VAN VALKENBURGH, Minister Resident of United States in Japan to J. B. Creighton , Senior U. S. Naval Officer, Hiogo, February 4, 1868

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Sir: You as well as myself witnessed the outrageous and unprovoked attack by a party of armed Japanese upon the foreigners in the foreign concession at this place, this afternoon, by which one of the American sailors attached to the Oneida was seriously wounded by a rifle ball, and two French soldiers were wounded by lancers. It is a mercy that in the continuous firing we were not all killed or wounded.

This may be considered an act of war, and perhaps is authorized by the Japanese government. On a hurried consultation with my colleagues, Great Britain, Holland, Italy, and Prussia, we have decided at once to take such measures as may be thought necessary to protect our countrymen against any further attack by land or water.

There are a number of Japanese war and other steamers in port. Will you please consult with the commanding officers of the French and English vessels now in port, and take such measures as you may jointly agree upon to prevent those Japanese vessels from committing any hostile act here, or from leaving the port at present. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,