THOMHAGH GURDEN, Lieutenant to Parkes, February 7, 1868
Mr. Rougement to Mr. Parkes.
Sir: In compliance with your request, I beg to forward a statement concerning the appearance and strength of the troops who fired at the foreign residents on the afternoon of the 4th instant.
On the day in question I was walking with three other officers towards the upper end of the town of Kobé, when I observed a body of troops coming down the street towards me, and when within twenty yards, the officer who was leading them spoke in a violent manner to me, which I understood meant to get out of their way. This I accordingly did, and stood at one side of the street till the whole force had passed, during which time the greater part of them scowled at me in such a manner that I had a feeling of uncertainty as to whether they would molest me or not. As far as I was able to judge, I should say they consisted of from seven to eight hundred men. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
FRANK ROUGEMENT, Senior Lieutenant her Majesty’s steamer Ocean.
His Excellency Sir Harry Parkes, E. C. B., &c., &c., &c.
The undersigned officers were in company with me, and confirm this statement.