MANGUM, United States Consul to Thos. B. Van Buren , United States, April 14, 1875

Mr. Mangum to Mr. Van Buren.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on the 12th instant, of your dispatch No. 686, informing me that by instructions of the American minister you were directed to inquire of me “what power, if any, is claimed by the consular board in Nagasaki, or by any of the consuls resident there, to make laws or regulations having the force of law in reference to licenses, or in any other directions, and whether such power is claimed to have been conferred by their respective governments, and what is the force of their authority,” &c.

In reply, I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of the “land regulations,” which show the authority under which municipal matters are regulated here. The consuls whose ministers have not agreed to these regulations comply with them or not, according to their judgment.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,