Ogasawara Iki No Kami to R. B. Van Valkenburgh, November 27, 1867

[Translation.]

I have the honor to make the following communication to your excellency:

I have to-day transmitted to you two copies of the regulations as agreed upon, under which the city of Yedo was to be thrown open to foreigners for purposes of trade only, on the 7th day of the 12th month, (January 1, 1868,) according to the treaties. In those regulations it is agreed that the hotel for foreigners shall be built and the ground set apart for their use shall be prepared by the day above named. I regret that it is not possible to do all these things before the 1st day of January.

I do not think that in the present state of affairs, and under the circumstances, it would be expedient to open Yedo and Osacca at the same time, and I therefore suggest that the opening of the city of Yedo be postponed until the 1st of April, 1868, at which time all the preparations can be completed, and to accomplish this the Japanese government will use every means in its power.

Should you agree to this proposal I will issue to the people a proclamation of which I enclose a copy.

With respect and consideration,