Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part III

Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward

No. 52.]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Kanagawa, August 10, 1864.

Sir: I returned to this place on the 5th instant, after a visit of three weeks to the city of Yedo, having succeeded in securing the settlement of the claims which I had been instructed to demand of this government.

My own personal inclinations and convictions of duty, the assurance that it would be unnecessary to resort to force, and the fact that the only national vessel in these waters was the sailing sloop Jamestown, combined to induce me to seek a peaceful solution of existing differences. It was evidently the intention of the government indefinitely to procrastinate the consideration of those claims they had rejected and the payment of that of the Pembroke, admitted and promised to be paid more than a year ago, which it now wished to make contingent on its collection from the Prince of Choshu.

I availed myself of the ill-advised declarations which the Gorogio had made, as far back as October, in writing, and now repeated, that they could not guarantee my safety in Yedo.

The Gorogio were not content to rely on the success of such representations, but were careful to make it, as they thought, impossible for me to reside for any time in Yedo, by failing to proceed with the rebuilding of the legation.

The only accommodation which had been provided was that of a few rooms in the temple, which extended in an unbroken line, so that to reach the furthest from the entrance every room had to be passed through.

I accordingly announced early in July my purpose to resume my residence in Yedo, in order that I might have easier access to the government for the purpose of securing the rebuilding of the legation, and of bringing about a settlement of our claims, in which no progress had been made nor could be made at this place; and that as the government were unable to provide for my safety, I should aid them by asking Captain Price to anchor the Jamestown off the forts at Yedo, and land a guard of marines and sailors, for the defence of the legation; and that, on the arrival of another national vessel, I should increase the guard if advised by them that it was needful.

This led to their addressing me a letter, in which they fixed the time for completing the legation building, (copy of letter, enclosure No. 1,) and secured me repeated visits from governors for foreign affairs, representing the insecurity of the city, and their fears of fresh complications, growing out of attacks on me which might be made in Yedo, and offers to meet me at once at this place.

I refused to reconsider my determination, and accordingly went to Yedo in the Jamestown, Captain Price heartily entering into my views, and at my request landing a guard of sixty-five marines and sailors, under the command of Lieutenant Huntington, of the marine corps, and of Ensign J. D. Graham.

It is needless to say I did not do this through any fears for my personal safety. During my entire stay my guests and myself walked and rode through Yedo without any other than a Japanese guard; and, having occasion to meet my colleagues, I rode to this place alone with such guard, proceeding through the worst quarter of Yedo, I was sure it would greatly hasten a favorable result, and before two weeks had passed everything was definitely settled.

The indemnity demanded for the legation has been paid; and notwithstanding former declarations that it would be a disgrace to admit it, it was declared to be a just claim, and conceded at once without hesitation or delay.

The government placed in my hand a letter drawn by myself, in which they said that they had directed the governor of Kanagawa, on the 5th of September, to pay me the sum of $1,200, principal and interest of the Pembroke claim, and in which they stated that if not paid on that day on the production of my letter, it would be receivable for all public dues to said amount. Borne months before I had notified them I should expect interest, thinking it would hasten the payment of the principal sum. The government also placed in my hands a paper prepared by myself, by which they agreed that if within thirty days it should fail to arrange to my satisfaction the claims for outrages on citizens at this place, it would submit the same to the arbitration of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia.

As it was my purpose to return to Yokohama, I obtained its assent to this proposition to guard against further procrastination, I have no idea they will now fail to recognize the justice of the claims. Still I congratulate myself on having succeeded in procuring this first recognition by this government of the principle of arbitration. I regard it as no mean triumph to have induced the Tycoon to agree to submit to the decision of a power so recently proscribed, and whose subjects were only a few years ago maltreated, and are even now, in common with our own citizens, regarded at least by Japanese law as outlaws, liable to be put to death whenever they set their foot in Japan.

I am aware it would be a great condescension on the part of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia to act as arbitrator in a case of so little magnitude; still, I indulge the hope if, contrary to my expectation, the contingency should arise requiring such action, his Majesty would, on the application of the President, in view of the peculiar character of this government and people, and the great advantages to be derived therefrom, consent to act.

