160
*
are said to have been called on to sign by the Japanese Commissioners in 1862 acknowledging the sovereignty of the Tycoon.
5 Trade & intercourse with Foreign ships. Any particulars as to the productions of the islands, amount of stock, & the trade with foreign vessels visiting the islands, number of the latter & their flags. Do any seeking supplies call there? Do other vessels than whalers visit?
The settlers have any tô?
6 Visits of foreign ships of war. Obtain all particulars as to the time of these visits & the proceedings of the ships. Is the plot of land purchased by Commodore Perry in 1858 still preserved for the U.S. Govt? Did U.S. corvette Swatara do anything in respect to the proposed landing of a sub-marine cable when she visited the Islands in 1874? Is the copper plate & inscription left by Capt. Beechey of HMS "Blossom" still extant? Has the English flag or other foreign flag ever been hoisted by the settlers & for what purpose?
The two following cases call for special inquiry, though no promise of protection should be given to the claimants.
James Motley, a British subject, is charged with having seized the land & property of Geo. Robinson, a...