PORTMAN, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States ad interim in Japan to Henry S. Parkes, K. C. B , H . B . M.’s Envoy Extraordinary and, November 30, 1865

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Sir: I take the earliest opportunity of my return to this place to request you, on my behalf, to tender thanks to Vice-Admiral King, and, through him, to Captain Has well, commanding her Britannic Majesty’s ship Peloras, for the many courtesies so cordially extended to me while a guest on board of that ship during the whole period of the recent important negotiation in Osacca bay.

I am well acquainted with naval rules and regulations, and can therefore, to the fullest extent, appreciate those courtesies which, in the absence of a national man-of-war, enabled me to co-operate with my colleagues on that occasion in a manner consistent with the dignity of the United States.

I shall not fail to inform my government of all those courtesies, which I am sure will be duly appreciated. I can only express the hope that her Britannic Majesty’s government will measure merit by success, and acknowledge that the distinguished naval officers who so largely contributed towards securing the Mikado’s sanction to the treaties, which, in point of fact, is not less than their ratification, so unquestionably important and so long withheld, are no less deserving than those whose good fortune it was to command in the Simonoseki expedition.

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