I remain to be, dear sirs,
Yours obediently,
BARON T. OSAWA,
Vice-President, Red Cross Society of Japan.
Meiji 39th year, 4th month ....day.
The American Red Cross Society,
Your Society having felt pity at the distressed condition of the people occasioned by the famine last year in this district, has expressed deep sympathy and collected extensive contributions for the purpose of affording relief, to be distributed through the proper authorities.
We immediately bought rice with the money and distributed it among the poor people of this village, fully explaining the philanthropic spirit in which you sent it. The people, who were in extreme poverty and could not follow their occupations, were deeply impressed by your kindness, and felt ashamed at their lazy habit, swearing that they would rise and exert themselves in future. They received the gift with tears of gratitude and bowed heads.
I hereby have the honor to express the sentiments of gratitude on behalf of the people of this village.
It is desired that your Society will kindly communicate the foregoing to the President.
Village of Niita, Adachi county, Fukushima district, Japan.