The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-05-08

THE PIONEER OF JAPAN-Whilc the great COM
mercial and naval nations OF the world are medi-
tating some great expedition. our numerous whale
ships really doing something in the way of opening
intercourse with the Japanese. The Manhattan made
far satisfactory visit to japan than the Column
bus During the last for ships to cruise in the
Japan Sea- not scores, but hundred of vessels spread
their within full view Of the coast. Several
whale hips have fallen with junks exchanged cvili-
ties with them and in instances relieved those in
| distress.
our readers may not be unintercsted in the following
facts and documents relating to the adventure of
ailor belonging to the American whale-ship Plymouth
of Sag Harbor, Capt. Edwards 1t appears that
by the of Ranald Mcdonald shipped board the
plymouth when she saild from the United States.
After remaining in the vessel two years while at La
hama in the fall Of 1S47, he requested his discharge
unless apt. Edwards would consent to leave him the
next somewhere upon the coast Of Japan Young
Mcdonald Is son of Archibald Mcdonald, ESQ., formerly
in the employ of the Hudson Bay Company, at Fort
Collville, Columbia.
On application to the Agent of the Company in Ho-
noluu we learn that this young man received good
education. but instead Of pursuing mercantile life
shore, betook himself to the Soon after the Ply
mouth left Lahana, he began to make arrangements
and preparations for penetrating the Theoretically
sealed empire Of Japan. Capt Edwards allowed him
to make choice Of the best boat belonging to the ship
The carpenter partially dccked her over
Having gathered his all together, ne embarked upon
his perilous and adventurous enterprise. One Of his
shpmates has furnished us with extract from his
journal, giving an account Of McDonalds embarka-
JAPAN SEA, TIE Size ISLAND, June IS, ls4s.
TUrsDAy.-At4 o'clock this morning all hands we're
called the reefs shook out Of the topais and topgal
liant sails set We had breeze ON our star
board beam steering for the Tee Shee Island 1t was
beautiful morning. a hghr mist hung around the
island but as we neared the island could plainly
the green. covered hills We stood in until A. NJ,
when all hands were called and the main yard was
hove aback. We launched boat, put water and pro-
visions of different kinds into her. She a centre
board boat PARTLY decked and very strong for
one Of her hind. One Of our to be her only
navigator.
Ai.,r all his things in the boat he was towed
astern by line; two men stayed to help him trim
her. After the boat was trimmed they board
lie let go the line and clear from for ever His
little vessel dashed over the waves like an arrow All
hands had gathered aft to the last of the bold ad
veDturer lie took of his hat and waved it, but In ST.
lence I he tame was returned from the ships
rany. Soon the order was given to brace the main
yard. aud the gallant thip going In opposite
direction. From our ships mast he was viewed with
the naked eye long he could be SEEN the spy
glass passed from TO another that they might
have Last look at the little vessel. lie watched
irtm the masthead until he gone from sight
for ever
Every on boaro felt sad TO n shipmate leave
the ship under such circumstances. lie was a good
TAILOR, well educated Of fam mind and we'll Gale uated
Tor ,he expedition upon WHICH he had embarked His
The japanese language, and froSu there y, down to
Jtddo The principal city u Nippon. aud IL The EDgsh
or Amtricah ever open trade with tie Japanese, he
would find employ mcnt AZ interpreter. He had |
ether intshtions which never heard him ntion only