VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident in Japan to Charles Francis Adams, Envoy Extraordinary and, October 26, 1866

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Adams.

Sir: In obedience to instructions, of which you are no doubt apprised, I have the honor to transmit herewith the first of a bill of exchange for two thousand six hundred and seventy-three pounds twelve shillings and two pence sterling, (£2,673 12s. 2d.,) at six months after sight, drawn in your favor by the Oriental Bank Corporation at Yokohama on the Union Bank, London, representing, at the rate of four shillings seven pence, the amount of eleven thousand six hundred and sixty-six dollars and sixty-six cents, ($11,666 66,) Mexican currency, being one-third of thirty-five thousand (35,000) dollars received by her Majesty’s government in excess of their proper share of the second and third instalments of the Simonoseki indemnity. The third of this bill will be sent by this mail to the honorable the Secretary of State, to whom I also send a copy of this letter, and the second of the same I shall send to you by the French mail which leaves Yokohama on the 13th proximo.

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