Townsend Harris, to William H. Seward, July 9, 1861

Mr. Harris to Mr. Seward.

Sir: It is my unpleasant duty to inform you that a daring and murderous attack was made on the British legation in this city on the night of the 5th instant.

Mr. Alcock providentially escaped uninjured, but Mr. Oliphant, secretary of legation, and Mr. Morrison, consul for Nagasaki, were wounded. Four of the assailants were killed, and two wounded were made prisoners. Of the Japanese defenders of Mr. Alcock three were killed and fifteen wounded.

For full details of this bloody affair I beg to refer you to the following enclosures:

• No. 1, Mr. Alcock to Mr. Harris, July 6.
• No. 2, Mr. Harris to the ministers for foreign affairs, July 8.
• No. 3, Mr. Harris to Mr. Alcock, July 8.
• No. 4, Mr. Alcock to Mr. Harris, July 8.

The Japanese were evidently taken by surprise, but they soon recovered from it and fought with great bravery, and at last beat off the assailants.

This is the first instance in which a blow has been struck in defence of a foreigner in this country, and may be considered as proof of the desire of this government to give us protection.

I consider the present as a crisis in the foreign affairs of Japan, for if the government is too weak to punish the instigators and agents of this nefarious affair, it may be believed that it will lead to some very decided action on the part of the English government, for the outrage was too great to be overlooked.

There is a party in this country who are opposed to the presence of any foreigners in Japan, and, in addition to this, there is a very strong dislike to the English in particular, which feeling seems to attach especially to Mr. Alcock. He was absent from this city for some three months, during which time the utmost quiet prevailed; yet within thirty-six hours after his return the attack in question was made on him.

I am happy to say that these prejudices do not extend to our citizens in this country, and I think that I am personally popular among all classes of the Japanese. Yet it must not be concealed from you that I am, in common with my colleagues, subject to the same unpopularity, that attaches to the presence of all foreigners in Japan

I have requested the ministers for foreign affairs to give me an interview on the 11th instant, and I shall then endeavor to place before them, in a forcible manner, the great danger that will arise from any want of firm action on their part at this juncture.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,