DUCHESNE DE BELLECOURT, Minister Plenipotentiary of his Majesty the Emperor of the French, in Japan to Mr. Pruyn, June 7, 1862

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Sir: I received the very cordial letter, dated yesterday, which your excellency did me the honor to write to me on the occasion of the return of his Imperial Majesty’s ship Dordagne, providentially escaped in the typhoon of the 29th of this month, (of last month,) and I hastened to communicate to Mr. Commandant Fancon the expression of your sympathy, upon whom, like myself, it made a deep impression; and he intends addressing your excellency, returning thanks, and also for his staff and crew.

The government of the Emperor, whenever informed of this courteous attention by transmitting a copy of your excellency’s letter, will, I feel fully convinced, highly appreciate, as I do, the sentiments about his Imperial Majesty, as well as those about the French navy, from the representative of a power with whom France entertains relations of the most sincere cordiality.

Permit me, sir, while returning you my warmest thanks, to renew the assurances. of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be your excellency’s most obedient, humble servant,