VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident of the United States to Their Excellencies Saki Muta No Kami, Itakura Iga No Kami, Matsdaira Buzen No Kami, January 28, 1868

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Gentlemen: I have this moment received your excellencies’ communication of last night, asking me to take such measures as may be necessary to preserve neutrality upon the part of citizens of the United States.

In order that I may be correct in any notice I may deem proper to issue to my countrymen, it will be necessary for me to be informed “with whom is the Japanese government now engaged in war; is Matsdaira Sui No Daibu the only person in arms against the government, or has he allies and confederates?”

I also desire to say to my countrymen, (if such be fact,) that the Japanese government has not only the disposition and ability to protect them and their rights under the treaty in Japan, but that it will do so.

Will your excellencies give to me information upon these points to-day, as I desire, if possible, to leave for Yedo to-morrow.

With respect and esteem,