PORTMAN, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Japan to William H. Seward, December 16, 1865

Mr. Portman to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have this day received a letter from the minister for foreign affairs, accompanied by an explanatory statement on his behalf by a governor for foreign affairs, to the effect that the Mikado’s ratification of the treaties had been so unexpected by those whose persevering hostility to foreign intercourse had been the fruitful source of embarrassment since the opening of the ports, that he deemed it his duty to recommend that foreigners should observe due caution when meeting Japanese, among whom there were no doubt a few whose fanaticism might prompt them to reckless deeds which the government would not at all times perhaps have it in their power to prevent. Deeming it prudent not to disregard this recommendation, I addressed a letter on this subject to our consul at Kanagawa, of which I herewith transmit copy, enclosure No. 1. I also addressed similar letters to our consul at Nagasaki and commercial agent at Hakodate.

While readily believing that this government is sincere in desiring to secure the safety of the lives and property of all foreigners in Japan, I did not fail to call the governor’s attention to the omission, on the part of the minister for foreign affairs, to accompany his warning with an assurance of active measures for protection or prevention having been taken accordingly.

I felt it my duty therefore to address a letter on that subject to the minister for foreign affairs, (a copy of which I herewith transmit, enclosure No. 2,) informing him that for any failure in this respect this government must expect to be held to a strict responsibility.

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