Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-03-26

q 6SfidSfsy. q. esn u Ri Is authesticity
and the truth Of this statement Vi thSt # is the
isster Of two sesosays Of Japan, who during the
Alate visit Of Commodore Perry 70 that kingdom,
wlshed, with their enlarged notions Of liberty, 10 by
their country end government, toexpand the sphere
their knowledge in other lands and beneath other
skjes. 1t came into possession Of some Of the off,
cers and was given into mine, thar Il might BY The
present mode, be presented to still larger number
Of those who fond Of the novel and the curious
1t Is scarcely necessary to say that such breach
OF international faith was committed to allow the
two scholars" an opportunity to escape by the
plan their ingenuity sought and their peculiar soph
istry extenuated.
The gentleman from whom your correspondent
obtained it, has portfolio of sketches of many Of
the most prominent places in China and Japan, visit
ed by the expedition under command of the gallant
Perry. The following derives an increased interest
from the fact that the visit the celestial islands
is just Of the most interesting topics dis
cussed by the scientific and the learned:
Literal Translation Of the Letter receiped from too
japanese Scholars: -
1.-TWO Scholars from Yedo. in Japan, present this
those who manage affairs" Our attainments are
few and trifling, ourselves small and I'M
important; SO that we arc abashed in coming be-
fore you. We are neither skilled in the use of arms
nor we able to discourse upon the rules Of STRAIT
egg and military discipline In trifing pursuits and
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 over the
five great continents;" but the laws Of our
try, in all maritime points are very strietfor foreign
ers to come into the country and for natives to 60
abroad, are both mmutably forbidden. Our wish
to visit other regions consequently, onygo to and
fro within our own breasts, in continual agitation,
"like ones breathing impeded his walking cramp-
ed" Happily, the arrival Of many of your ships
in these waters, and stay for SO many days, which
has given US opportunity to make pleasing &C.
quaintancc and careful examination, so that VIC are
fully assured Of the kindness and liberality of your
Excellencies and your regard for others, has also
revived the thoughts of many years, and they are
urgent for our exit
This, then, is the time to carry the plan into
cution; and VIC now secretly send you this private
request, that you will take on board your ships
as they go out to sea. We can thus visit around in
the five great continents if do in this slight
the prohibition of our own country. Lest those who
have the management of affairs may feel some cha
grin at this, in order to effect desire, viii
ling to serve in any way we can aboard of the ships,
and obey the orders given us. For doubtless it is,
when lame man sees others walking he wishes. to
walk too; but how shall the pedestrian crafty his
desires when he sees another one riding? We have,
all our lives, been going hither and yon, unable to
get more than 80 degrees East and West, or % de-
grees NOrtn ana South; hut now, Wnen we sec now
you sail on the tempest and clcave the huge bllows
going lightning spcedthousands and myriads of miles,
skirting along the great continents, can it not be
lkened to the lame finding plan for walking, and
the pedestrian seeing mode by which he can ride?
If you who manage affairs will give our request your
consideration, will retain the sense of the favor
but the prohibitions of our country still existent
and if this matter should become known, We should
uselessy see ourselves pursued and brought back
for immediate execution. without fail and such
result would greatly grieve the deep humanity and
kindness you all bear towards others. If you are
willing to acccde to this request, keep wrapped in
silence our error in making it. until you are about
10 leave in order to avoid all risk of such serious
danger to life; for when, by and by, We come back,
our countrymen will never think it worth while to
investigate by-gone doings. Although our words
have only loosely let our thoughts leak out, yet
truly they sincere; and if your Excellencies
pleased to regard them kindly, do not doubt them
or oppose our wishes. We together nay our re-
spects in handing this in.
Konagawa, Japan, April II. 1854.
The above is enough for the present, from yours
&C., 1856.
Portsmouth, Va, March II, 1885,