Office of the Historian

Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward

No. 32.]
Legation of the United States in Japan, Kanagawa, May 4, 1864.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that M. Duchesne de Bellecourt, minister plenipotentiary of France, has, as I am informed, at his own request been recalled, and been succeeded by Mr. Leon Roeher, late consul-general at Tunis.

My relations with both the British and French ministers are of the most pleasant and cordial character.

I have not as yet succeeded in inducing the Japanese government to recognize the justice of the claims I have made under your instructions, though I have recently had two interviews for their discussion, the last of which was held yesterday. I shall prosecute them with energy, and yet with patience and becoming moderation.

I have the pleasure to inform you that the government of the Tycoon will probably shortly despatch several naval officers to the United States, for the purpose of studying naval architecture.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident in Japan.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.