Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward
Sir: Since my No. 62, under date of November 7th, in which I informed you of the investiture of the Tycoon with the title of Kubosama, at Kioto, on the 18th day of October last, strange and important events have transpired in this empire.
In that communication I said that “since Stotobasi assumed the government of this country there existed great reluctance in conferring this title upon him; a change in the constitutional customs, which in this country take the place of fundamental law, being desired by some powerful Daimios, in so far as placing the then vacant Shongunship in further abeyance.” I further informed you that the conferring of this title of Kubosama (Shongung) sufficiently indicated that no radical change in the constitution of this government is contemplated.
This opinion seems not to have been well founded, although the facts then warranted it.
On the afternoon of the 16th of November, Sacai Tsoosima No Kami, one of the governors for foreign affairs, called upon me with instructions from the Gorogio to make the following startling announcement, which he read from a written paper :
The Tycoon has hereafter no authority to confer or make arrangements with reference to any of the internal affairs of Japan.
He knew nothing more; was sent simply to make that announcement to me, and, although I endeavored faithfully, in a conversation of more than half an hour, to obtain some further information upon the subject, was compelled to permit [Page 77] him to depart without it. I immediately called upon the English minister, the only one of my colleagues then in Yedo, and found that no such notice had then been given to him, although he received it late the same evening.
On the next morning, the 17th November, I received a visit from He Vi Zama Desho No Kami, a member of the second council, and Edzura Kanga No Kami, governor for foreign affairs, who gave me the following facts :
Since Stotobasi was appointed Tycoon he has met with strong opposition from six of the 18 powerful Daimios of this country, in consequence of his liberality towards foreigners. One of these Daimios (Choshu) has been in open rebellion against the government. Satsuma, Tosa, Inshu, Gashu, and Owayema were Choshu’s friends, and undoubtedly secretly assisted him. These six powerful Daimios were opposed to the opening of the new ports and cities, unless they could participate in the advantages by way of revenues derived therefrom by the general government. They took, it is said, every opportunity to prejudice the Mikado against the Tycoon, and have eventually made it so disagreeable for him that he has surrendered all his power and authority into the hands of the Mikado. The Tycoon, however, is still charged with the execution of the treaties with foreign nations, and will so continue to be until some further arrangements are made by the Mikado, with the advice of his grand council, consisting of the 18 great Daimios, the Tycoon, and some of the members of the Tokugawa family, from which the Tycoon has always been selected. The Mikado is hardly 17 years of age, but his government is carried on by a council of three, the first one named being his guardian, the other two advising and assisting in the control of affairs.
Their titles are as follows: Dijo Digin, Sad Digin, O’o Digin. The personal guardian, or first one of the three, has the prefix of Setsho Combago, and is therefore officially called Setsho Combago Dijo Digin. I asked for an interview with Ogasawari Iki No Kami, the minister for foreign affairs, and had an audience with him on the 20th November. I received from him only a confirmation of the facts I had previously learned, that the Tycoon has surrendered all his authority to the Mikado, but is still generalissimo, and is charged for the time with the carrying out the treaties with the foreign nations.
There was much excitement, not only among the official class, but among the common people also; and a movement of soldiers and munitions of war towards Kioto, where both the Mikado and Tycoon now are. This excitement has, however, in some measure abated, and I am told that the ports shall be opened pursuant to treaty stipulations. There are rumors of the assassination of the Tycoon and some of his ministers at Kioto, but I am assured they are without foundation.
In view of this great change in the government, and a fear of what may possibly occur, I, in connection with my colleagues, the representatives of the treaty powers now here, intend being at Osacca and Hiogo before the first of January. expecting to find there Rear-Admiral Bell with four or five of the vessels of his squadron, to protect American interests. He has kindly directed Commodore Goldsborough to afford me a passage in the Shenandoah. I am informed that quite a number of English and French men-of-war will also be present. I believe those ports will be opened quietly and without trouble, but that it is better to be prepared for any emergency, where such a revolution is taking place among a people like the Japanese.
Enclosed herewith I send, No. 1, a copy translation of the document transmitted by the Tycoon to the Mikado, announcing his resignation.
There is no date attached to this paper, but I am informed it was sent to the Mikado on the 3d day of November. Enclosure No. 2 is a copy of the answer of the Mikado to the Tycoon, accepting the resignation, and is dated on the 5th day of November. Enclosure No. 3 is a copy of a proclamation issued to the Daimios and officials by the Mikado at the same time of the acceptance of he [Page 78] Tycoon’s resignation. Enclosure No. 4 is a copy of a communication subsequently sent by the Tycoon to the Mikado, and enclosure No. 5 is the Mikado’s answer thereto. There are no dates attached to either of these latter papers.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.