VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan to A. L. C. Portman, February 19, 1868

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Sir: Having been officially informed by the Mikado that war exists between him and the Tycoon, in consultation and conjunction with my colleagues, the representatives of France, Great Britain, Holland, Italy, and Prussia, and in consideration of having been requested by both parties to request our countrymen to observe a strict neutrality, I have issued a notice, copy of which I inclose. I have sent to the consul at Yokohama copies of the same notice, with a request to cause it to be published.

Strict neutrality must be observed; and in case the Stonewall should arrive at Yokohama after the receipt by you of this communication, you will not deliver her to the Tycoon’s government until my return, but take such measures to retain her under the American flag, either at Yokohama or Hong Kong, as you may deem best.

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