hand, the Japanese were greatly pleased with their reception, and amazed at what they saw. The chief ambassador, Shimmi, wrote home in glowing terms of their treatment: "Though I have not yet seen the capital, I have already amassed knowledge and experience enough to pile up a mountain or fill up a sea. But of these, were I to speak with you, three fourths will be a relation of what I grieve for for our country." The embassy returned to Japan by the same route and method as they came.[1]
Upon the ratification of the treaty Mr. Harris was commissioned as minister, and continued at his post till May, 1862. He had under date of July 10, 1861, asked the President to accept his resignation and appoint his successor. He wrote: "The extraordinary life of isolation I have been compelled to lead has greatly impaired my health, and this, joined to my advancing years, warns me that it is time for me to give up all public employment." Secretary Seward, in accepting the resignation, said: "I regard your retirement from the important post you have filled with such distinguished ability and success as a subject of grave anxiety, not only for this country, but for all the Western nations." The Japanese government was likewise very expressive in its regret at his departure. The ministers for foreign affairs, in a letter to Secretary Seward, recognized his perfect knowledge of affairs, his friendly conduct, and the great value of his services to their country, and regretted that he could not continue as minister.
- ↑ S. Ex. Doc. 25, 36th Cong. 1st Sess.; Harper's Weekly, May and June, 1860; Nitobe, 159.
