Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-09-30

FROM THE JAPAN SQUADRON.

The following interesting Letter has been recev-
ed from Com. PERRY, commanding the United
States naval forces in the East India, China, and
Japan Seas:
U. s. STEAM FRIaArE PowHATAs,
Habor Of Hakodd Island Of Jesse, Japan, Nay 80 1854
have examined the ports Of Simoda and Hakodad
which be opened the vessels Of the United States
and happy to inform the Department that, with re
spect geographical position convenience Of ngres and
egres and commodousness for all the purposes requir
ed they cannot be surpassed This is of the safest
and convenient harbors have for vessels
of all classes and il is sufficiently capacous hold half
the navies of the world
The authorities and people of the two towns and their
yicnities 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 abstemousness OF
the japanese from animal food has neverade 1t neces-
sary for them and ftten animals for the market
and hence the scarcity of that ament necessary to
people of the western nations is quite probable how
ever that they will hereafter be better prepared to meet
the demands of the vessels visiting the two ports Poul
try and fish, and the proper seasons fruit and vege
tables may be obtained in reasonable quantities. and one
two ships could always be provided with susiency
!, for their wants.
At both places the officers and those of the who
have been permitted to leave the ships go freely about in
town and country, and fishing and shooting excur
sons visiting the shops the temples and other places of
interest," without the slightest hindrance moestation
and every where treated with kindness and respect
and especially by the country people But instance
has occurred of annoyance to any one and this at
Simoda and, its being Representative me- demanded
and received apology the project who disayowed
the. acts of the officers who committed the offence
According to arrangement, am to meet one or more
of the Imperial Commissioners at Smoda the 10Th of
next month"; (June to settle various matters connected
with proper understanding of the treaty After this is
accomplished shall return to Hong Kong by the way
of Oho-Sma, Lew-Chew, and the ports of Ningpo, Fun
Chow, and Annoy, in China.
The officers of my command have constructed several
valuable charts of the harbors and of Japan, and
collection of specimens of natural history and of
drawings sketches SC. rapidly increasing.
Ono Of the vessels Of the squadron is engaged in
making reconnaissance of volcano Bay convenient
anchorage, about seventy miles from this port.
Until this time have not had it in my power to inst
tnte in thorough manner the researches and inquiries
which the Department has ordered in its instructions Of
October 3d. 1852, May l6, 1858, and June IL, 1853,
with respect to the fate Of lowcountrymen sup
posed either to have been lost at sea, to be still
alive and held in captivity in Formosa the islands of
Japan.
The authorities here have furnished answers to my
several inquiries upon the SUBJECT herewlth encosed
and propose to send the Macedonian, accompanied by
the Southampton, Formosa there prosecute every
possible research, and the time to examine the
coal region of that island,
As evidence of the good understanding subsstng as
well at this place at Kanagawa and Simoda, may
mark that the Prefect Governor Mayor and other per-
Of rank visited this ship by invitation last evening
and we're entertained by me at formal supper.
With great respect, have the honor be, sir your
most obedient servant, NJ C. PERRY
Commander in Chief U. s. Naval Forces
East India, China and Japan Seas
To the Hon. JAS G. DoBBIN,
Secretary Of the Navy, Washington