[Translation.], First 9th month in the year Kaion, (September 28, 1887.)

[Translation.]

His Excellency R. B. Van Valkenburgh, Minister Resident of the United States of America:

When Ono Tomogoro and Matsmoto Judayu were recently sent to your country for the purpose of purchasing vessels of war, their application was readily accepted by their excellencies William H. Seward and Gideon Welles, Secretaries of State and of the Navy.

They succeeded in their mission, and were also successful in satisfactorily settling with Mr. Robert H. Pruyn, all of which was owing to your advice and assistance to us. We understand that the steamer they purchased will arrive in our country before long.

We feel grateful for your kindness and that shown to our commissioners by your government, and request you to write to your government of it properly.

We write this to express our thankfullness.

With highest consideration and respect,