I presume the President does not desire these sums to be paid into the treasury, as a law of Congress would then be required for their disbursement. I therefore propose to pay the losses occasioned by the legation fire, sending you the vouchers and carrying balance to credit of contingent expense account. When received I will make a special deposit of the Pembroke indemnity money with the owners, Russell & Co., until I shall have received your instructions. Expenses have been incurred growing out of the presence of the Jamestown at Yedo, for which no fund is provided. For example, ships-of-war are supposed to be able at all times to communicate with the shore in their own boats; and yet, at low tide, those of the Jamestown could scarcely approach within half a mile of the landing place. Japanese boats and boatmen were therefore employed, as flat-bottomed boats or scows were required, which, at times, had to be drawn a long distance over the soft mud. It appears to me, therefore, it would not be improper to provide for these and kindred expenses from the amount paid for interest. The owners of the Pembroke will have received a very large indemnity, in view of the small loss they sustained, and they neither applied for nor expected interest; nor did I ask for it on their behalf, but only to accelerate the payment of the principal. I await instructions on this subject.

I shall not be unwilling to receive for the remaining claims less than I have demanded, in view of the discretion you allowed me. The principal sufferer, Mr. Robertson, is not expected to live through the year, and he is now destitute of means. The American residents have lately subscribed a handsome sum for his support and his passage home. I will, most probably, be offered, by way of compromise, a smaller sum, and I am satisfied no injustice would be done to those in whose behalf the claims were made, nor any injury arise from a moderate concession.

I enclose Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, copies of such part of my correspondence with the government in relation to my residence in Yedo as regards its insecurity, remarking that the verbal declarations of danger of the governors of foreign affairs were frequent, and designed to be alarming. I also enclose No. 8, a copy of a letter addressed by me to Captain Price after my return. It gives me pleasure to acknowledge his valuable assistance, his readiness to comply with every request made by me, and his anxiety to do all in his power to aid me in my negotiations. Nor must I omit to bear witness to the uniform good conduct of the guard furnished by him. I could not fail to be uneasy while they were in Yedo, and was heartily rejoiced when they were once more on board. Nor should I desire, unless compelled to do so, to repeat the experiment. But I am happy to say that entire and uninterrupted cordiality existed between them and the ordinary Japanese guard.

I have resumed my residence here to enable the government to complete the legation building, as promised. It was impossible to remain in Yedo, as part of the temporary buildings occupied by me had to be removed to make room for the new buildings. When I left, timber had been accumulated on the ground, and the buildings were actually commenced.

I also enclose No. 9, copy of the reply to Captain Price.

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, Washington.

[Untitled]

In our letter of the 3d instant we stated to your excellency that within one week we would inform you of the time when the rebuilding of Dzenfkujee would be completed. On inquiry we learn from the builders that in less than five months from this date (in our next tenth month) this can be accomplished. This reckoning, however, is only by approximation, and we will, therefore, give strict orders and urge these persons to put up the buildings with all possible despatch.

Which we state for your information, with respect and esteem.

The 8th day of the sixth month of the first year of Genji, (July 11, 1864.)

ITAKURA SUWO-NO-KAMI.

INOWUYE KAWATRI-NO-KAMI.

MAKINO BIDREN-NO-KAMI.

His Excellency Robert H. Pruyn, Minister Resident of the United States of America, &c., &c., &c.

[Untitled]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Yokohama, September 29, 1863.

As I left Yedo at the request of the government of his Majesty the Tycoon, I think it proper to ask of your excellencies an assurance that the dangers which alarmed the government have passed by, and that the government are able to extend the requisite protection to the legation.

I do not ask this because of any fears which I have, but because I think such assurance is due to my government. As I informed the President of the United States of the message you caused to be delivered at the time I left Yedo, I wish to send to him your formal declaration of the improved condition of that city. I propose still to rely entirely on a guard to be furnished by the government of his Majesty the Tycoon; and on receiving a letter from your excellencies I shall be prepared, on the arrival of my furniture, to resume my residence in Yedo.

With respect and esteem,

ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan.

The Gorogio, Ministers for Foreign Affairs, &c., &c., &c., Yedo.

