Midluno Idlumi No Kami to A. L. C. Portman, August 4, 1865

No. 1.

I have to inform you that, having learned that foreign ships are trading clandestinely at Simonoseki, in the province of Nagato, two ships-of-war, the Shokoku and the Kokurio, stationed at Osacca, have been sent, on the 25th of July, to cruise off the coast of Nagato for the purpose of seizing all vessels engaged in illicit traffic. This has been communicated to me by my colleagues then at Osacca.

I request you to make the foregoing known to all American ship-masters who may sail through the straits, and also to the commanders of American ships-of-war in the eastern seas, in order that a friendly understanding may exist when the officers of our respective nations shall meet each other.

With respect and esteem.