VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident of the United States in Japan to J. Stahel, August 20, 1867

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Stahel

Sir: As already stated to you there is no objection on my part to the transfer of the lot on the bluffs at Yokohama, reserved on behalf of the United States for hospital purposes, to Dr. Vedder for that specific purpose, and for no other, provided it be distinctly stipulated in the deed that at any time hereafter possession of the said lot may be resumed by the United States on refunding to Dr. Vedder, in such case, the appraised value of the improvements that may be on the ground at the time of such a resumption of possession.

Dr. Vedder has, of course, to assume the payment of the ground rent.

I shall inform the department of my action in this matter, which, in view of the urgency of establishing hospital accommodation at your port, I have no doubt will be entirely approved; and I shall at the same time request that at the earliest possible moment I may be notified whether there still exists a probability of the ground referred to being required for the United States, and that in case of a negative answer to this inquiry I maybe authorized to waive on behalf of the United States the title to the said ground, by which Dr. Vedder would be placed in unconditional possession and become the original grantee.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,