Leon Roches to General Van Valkenburgh, February 29, 1868

[Translation.]

Sir and Dear Colleague: I had the honor to inform you, by my letter of the ninth February, for what motives I thought it necessary, without separating the action of France from the collective action of the foreign representatives, to leave Hiogo and return to Yokohama.

During the few days that I have passed at Yokohama and at Yedo I have convinced myself that it was more convenient and in the interests of my government that I returned to you and communicated to you the information and impressions I had collected. Acting like this, I had thought that even my absence might be useful for the general interests we represent in Japan, and that to the gratification of giving you this information would be added the one of informing you personally of the state of things, and of one of the phases of our present situation, as well as to recommence with you the community of views and work which has been so happily maintained by the Baron Brin.

I am happy to approve everything which Baron Brin has done in conjunction with you, and to thank you for the help you have lent him during the interview I had charged him with. I have, therefore, only to felicitate myself for having left and having returned.

I am, sir, and dear colleague, with assurances of my consideration,