Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward
Sir: After the occurrence of the rice riot mentioned in my despatch No. 54 under date of November 5th, I made an application to the Gorogio for permission to make a small pecuniary present to each of the three Yaconins who were injured on that occasion. Such permission was granted, and I sent for them and presented each with twenty dollars in silver. Their names are Gotoa Aigiro, Toayama Naka, and Sovda Shoogi.
On the 19th of November, by special invitation of Inoweye Kawatsi No Kami, president of the Gorogio, 1 made him a social visit at his home in the official quarter, accompanied by my private secretary, Lieutenant Colonel William Rumsey.
We found there Matsudaira Suo No Kami, another member of the Gorogio, several governors of foreign affairs and of the navy, and other subordinate officers, to receive us. For over four hours we sat at the table and were entertained very handsomely. No business matters were discussed, but various questions were asked by them as to the organization of our army, the kind of ordinance and arms used, and the character and condition of the navy, all of which I endeavored to answer.
They apologized for the occurrence of the recent riots, and expressed themselves as highly gratified at the course I had pursued, spoke of the presents I had made to the Yaconins, and remarked that my kindness and courtesy to their government and people “was wonderful.”
They told me that the government had taken the necessary measures to supply the poor with food and houses by erecting buildings for them and sending abroad to buy foreign rice.
They informed me that they intended to send an embassy to the United States for the purpose of seeing the working of our army and navy, and to acquire general information.
[Page 18]I understand, unofficially, since, that five persons have been appointed and will soon take their departure for California.
On my return to the legation they sent with me six of the beautiful dwarfed trees of Japan, in house-pots, which now stand on the veranda.
Rear-Admiral H. H. Bell being about to visit Nagasaki with the “Hartford” and “Wyoming,” invited me to accompany him, and offered to return me to Yokohama in the “Wyoming.”
I desired to see Mr. Mangum, our consul at that port, and to take the trip through the inland sea, and no business pressing, I accepted the invitation, and on the 22d ultimo left Yokohama in the “Hartford.” On the 2d day out, one of the air-pumps of the “Hartford” broke down, and the admiral was obliged to go to Hong Kong under sail for repairs. I went on board the “Wyoming.” In the inland sea we had strong head winds and heavy seas all the way. At Simonoseki, in the straits of that name, we were compelled to anchor for 36 hours to take in coal. This town is in Choshu’s territory, and a number of batteries have been erected on his shore. Opposite is the province of Bouzen, belonging to Kokura, who was loyal to the Tycoon’s government. His territory has been overrun by Choshu’s troops, his batteries destroyed, his guns captured, and his towns burned.
On the 2d day of December we reached Nagasaki. I met Mr. Mangum; visited with the Japanese governor, and had a pleasant visit of eight days.
On Tuesday, the 11th instant, at day-light, we left Nagasaki, and after a pleasant run reached Yokohama on Monday morning, the 17th instant. We stopped at Hiogo on our return, anchoring in the harbor over night, and spend-about three hours on shore in the morning. At Nagasaki I found the French Rear-Admiral Rose with three vessels of war, the Russian Rear-Admiral Kern with three vessels of war, and three English vessels of war.
The English and French ministers had each within the last few months visited Nagasaki and the inland sea, and I could not forego the opportunity offered by the kind invitation of Rear-Admiral Bell.
I trust it will prove to have been for the interests of the government, and that it will meet the approbation of the President and the department.
I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.