Inoweye Kawatsi No Kami to R. B. Van Valkenburgh, September 14, 1866

[Translation.]

Sir: We have the honor to make the following communication:

Lately an ambassador was sent from the Italian government, who applied to make a treaty, but we intended to refuse to treat, as we troubled the former minister of your country to give information to the government of each power that we were obliged to decline to make treaties with any foreign powers, except those with whom we were already in amity, until our realm became quiet and in peace; and Italy is one of those powers, and our government has not become quiet. However, the reason that the ambassador gave was not only for the benefit of commerce, but was this: that when Italian men-of-war, which are in the eastern seas, may be in peril, they would have no port in which to take refuge unless the treaty was made, and Italy was now engaged in war with Austria. This reason made it unavoidable for us to consent, and in compassion we could not refuse, and so the treaty was concluded at last.

We give you this particular account of this, as we troubled the former minister of your country on the subject. On the application of her ambassador we made the treaty with Italy. Now, our government is willing to make a treaty with other powers, but at present we are busy raising an army and transporting ammunition, and engaged in war in Nagato and Suwo, and we have many other troubles.

We prefer to wait for making treaties with other powers until peace be restored in our country. We hope that you will understand our condition, by which we are compelled to say this, although it is unpleasant to us, and will report it properly to your considerate government.

With respect and esteem.