Mr. Sill to Mr. Gresham.

[Telegram.]
Nos. 23 and 24.]

Admiral left on the 2d, against my judgment. Received his notice the day after his departure. He said that, according to instructions from the Department, he has ordered Monocacy to relieve him, and said that she is expected hourly. I am not yet advised of their sailing. I had promised the King asylum in case of emergency. Admiral’s departure places me in a humiliating and most perilous position. The minister at Washington communicated by telegraph to this Government that you have advised them to protest against the demand of [the] Japanese Government, made under duress, and to notify the foreign ministers.