PRUYN, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan, &c., &c., &c to George S. Fisher, April 9, 1863

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Sir: I have the honor to enclose, for the information of yourself and the citizens of the United States within your consulate, a copy of a communication which has been addressed to me by her Britannic Majesty’s chargé d’affaires.

You will perceive that it is quite possible that, at the expiration of the twenty days fixed by the British government for a reply to its demands, proceedings may be adopted which may possibly lead to hostilities, affecting the citizens and subjects of all the treaty powers.

It would be useless to attempt, because impossible, to form any opinion as to the course the Japanese government may pursue. It is sufficient to say that the short time allowed for the settlement of the grave questions presented, in the absence of his Majesty the Tycoon and all the ministers of foreign affairs, now en route for Kioto, which place it is said they will not reach within ten days from this time, may make it impossible to comply with its demands.

At this stage of the proceedings, I consider it necessary only to recommend that citizens of the United States pursue their business as usual, avoiding excitement, sacrifice of property, and all exposure to danger.

Their position, until otherwise determined by the action of the government of the United States, or by hostile acts of the Japanese government or people, which are not apprehended, must be that of entire neuatility.

I am in the daily expectation of seeing one or more of our national vessels at the port of Kanagawa.

For greater security, I recommend that the citizens of the United States shall have an organization, which may enable them to act in concert. They will readily perceive that for the present it is proper that this organization shall be confined to our own nationality. You will not understand this suggestion as indicating that our interests are distinct from those of the other treaty powers. Even if so inclined, the United States may not be able to separate them. But thus far nothing has disturbed the peaceful relations between the government of the United States and that of Japan, and it is to be hoped that nothing will change those relations.

I shall continue my residence in Yedo, and, from time to time, give you such information as may be necessary for your guidance and that of our citizens.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,