Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1852-12-09
The Japan Expedition.

The National lntelligencer has the follow
ing full and interesting account Of the ex-
pedition to Japan:
About the first of January next an expc-
dition will depart from the port Of Norfolk
for the performance Of important and ardu-
Gus duties in the far of seas and islands Of
the Pacific ocean. It's objects will be to
survey portions Of the China and Japan
seas, the route between China and Cailor-
MIA, and the North Pacific ocean in the re-
gion Of Bhering's Straits. 1t may probably
also ascend the sea Of Tartary, to make
some examinations needed for the advanta-
geous prosecution of commercial cnterpri-
ses in those comparatively unknow nw aters.
In the north, however, it will no doubt
find very wide field for its operations in
making such investigations as are desirable
for the illrthcrence OF our important inter-
ests in the whale fisheries.
The Sandwich Islands will for time be
the principal rendezvous of the vessels of
this expedition; but it is not unlikely that
its arrival at Japan will be so timed as to
make it available in facilitating the efforts OF
| Commodore Perry, whose fleet will tarry
considerable time in tie vicinity Of those
| islands.
The expedition will consist of-First. the
sloop-oi-war Nincenncs, Commander Cad
waluder RinggoId, with Lieut.. F. A. Budd
and other officers not yet desi ignated, and l75
men. This soop is now at New York
Second, the steam propeller John Hancock,
Lieut.. John Rodgers, commanding, with 60
men. She is now undergoing thorough re-
pairs al Boston. Third, the brig Porpoise,
Lieut.. II. B. Davis commanding, with sixty
men. She is now at New York. Fourth,
tender, TO be called The Pilot, with about
twenty men. We believe her commander
is not yet chosen.
The passed midshipmen, milshipmen, and
MANY other officers, are not yet designated.
The most eminent medical skill in the
service will be detailed, and scientific men
in every department will be selected with
reference to their high reputation and emil
next suitableneSs for the duties in vcw.-
} The crews also will consist alone of young,
healthy, vigorous and efficient seamen men
capable of enduring all the requisite labor
and privations, and intelligent enough to APP
, preciate the Importance and salutary re-
| suits of the mission upon which they are tc
l sent.
; In every particular this expedition will
: be thoroughly prepared for the work before
it. The vessels will all be peculiarly
| adapted for II in their construction and equip
1 ment. All the late and we'll established
improvements in the machinery of steamer.
1 have been introduced into the John Han
= cock; and the boats have been constructed
= in the best manner, with special reference
TO the contemplated surveys.
: In the selection oPthe requisite armaments
= efforts have been successfully made TO Obtain
the most perfect Of every kind and such a
r will prove efficient in their appropriate
n uses. Thus, Searp'a breech-loading rifle
s with Maynard's primer, and Colts improve,
n revolver will occupy their places amonl
the small arms.
= In the scientific departments, the sam
n circumSpection is manifested. The astro
G nomical instruments are obtained throug
the National Observatory at Washington
Il and are of the very best quality. Many G
e them, we understand, have been made i
h this city under the supervision of Nj
/, Wunderman, and possesses the advantag
of all the improvements suggested in the eX
Y perience OF the coast and typographical sur
: veys, and of the naval service. We ar
i assured, indeed, by those whoarc competen
n to Judge of their merits, that instrument
5, so perfect and so well adapted TO their use
y could not elsewhere be obtained, either i
this country or in Europe.
e Scientific and miscellaneous libraries 70
i the uses of both the officers and men, hay
IS also been provided; and thus the best mean
e of preserving order and discipline, and {
% securing Improvement, will constantly be {
: hand.
The means of collecting information i
= natural history have been exceedingly we
ID cared for. even to the most minute partiou
lar, masmuch that complete photograph
l. apparatus will form part Of the impe
y ments supplied.
In the stores of these vessels the sam
3 particular regard is had to all the possibl