The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-01-07


The Navy Department, on1donday. receiva3 In,
portant dispatches from our sauadron st.t,on.d !,
the East indies and the Chinese seas. under a.t.
Of "Hong, October 18TH" Commodore roote. .
the U. 5. sloop-oEwar Portsmouth. makes a yolu
ninous report Of his visit to Hakodadi, one Of IN.
principal sea ports Of Japan, from which we con,
the following interesting statement of that
and almost unknown country:
Agreeebly to the orders of Commodore Arm
strong. Commander Foete sailed for Japan on III,
zoth OF August and on the eth Of September an
chored near vandala Bluff. in the outer harbor Q
simoda. Several Japanese officers Of high ranl
went On board, with the Governors respects aud
welcome to Japan. The American Consul General
Mr.. iIarris, was found to be on very good term
with the authorities.
few days after his arrival Commander Foot,
called on the Governors of simoda, accompanied
by the Consul General and four ward-room officers
and was received with great courtesy and apparen
cordiality. The Japanese inquired, with q goo(
deal OF interest, how the President of the United
States regarded Japan. They were also anxious te
know about the war in China, its cause and proba
bic results, and expressed the hope that the Japan
sse would some day visit America for the purpose
OF education and of obtaining knowledge of many
things in which they confess their deficiency.
Commander Foote stated to the Governors that
American men of war would in future visit Japan
more requently- In view Of the efforts of the Con
sui General in framing treaty with that Govern
nient and the prospect of being admitted to a con
ference at fedo the frequent visits ofa naval force
seem almost indispensable to success. The Japan.
ese are evidently strongly impressed with our pow
er !t Is the frequent display Of this power rather
than its use, which will secure to US commercial
privileges far beyond those hitherto accorded to
any nation.
The inner harbor. is, according to the report OF
Com. foote too small to admit of more than five or
six vessels obtaining good anchorage. The outer
harbor he considers wholly unsafe,a heavy swell
10 continually setting from the Westward and
great danger and Inconvenience is experienced In
getting thence out to sea.
With the exception of rice and large quantities
OF iacquered ware, Simoda offers but little encou-
ragements to trade, while its confined harbor rem
ders IL OF less value for commercial other pur-
poses The well sheltered harbor of 0ssca, the
port OF entry for Wiaco, and fer which consul Har-
rs is now regulating, ought, in the opinion OF
Commander Foots. 70 be submitted Cor that of ST.
media.
IL appears chat the coal at smoda is wholly sup
piled from the island of Kinsin, near the town OF
Ragasaki. At the time ofthe visit of the Ports
mouth, there was supply on hand Of o about l 500
tons, OF which the price Ii generally fraction
above So per ton. The quality is said to be good
and might prove equal to a moderate demand. A
greater supply, at less cost, may be found in Ma
gasski.
After remaining four days at Simoda, comman-
der Foote set sail and reached Kskodadi after q
passage OF hye days. A boat with two or three Of
ncers was immediately sent alongside by the Gov
ernor OF the city t. ascertain who the new comers
were and what they wanted On being answered,
the officers expressed themselves satisfied and
went away. few hours aftsrward Commander
foote, accompanied by the American Consul GEN
erai, DIR. Rice, called on the Governor and were
received with extreme courtesy. The Governor
was informed that the Portsmouth would need a
supply OF fresh beef every two or three days, but
answered that such thing conid not be done,
since 1t had never been done bef,re. He was, how
ever, brought TO terms by the decided action Of
whenever they were needed The Governor soou
returned the call of Commander Foote, and seemed
delighted with all that he saw
The Bay OF kskodadi is spacious and easy of &C
cess. The harbor ID completely lsnd-locked, 10
about twelve fathoms deep aud will contain two
hundred sails. The anchorage is perfectly secure
at all times. These advantages com ned with the
heaithiness 0. the climate the means Of obtaining
supplies, aud the kind disposition of the people
render Kakodadi a most desirable station for =
inanofwar; while, its position to California its
Importance to Russiaa large trade Is opening with
the Amoor river, the mineral wealth of the island
Judging from the quantity ofcUpper used In fasten
ing and ornamentng the junks, and more especial
iy from the samples of kakodadi;) added to the
coal mines il that vicinity, together with the gene
eral resources OF the country make il worthy. &C
cording to Commander Foote's report Of CONSIDERS
ton lot only as place Of resort for our meu-ot
war and whaling ships, but aiso rs auxiliary
depot for government stores.
Since the arrival of the American Commercial
Agent, Dir. Rice, at Kakodadi in May last, four
American whalers and five merchant vessels have
anchored in the hsrbor. Mr.. Rice informed Com
mander Foote that on the 7th of October last there
were several vessels at the coal ,Iines, some tx
miles distant from Kakodadi, waiting for theil
| cargoes,