JOHN NEALE, Her Britannic Majesty’s Chargé d’Affaires, &c., &c., &c, in Japan to R. H. Pruyn, April 7, 1863

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Sir: I have already availed myself of the earliest opportunity to read to you a note which I have addressed to the Japanese government, containing a declaration of grievances and unrequitted outrages, of which British subjects have been the victims and sufferers, and for which I have demanded, under instructions from her Britannic Majesty’s government, a specific reparation within a noted period of time.

It is sincerely to be hoped and desired that the government of the Tycoon, influenced by wise and just reflections, will yield a ready compliance with the demand now rendered imperatively necessary by unprovoked and outrageous acts committed by Japanese subjects, and for which no redress has been offered or accorded.

On the other hand, in the face of the possible contingency which exists of the Japanese government refusing to accede to those demands, or hoping to evade them by futile arguments or procrastination, it becomes my duty to apprize you of the inevitable adoption of coercive measures which will be entered upon by the rear-admiral commanding-in-chief her Britannic Majesty’s naval forces in these seas, at present, arrived here with a considerable squadron, and furnished with instructions to the above effect, analogous to my own.

Twenty days, dating from the 6th instant, as I have had the honor to communicate to you, is the period allotted as the term which I will await the definite and categorical reply of the Japanese government, the nature of which, when received, may necessitate the adoption of coercive operations on the part of the admiral, increasing in severity proportionate to the degree of ill-advised resistance which the Japanese government may assume.

During the interview, you will probably deem it essential and desirable to communicate the situation of affairs which I have the honor to represent to the citizens of the United States, residents at the open ports of Japan, with the view that they may individually adopt such precautionary measures for the safeguard of their interests as may be deemed expedient under your counsel and guidance.

In respect to general measures of defence against aggression or attack at the several settlements, the admiral commanding her Britannic Majesty’s naval forces will very shortly propose to concert with the diplomatic agents and naval commanders of foreign states, on the spot, respecting the adoption of such combined arrangements as may be practicable and expedient.

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my high regard and consideration, with which I subscribe myself your obedient, humble