Rutherford Alcock, to Townsend Harris, July 6, 1861

Mr. Alcock to Mr. Harris.

Sir: Last night between eleven and twelve o’clock the British legation was suddenly attacked, and an entrance effected at several points simultaneously by armed bands of Japanese, said to be Loonins, and by others, Prince of Mito’s men. Two of the members of the establishment, Mr. Oliphant and Mr. Morrison, were met in a passage and both wounded; the first, I am sorry to say, very severely, when a momentary diverson was effected by a shot from Mr. Morrison’s revolver, which appears to have taken effect. A few minutes later the same or another division of the assassins sought to effect an entrance to the apartments occupied by myself, by breaking through and hacking in pieces some glass doors opening into another suite, having mistaken their way. To this alone, under Providence, we probably owe our lives, for several minutes were thus lost to them; at the end of which the Yaconins or Dainios guards appeared to have come to the spot, and the assailants were finally driven out of the house, after having penetrated into nearly every room except my own, leaving traces of their presence by slashing at all the beds and furniture. Marks of blood-were found in various directions, and a prolonged conflict took place outside, in the avenue and approaches to the legation, with the officers and men on service.

Such a deed of atrocity, perpetrated in the capital of a government to which foreign representatives are accredited by the western powers, needs no comment. I only feel it a duty to communicate to my colleagues the facts for their guidance and information, and to acquaint them that, as a temporary measure, I have ordered up her Majesty’s ship “Ringdove,” and caused a guard of men to be landed. What measures it may be expedient to adopt for future security of this and the other legations in Yedo, and the maintenance of those international rights and immunities so grievously attacked, becomes a serious consideration, and one the pressing importance of which cannot well be overlooked. But on this part of the subject I shall be glad to enter into further communication with you and the rest of my colleagues, should you feel disposed to favor me with your views.

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