BLAKELY CREIGHTON, Commander to R. B. Van Vankenburgh, March 3, 1868

Commander Creighton to Mr. Van Valkenburgh.

Sir: In compliance with your request, I witnessed the execution of the Japanese official who ordered his troops to fire on the foreigners at this place, on the 4th ultimo. The particulars are as follows:

I left the legation at about 9 p. m. last evening, in company with the officers attached to the foreign legations, and proceeded to Hiogo, where we were met by a guard who escorted us to the temple where the execution was to take place. There was a large number of people on each side of the street leading to the temple, and quite a number of soldiers drawn up inside and about the temple. We were shown into a room adjoining the Japanese officials, where we were asked if we wished to question the person about to be executed, (to which we answered in the negative,) and also the names of the officials present.

After waiting about a half hour, we were conducted by the Japanese officials into what appeared to be the principal room of the temple, which was lighted with candles, and in front of the altar was a raised platform of about a foot in height, which extended across the room, and we were placed on the right of the altar, within a few feet of where the execution was to take place, with the Japanese officials on the left. In front of the altar there was a green cloth, and in front of that a red one. We were informed that the execution would take place on the red cloth. Seating ourselves upon the mats on the platform, we awaited the execution.

In a few minutes the prisoner came in, dressed in the usual Japanese dress of a person of rank, accompanied by the executioner. He walked, with a steady, firm step, in front of the altar, where he knelt in prayer. He then arose and went to the red cloth, where he knelt and made the confession that “he was the officer that ordered the troops to fire upon the foreigners, and also to fire upon them when they were trying to escape.” He then disrobed himself to his waist, and reached out for a knife that was near him, which he thrust into his bowels, and leaning forward at the same time, the executioner, with one blow from his sword, severed his head from his body. This occurred about 10.30 p. m. The Japanese then bowed to the floor, on which we all did the same.

We were then asked if we were satisfied with what we had witnessed, when we replied in the affirmative. After a lapse of a few moments we were informed that all was over, when we arose and took our departure. The whole scene was one of great solemnity, and very impressive.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,