PRUYN, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan to E. St. John Neale , Her Britannic Majesty’s Chargé d’affaires in Japan, May 8, 1863

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Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant. I was this day informed by the government that a letter had been received from the minister for foreign affairs at Kioto, stating that his Majesty the Tycoon had arrived in that city on the 4th, and had an interview with the Mikado on the 7th of this third month, which had been continued from 10 o’clock a. m. till midnight; that his reception had been agreeable in all respects, and far more pleasant than he had anticipated; that his final audience was to have taken place on the 12th, and the time for his departure was fixed for the 14th of this third Japanese month; but that the Tycoon, at the time of their writing, had been ordered to remain for some days longer, and that the day when he would leave was therefore unknown.

The tenor of the letter led the government to expect there would be a better accord between the Mikado and the Tycoon.

I was also informed at the same time that Ta-ke-mo-to Kai-no-kami had that day left for Kioto on a special mission to the Tycoon in reference to the proposals made by yourself and the minister of France; that it was expected seven days each way would be occupied in his journey, and one day for his stay in that city, and he was expected to return on the 23d instant.

I cherish the hope that an arrangement may be made which will finally determine the policy of this empire and preserve to it the blessings of peace.

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