Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches Nos 47, 48, 51, 52, and 53, dated September 9, September 12, October 24, December 1, and December 7, 1863, respectively.
I have repeatedly insisted on provision being made for my residence at Yedo, but without success. The extraordinary position has been taken that my residence there, while my colleagues are content to remain at Kanagawa, will be regarded as a proof of want of friendship for the government.
By governors for foreign affairs I was verbally informed that the government has placed money in the hands of the priest, to enable him to rebuild the buildings which were destroyed, but do not know how much credit to give to the information, as I had been previously informed by other governors that the work was commenced, and when I went to Yedo found that no commencement had been made.
I shall write to the minister for foreign affairs, and learn whether they can now insure my safety at Yedo; and if so, not wait for the completion of the building, but occupy such quarters as were provided for my temporary use, although they are exceedingly inconvenient.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.