Chapter Text
July 10th, 1853
Mr. Honda,
Thank you again for your consideration of re-opening your borders to the west! I hope we’ll be able to maintain a healthy trading system in the years to come. Our steam ships would benefit greatly from any provisions provided by your ports, and we hope the consuls will be treated well under your care.
Now that the niceties are out of the way, may I comment on how gorgeous your land is? I’d never seen so many cherry blossoms in one place. The architecture of your buildings were also unique, along with the fashion and clothing styles. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen! Your home has a very natural beauty to it; I’m a bit envious. My home is teeming with industry on one end and nothing but plains and fields on the other end. Though, and I do not mean this to sound pretentious, New York City remains to be one of the greatest cities that has grown over the years in my land. Perhaps you’d like to visit, sometime? The Exhibition Of Industry is going to begin in the coming week and I’m more than excited to see what’s been planned. It would be a great chance to see what industry has in store, don’t you think? Not to mention, you’d be able to meet other nations face to face! I could tell you so much about them, they’re really quite nice when you get to know them.
The Commodore will not hear of this, but I apologize on behalf of the United States for the way we more or less forced you into signing the treaty. Their approach was more on the violent side, whereas I was convinced we’d be able to settle something through civil talk. Now that I’ve met you, I see that you’re quite reserved - which I understand. I, myself, am more of an extrovert and enjoy venturing out of my home to visit new lands, but it must have been alarming to see our ships pull into your harbor. You must understand, I only have so much power over what I am able to do as a nation. I’ve come to realize that the hard way, over many years. Despite that, I did mean what I said about you getting to know the world better. It truly is wonderful, and you deserve to explore it as much as you so desire.
I look forward to getting to know you better, Mr. Honda. May this letter find you in good health.
Sincerely,
Alfred F. Jones