Ikeda Tsikoego-no Kami to William L. Dayton, May 13, 1864

Japanese Ambassadors to Mr. Dayton

To His Excellency M. the Minister of the United States of America:

We have to communicate to you the following:

Some time since our government asked of the government of the United States, through the American minister in Japan, to construct a vessel-of-war.

As Japanese envoys travelling in the different countries with which we have concluded treaties, and consequently having also the intention of visiting yours, we have the project of making our return voyage on board of the said vessel-of-war if the construction of it is finished. It is on this account that we beg you to be pleased to ask of your government at what period this vessel will be constructed, and to send us the answer at the place where we may then be.

With respect and consideration.