ca. 29 March 1600~1601 (Keichō 5-6)
Tangible Cultural Property, designated by Sakata city
Donated by the Homma family
Born in Echigo Province, Naoe Kanetsugu(1560-1619) was a retainer of the Uesugi clan. Addressed to Tsuiji Suketoyo , a vassal of Uesugi Kagekatsu, this letter is thought to have been written in his own hand. Its contents make reference to a dispute with Date Masamune’s forces, but also praises Suketoyo’s successful repulsion of enemy attacks at the battle in Fukushima, instructing him to be on his guard and to strengthen their defenses.
This letter is believed to have been written around 1600–1601 during the Battle of Sekigahara, indicating that their position in the Fukushima area was delicate and unstable.