Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-02-11

SANDWICH ISLAND NEws.-The U. S. ship
Columbus, Com. Bddle, anchored off Honolulu,
Sept 9, from China, via Japan, 43 days from
Jeddo, which place Com. Biddle visited with
the design of opening intercourse with the En-
peror of Japan, by forwarding him letter from
the Government Of the United States. The Pol
ynesian says:--
"The communication was forwarded to the
Emperor, explaining the objects of the visit-to
which he replied, that he had heard Of the Uni
ted States, that they were great and flourish
ing nation, and that he hoped they would contn-
he to be prosperous but declined any closer re-
aions with them. The only foreign trade that
would be obtained was with the Dutch and Chi
nese. He begged the ship would supply herself
with what she wanted speedily, up anchor be
off, and never return. Landing was disallowed,
but the ship was supplied with such as the coun-
try ntfordcd-wood, water, poultry, eggs, and
Vegetables for which neither pay nor presents
were received in return Nothing like trade
was allowed with the numerous visitors that
came on board. The Japanese had heard of the
intended visit Of the Columbus, but seemed
somewhat surprised at her dimensions. She was
visited by many Of the inhabitants, evidently
with the Emperors pernsson but there were
no females among them.
The Columbus and Vincinnes have both suf-
fered somewhat from the diseases OF the eastern
men had died on board the former, and she has
now large number on the sick list"
The Columbus sailed from Honolulu Sept.
2Sth, after a visit of nearly three weeks.
The Poynesiao, of Sept. g. says:
"Commodore James Blddle, of the U. S., line
of-oatlle ship Columbus, and special Commits
sioner of the United States to the Emperor and
Government of China, had an audience of the
King on Saturday, 10Th of September. The
Commodore arrived at the Palace exactly at
noon, accompanied by the U. S. Commissioner,
the u. S. Consul, the U. S. Naval Store Keeper,
and the officers Of the Commodores suite. The
United States Commissioner presented the Com
modore to the King as distinguished officer of
the American Navy, well known to the Presi-
dent of the United STATES, and selected TO dis
charge the duties OF Special Commissioner to
the Emperor of China. The Commodore then
addressed His Majesty to the following effect:
81 have much pleasure in paying my official
respects to your majesty. Pursuant TO orders
from the President of the United States, | have
visited China, Japan, and your Islands. 1t has
afforded me great satisfaction on my arrival to
find the diplomatic relations which your Majesty
had suspended resumed, with Mr.. Ten Eyck.-
In appointing the latter, who enjoys and de-
serves to enjoy, the full confidence of the Pres-
dent and who is of The most amIable character,
the President has given the most signal proof of
his respect for the King, and wish for the most am
icable relations with these Islands. Having SO
done, it will become your Majesty in future so
to conduct those relations as TO avoid any inst
cause of offence, for if such should be given to
Mr. Ten Eyck, from the well known moderation
of his character, the Government of the United
States would be slow to believe that he, and not
your Mojesys Government, were TO blame. But
sincerely hope that no such supposed case will
ever occur"
The King of the Sandwich Islands replied as
follows:
"My sautations to you, Commodore Biddle.
am glad 10 see you as an officer of the Ainer-
can Navy, distinguished by great services, and
By your high appointment as Commissioner to
the Emperor of China. | am truly grateful 10
the President of the United States for the re-
newaI of diplomatic intercourse in the person of
Mr.. Ten Eyck. Since his arrival he has given
great satisfaction to my Government | hope
there will be no complaint in future. 1t is my
determination to do all that can 10 avoid them,
by doing what is right"