28 Sep. Tokio
Japan

My dear Tenterden,

I thank you much for your letter of 5. Aug on the proposed Chamberlain jobs. I concur in every word you say my language to Satow was identical with yours to me. I was weak in giving way to Satow’s pressures, but at the time I was under special obligation to him. The terms of your reply would I anticipated have exhausted the topic. To Chamberlain himself I have never mention the subject. I take a real interest in this consular service, connected as it always will be with my first reasonable appointment. There are a few inferior articles which terms will dispose of, but on the whole the service is in good working order; the last 4 students promise very well & are socially superior to most of their immediate predecessors. Russia will tell you of a little plan we assert for Dohmen’s finale. We propose that Hakodate should be reduced to a Vice Consulate & Dohmen seat there. Dohmen’s misfortune in that he is very unpopular & he allows his personal feelings to influence his action. He is perpetually involved in small personal squabbles in as he is generally in the wrong for the settlement of which in his own favour he supplies to me. Such a character is a drawback to the harmonious transaction of busyness at Yokohama whereas at Hadodate it would not signify—a Vice Consulate at Hadodate would answer all purposes. I have just given Mr. acting Consul Lewis a strong hint that before he takes any leave he must send me some proof of his official existence in the hope of a Report—The Russian alone of Foreign nations have a Vice Consul at Hadodate but he has only been there this year for six weeks.
I have dropped the topic of Korea as a favourable opportunity for opening communication with that Country will hardly present itself for a year or two to come. Meanwhile the American Commodore Schufeldt is working the subject at Peking with Li Hung Chang—Messeigneur Ridal the celebrated informing declared that Korea abounds with mineral wealth, silk & so on—however I shall have all this to Sir Harry of where departure for Japan I shall soon expect to hear by telegraph. Tourists abound 2 of the Cricketing Walker family & Harry & Zouche—2 generals form India & etc.
I have relieved Inouye’s mind somewhat since the receipt of last corres. between Granville & Mr. Mori. I have told Inouye that that style & context of Mori’s note is offensive & would indispose his St to oblige Japan. I also urged the foolish of employing 2nd Chief Pointshere & Yankees to write this despatches for them—I myself complain to Inouye of the language of a note addressed to me & since them the notes have been in Japanese & always polite. Out{Our} merchants are just mow much irritated by combination of Japanese agst. them—supported it is strongly believed by the govt. I have settled a kerosine oil difficult & have to do either by a silk trouble—our Doyen the U.S. Minister is no good & we all long for Sir Harry to return & to take the lead in representations the negotiations with this Govt.
The Mikado returns from his northern trip on the 11th & will therefore arrive in time to receive our Prince W. Chanielles has we hear been very ill—I beg to remain sincerely yours.

J. Kennedy