Bingham to J. A. Bingham , Envoy Extraordinary and, September 26, 1874

No. 362. Mr. Bingham to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to report the arrival, in health, of Professor Davidson and his associates, sent hither by order of our Government, to make observation of the transit of Venus on the 9th of December next. On the 7th instant, in anticipation of their coming, I addressed a communication to the minister for foreign affairs acquainting him that they were commissioned under the laws of my country to make observations of the transit of Venus from some point in Japan, and, to that end, requested for the professor and his associates the freedom of the empire. It gives me pleasure to say that on the 25th instant I received from the minister for foreign affairs, in reply to my communication, a pass for the professor and his party to visit, without limitation, any portion of Japan; and, also, a proffer of Japanese officials to attend the party to contribute, as far as possible, to their personal comfort, and to witness the methods of taking the observations. I have the honor to transmit herewith a fall copy of the text of the minister’s communication to me, (inclosure 1,) and of my reply thereto, (inclosure 2.)

I am, &c.,