De Long to Ewakura Tomochika, September 1, 1871

Mr. De Long to Mr. Ewackura Tomochika

Your Excellency: Your note advising me of your appointment to the office of chief minister for foreign affairs of this empire has been received.

I sincerely believe that the department, of which you are now the chief, is the most important one in your government. Through it all the business of your government with foreign powers should be conducted; consequently, in its keeping is confided the great duties of conducting affairs with nations, that Japan may be kept at peace with all the world, and enjoy the honor and respect of every nation.

In the discharge of your high and honorable duties, it will be my greatest pleasure at all times to render you every possible assistance; and I sincerely hope that you will honor me by calling upon me for such assistance, whenever you feel that I can serve you. My Government has no higher or other desire than to maintain her present cordial relations with your own, and to see Japan advance constantly in dignity and power. Thus, when I can in any way assist your government I will be carrying out the wishes of my own.

Our personal acquaintance, so pleasantly commenced, I sincerely hope may continue to grow more intimate and cordial as time passes.

Receive, my dear sir, the assurance of my highest respect and consideration.