BLAKELY CREIGHTON, Commander and Senior Officer to R. B. Van Valkenburgh, February 5, 1868

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Sir: I have the honor to receive your communication of the 4th instant, and at your request have held a conference with commanding naval officers present, relating to the seizure of the Japanese steamers at Hiogo, and in order to prevent these Japanese vessels from committing any hostile acts here or from leaving this port at present.

I have, in co-operation with the French and English, seized four Japanese steamers, and they are anchored under the guns of the naval vessels in the harbor.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,