Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-10-13
Japanese Curiositics.


number Of articles and documents have been
received by gentleman in Newark On. J. from
Japan, which may be regarded as curiosties from
that heretofore unknown people. One of them
is a literal translation of letter sent to Commo-
dore Perry, of the Japan Squadron, by two
scholars who were DESTROYS Of coming to this coun-
try. 1t is as follows:
kANAGAwA, JAPAN, April IL, 1854
"Two scholars from Yeddo, in Japan, present
this letter for the inspection of the high officers
and those who manage affairs Our attanments
are few and trifiing, as we ourselves small
and unimportant, SO that we abashed in com
ing before you. We are neither skilled in the
use of arms nor are we able TO discourse on the
rules OF strategy and military discipline. In
trifling pursuits and idle pastimes our years and
months have passed away We have, however,
read in books, and learned little by hearsay,
what are the customs and education in Europe
and America, and we have been for many years
DESTROYS of going the FIVE great CONT
nents;' but the laws of our country in all mari
time points are very strict. For foreigners to
come into the country, and for natives to 90
abroad are both immutably forbidden. Our wish
to visit other regions, consequently, only goes to
and fro within own breasts in continual agi-
tation, like ones breathing being mpeded or his
walking cramped.
g Happily the arrival Of SO many Of your ships
in these waters, and their safety for many
days-which has given us opportunity to make
pleasing acquaintance, and careful examination,
SO that we are fully assured of kindness and lib
erality of your excellencies and your regard for
others-have also revived the thoughts of many
years, and they are urgent for an exit.
"Ths, then, is the time to carry the plan into
execution, and secretly send you the
private request that you will take us on board
act bav IN tn a ran hus
visit around in the hvegreat continents, even we
do in this slight the prohibitions of our country.
Lest those who have the management of affairs
may feel some chagrin at this, in order to effect
our desire we are willing to serve in any way we
can aboard of the ships and obey the orders given
VS.. For doubtless it is when lame man
others walking he wishes to walk too; but how
shall the pedestrian crafty his desires when he
sees another one ridingi We have all our lives
been going hther and yon, unable to get more
than thirty degrees east and west, or twenty-five
degrees north and south; but now, when we see
how you sail on the tempests and cleave the huge
pillows, going lightning speed thousands and
myriads at miles, skirting along the five great
continents, can it not be kened to the lame find
ing plan for walking and the pedestrians seeing
a mode by which he can rider
'slf you who manage affairs will give our
quest your consideration will retain the sense
of the favor; but the prohibitions Of our country
are still existent, and if this matter should become
known we should useessly see ourselves pursued
and brought back for immediate execution with
out fail; and such result would greatly greve
the deep humanity and kindness you all bear to-
wards others II you are willing to accede to
the request keep wrapped in silence our error in
making it until you about to leave, in order
to avoid all risks Of such serious danger to life:
for when, by and by, we come back our country
men will never think it worth while to investigate
by-gonc doings. Although our words have only
loosely let our thoughts leak out, yet truly they
are sincere; and, if your excelencies are pleased
TO regard them kindly, do not doubt them or OPP
pose our wishes. We together pay our respects
in handing this in. I"
lit is hardly necessary to add that the request
was denied by the Commodore, as it would be
breach Of good feeling between the two countries.l
National Mteligencsr.