Matsudaira Boodzen No Kami to E. St. John Neale , Chargé d’Affaires and, April 20, 1863

The Japanese ministers to Colonel Neale

We have to inform your excellency that your letter (No. 14) of the 6th of April, 1863, after being translated, was sent by special messenger to our colleagues who are with his Majesty the Tycoon, on his journey, as we recently stated to you. They at once represented the matter to his Majesty the Tycoon, and sent us a reply in writing, which we have now received.

“According to law and usage in our empire the matter has first to be considered at the meeting of the guardian of his Majesty the Tycoon, the regent and council of State, after which a decision is to be taken; it cannot be done in another manner; further, it is very inconvenient that, while on a journey, such an arrangement cannot be made. In order, however, to lose no time, and in view of arranging what you stated in a convenient manner, as soon as possible, the time will be shortened from what was first intended; and within thirty days from now his Majesty would be back in the castle.” Hence it is stated to us, “that his Majesty the Tycoon entertains no doubt that such an unavoidable delay will be admitted by the government of England;” which we have to state at once.

And we most urgently request that you will consent to the above.