, 1855-05-12
OF Japan.

The Sandwich island papers IN hOtlchg
the arrival of the U. S. Ships Susquehan-
nah and Mississippi, at Honolulu, state
that in their passage from China they stop
ped in the harbor of Simoda, where they
remained several days. The officers report
a pleasant visit there. Their intercourse
with the officers and people of Japan was
marked by much confidence on the part of
the Japanese and almost by the entire
absence Of the restraint and apparent sus-
~pepsion which had been evinced on the
occasion of the Mississippi's former visit
and q decided change was marked in all
classes. Purchases were easily made Of
Whatever they had to SELL The shopkceper
was no longer shy, and made the most
tempting display of his ware. BY the aid
of his fingers he would both quickly tell
you how many hundreds of the copper coin
you would be in debt for his matchless
lacquer or curious lantern. His willingness
"to turn an honest penny from your pocket
to bis own was not at oil dubious, and he
experienced neither fatigue or aversion in
"sitting at the receipt" of the American
Itzeboo. simOda, after its selection as one
Of the American ports, was declared an
Imperial city, and is no longer under the
immediate government Of the Prince of the
province of Idzoo, in which it is situated,
and it is now the place of residence of
some Eve Imperial officers During the late
visit of the Mississippi, some Of them we're
absent at Yedo, bnt those who remained
were very friendly in their greetings
Capt. Lee, with suit of officers, made an
official call on the Lieut. Governor where
they were cordially received and entertained
with pleasant edibles, Ia japanese.
Even the ladies have lost much Of the
reserve and difidence which formerly char
aeterized, them, and prevented US from
having a sight at them. Indeed, it was
not unusual to see officers sitting in the
house with several ladies and gentlemen
around them-the former frequently play
ing native guitar, or earnestly engaged
in conversation, eager to learn the English
names of things, and the manners and Gus
toms Of the people Of oun own country
and some expressing warm desire soon tC
be able to visit the land Of their new &C
quaintances. We were permitted to g
into the country to any distance we wished
and there the peasants we found just Al
friendly and sociable as they were in th'
town, and always greeted us as a friends.
The town of Simoda is situated upon
small bay of the same name-the house
mostly well built, clean, and comfortable
As soon as a vessel appears in the ofing
one of the pilots appointed by Com. PER-,
goes ont to take it into port. The har
Dor master then goes on board to ascer
tain whether the vessel is moored in SC
cure position, and to render any service i
his dover. The interpreters, Totonosk
and Totsttchilo, with some other officers
soon after go on board also, through whor
anything can be obtained which the plac
affords. The former speaks the Dute
language to perfection, and the EngliS
very well; the latter speaks the Dutch oply
The harbor master furnishes excellegt
and water and at the shortest notice, ,'1f
for the most reasonable price.
In the town are numerous stores, col
tanning silks, satins, beautiful Grape, an
every variety oichecquered ware, ,porcelea
Of the fine Saiity, tobacco, cut and lea
and numerous other Manufactured article
These the people are very willing to Sc
aaOd at fair rates. They are purchased
rectly from the merchants, then sent to Il