Van Valkenburgh to William H Seward, October 3, 1867

Mr. Van Valkenburgh to Mr. Seward

Sir: In the year 1866 the Japanese government sent an embassy to Russia for the purpose of settling with that government the questions existing as to the possession and government of the island of Saghalien.

The embassy returned in August last, having failed in the object of their mission, but having concluded a convention for the temporary joint occupation of the island.

I enclosed (No. 1) a copy of a communication upon this subject from his excellency, Ogasawara Iki No Kami, the minister for foreign affairs; also (No. 2) the enclosure referred to in bis excellency’s letter, being the proposition made by the Russian government, and the final arrangement entered into by the two governments.

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