Itakura Iga No Kami to R. B. Van Vankenburgh, January 30, 1868

[Translation.]

Sir: As has been stated to you in personal conferences, his Highness the Tycoon has taken great trouble and used his honest endeavors to bring about a reformation of the constitution of our government. The maintainers of Matsdaira Shuri No Daibu (Satsuma) have, however, opposed him in the most violent and arbitrary manner. His Highness therefore addressed two memorials to the Mikado, and having resolved to go up to Kioto, had lost no time in dispatching the first portion of his retinue.

On the 27th instant, as they were on the point of proceeding by the Toba road, their progress was, without any reason whatever, obstructed by the retainers of Shuri No Daibu, who fired upon them. A battle ensued, in which neither side gained any great advantage, but a false proclamation of the Mikado has now been issued, tending to excite the other clans and to add greatly to the strength of their own rebellious position.

The forces of the government have suffered a slight reverse, and the rebels appear to be gradually advancing. The greatest possible efforts are being made to repel and drive them off, but it is to be feared that they may attack this place. We shall of course do our best to afford you protection under the circumstances, but we beg you at the same time to take your own measures for the protection of your national flag.

We desire at this juncture to afford you especial proofs of our friendly spirit, and we think it hardly necessary to remark that the continuance of amicable relations is an object of mutual desire.

In making known to you the present state of affairs, we are, with respect and consideration,