Mr. Pruyn to Mr.
Seward
No. 39.]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Kanagawa,
May 30, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to enclose, No. 1, a copy
of a protocol this day signed by the ministers of the United States,
Great, Britain, France, and the Netherlands; and also, No. 2, a copy of
the letter addressed by myself to the ministers of foreign affairs on
the same day, agreebly to the terms thereof. A similar letter was at the
same time sent to them by my colleagues.
With a view of marking our sense of the gravity of the occasion, and of
giving more importance to our note identique, a Japanese version
accompanies each of our letters.
I trust the firm attitude of the four powers may strengthen the
government in its struggle with the Daimios, though I confess I have no
hope that it will venture on any measures of repression.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident in
Japan.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Untitled]
Legation of the United States in
Japan, Kanagawa,
May 30, 1864.
The representatives of the United States, Great Britain, France, and
the Netherlands, having, on the 25th day of July, 1863, declared it
to be indispensable to the maintenance of treaty rights that the
inland sea should be reopened, they announced such decision to your
excellencies, confidently hoping that his Majesty the Tycoon would
effect that object.
In this reasonable expectation they have been disappointed. The
Japanese government has made no reply to that communication, nor has
it taken any steps to put a stop to hostilities, which are still
threatened. It has, on the contrary, shown either its sympathy with
those hostile to the treaties, or its submission to their dictation,
by asking that the port of Kanagawa should be closed; and declared
that it is only on such condition that peace can be preserved.
The undersigned, having been made acquainted with the views of his
government in reference to this most extraordinary proposition, is
enabled to declare that no such concession can be made. He therefore
invites your excellencies to withdraw such request, in order that
the excitement which will naturally attend its discussion may be
removed.
[Page 507]
In the interest of peace, he also feels it to be his duty to declare
that the government of his Majesty the Tycoon cannot safely rely
upon the further forbearance of the United States, and that it will
be expected to show both its willingness and ability to remove the
obstruction to commerce which now exists at the outlet of the inland
sea, and to prevent any repetition of the hostile acts of the Prince
of Chosen.
The undersigned considers it equally his duty to call the Serious
attention of the government of the Tycoon, at this moment, to the
great responsibilities which will inevitably fall upon them, if, as
the language of the ministers themselves would lead it to be
inferred, any violence should be offered to the foreign residents by
Japanese subjects, or any damage, by whomsoever inflicted, on their
interests, trade, or property in this country, which equally, with
their lives, are placed under the safeguard of treaties and of the
law of nations.
With respect and esteem,
ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident of the
United States in Japan.
Their Excellencies the Ministers for Foreign
Affairs, &c., &c., &c.,
Yedo.
