Van Valkenburgh to William H. Seward, February 21, 1867

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith translations of letters received from the Gorogio, as follows :

Enclosure No. 1, inviting the foreign representatives to an audience with the Tycoon at his castle in Osacca.

Enclosure No. 2, announcing the investiture of his Majesty the Tycoon with the title of Seii Dai Shongung, at Kioto, (Miaco,) on the 10th of January last.

Enclosure No. 3, announcing the death of the Mikado on the 3d instant. He died at Kioto of the small-pox. He was about thirty-seven years of age, and is succeeded by his son, about sixteen years of age.

Enclosure No. 4, announcing the appointment by the Tycoon of his brother Tokugawa Minaboo Tayu to proceed to France and be present at the opening of the International Exhibition at Paris. He sailed for Paris on the French mail steamer of the 15th instant.

Enclosure No. 5, announcing the postponement of the audience with the Tycoon. This postponement is in consequence of the death of the Mikado, the Tycoon and court being in mourning for fifty days; but I am informed by one of the governors for foreign affairs that the invitation will be renewed in about two months.

I am yet unable to form an opinion with any degree of accuracy on the bearing of the several events, but believe that their effects will be in a direction in harmony with our interests.

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