[Untitled], September 16, 1867

[Untitled]

Since the establishment of the line of steamers between San Francisco and Yokohama, which, in a short time will put those ports in monthly communication, and since the adoption by the Japanese government of the system of passports, by which the Japanese are more freely permitted to travel abroad, it would seem that some measure of protection should be afforded to the citizens of Japan in the United States, especially at San Francisco. Your excellency is aware that your government has a commercial agent, who, for nine years, without any compensation, has taken care of the interests of this government at that port. In consideration of the increase of trade and travel through that city, I would respectfully suggest to your excellency that the appointment of a consul to reside at San Francisco would be gratifying to the government I represent, and redound to the benefit of the Japanese government.

With respect and esteem,