Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward
Sir: A portion of the fleet has returned from the straits of Simonoseki, bringing the intelligence that on the 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th day of September last, the batteries of Choshu, commanding these straits, were entirely destroyed, the magazines blown up, shot and shell thrown into the sea, and the guns, to the number of nearly seventy, carried away. The prince made an unconditional surrender, and agreed to pay such sum as the ministers of the treaty powers might demand for the expenses of the expedition.
Ensign Pearson, of the Jamestown, who was placed in command of the United States chartered steamer Takiang, I am happy to say, conducted himself so as to receive the special written thanks of Admiral Kuper, commanding the combined fleet, and a large bronze 32-pounder gun was assigned to said ship as a trophy. The 30-pounder gun of the Jamestown was used by him with such precision and efficiency as to command universal admiration. The wounded of the British were placed on board that ship, in charge, in part, of Dr. Vedder, of the Jamestown.
I hope, via California, in a few days, to send you the details of this affair, and various papers, which will furnish additional proof to those heretofore forwarded, of how favorably the expedition is regarded by the government and how necessary and unavoidable it had become.
As soon as Admiral Kuper returns with the balance of the fleet, the ministers will have an interview with the government to consider propositions already engaging their attention, among which are:
1. The open declaration by the Tycoon of his disapproval of the course of the reactionary party.
2. The ratification by the Mikado of the treaties.
3. The payment by the Tycoon of the expenses of the expedition, in behalf of Choshu, on the opening of a port at Simonoseki.
4. The imperiapzation of so much of the territories of Choshu as command these straits.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, &c., &c., &c.