[Untitled]

We fully understood what you stated in your letter No. 108, of the 29th September. You certainly will not doubt that officers will be sent to your legation for protection, and that we will use our best efforts in this respect as far as lies in our power. Though in great anxiety and constantly exerting ourselves for the prevention of accidents, yet no opportunity has hitherto presented itself for the suppression of the unsettled state of affairs, which gives us much uneasiness; hence it is impossible to give you the assurance you desire.

We request you, therefore, to postpone for some time longer your return to this city, and to remain in Yokohama for the present.

Which we have to state in reply, with respect and esteem.

The first day of the ninth month of the third year of Bunkiu, (October 13, 1863.)

MATSUDAIRA BOODZEN-NO-KAMI.

MIDSUMO IDSUMI-NO-KAMI.

ITAKURA SUWO-NO-KAMI.

INOWUYE KAWATRI-NO-KAMI.

ARIMA TOTOMI-NO-KAMI.

His Excellency Robert H. Pruyn, Minister Resident of the United States of America, &c., &c., &c.

[Untitled]

No. 60.]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Kanagawa, May 16, 1864.

I have the honor to inform your excellencies that I have been instructed by the President of the United States to require of your excellencies that immediate provision be made for my residence at Yedo.

On the 29th of September last I wrote to your excellencies, asking whether the government were able to extend to the legation the requisite protection, and on the first day of the ninth month received a reply that it was impossible to give me the assurance I desired. Since that time I have repeatedly conversed with governors for foreign affairs on the subject, and by one of them was met by the extraordinary remark that my colleagues were content to reside at Kanagawa, and that it would not be a proof of friendship to the government of the Tycoon if I insisted on residing at Yedo.

In a few days a year will have passed since the legation buildings were destroyed, and no commencement has been made to rebuild them. So anxious am I to meet the reasonable wishes of the President, that I am willing, if no better provision be made for my accommodation, to reside in the adjoining temple, although very unfit even for a temporary residence.

In your letter of the eleventh day of the ninth month your excellencies requested me to remain some time longer in this place, and to await your further communication on the subject of my residence at Yedo; and so long a time has elapsed without my receiving any communication, that I feel it to be my duty again to invite your excellencies’ attention to this subject.

I shall be happy to receive from your excellencies the assurance that an improved state of feeling exists at Yedo, and that the government is now able to assure me of its ability to protect the legation, and that it will feel no anxiety for its safety should I now return to that city.

With respect and esteem,

ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan.

Their Excellencies the Gorogio, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, &c., &c., &c., Yedo.

[Untitled]

We received your letter No. 50, of the 16th May, and fully understood all you have been instructed to state in regard to your resumption of residence at Drenfkujee. The governors for foreign affairs have, under our instructions, on several occasions conferred with you on the subject, and stated that there are still apprehensions for accidents, as we have not yet succeeded in restoring tranquillity. It is, therefore, desirable that, taking these circumstances together with our uneasiness into due consideration, you will in suitable manner inform the President of the United States accordingly.

Owing to various steps to be taken, the rebuilding of Dzenfkujee has been delayed until now. We will, however, issue orders to the competent officers to commence at once, and, in compliance with your communication, we shall hasten the matter, in order to secure its completion at an early day.

Stated for your information, with respect and esteem.

The 29th day of the fourth month of the first year of Genji, (June 3, 1864.)

ITAKURA SUWO-NO-KAMI.

INOWUYE KAWATRI-NO-KAMI.

MAKINO BIDREN-NO-KAMI.

His Excellency Robert H. Pruyn, Minister Resident of the United States of America, &c., &c., &c.

[Untitled]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Kanagawa, June 29, 1864.

I have the honor to inform your excellencies that after the 5th of July I propose resuming my residence at Yedo, and to request that on that day a sufficient Japanese guard be sent to the legation. In order to remove as far as possible all uneasiness from the minds of your excellencies, as you are of opinion that it will be unsafe for me to reside there, I shall cause the United States ship Jamestown to be anchored off the forts, and shall land a guard of marines of one hundred to aid the Japanese guard.

I indulge the hope that my residence at Yedo will enable me to bring to a more speedy and satisfactory close the questions now unhappily disturbing our peaceful relations, and to draw still closer the ties of friendship of the two countries. As soon as I shall arrive I will thank you to send governors for foreign affairs to me to arrange for an early interview with your excellencies.

