Mr. Seward to Mr. Van Valkenburgh.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of the 14th of June, No. 59.
It contains information that the Mikado had returned from Osaka to Kioto, and assigns the probable reason for that reactionary proceeding.
The dispatch further shows that the civil war in Japan divides the country, or rather the Island of Niphon, geographically. The Mikado’s party being a southern faction, and the Tokugawa party being a northern one, the fact thus developed is suggestive.
If you have correctly interpreted the motives for the moderation and forbearance which are practiced by the Tokugawa party, the policy thus [Page 810] pursued by them is a very subtle, and, if persevered in long enough, may be expected to prove ultimately a successful one.
In your dispatch you mention further that southern troops are being conveyed in English steamers to the central seat of war; and that you have forbidden the United States merchant steamer Kago-no-kami to take armed men of the Mikado party for a similar destination. It is satisfactory to learn that the commander of the Iroquois seized that vessel and held her to a due observance of the neutrality which you have proclaimed. The proceedings which you have taken to observe that neutrality are entirely approved; so, also, I have the honor to approve your determination to hold the Stonewall and await further developments in the war.
I thank you for your attention in furnishing me with the Japanese political publications, which are appended to your dispatch. Although they are very quaintly expressed, yet they are nevertheless very useful in elucidating the causes of the civil war.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
R. B. Van Valkenburgh, Esq., &c., &c., &c.