The true Democrat., 1854-10-25
Letter from Com. Perry.

The following interesting information has been received from Commodore M. C. Perry, commanding the United States naval forces in the East India, China, and Japan seas, dated
 U $. Steam Frigate PowHATAN, HARBoR OR HAKoDADI, Island of Jesso,
 Japan, Tuesday, May 30 1854.
 have examined the ports of Simoda and Ha- kodadi, which are to be opened to the vessels of the United States, and am happy to inform the department that, with respect to geograph- cal position, convenience of ingress and egress, and commodiousness for all the purposes re- quired, they cannot be surpassed. This is one of the safest and most convenient harbors have ever seen for vessels of all classes and 1t is suf- ticently capacious to hold half the navies of the world.
 The authorities and people of the two towns and their vicinities have manifested much kindness and attention. The ships have been promptly supplied, at reasonable prices, with wood water, and such other articles as the country could furnish. The singular abstemi- ousness of the Japanese from animal food has never made it necessary for them to rear and fatten animals for the market, and hence the scarcity of that aiment so necessary to people of the western nations. It is quite probable how ever, that they will hereafter be better prepared
 
 two ports. Poultry and fish, and, at the proper seasons, fruit and vegetables, may be obtained in reasonable quantities and one or two ships could always be provided with suficiency for their wants.
 At both places the officers and those of the crews who have been permitted to leave the ships go freely about in town and country, and on fishing and shooting excursions, visiting the shops, the temples and other places of interest, without the slightest hindrance or molestations and are everywhere treated with kindness and respect, and especially by the country people.
 But one instance has occurred of annoyance to any one, and this was at Simoda; and on it's being represented to me, 1 demanded and received and apology from the prefect, who disa- vowed the acts of the officers who committed the offense.
 According to arrangement, l am to meet one or more of the imperial commissioners at Simo- da on the 18th of next month, Uune,) to settle various matters connected with proper under standing of the treaty; after this is accomplish ed, shall return to Hong Kong by the way of Ohio ina, Lew-C Chew and the ports of Ningpo : Fun Chow and Annoy, in China.
 The officers ofmy command have constructed several valuable charts of the harbors and coasts of Japan and our collection ofspecimens of nat ural history, and of drawings, sketches, etc., is rapidly increasing.
 One ofthe vessels of the squadron is now en- gagged in making reconnaissance of "Volcano bay" convenient anchorage about 70 miles from this port.
 Until this time I have not had it in my pow CT to institutein through manner the research es and inquiries which the department has or dered in its instructions of Oct. 36, 1852, May 16, 1858, and June Il, 1843, with respect to the fate of our fellow-countrymen supposed either to have been lost at sea- or to be still alive and held in captivity in Formosa, or the islands of Japan.
 The authorities here have furnished answers to my several inquiries upon the subject. here- with inclosed, and 1 propose to send the Mace donian, accompanied by the Souothampton, to Formosa, there to prosecute every possible re- search, and at the same time to examine the coal region of that island.
 As evidence of the good understanding sub sisting, as we'll at this place as at Kanagawa and Simoda, may remark that the prefecst, gover. nor, mayor and other persons of rank visited this ship by invitation last evening, and were entertained by me at formal supper.
 With great respect, I have the honor to be, sir your most obedient servant,
 M. c. PERRY, Commander Chief U. $. naval forces. East India, China and Japan seas. To the Hon. JAMES C. DOZEN, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C