The Ministers to the 5th day of the 11th month of the 2d year of Keill, December 21, 1866
The Ministers to Mr. Van Valkenburgh.
His Excellency E. B. Van Valkenburgh, Minister Resident of the United States of America, &c., &c., &c. :
We have to inform your excellency with reference to our former communication in relation to the navigation of the straits of Suwo and Nagato, that an armistice has been concluded, as already verbally stated to you by a governor for foreign affairs.
If the war be resumed we shall give yon due notice.
With respect and esteem,
On the 5th day of the 11th month of the 2d year of Keill.
Mr. Van Valkenburgh to the Ministers for Foreign Affairs,
Their Excellencies the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, &c., &c., &c., Yedo:
It gives me much pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s letter of the 5th day of the 11th month, in which you inform me that a suspension of hostilities between his Majesty the Tycoon and the Prince of Choshu had been agreed upon.
While tendering you my congratulations on this auspicious event, I beg to express the hope that it will prove the beginning of an era of lasting peace and prosperity in your country.
I shall be obliged to your excellencies for communicating to me, at your earliest convenience, the terms upon which the armistice was concluded.
With respect and esteem,