Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that while in Yedo the most extraordinary peaceful revolution in the government occurred that has marked its history.
I was not aware of anything unusual being in progress until I received a letter from Sir Rutherford Alcock. So true is it that reliable information can be more easily obtained in this place, where the ministers of the treaty powers can be approached with less notice, and addressed with greater security to the Japanese informer.
On questioning the governors for foreign affairs I was informed that two members of the Gorogio had been dismissed from office, also the regent who had refused to march troops against Daimios, declaring that they were carrying out the orders of the Mikado for the expulsion of foreigners, and reflected the popular sentiment. More than seventy officers immediately surrounding the Tycoon, and occupying the most confidential and important position, were also dismissed; these officials had all been opposed to the Tycoon’s observance of the treaties, and their places had been filled by those friendly to his policy.
The British minister was also informed that the life of the Tycoon had been attempted, and that his chief or governor of the kitchen, and four of his [Page 535] physicians, had been put to death on suspicion of being implicated in such attempts. This was denied by the governors, but little doubt is entertained of its truth.
Takemoto Kai-no-kami, the governor of whom I have heretofore written, has been again advanced, holding a confidential post near the person of the Tycoon.
He still retains the office of governor for foreign affairs, and as such says he will communicate immediately between the Tycoon and the ministers of the treaty powers. He is now in this place, for the purpose of meeting myself and colleagues. He has had an informal meeting with the British minister, in which he said, that while the Tycoon was sensible of the assistance he would derive from operations against Choshu, he was, of course, precluded from inviting or encouraging such operations. He closed a conversation characterized by great good sense, with the puerile proposition that, pending such operations, Yokohama should be entirely abandoned by foreigners, for fear they might be attacked, and the buildings left under the guard of the Tycoon. This would also prevent the issue of further orders by the Mikado for the expulsion of foreigners; and when told that such course was out of the question, asked that the women and children at least might be removed. Now that the ships sent to Choshu have returned, we will have other interviews, and it is probable a strong expeditionary force will leave for his chastisement the next month, if the weather permits.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.