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To the Tycoon of Japan1Jump to section
Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America. To His Majesty the Tycoon of Japan.
Great and Good Friend: I have received the letter which you have addressed to me on the subject of a desired extension of the time stipulated by Treaty for the opening of certain ports and cities in Japan. The question is surrounded with many difficulties. While it is my earnest desire to consult the convenience of Your Majesty and to accede so far as I can to your reasonable wishes so kindly expressed, the interests of the United States must, nevertheless, have due consideration. Townsend Harris, Minister Resident near Your Majesty, will be fully instructed as to the views of this Government, and will make them known to you at large. I do not permit myself to doubt that these views will meet with Your Majesty's approval, for they proceed not less from a just regard for the interest and prosperity of your Empire than from considerations affecting our own welfare and honor.
Wishing abundant prosperity and length of years to the great State over which you preside, I pray God to have Your Majesty always in His safe and holy keeping.
Written at the City of Washington this first day of August, 1861. Your Good Friend, ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President:
WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.
Annotation
[1] Copy, DNA FS RG 59, Communications to Foreign Sovereigns and States, III, 176-77. Secretary Seward's communication to the ministers of foreign affairs of the Tycoon on the same date calls attention to the fact that ``The subject, however, has been complicated by the yet unpunished and unatoned homicide of Mr. Heusken, our late Secretary of Legation. You must be aware that the first element of national fraternity is the safety of the persons charged with the conduct of their mutual intercourse and relations.'' (Ibid.). Henry C. J. Heusken of New York had been assassinated January 14, 1861.