William H. Seward to Robert H. Pruyn, January 13, 1864

Mr. Seward to Mr. Pruyn

Sir: I have received, and have submitted to the President, your despatch of the 30th of October, No. 70, which gives an account of a conference which, in conjunction with the consul general of the Netherlands, you have held with the Gorogio at their request, and in which they solicited, on behalf of the Tycoon, that the port of Kanagawa might be closed against foreign trade. Your firm resistance of this extraordinary proposition, and the fidelity and friendship with which you have explained your proceedings in that respect to the representatives of the other western powers in Japan are unreservedly approved.

You will make this approval known to the government of the Tycoon.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,