Van Valkenburgh to William H. Seward, August 18, 1867

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith (No. 1) copy of a letter from S. L. Phelps, esq., chief agent in the east for the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, applying for wharf privileges at Nagasaki. I also enclose (No. 2) copy of my letter to the Gorogio, making the desired application.

After several interviews with the Gorogio and governor for foreign affairs, in which I explained this matter at length, it was agreed that the governor of Nagasaki should he furnished with full instructions on the subject to grant the application, if there were no insuperable objection of a local nature; and further, that on the occasion of my visit to that port, after returning from visiting the ports on the west coast, he would be authorized to come to a final understanding with me in the matter.

I found the governor of Nagasaki favorably impressed with the contemplated improvement; and after several interviews with him, it was agreed that he would construct a pier in front of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company’s premises into deep water, upon which merchandise may then be landed under the existing local regulations, and that the construction of this pier would be begun as soon as the requisite plans shall be furnished by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company’s agents.

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