Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-01-15
tntsrestlllg nom 1ansa,l

Interesting nom Japan. % s'1--
!, The Navy Department, on Monday, received mpoE-
tant dispatches from squadron stationed in the East
Indies and the Chinese Seas under date of Hong De-
tooer 18th Commodore Foote, of the q. S. soopof-
war Portsmouth makes volumnous report of his visit
to Hakodad one of the principal sea ports of Japan,
from which we copy the following interesting statement
of that strahge and almost unknown country - =.
Agreeably to the orders of Commodore Armstrong,
Commander Fooe sailed for Japan the Goth of Au-
gust and ON the 9TH of September anchored near Van
dalia Bluff, in the outer harbor of Simoda. Several
Governors respects and welcome to Japan. The
American Consul General, Mr.. Harriss, found to
be ON very good terms with the authorities -r } e.
A few days after his arrival Commander Foote called
Oh the Governors of SimOda accompanied by the Con-
sui General and four wardroom officers and received
with great courtesy and apparent cordiaty. The ia
panese inquired with good deal of interest how the
President of the United States regarded Japan They
were also anxious to know about the war in China its
and probable results and expressed the hope that
the japanese would day visit America for the pur
pose 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
frequently In view of the efforts of the Consul Gen
eral in framing treaty with that Government and the
prospect of being admitted to conference at Yedo the
frequent visits of naval force almost indspels
BILE to success. The Japanese are evidently strongly
impressed with power. 1t is the frequent display
of this power rather than its USE which will secute to
us commercial privileges far beyond those hitherto
corded to any nation.
Foote too small to admit of than five six yes
sells obtaining good anchorage. The outer harbor he
considers wholly unsafe heavy swell is continually
setting from the westward and great danger and incon
venience is experienced in getting thence out to sea.
With the exception of rice and large quantities of lac
quered ware Simoda offers but little announcements to
trade while its confined harbor renders it of less value
for commercial other purposes. The well sheltered
harbor of Osaca the port of entry for Waco and for
which consul Harriss is now regulating ought in the
opinion of Commander Foote to be submitted for that
of Smoda.
1t appears that the coal at Smoda is wholly supplied
from the island of Kinsn, the town of Ragasaki
At the time of the visit of the Portsmouth, there was
supply on hand of about 1900 tons, Of which the
price is generally fraction above Sc per ton. The
quality is said to be good and might prove equal to
moderate demand. greater supply at less COST may
be found in Nagasaki.
After remaining four days at Simoda, commander
FoOte set sail and reached Kakodadi after passage OF
five days. boat with two three officers was imme-
daey sent aonsde by the Governor of the city to
certain who the and what they wanted
On being answered, the officers expressed themselves
satisfied and went away A few hours afterward Com
mander Foote, accompanied by the American Consul
General Mr.. Rice called the Governor and were re-
CelNeu WIFI extreme courtesy. lne governor was III
formed that the Portsmouth would need supply of fresh
beef every two three days but answered that such
thing could not be done, since it had been done
before He was however, brought to terms by the de-
cded action of Commander Fooe, and promised to sup
ply bullocks whenever they were needed The Governor
soon returned the call of Commander Foote and seemed
delighted with all that he saw.
The Bay of Kakodad is spacious and easy of access
The harbor is completely landlocked is about twelve
athoms deep and will contain two hundred sails The
anchorage is perfectly secure at all times. These adj
vanageS combined with the heahiness Of the climate
the means Of obtaining supplies and the kind DISPOSE
ton Of the people render Kakodad most desirable
station for manofwar; while, its position to Cali
fonia its Importance to Russia large trade is open
ing with the Amor river the mineral wealth of the
island Judging from the quantity Of copper used in
fastening and ornamenting the iunks and more espe
cially from the samples of Kakodadi added to the
coal mines in that ycsnity together with the general
resources of the country, make it worthy according tc
Commander Foote'S renort. of cnnsi dnratinn only
as place OF resort for our men-Ofwar and whaling
ships, but also an auxiliary depot for government
stores. .--...
Since the arrival of the American Commercial Agent
Mr. Rice, at Kakodadi in May last four American
whaers and five merchant vessels have anchored in the
hafbor. Mr.. Rice informed Commander Foote that on
the It'll Of October last there several vessels at the
coal Mines 60 miles distant from Kakodad wait
mo for their carUOpS