Directory_and_Chronicle_1850 — Page 87

64

Letter from B. J. Bettelheim.

PER.

which the officers here were over glad to take thither and keep in readiness, was not of itself sufficient to bring a man of war seventy miles off its track. I am therefore grateful for any hint Mr. Alcock felt himself permitted officially to give for extending us so opportune a relief.

This government, persuaded that I had now had enough of Lew- chewan hospitality, sent message after message to learn if the ship could be induced to come hither, supposing that I would avail myself of the opportunity. To make still more sure, on my advice, they prepared and kept ready a letter at Kumisan, in case the ship would or could not put in here, to be sent to the governor of Hongkong. They hesitated long before they ventured on such a step, which they plainly saw assumed a political character, and upon which ground I found it all the more palatable; for I thought it a good piece of diplo- macy to bring about an overture from a Japanese government to English officials, however trifling the motive might be.

Our situation was such that I felt fully justified in appealing to the English government for protection, but being persuaded that a mis. sionary's prayer would likely be quite disregarded, I tried to give it as much weight as I could. Since the government here with pleasure became my secretary, I confess I expected that some step or other would be taken by the English government, if not for us, at least for theinselves. The way was open, the passage from Hongkong or Shanghai to Napa takes from four to six days, and for so long a time, it seemed to me an English ship might absent itself, and no doubt of ten does so for naval exercise. So cheap and easy an opening for diplomatic relations with Japan, who knows when it will offer again? Government here saw eye to eye with me. I told them, that though I had often written on the difficulties I meet, none will easily believe that the rulers of a country, which has obtained such renown for hos- pitality, should be in earnest in opposing the residence among them of a family which brings them advantage, and never can do them any harm. I further told them, that I was sent by a public body, very much interest- ed in the welfare of Lewchew, and that I can by no means return without first hearing from them on the subject. Moreover, I am here so placed, that I can not call a ship over here when I like; it must be sent, or come of itself, and as the English government, in cases when no other can be got, will always feel it their duty to succor a subject by a ship of war when near, it is quite likely, if the authorities in Lewchew bring the case strongly and clearly enough before our go- vernment, that we would obtain a ship to take us off.