VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan to Itakura Iga No Kam, January 14, 1868

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Itakura Iga No Kami.

Sir: While most of the officers of your government, from the Tycoon down, have tendered your sympathies and proffers of assistance to me and my countrymen in the hour of our trouble, and have been prompt, energetic, and successful in recovering the bodies of our lost friends, I regret to learn that one alone has not thus been actuated by humane feelings. I refer to Ichikawa Chokishi, the official in charge of the little village at the fort and near the entrance of the river. I am informed by J. Frederick Lowder, esq., her Britannic Majesty’s acting vice-consul at Osaka, that upon his visiting him and asking for information and assistance on the afternoon of the sad accident, he was treated with marked discourtesy; that his answers were abrupt and uncivil, and that no information or assistance could be procured from him. I am sorry that this should have occurred, and I am sure, when the fact is brought to the knowledge of your excellency, your disapprobation of his conduct will be marked by his dismissal, and the appointment to his position of a more energetic, civil, and humane person.

With respect and esteem,