Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1856-01-17
MistelIanp.
Interesting from Japan.


of Commerce, under date of Simoda, Japan,
April 90, 1855, writes as follows -
DEAR SIR We are all well, and really
living in this strange and most beautiful coun-
try. The fact we can hardly realize our
selves We are the pioneers, in the full sense
of The term for we learn from the japanese
that none of the Americans ever slept on their
shores before, not even excepting the officers
and crew of our feet that made the treaty,
though they made frequent attempts to do so.
They also assure US that we are the only for
eigners they have dealt directly with them for
two hundred years. How strange must this new
era appear to them, and how strongly do they
manifest this new state of things. So far as
have seen and known of the Japanese, my i'm
pressions are favorable towards them, and
there are many traits Of character to admire.
Simple in their manner toward Americans,
eager to learn our language, SO much so that
ask the hame of everything, and at once
write it down and almost every hour in the
day there are to be seen from FIVE TO twenty
persons in my house, asking names, and all
writing them down. During our short stay
here they have learned our names, and also the
names Of the dogs and cats we brought with
us. As We pass in the streets, we hear from
every door, window and corner-'Mr. Reed
Mrs. Reed, willy Louise Quincy and
Tiger the dogs; 'Mr. and Mrs. Doty,' and
so all the names of our party. Such constant
repetitions, and from all sides and directions,
create confusion. They are friendly beyond
conception, constantly giving of theif food, and
small articles, and expressing their admira-
tion of US by patterning after US, and saying
'euker,' which means very good. They are
faithful in all things, careful to deliver articles
as directed, and watchful over each other. that
nothing belonging to us is disturbed ; eager TO
impart information, cautioning US against dan
ger, and in fact, must say that they almost
worship US, from the highest to the lowest. |
am convinced that, did not their government
interfere, we should be overwhelmed with
kindness and attention; but their Difference to
government results from fear, think, more
than principle. They have the most profound
respect for their Emperor and laws. This is
seen almost every hour. For instance offer
10 remuuerate one for a service rendered, or
offer him present, no matter how triaing, he
declines acceptance at oace, and says 'if
were 10 take it the Emperor would take nv
head off, and with look, too, that would
convince you that he firmly believed such
American does such control of an emperor or
king over his subjects appear. wonder and
wonder, aad caaaot solve the mystery. have
come to the conclusion, however, that could
the emperor conceive the power Of civilization
and religion, he would soon tremble in view
of its influence upon his people and empire
This people know nothing about shame or
modcsty, and are Indifferent how they appear,
whether in dress or not, under any circum-
stances, as well naked as with clothes on.-
Those in authority or in Office generally dress
we'll, and always when seen have clothes on,
but are apparently as Indifferent to modesty.
Hence when they come to see our ladies', they
seem to think they can as well examine their
underclothes as their dresses and external
clothing. The Governor of Simoda, the first
time he called at our house, as soon as lie got
into the room, stretched himself out on our
bed, it being the first of the kind he had ever
seen. and was anxious TO try its qualities
All things they do in such simplicity, it is not
little amusing, can assure you. They are
all very curious about our ladies', TO know why
they are SO white and delicate in appearance ;
for the japanese women are the rougher in ap-
pearance of the sexes; they are in fact The
slaves. We, of course, told them how our
ladies were esteemed, and how respected, and
it appears to excite perfect mystery with them.
We have some pictures of ladies in frames.
and some in periodicals, showing fashions, &c.
They often ask us if we really have ladies that
reSemOle lnem. w nen tOiu we have, thcy
raise both hands and exclaim, 'Anhee -
When we first landed here, we had many
strong objections and remonstrances from the
japanese officers, telling US that we were moi
allowed to live on shore under any crcum-
stances and that if we did come on shore,
the Governor of Simoda could no longer be
Governor but would have to put an end to
his existence be ripping himself open. ! re.
piled, HVery well if he must do so foolish an
act, he could not do it for a better cause
We came and took possession OF one of theil
temples assigned US in the treaty regulations
and the next day the priest and other japanese
officers were ordered out and fifteen carpenters
were sent to make us tables, benches, and such
alterations as we required. The temple is
large and spacious, but lily adapted to family
purposes or residence. The temple and
grounds are sacred, and exclusively ours
not Japanese, except the officers, is permit
ted to enter the gate. except by special per
mission. To guard against intrusion, foul
officers are stationed at the gate, who are re
leased every four hours by four others, ant
the watch is kept up day and night. Also, a
or near the gate is small house, in which arr
stationed five other officers of higher rank