The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-01-21

visit TO Japan-Interesting Particulars-The
Collins Steamers
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK HERALD.
SHIP LADY PIsRCs,l
Homo KoSG, Nov. 10, 1854.
Ny DEAR SR-I have taken trip to Japan in
the ship Lady Pierce, and been treated (wishout
taking with me any military parade or strength to
resist attack) with full as much hospitality and
liberty of action as Commodore Perry received, who
LETT Japan fifteen days before my arrival.
1t Ia most interesting country, and the Japanese
superior race Of people to any Asistcs l have
seen. Their coasting commerce far exceeds ours
on the Atlantic coast of the United States. On two
occasions l counted fleets Of three hundred aud
thirty and two hundred and eighty junks, ave-
raging, think, about hundred and thirty tons,
and the Japanese say they have fifty thousand
vessels from sixty to three hundred tons. Tue
present treaty, a. now made, will not be attended
with any commercial advantages, and every device
win be adopted by the Japanese to deter our ships
ffom entering their ports; but think they can be
pleased. and eventually induced to open trade
with US. which will be attended with great benefit
70 the United States. But it will not be accom-
plished by sending ships of war there, with that
ease, in my opinion, that 1t will by going without
military power, and showing them the advantages
that commercial intercourse with the United
States would produce on the inhabitants and coun.
try.
have never been among any people who were
30 soon AmercaniEed ss the Japanese and II the
Emperor had not interfered, and arrested the grow
ing friendship, Jeddo bay would have been home
to ali Americans.
The Japanese whom returned to his country,
named Dee-yee skse, perfectly charmed his cJuu-
trymen by relating the kindness he received in the
United States, and from me ON the passage to Ja
pan; be Is the arst Japanese who has returned to
Japan from foreign lands, and he will do more to-
wards opening an intercourse than all the ships OF
war and ministers We can send
The Emperor and his minister would not condde
in what foreigners say; but zee no skee an edu
Gated man, will be believed. The Emperor sent for
him to come TO Jeddo, "a soon as left, but during
my stay there, he kept to aid me- by drectionof
the head men. Deeyee no skee Was the only sur.
vivor Of the passengers and crew Of the junk that
was shipwrecked and driven near the Sandwich
Islands, where he was taken from the wreck by
the American schooner Emily Parker, and brought
to San Francisco, and II will ever be a source Of
great pleasure to me that have been an agent for
my country In returning him to Japan.
The Japanese articles you doubtless have seen
In the exhibition at the Crystal Palace, were pre-
sented by Dee zee no.skee, who was clerk Of the
owner Of the junk and cargo and who died on board
There were twelve other passengers taken from
shipwrecked junk into San Francisco the history Of
whom Is melancholy indeed. They remained in San
Francisco near year on board the revenue cutter,
without any desire to 60 on shore, filling various
situations In the vessel, and q most excellent
and fine looking set Of men. Their only desire was
10 be conveyed to Japan. The United States
government took charge Of them and brought them
to this place, where they were {, return 10 their
country with the feet which was TO be sent to
Japan.
am informed that they were kept here long
time and for some cause became 30 dissatisfied at
their situstion, that, knowing something Of the geo
graphical situation Of the country, they attempted
to travel by land from Sbanghae TO port on the
China coast opposite Japan, from which they could
cross to their country. They left 6hAnghae, aud
soon after getting into China were SGT upon by
thieves and stripped Of clothes and everything,
and returned TO the port, where they were fur
nshed with clothing and starred again, but have
not since been heard from. One of the crew Of
that junk was in Commodore Pery's squadron when
1t visited Japan, but from some cause wsad not 90
on shore, although the Japanese used every infu.
ence 10 induce him 10 90 with them.
When reached Japan, In my arguments OF the
great advantages Japan would derive from direct
and constant intercourse with California; that they
could become great commercial nation, Of great
wealth and power; that Japan was about equal 10
England, Ireland and Scotland, who had been
made great and powerful by commerce. and unless
they became commercial people their population,
when 1t be- ame great, must die from diseases they
replied" But our sailors would all leave US. Dee.
M ukaa In fha n ho has covne hack IN
his country. Where are Al the other men gone that
were in the other junks which Dsegee no skse tells
US were In California; One OF them, he knew, was
in Commodore Perrys ship, but he would not como
on shore; and till you returned with Dee-gee emo
skee, we thought none Of our people would come
hack TO us again" Nothing can accomplish 80
much in bringing about national intimacy and
friendship as returning sll Japanese to their own
country; and ifthey have been well treated when in
land OF strangers, be assured the Japanese viii
duly appreciate IT,.
have seen by the papers Of the United States
that great discussion has taken place both in and
out of Congress, in relation 70 the Collins line OF
st< amers, and that they had been prom ounced by
some OF our government officials as inadequate
for var sesmers. ] am one Of the Old
have stood by the side OF Fulton in bis arst boat
propelled BY steam on the waters Of the Hudson;
bsve built several myself; and, on board my own
steamer, have Davigated the rivers OF South Anne
Jica, which gives me practical knowledge. From
being with Fulton and other pioneers In steam,
have progressively inspected and followed the sue,
cess OF most steamers which have been built In the
United States r0rth Of the Ohio, (and their disas.
ters,) since the first put In motion by Fulton up 20
my leaving you in the Atlantic for Europe.
have also travelled through al the nations OF
Europe, inspected their buildings and machinery,
and have for years crossed the Atlantic westward
n In I'M N vi N
over the elements OF nature.
Often, when passing In the Cunard line, with
modification have we Americans on board dis
cussed the subject Of British lines OF steamers
being built by American patronage which steamers,
In case Of war, would capture our commerce, and
blockade our harbors.