Washington sentinel., 1854-05-05


with credit TO the United States, but without
wrong 10 Japan. / need not remind you that your
mission is one of peaceful negotiation, and that,
although in consideration of the peculiar character
of the Japanese, much importance may well be at
tached 10 the exhibition Of impressive evidences
of the greatness and power of country, no vio-
lence should be resorted 10, except for defence.
II is very desirable 10 make our navy efficient
branch of the government, both in extending and
protecting commerce and trade but, as Congress
alone has power 10 declare war, too much pru-
dence cannot be exercised even in the great work
in which you are engaged.
These suggestions not made 10 discourage
your laudabe zeal nor 10 detract from the magni-
tude of your mission. Every confidence is re-
pesed in your judgment and patriotism. They
have, however, been called forth by portion of
your interesting notes. in which you express some
hope of success in the spring, by operating on the
fears Of the Japanese, but speak at the same time
OF the number of batteries already erected on the
shore 10 "expel the Americans and of the pro-
babty of more being constructed before the
spring thereby intimating the opinion that they
are preparing 10 give you warlike reception
The following are the portions OF your dispatches
TO which refer.
The land is highly cultivated, and the shores
are lined with nourishing towns and villages, in
termngled with batteries and the waters are every
where covered with large and commodious boats.
Many Of the batteries are new, and seemed to
have been planned with some regard to the rules
of engineering; others in progress of con-
siruction, designed probably TO expel the Ameri-
cans from their coast doubtless many others will
be erected before the ensuing spring for the same
object but with the force shall have, and espe-
ciay with the aid of the Vermont, shall not be
deferred from penetrating 10 the very head OF ma
vigation in the bay, and within three or four miles
OF Yeddo, perhaps within gun-shot
g 1t is very certain that the Japanese can be
brought 10 reason only through the influence of
their fears, and when they find that their sea
coast is entirely at the mercy Of a strong naval
force, they will be induced, confidently hope TO
concede all that will be asked Of them, and feel
assured that, even if they cannot be brought 10
any treaty arrangement, strangers who may here
after be thrown upon their shores will be treated
with kindness
If the department desired 10 add the Vermont
TO your force, as was contemplated by my prede-
cessor, it cannot be done ON account of the i'm
possibility Of procuring seamen. Vessels already
manned cannot be spared, as their services are
otherwise more urgently needed.
When the Saratoga leaves you, and after supply
ing the Hon. Mr.. McLane, commissioner to China,
with the steamer directed by this department on
the 2Sth ultmo, you will have still two steamers,
and on the arrival of the Macedonian three sloops
ofwar, besides the store-ship. The President en-
tertains the opinion that this force will be amply
sufficient for all purposes Of defence, and will be
an exhibition OF power calculated TO impress the
Japanese favorably, and effect the object of your
mission, far naval force can effect it, unless
landing large bodies of men and invasion be con-
templated, which Congress, in its wisdom, pre-
sumo; will not be disposed to sanction in a country
so remote, without great provocation. Mr.. Nc
Lane goes TO China with every disposition 10
operate with you and will no doubt aid you as far
as possible
Your presence and personal observation of the
state Of affairs, OF course, enable you 10 Judge more
correctly OF what was expedient, than those who
are remote from the scene but, in consideration
nf he UaS ay nd GRO anI nf nF
your squadron for other important purposes, it is
much TO be regretted that final action should have
been postponed TO so late period as next spring
The President desires that you have ad
yanced thus far and have given notice of your in
tention TO return in the ensuing spring, you will
accordingly proceed TO Japan, and resort 10 every
honorable and reasonable effort TO persuade the
Japanese 10 abandon their inhospitable and unso-
cial system, and 10 effect treaty of amity and
commerce.
You will, upon your return TO China, give our
commissioners, as well as this department, infor-
nation of the results Of your efforts, and cooper
ate with him in the execution of his mission 10
China.
You think that, in the saving of coal, it will be
economy 10 hire a small steamer on your next
visit 10 the bay of Yeddo If this is your judg-
ment, The department approves of such course,
and takes this occasion TO suggest that in the con-
sderaion OF the great expense attending the de-
livery of coal in the East Indies, it is very import
ant that steam SnOhid only be used Wnen IN your
Judgment it is indispensaby necessary.
A copy of the instructions from the State De.
partment TO Mr.. McLane is herewith enclosed
Mr.. McLane has been furnished with copy OF
this despatch to yourself
Wishing you every success in your enterprise
| am, respectfully, your obedient servant.
]. c. DOBBIN
Secretary ofthe Nary.
Commodore M. C, PERRY,
Commanding United States Squadron,
East India and China Seas.