Ledyard Phelps, Agent to R. B. Van Valkenburgh, United States, January 23, 1867

Mr. Phelps to Mr. Van Valkenburgh

Sir: In. order to facilitate the despatch of the mail steamers of the American line at Nagasaki, it is necessary to build out a wharf to 21 feet water off the property the company may purchase for its purposes at that port. In the foreign settlement there is not sufficient depth of water except in front of lots 45 to 51 inclusive, and a lot next southwest, owned or occupied by Kazoni, a Japanese. Following next are two lots occupied by foreigners for ship-building purposes. These properties are in the foreign quarter at Namino, and have water enough at about 100 feet from the shore.

I have caused an offer to be made to Kazoni to purchase his right at a good market value, but should he refuse to sell and it should be necessary, cannot authority be given to the governor to remove him upon application of the company’s agent at Nagasaki; Kazoni to be paid a fair compensation ?

It becomes necessary to apply to the Japanese government for the above authority as well as to build the wharf at which the steamers can lie for loading, discharging and coaling. The company will also wish to establish a “bonded warehouse,” where freight, both inward and outward, can be stored under such rules as may be necessary, the customs business being conducted entirely through the warehouse, and not the ship. Thus the steamers on arrival will at once discharge into the building and receive from it what has already passed the custom-house, and can put to sea in four hours after entering port. The company can give all the security demanded for the faithful observance of the laws of Japan in the premises.

I have the honor now respectfully to request that you will present these questions to the government of Japan, and obtain the permission to proceed with the works at as early a day as practicable.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,