LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,
Yedo, November 20, 1867

Sir:
　Your no. 23 , under date of July 23d, concerning the purpose of sending by the Japanese government of envoys to Corea, with the object of preventing for the future such a wrong as is represented to have been committed during a recent war in that country upon American citizens, was received by me on the sixth day of the present month. Soon after that I took occasion to call upon the minister for foreign affairs in person, and according to your instructions to return to him suitable thanks for this friendly proceeding upon the part of this government, and to assure him that the laudable efforts of the Tycoon to promote peace in this part of the world were highly appreciated by the President. I also added that should no satisfactory explanation be made, or apology furnished by Corea, the government of the United States would undoubtedly feel obliged to take into consideration the proper means to obtain a reparation for the injury and to maintain its honor.
　Hingama Desho No Kami, a member of the second council, was appointed by the Tycoon in May last as his envoy to Corea, and the management of all the matters connected with the embassy was intrusted to him, and from him I learn the following facts: Tso No Tushema No Kami is a Japanese Daimio residing upon and owning the little island of Tsusima, or Tsu, near the coast of Corea. This Daimio has a small settlement on that coast, and through his retainers at that settlement this government has for many years been kept informed of the action of the Coreans.
　They have had no diplomatic relations, and, so far as I can learn, no authorized agent of this government has ever been recognized in Corea. Immediately on the appointment of this envoy he sent a messenger to Tso No Tsusima No Kami, and requested him, through his retainers, to procure permission for him to visit Corea, and a promise of his recognition by the government. The answer of the Corean government, returned through Tso No Tsusima No Kami, was that the proposition was a new and strange one, and that the government would take it into consideration, and after a determination had been arrived at the Japanese government should be informed.
　This government has again sent messengers to Tsusima, urging the importance of the mission, and of their recognition by the Corean government, and asking for an early reply.
　I am of the opinion that the Japanese envoy will not be received. Should any new facts become known to me I will not delay in informing you of them.
　I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant,

R. B. VAN VALKENBURGH

Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
Secretary of State Washington, D. C.