VAN BUREN, United States Consul-General to John A. Bingham , United States, May 25, 1875

Mr. Van Buren to Mr. Bingham.

Sir: One J. M. Rappeport, an American, citizen residing in Yokohama, who has spent the greater part of the past year in the jail of this consulate, upon convictions for grossly assaulting and heating a woman he calls his wife, is now undergoing a ninety days’ sentence, (for the like offense,) which will expire on the 30th instant. He is a notorious drunken ruffian, and it is certain that he will not be ten days at liberty without repeating the offense. Therefore, in passing the last sentence upon him, I announced that upon its expiration I should recommend to the Japanese authorities to deport him.

Accordingly, I have informed the governor of this ken, in writing, that I should on the 30th instant withdraw from him my official protection, leaving him to be deported or punished for future offenses by the Japanese authorities.

In reply I have received a request from the governor to deport him “in accordance,” as he says, “with Art. VII of the treaty.”

This I have declined to do, explaining that no such right was conferred upon me by the article referred to.

I am told that there is on file at your legation instructions from the Department upon this subject. If so, will you kindly furnish me with a copy, and oblige,

Your obedient servant,