The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-07-03
The Visit Of the BRUSH steamer Sphinx
10 the Lc0-chOo Islands.


The countries of eastern Asia, aud the swarming
Isiahas IN Tue racine ever against the coast Were
long as sealed book to Europeans, and many por
tlons are yet u terra tacogHita. The contemplated
naval expedition to these seas, and the prospect Of
the speedy establishment Of line of steamers be-
tween this port and China, lend additional interest
to any increase OF stock OF information concern
ing these countries. OF the Loo-ohoo Islands. com
parttvely little is known, and TINT little is chiefly
derived from hasty and unsatisfactory visit OF
Capt Basil Hall, who was unable to much more
OF the country than its COASTS His statements can
not be relied upon.
According to his highly wrought eulogy. the
islanders almost realized the poetic ictions OF the
golden age Experienced navigatofs say that the
best possible point upon which 10 establish a coal
depot for our China steamers, would be upon of
these islands, and that the article has been found
there, and has for some years been transported by
the Chinese to Hong Kong, for the use of the Bfi
tlsh steamers. The following account therefore,
taken from the China Mai, of recent visit Of the
British Sphinx to Loochoo, will be found to
contain some interesting information =
III NJ. ). Sphinx arrived at Looehoo on the 9th
February. The principal object of her mission to
that place was to deliver to the authorities letter
from Lord Palmerston, her Majesty's Principal Sec
rotary for Foreign Affairs, in answer to a commu-
nication which those functionaries had previously
addressed to his lordshp also, to inquire gene
rally into the position Of the missionary, DR.. Bet
tleheim.
Captain Shadwen was DESTROYS of delivering his
communication within the walls Of the royal city of
Shooe. The authorities at first demurrei to this,
and wished to receive it ut Napa, the seaport.
After some negotiations however, the latter gave
way, and it was ultimately arranged that it should
be received at Shooe, as proposed
On the llth, Captain Shadwell, accompanied by
4 his officers, and guard of sea men and marines,
landed in state, and proceeded to Shooe salute of
seven guns having been fired, and the national
colors displayed at the mast head, as Lord Pal
merston's letter left the ship. The distance from
the landing place at Napa to Shooe is about three
miles, the places being connected by good paved
road. On arrival at the gates Of the citadol the
guard, after presenting arms remained outside, the
officers only proceeding inside the walls. On pass
ing within the second wall, they were received by
the Regent the Ministers, and large retnue, and
conducted by them to the hall of audience, where
/ Lord Pulmcrstons letter was formally presented,
and respectfully received
A conference then ensued having reference chiefly
to the affairs Of Dr. Bethlehem, In the course Of
which the Loochoo authorities repeatedly expressed
most friendly intentions towards him. At the ter
mnation of the interview, the officers were invited
to an entertainment by the regent, which was given
at his residence outside the walls Of the citadel Re-
freshments were also at the time supplied to the
seamen and marines; after which the party return
ed to the ship.
The Sphinx remained at Loochoo until the 18th
During their stay the officers were allowed to roam
about the Island wherever they pleased, and al
ways met with the greatest civiy from the nhabi-
tants. The country is exceedingly well cultivated,
producing sugar, rice, grain and tobacco, and a
great variety oil vegetables; II is intersected by
iuerOus goOu paved lOGts; the streams are crossed
by good bridges; the houses and the walls around
the enclosures exceedingly well built: and the
place is evidently in adya lced state of scmi-ci-
vilation. The country is undulatiAg and well
wooded, and the scenery in many places remarkably
picturesque.
During the Sphinx's stay, liberal presents of fresh
provisions were sent on two occasions, by the autho
rifles, and although the boisterous state of the wca
Their prevented the regent returning Captain Shad-
wells visit on board the Sphnx-the invitation to
which had been accepted-presents were mutually
nterchangcd,
DR.. Bettelheim reports, that since the visit of H.
M $. Reynard, in October, 1850, his position has
been much improved, and that his medical labors
were emnently successful! during the prevalence Of
the small pox.
IMPORTANT ARREST IN CAYADA.--Ira Virgins,
who has been charged with the attempted murder
of Mr. Heath, at Squaw Grove, Illinois, and escaped
from the jail where he was confined upon that
charge, has been arrested ut Dunnvilie in Canada.
Through the exertions Of some Of its energetic cti
he ia now confined in the county Jail, where he
will be detained until the proper American officers
arrive. We understand they are already in pursuit,
and that proper notices have been forwarded to the
authorities on this side, who it is to be hoped will
bestir themselves in this case, which 10 said to be