Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to inform you of the second visit of the Tycoon to the Mikado.
It is understood the great council of Daimios is again in session; that the question of the foreign policy of the government is again under consideration, and that the opposite parties are pretty evenly balanced. All that is possible is to watch and wait and hope.
I think I have remarked that the Tycoon has at this time all the advantages of trade, every port open being in imperial territory. There are many Daimios who advocate the removal of every restriction to trade and the opening of every port.
I enclose a copy of a very extraordinary letter from the Prince of Etshizen, which I have reason to believe to be genuine, as it was obtained from the same source from which I procured other documents which I have heretofore sent you. It speaks well for the advance of liberal ideas, and if, as he says, other Daimios are of the same opinion, we may reasonably look for great and favor able changes.
This prince was the only one who, in the great council of Daimios held last year, advocated with boldness the observance of the treaties with foreign nations and a liberal policy of the government.
It has now been informally announced that the Tycoon will return to Yedo in the latter part of this month.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.