The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-05-04
The Japan Squadron.

from the NatlOnaI lntelngencer
Extracts from letter of an officer on board Com.
Perys flag ship to his friend in Washington dated Napa
Keang, Great Loo Choo, Feb. g. 1854 =
We left Hong Kong on the 14th ult in company with
the Powhatan, Mississippi Southampton and Lexington
the Macedonian Vandalia and Supply having preceded
shortly after Joined by the Southampton and Lexington
they having been towed most of the way These three
soeshps brought each about four hundred tons of coal
with supplies and provisions and stores, that
have six months supplies with us, which will enable
to remain long enough the coast Of Japan to give
fair test to the experiment we have undertaken of bring
ing the authorities Of that country into some sort Of
tercourse'with
With the people of this island we getting along
swmmingly; every day brings about some new conces
from them, which, six months ago. would not have
been thought Of
To-day we visited the Regent at the royal palace in the
city of Shut about three miles from Napa accompanied
by escort Of two companies of Marines three bands
and about forty officers by this sort of show the peo
pie Of these countries more readily influenced. We
first visited the Regent at the palace and from thence
went 10 the City Hail. where grand entertainment
u be %5 m LEAVING the
on board the flag ship to come off return from
Japan They have already dned with him. but intend
returning to give them sort of dramatic show to be
gotten up by the crew.
You cannot or rather It would be difficult for you to
imagine the beauties of this island with respect the
charming scenery and its marvellous perfection Of Guilt
dated works Of defence Gc There Eve palaces in the
covering SPACE Of three acres with massive walls quite
equal to many Of the old castles of Europe
Inc lsianu contains population OF one hundred and
fifty or two hundred thousand souls, and Ne have
much control of and the authorities and people il it
were conquered country; and, what is singular not
unendly act instance Of coercion has occurred in
bringing these things about. We have explored the
whole interior of the island and surveyed the entire
coast The people, wherever parties GO attend
them and supply them with lodgings and provisions.
AT first they would receive compensation but the
Commodore insisted that nothing should be accepted
unless it was paid for, and there is now little difficulty
in that way.
You are aware that II an Eastern practice to ex
change presents all occasions of public visits These
must be given and received there be intercourse
rather interchange of visits Consequently the
Commodore sent his presents day two ago. and to
dry every officer received trng present from the Re.
the visit would have been destroyed. These presents
from the Lew Chewans are OF small value, such fans
tobacco pipes, &c. Our presents to them have been
more substantial the State Department having provided
very literally in this respect.
Hitherto whaling ships have dared to enter
the ports of this island they do with perfect
safety, and be furnished with supplies at fair prices
As an evidence Of the confidence have in their
peaceful intentions shall leave party the island
in charge Of depot Of COAL established here this very
day The Regent has promised good care them
during absence
The island has been ruled for nearly thous md
by line of kings. The present heir to the throne
being minor, hrteen years old the kingdom is gov
erned by Regent who has to assist him three counsel
lors II is dependency OF Japan and sends annually to
that empire large amount in taxes.
We sail in three days for Jeddo Bay, the Macedonian,
vandalia Southampton and Lexington having already
gone The Supply has just discharged her coal into the
three steamers and will sail day two for Shanghai
for another cargo to join at Jeddo. We could not
have managed Mt all without the assistance of the store
ships not vessel could be chartered in China for trans
porting coal and whole cruise this spring would
been defeated had 1t not been for their services.