The Diary of A.Z. Mov
Much has happened since the American declaration of war against Arabia. Almost immediately after news reached us an assassin struck at Daimyo Double Stack. Fortunately the guards apprehended him and the perpetrator, Tokugawa of the Gaiko, was executed. Unfortunately a second assassin was successful and escaped before being caught. We are unsure if the assassin was an American attempting to distract the Empire or if he was hired by one of the other clans in a bid for power. Although it is impossible to know for sure one thing is clear, the perpetrator lacks honour.
With regards to the war we have decided to quietly support Arabia, once the American troops have left our borders we will consider joining the Arabians in the struggle.
A great plague struck Satsuma, almost half of the Satsuma sensei who attended the last council will not be present at the next. If only the Shihai and Gaiko had read the Kagaku paper on hygeine.
In happier news the encyclopedist, filli_noctus, has resurfaced in Kagoshima. According to reports he will not tell anyone where he has been but looks youthful and reinvigorated. He has apparently taken lodgings in the city but has made no move to have his belongings transferred from his family manse in Osaka.