On December 18, 1189 (November 3, 1189 under the old lunar calendar), a letter from Imperial Court praising Yoritomo for Oshu Conquest was delivered, also in the letter Yoritomo was asked for an appointment to Azechi (inspector of the provincial government) and to recommend gokenin with distinguished war service, but Yoritomo declined the offer.
文治5年（1189年）11月3日、朝廷より奥州征伐を称える書状が下り、頼朝は按察使への任官を打診され、さらに勲功の有った御家人の推挙を促されるが、頼朝はこれらを辞する。