PORTMAN, Chargé d’ Affaires ad interim in Japan to George F, Seward, August 5, 1865

Mr. Portman to Mr. G. F. Seward

Sir: The Gorogio of Japan informed me that, on the 25th ultimo, two of its members at Osacca commissioned two war steamers, the Shokoku and the Kokurio, to cruise off the coast of Nagato, with instructions to seize foreign vessels engaged in illicit traffic.

In compliance with the desire expressed, I now have the honor to request you to make the foregoing known to the consular officers of the United States in China, for the information of all American citizens within their jurisdictions.

I have the honor to be sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,