With respect and esteem,

ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan.

The Gorogio, Ministers for Foreign Affairs, &c., &c., &c., Yedo.

[Untitled]

Your letter dated the 29th June, No. 68, informing us of your intention to return to Yedo, has been received and fully understood. We caused our opinion on the subject to be communicated to you by the governors for foreign affairs, Takemoto Hayato-no-kami and Sibata Hioga-no-kami, but your excellency, not assenting thereto, announced your firm determination to return here.

The present state of affairs in our empire, as frequently and fully communicated to you, is daily getting worse, rendering it unsound and deplorable. Bad people assemble, now here, then there, and then again disperse; and there is much apprehension lest the relations of Japan with the foreign powers be broken off. Neglecting nothing, our government has in every way taken measures to tranquilize the public feeling, and we are on the turning point where success may be perceptible.

The plan for rebuilding Drenfkujee is already made, and the rebuilding can now be gradually proceeded with, and there will be so much bustle then from the coming and going of the workmen as to render it very difficult to take vigilant care, which gives us profound anxiety. We shall give strict orders to the competent persons and arrange so as to complete it at an early day. Hence it is desirable that your excellency will postpone your return until the building is finished, although this return at present may be urgently necessary. Within one week from to-day we agree to inform you of the time required for the completion of the buildings. Should your excellency, however, persist in returning at present, something unforeseen might happen, all our exertions for protection notwithstanding, and in such case it is certain that a return to a former good feeling is impossible; the friendly ties hitherto existing between our countries might be snapped asunder, which gives us profound uneasiness. We therefore earnestly request you to take the foregoing into due consideration.

With respect and esteem.

The 3d day of the 6th month of the 1st year of Genji, (July 6, 1864.)

ITAKURA SUWO-NO-KAMI,

INOWUYE KAWATRI-NO-KAMI,

MAKINO BIDREN-NO-KAMI.

His Excellency Robert H. Pruyn, Minister Resident of the United States of America, &c., &c., &c.

[Untitled]

Legation of the United States in Japan, Kanagawa, August 8, 1864.

Sir: The Japanese government having arranged, to my satisfaction, the claims which I had been instructed by the President of the United States to make upon it, it is my pleasant duty to acknowledge the great assistance which you so promptly rendered me in bringing the negotiations to a successful termination. The small naval force in these waters left me little choice as to the mode of procedure. Had it been much larger, however, I should have adopted the course which I determined on, and which has proved, as I expected, entirely successful.

Fortunately the Gorogio, by formally and in writing announcing their inability to guarantee my safety in Yedo, enabled me to apply to you for a guard for the legation on resuming my residence in this city, which I determined to do for the purpose of bringing, pending negotiations to a speedier issue.

I have now to thank you for your prompt compliance with my wishes, and to announce to you that I shall not fail to inform the Secretary of State of the high discipline and uniform good conduct of the officers and men detailed by you as a legation guard. Though located for more than three weeks in the heart of Yedo, and in constant contact with the Japanese officers and soldiers, with whom they pleasantly fraternized, not an unpleasant word, or even an unfriendly look, marred the uniform good feeling which prevailed.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

ROBERT H. PRUYN, Minister Resident in Japan.

Captain Cicero Price, Commanding U. S. Ship Jamestown, Yokohama Roads.

[Untitled]

United States Ship Jamestown, Yokohama, August 10, 1864.

Sir: I have great pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your very civil and flattering letter of the 8th instant, growing out of the connexion of this ship with your late residence in Yedo. The officers and men who composed the legation guard will be as much gratified as myself at the complimentary terms in which you speak of their discipline and good conduct. The duty devolved upon the guard was a very delicate one, to surrounds your residence for the time it did in the centre of a very large city and among a prejudiced and sensitive people, and that without unfriendly collision of any kind; but to leave behind friendly feelings is certainly more than I had anticipated. I shall have great pleasure in forwarding your communication to the Navy Department.

I beg to offer you my hearty congratulations upon the success of your mission to the capital, and to express the belief that both the government and people will duly appreciate the energy and perseverance which marked so signally and successfully your proceedings.

I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your most obedient servant,

CICERO PRICE, Captain U. S. N.

Hon. Robert H. Pruyn, Minister Resident in Japan.