Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Third Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward.

No. 100.]

Legation of the United States, Yokohama, September 27, 1868.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith inclosure No. 1, translation of a state paper addressed to me by Tokugawa Kamenoske, the present chief of the Tokugawa clan, in whose favor the late Tycoon abdicated. It camein the care of the Mikado’s officers stationed here, and was received late last evening.

On the day before yesterday, I am informed, Tokugawa Kamenoske passed through Kanagawa on his way from Yedo to Suruga, where the late Tycoon at present resides. He was accompanied by only two hundred of his officers and their followers and servants. The people all turned out when his train passed, and showed that marked respect which is only paid to a reigning Tycoon.

This event is probably not without significance at this juncture; time, however, can only show to what extent, if any, this departure and this announcement of Tokugawa will affect the political condition of this country.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

R. B. VAN VALKENBURG.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

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His Excellency R. B. Van Valkenburgh, Minister Resident of the United States of America:

I beg to inform you that the house of Tokugawa surrendered the governmental power to the Mikado’s court; an annual revenue of 700,000 kokus was assigned to the house, and it has been ordered to become one of the Daimios of Japan. And therefore, as announced by the Mikado’s court, foreign affairs shall henceforth be transacted by the court, and our house shall have no further concern with them.

On the 8th day of the 8th month, (23d September, 1868.)

TOKUGAWA KAMENOSKE.