Townsend Harris, to Their Excellencies Kudsi Yamato Nokami and Ando Fusima Nokam, July 8, 1861

Mr. T. Harris to the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

I am informed by Mr. Alcock, the British envoy, that an attempt was made on the night of the 5th instant to assassinate him and the persons attached to the British legation in this city. I am further informed that the house was broken into at the same moment of time in three different places; and that, during the contest, two persons in her Britannic Majesty’s service were wounded.

This makes the seventh attack on foreigners within the period of two years; and in five of the attempts murder was committed. Up to this day not one person has been punished for these atrocious crimes. You have frequently assured me that you were making constant efforts to arrest these criminals, but that you were unable to discover them.

In the present case evidence is in your possession to enable you to arrest the persons concerned in the last atrocious attempt at murder, for you have made a prisoner of one of the men, and you have a pocket-book found on the ground which contains a list of the names of fourteen of the party; and these two sources of evidence will enable you to arrest and bring to condign punishment the whole of the gang. I feel it my duty to say to you that, in my opinion, your failure to arrest and punish the perpetrators of previous criminal acts has encouraged the present horrible attempt to take the life of Mr. Alcock.

I have given you too many evidences of my friendship for you to doubt my good will; and as your friend, who earnestly wishes to see Japan peaceful, prosperous, and happy, I now say to you, that if you do not promptly arrest and punish the authors of this last deed of blood, that the most lamentable consequences to your country will inevitably ensue; for if you do not punish these men, it will show that you do not wish to do so. I urge you earnestly to consider this friendly and serious warning.

I propose to have an interview with you in a few days, at which time I will enter more largely into details than I can do in a letter.

Stated with respect and courtesy.