The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-08-30
LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,
Canton. China. Januarv oe 1910
ROBERT BROWNE,
II. N. M, Consul for Canton.

consul for his Majesty the King of the Netherlands.
Sanlon stating as you will perceive that fifteen seael
belonging TO the American whale ship Lagoda" recently
wrecked near the coast OF Japan are now IN confinement
oy 'he authority OF that government, Nangasack
bring this subject to your notice, satisfied that you
VIII promptly detail such portion of the squadron unde
your compand will obtain the release of the prisoners
above mentioned, II possible Your own mature ludgmen
wl readily suggest the details of any operations you ma,
hnk necessary to adopt for the fulhmen OF this object,
From Inc Kindness already manifested by the Dutch
superintendent OF trade AT Decima near Nangasacki
am sasfed you may rely upon him for any friendly aid
mat It is IN his power 10 give
have the honor 10 be, sir very respectfully, your obe
dent servant,
JNo W. DAVIS
Commodore ID. GEIsMGER
Commanding U s Squadron. East Indies.
UNITED STATES FLAGSHIP PLYMoUH
Whampoa, January 26 ls40
SIR have to acknowledge the receipt Of your com.
nunlcat'on OF today covering despatch from Robert
Browne, esq n N NJ consul at Canton in reference
The American whaler Lagoda the of Japan and
the confinement BY authority of that government, of fifteen
seamen near Nangasack, and requesting TO detail a
portion OF the squadron under my command to obtain the
release Of these prisonees il possible.
In reply, am happy TO inform you that have it in
my power 70 order the United States ship PEBBLE Com
she Is now under sailing instructions for different
vice.
am highly graied, from the perusal of Mr. Brownies 8
despatch, to notice the generosity and humane attention
shown by Mr. Levyssohn, the Dutch superintendent OF
trade at Decma, and will be mindful to instruct Com
precaie his conduct
have the honor to be- sir. very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
D. GEISINGER,
:, Commanding U. S. Squadron, East Indies
Hon JOHN w. DAVIS,
U. S. Commissioner to China, Canton
Sailing Instructions 10 Commodore Giynn
UNITED STATES FLAGSHIP PLYMOUTH,
Whampoa, January 81, 1S49.
SIR; When the United States ship Preble, under your
ia IN "a rau1r fDrs
ceed with as little delay possible to the Bay OF Nan
gasacki in the island OF Ku su one OF the Japanese
group.
The object of your visit is 10 obtain the release of
ieen seamen the survivors OF the shpwrecked crew of
the American whaler "Lagoda," OF New Bedford, who
represented be in confinement near the city of Nan
gasacki, by authority OF The japanese government
You will be furnished with copy OF the despatch Of
Mr. Robert Browne, consul of his Majesty the King Of
United States Commissioner to China detailing all The
circumstances Of the wreck OF the 'Lagoda" and the
confinement OF the survivors OF her You will per-
ceve from this despatch the active efforts made by Mr.
Levyssohn the Dutch superintendent of trade Decima
TO obtain the release OF these prisoners and your ar
rival at Nangasacki, you will make known to hn the
high appreciation in which his humanity and generosity
towards suffering coun,rymen held, and the sim
pleasure it afforded communicate TO the gov
ernment OF the United States Information Of his dsner-
esed conduct.
Should these seamen have left Nangasacki. or should
they be delivered up to you on demand you will proceed
thence to Shanghai On the other hand, should il be OBJ
ec,ed by the Japanese authorities Nangasack that
these prisoners cannot be delivered up without previously
obtaining authority from the at Yedo, you will al
proceed to the bay OF Yedo and avail yourself OF
the earliest means OF entering into Communication with
the imperial court. You are instructed to make firm,
temperate, and respectful demand OF that court for the
immediate release and surrender TO you OF the above
mentioned prisoners Should your demand be complied
with, you will return without delay to Nangasack
receive these prisoners board, and proceed your
cruise
The great destruction OF shipping the Chinese coasts
caused by the numerous yphoons OF the past season,
together with rumors that have reached here from time
10 time, creates apprehension that OF the vessels
OF extensive whaling fleet may have been cast away
the coast OF Japan and that others OF our counymen
may be exposed 70 fate similar TO that OF the sufferers OF
the "Lagoda7 You are therefore instructed, while
Yedo TO inquire OF the japanese government whether IL
has any knowledge OF other American being 10
confinement within the limits OF the empire.
Should you ascertain from that government, or from
any other reliable source that there other American
seamen confinement in Japan, you will, of course de-
mand iber release and surrender
In your correspondence or intercourse with the Ja-
panese. your conduct will lie conclliao, but firm You
will be careful not to violate the laws customs OF the
county, OF by any means prejudice The success OF any
pacific policy government may be inclined TO pursue
Nevertheless, you may be placed in situations and cir
cumstances which cannot be foreseen, and which
special Instruction. cannot be given you in anticipation
Ia all such cases. every confidence is eposed in your dis
efeon and ability 10 guard the interests as well as the
honor OF your country
On your passage Nangasack should il prove entirely
convenient and favorable you touch
al Napa keang the southwest part OF the island OF
LooChoo You will there have opportunity of com
municaiing with the Rev DR. Bethlehem and may gain
from him much valuable information But you will bear
in mind that expedition IN reaching Nangasack is not
be sacrificed fo the sake OF touching at this island for
sn uncertain pufpose
Having discharged the duty directed in the foregoing
instructions. you will proceed 10 Shanghai, and commu
piesle with ]. n. A. Griswold, esd, the United States
consul.
You viii return from that port TO Macao, touching at
Nngpo, and the other intermediate consular ports on
your way back, II will not polong your cruise
sonably
Il j. very desirable tba, you should perform this cruise
brief space OF time a. practicable. ! have IN
onned the department that IT will require about three
mohths TO perform this duty do not think you need
exceed that time and would advise you that the pres
Of the Prebe here at the earliest moment. is OF
much importance TO the public service
whenever, during your absence AN opportunity OIL
lers you will report to the progress OF your cruise,
ana, on your return 10 Macao, will make me adesiled
report thereof.
The protection OF our valuable whaling feet and the
encouragement Of the whale fishery are objects of deep
n'eieslto our government You will, therefore, should
an opportunity present ITSELF be prompt to aid and pro-
mole lhese Objects and all occasions, during your
cruise, VIII shofd 70 American commerce aud Interests
The fullest protection IN your power.
wishing you sale, agreeable, and successful cruise,
am, very respectfully, your ohedient servant,
/ d. GElSiNGER,
| Commanding U. s Squadron, East Indies
/ Commander JANIS GLYss,
Commanding v s. ship Prebe. Hong Kong.
Erfrod Of a d,spd,h from Commodore d Geisiopsr
/ addressed 20 ne Secretary Of me Navy dated
i mo All UNITED SrArrs FLsG.smp PLYMOUTH
Nl.na h..