PRUYN, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan to Duchesne de Bellecourt , His Imperial Majesty’s, June 6, 1862

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Sir: I scarcely know whether to express my regrets to your excellency, or to offer my congratulations, on the recent disaster to the Dordagne.

His Imperial Majesty has sustained a pecuniary loss by the damage to the vessel. He will also mourn the loss of a brave seaman, who died in discharge of his duty. But another opportunity has been afforded the naval officers of France for an exhibition of consummate skill and seamanship, and of heroic bravery and endurance, which will no doubt prove highly gratifying to his Imperial Majesty, particularly in view of his intense solicitude for the development of the naval power and glory of France.

The wonderful progress made in the creation of a navy, not only in respect to the number, but also to the efficiency, of vessels acknowledged to have no superiors afloat, and which is to be principally attributed to the genius of his Imperial Majesty, has attracted the attention of the world, and will add greatly to the lustre of his reign.

Will your excellency allow me, through you, to offer my most respectful congratulations to Monsieur Fancon, le capitaine de vaisseau, on his return to Kanagawa. I hear his praises everywhere, and that, under the good Providence of God, the safety of the Dordagne is to be attributed to him, and I congratulate you that his Imperial Majesty has so brave and accomplished an officer.

I avail myself of this occasion to renew to your excellency the assurances of high consideration with which I have the honor to be, your excellency’s most obedient servant,