PORTMAN, Chargé d’ Affaires in Japan to William H. Seward, August 6, 1865

Mr. Portman to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, No. 1, translation of a letter from the Gorogio, informing me that two of the members at Osacca had commissioned two war steamers to cruise off the coast of Nagato, under instructions to seize all foreign vessels engaged in illicit traffic with the subjects of the rebellious prince of that province.

This letter was handed me with the request that the greatest possible publicity might be given to it.

I therefore addressed a letter to this effect to Mr. Seward, our consul general in China, at Shanghai, (enclosure No. 2,) and to the consular officers in this country, (enclosure No. 3.)

With my reply to the Gorogio (enclosure No. 3) I transmitted an authenticated copy, in duplicate, of my letter to the consuls above named, for each of those two war steamers, for the double purpose of enabling their respective commanders, in the probable absence of competent interpreters, to communicate with any American vessel, should any unfortunately be found engaged in such illicit traffic, and to show that both in China and Japan the consular officers of the United States have been informed of the presence of those steamers and the subject of their cruise.

On inquiry whether the commanders of those war steamers “would know how to act” in case of their meeting with any American vessel engaged in such illicit traffic, it was stated to me that the Japanese government were not quite prepared to discuss “any question of international law,” but that I might rest assured that both commanders were cautious gentlemen, and that, moreover, they had been instructed to act with the greatest moderation, though it was hoped and believed that there would be no necessity for any action whatever on their part.

The mission of those steamers, though not fully disclosed, perhaps, is evidently the blockade of Simonoseki, to prevent supplies of arms, ammunition, &c., reaching the Prince of Nagato, now bolder than ever in his overt rebellion against this government.

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