most beneficial to the villagers.

Having also instructed the governor of Tokushima prefecture to report to me the names of those villagers most conspicuous for their services on the occasion, I will communicate to you the desired information as soon as it is received from the governor.

I avail, etc.,

Mutsu Munemitsu,
Minister of Foreign Affairs.