Masks to General R. B. Van Valkenburgh , United States, February 7, 1868

Messrs. Marks to Mr. Van Valkenburgh.

Sir: We have the honor to report to you the following facts, which came under our personal observation during a certain time of February 4, 1868:

On the above mentioned date, at about 2.30 p. m., we were all in our house, which was located on Main street facing the foreign concession, when we were startled by a report of musketry in close proximity to our house.

We were called out to see what the Japanese were doing, and at once saw an armed body of them, which we should judge to be from one hundred and fifty to two hundred, armed with rifles and spears, who immediately opened a deadly fire on all foreigners that were near them. We saw our danger and made for the custom-house under a continuous firing of musketry. Our escape was only through the mercy of God.

The sailor boy of the United States sloop-of-war Oneida fell wounded close to us. We were under fire about five minutes. We saw her Britannic Majesty’s minister, Sir Harry Parkes, running some distance from us, and also other foreigners.

We gave no cause or provocation in any way to those armed Japanese to fire on us; we were in place of business, and knew nothing of the whole affair until we were called. In consequence of this our firm has been serious losers.

We are, sir, your obedient, humble servants,