PRUYN, Minister Resident, &c., &c., Japan to Col. E. St. John Neale , H. B. Majesty’s Chargé d’Affaires, June 27, 1862

Mr. Pruyn to Col. Neale

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter informing me of the attack made on your legation, near midnight last night, which resulted in the death of a corporal of your guard, and the serious wounding of the sentinel at your door, of whose death I have since heard.

I sincerely congratulate you on your providential escape, and that no member of your legation has suffered bodily injury, as was the case in 1861, and sympathize with you, in your sorrow, for the loss of your brave defenders.

I view this fresh outrage with horror and indignation, and will unite with you and my colleagues in any representations which it may be thought best to make to the Japanese government, in advance of instructions from your own government to yourself, to bring the assailants to justice.

I have the honor to enclose you a copy of a letter which I conceived it to be my duty to address to the ministers of foreign affairs

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