D E Long to Hamilton Fish, January 20, 1871

Mr. DeLong to Mr. Fish

Sir: I have the honor to inform you of the attempted assassination in the streets of Yeddo on the 14th instant of two British subjects, Messrs. Dallas and King. They were very seriously wounded by the sword of the assailant, who approached them from behind, in the night, while they were walking quietly along the streets. Both are stated to be now in a fair way of recovery.

The attack further proves the insecurity of foreigners in Japan when not constantly guarded, and forms rather a curious commentary on a proclamation issued by the British minister here to his subjects only a very few days prior to the date of this attack, assuring them that they were perfectly safe to go anywhere within the treaty limits of Yeddo without guards.

Soon after this assault was made I received the inclosed letter (inclosure No. 1) from their excellencies the ministers for foreign affairs, informing me of it, and of the measures that had been taken to arrest the offenders. I at once replied to them, thanking them for their courtesy, expressing my regret over the unfortunate occurrence, complimenting them upon their activity in attempting to arrest and bring to punishment those would-be assassins; but assuring them that in addition to the arrest and punishment of men for acts of this nature, I felt compelled to call upon them to adopt some measures to prevent a repetition of such occurrences, and suggesting to them the enactment and enforcement of a law by their government compelling a general disarming of their people, except officers and soldiers on duty within the limits of treaty ports where foreigners were allowed to go. (Inclosure No. 2).

At a conference of foreign representatives, held on the 17th instant, and after I had written and dispatched the foregoing letters upon the subject, it was agreed that we would all address them a letter of a similar character, but calling for, or recommending this disarming process to apply throughout the empire.

I consented to this for the sake of co-operation, and forwarded to them a letter such as was agreed upon, a copy of which I inclose, (inclosure No. 3,) although my own judgment was that the position assumed by me in the first dispatch was the more correct one, namely, to ask its operation only within limits where our people are allowed to go, and where we might, I thought, reasonably claim to be heard about what laws should be adopted. And also, as it would be from its narrow limit more easy of execution, our recommendation would soon probably be effectual.

I have, &c.,

Inclosures.

No. 1.—Copy of a letter from the Japanese minister to C. E. DeLong, informing him of the assault upon Messrs. King and Dallas, and of the efforts being made to secure the culprits.

No. 2.—Letter from C. E. DeLong, in reply, thanking them for their courtesy, and recommending the enactment of a law preventing the carrying of arms by Japanese, except officers and soldiers on duty within the treaty limits of the various open ports.

No. 3.—Letter of C. E. DeLong to the ministers on the same subject, after a conference with his colleagues, joining with them, as agreed at the conference, upon a recommendation for the disarmament of their people throughout the empire.

Minister of Foreign Affairs to Mr. De Long

Toku,the 24th of the 11th month, 3d year Muji.

Your Excellency: We regret to inform you that two English subjects, Mr. Dallas and Mr. King, in the employ of the Japanese College, have been attacked from the rear by certain Japanese, on the street Kanda Nabechio, last night, the 23d of the 11th month, about 10 o’clock, thereby they have received seven wounds on their backs: and they ran immediately into the house of Yamatoga Kechibu, near the place where the accident happened; accordingly the master of the said house hastened to the guard-house, stationed in its vicinity, to give notice of the occurrence, and also he sent for two Japanese doctors in its vicinity, by whom medical attendance was given to their wounds. We are exceedingly sorry to say that the offenders have escaped from the spot and their trace is unknown. Every possible means, however, to secure them was at once taken by the Tokrifu.

With respect and consideration,