Midluno Idlumi No Kami to Robert H. Pruyn, April 5, 1865

[No. 1.—Translation.]

In order to arrange the difficulty caused by the hostile acts of Mori Daizen against the ships of various powers, an agreement was entered into by us with the representatives of the treaty powers on the 22d of the 9th month, (October 22, 1864,) providing that in view of the mutual interests of the governments interested, it is optional to open Simonoseki or another port in the inland sea, or to pay a sum of money as indemnity, as stated in that written instrument.

After having fully taken the present state of things in our country into due consideration, we have come to the conclusion that the opening of a new port is not only undesirable, in view of our internal affairs, but that it would also be attended with inconvenience for the several powers.

The real cause which involved the friendly intercourse between the two countries in great difficulties is the action of Mori Daizen; the money of the indemnity therefore should be demanded of him; but as one of the Daimios of our country, it is impossible to allow him to enter into negotiation on the subject with the several powers, and hence our government was compelled to assume the responsibility.

If a port be opened instead, the inconvenience of both countries will increase twofold, and therefore, after mature deliberation, we have decided to choose the latter alternative, to wit, the payment of the indemnity.

The Choshu difficulty is still unsettled. Yet one portion of the sum of indemnity to be paid in six instalments shall be delivered in the 6th month of this year, (August, 1865,) and because this Choshu difficulty has not yet been disposed of, it is desirable that for the payment of the balance an extension of one year be granted, and it is proposed that the second instalment be paid in the 6th month of next year, and further payment, as provided by convention, from the last named date.

As you are well acquainted with the state of affairs in our country, we do not doubt that you will fully comply with our desire.