William H. Seward to John A. D, February 27, 1868

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dix

Sir: Tour two dispatches, the one of the 8th of February, the other of the 10th of the same month, with the papers mentioned therein as inclosures, have been received. Simultaneously we have received from Mr. Van Valkenburgh, United States minister resident at Yedo, explanations of the Japanese government, which are identical, except in the language of translation, with the documents which you have transmitted to this department.

With the limited information we possess, we see no reason to doubt the frankness, sincerity, and fidelity of the Tycoon and his government.

I give you a copy of the instruction I have sent to Mr. Van Valkenburgh on the subject of the present state of the Japanese revolution.

You may with entire propriety give a copy of it, or communicate its effect, to the Japanese chargé d’affaires.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,