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

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward

Sir: Having, in concert with my colleagues, the representatives of Great Britain, France, and Holland, arrived at a unanimous agreement with the Japanese government in relation to the location of the foreign settlements at Hiogo and Osacca, and also to the basis upon which such settlements shall be established at Yedo and Neeëgata, or another port on the west coast instead of the latter, I have the honor to transmit herewith No. 1, copy of the letter from the Gorogios, enclosing their proposition, and No. 2, copy of my reply accepting the same.

It gives me much pleasure to state that the Japanese government, throughout our conferences and negotiations, evinced the greatest promptness and liberality, and that the sites selected at the two places first named, which I have carefully examined, are unsurpassed for convenience in every respect.

The opening of these ports and cities on the 1st January next will render the appointment of consular officers necessary.

The distance between Yokohama (the port of Kanagawa) and the eligible site to be set apart for foreign merchants at Yedo, is about 25 miles by land, and the distance between Hiogo and Osacca is about 30 miles by land, and about 16 miles from anchorage to anchorage. The communication between the two cities and the two nearest ports respectively named are frequently interrupted, and as it is undoubtedly desirable that consular action be promptly on the spot when required, I beg to suggest, with a due regard to the avoidance of unnecessary expenditure, that a vice-consul for Kanagawa be appointed to reside at that place, or at Yedo, as the consul at that port may direct, and that a gentleman of tact and ability be appointed as consul for Osacca and Hiogo, and also a vice-consul for those two places to reside at either, as in the opinion of the consul may be necessary.

The salary of the-consul for Osacca and Hiogo, in view of the arduous nature of his duty and the great expense of living here, should certainly not be less than $3,000 per annum, and the salaries of the two vice-consuls, both for Kanagawa and this port of Japan, in proportion.

As soon as a port on the west coast shall have been selected, I shall accompany the report of my proceedings with a suggestion in regard to the consular officer who will have to be appointed to represent our commercial interests there.

In conclusion I have respectfully to request that you will be pleased to take the matter of these appointments into consideration at an early day.

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