Matsudaira Hoki No Kami to A. L. C. Portman, November 24, 1865

[Translation.]

We have lately received from you several communications, to which we should have fully replied; but the great pressure of our national affairs has caused the delay, for which we express our regret. However, we now reply to them all together, and hope that you may deem this answer satisfactory.

With regard to the treaties, our Tycoon has made such strenuous efforts in his representation at Kioto that the imperial consent has been given, as you will see from the enclosure.

With regard to the opening of Hiogo, we are not prepared to discuss that subject at present. However, though we intend to open that place at the expiration of the time fixed by the existing agreements, we will open it at an earlier day if the state of affairs shall permit. As we cannot do so at present, we shall send our orders to Yedo to pay the third instalment of the Simonoseki indemnity the twelfth month of this year, as provided by convention; and we agree to carry out that convention of the 22d October, 1864, according to its stipulations. We fully consent that the tariff be amended, and shall therefore at once send instructions to Midzuno Idsumi no Kami, to conduct as satisfactorily as possible the necessary negotiations to that effect at Yedo.

Which we have to state in reply with respect and esteem.