PRUYN, Minister Resident of the United States of America in Japan to William H. Seward, April 10, 1863

Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that Lieutenant Colonel Neale, her Britannic Majesty’s chargé d’affaires, read me a communication a few days since, while I was on a short visit to Yokohama, which he was about sending to the Japanese government, agreeably to the instructions of Earl Russell, in which he makes a peremptory demand on this government “which is not to be modified, delayed, or even discussed,” but to be met within twenty days of the 6th instant.

For the murder of the British sailors in June last at the British legation the sum of £10,000 is again demanded; for the murder of Mr. Richardson and the wounding of his companions on the tokaido in September last, an apology is demanded from this government, and also the payment of £100,000 sterling.

At the same time a frigate is to be sent to the territory of the Prince of Satsuma (about sixty miles from Nagasaki,) with a demand for the payment by him of the sum of £25,000, and that the chief murderers of Mr. Richardson shall be executed in the presence of a British officer.

A British fleet of twelve ships-of-war, under command of Rear-Admiral Kuper, is to enforce this demand; the measures to be adopted are not yet determined on, but a blockade or some other measure, short of hostilities, is first to be resorted to.

As the Tycoon and all the ministers of foreign affairs are now en route for Kioto, and the two other members of the Gorogio are now in charge of the department of foreign affairs, I urged the British minister to extend the time noted by him, which he said he did not feel at liberty to do, as he had already, in consequence of their absence, extended the time ten days; that he had before they left Yedo sent a note advising the ministers of foreign affairs that he was engaged in preparing an important despatch which would require the presence of his Majesty the Tycoon and the ministers of foreign affairs at Yedo; but they had replied, that their norrinons (sedan chairs) were already prepared and part of their train had already started, and they could not postpone their journey.

I have been informed by a minister of foreign affairs that a messenger had been despatched after the Tycoon and ministers of foreign affairs, with a communication informing them of the nature and extent of the demands.

It is to be regretted that this demand should have reached here at this particular juncture. It is well known that the Tycoon has been summoned to Kioto by the Mikado; that all the great damois will shortly assemble there, and that the Mikado has been influenced to regard the treaties with displeasure. At this meeting, and within a few days, the foreign policy of this government will probably be determined, and I fear that this demand of the British at this time will weaken the influence of the Tycoon and his supporters, and inflame the passions, and increase the influence, and add to the number of damois opposed to foreign trade.

I am at present inclined to believe that the money will be paid; the murderers may not be executed, or, if it is intended to include only those actually engaged in the commission of the crime, and not the secretary (some say the father, and others the uncle) of Satsuma who gave the orders, some persons may be found and put to death to personate the offenders; I do not therefore, anticipate immediate hostilities, but it is impossible to conjecture what may eventually happen.

I shall endeavor to act in such a manner as to meet the approbation of the President, remembering, on the one hand, our friendly relations with this government, and, on the other hand, your instructions as to the necessity of harmonious relations with the treaty powers, and our identity of interest, and at the same time your circular letter to the treaty powers.

Should any collision take place, it is possible no distinction between the different nationalities will be made by this government or people.

I can only hope that peaceful relations with all the treaty powers will continue, and that war and bloodshed may be avoided.

I sent letters, some days since, to Captain McDougal, of the Wyoming, advising him of the condition of affairs, and asking his presence at as early a day as consistent with duty.

The requirements for home service have prevented my asking that other vessels be sent to these seas. As soon as they can be spared, I doubt not, a considerable fleet will be ordered here by the President. Small steamers will be most serviceable.

I shall continue my solitary residence here as long as possible, and until forced to leave.

I have the honor to enclose No. 1, copy of a letter addressed to me by the British minister, and No. 2, copy of a letter addressed by me to our consul at Kanagawa. I addressed similar letters to our consul at Nagasaki, and commercial agent at Hakodadi.

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