PORTMAN,| Chargé d’ffaires ad interim in Japan to William H. Seward, December 29, 1865

Mr. Portman to Mr. Seward.

Sir: After the formal sanction to the treaties had been obtained, the British minister, instead of at once returning to his legation, proceeded on the 26th ultimo from Osacca bay through the inland sea to Shanghai. Through his interpreter, who accompanied him, he briefly communicated at Simonoseki with the Chorhu authorities, who were then informed of the Mikado’s action, which they admitted to be of great importance.

On his return to his legation I received a letter from the British minister in reply to mine of the 30th ultimo, (copy of which formed enclosure No. 4 of my despatch No. 67, of the 5th instant,) of which reply I now have the honor to transmit a copy, enclosure No. 1. I also transmit No. 2, copy of a letter in continuation of that reply, and No. 3, copy of a letter of acknowledgment by Vice-Admiral King, commander-in-chief of her Britannic Majesty’s forces in the east.

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