I need hardly repeat to you in this place, that it will be proper you should
very carefully distinguish between the general leave of absence now accorded to
you, and permission to join this or any other such expedition; which it is wholly
out of my power to grant.
But whilst it is necessary I should remind you that your pursuits during
your leave of absence are of your own seeking, and must be strictly considered
to be entirely unconnected with His Majesty's service, still I cannot doubt that
the Secretary of State will sympathize with those feelings of pious enterprise
which have influenced you on this, and so many other occasions. And I enter
tain a persuasion that I shall be excused for opposing no obstacle in the way of
dispositions at once suitable to your sacred profession, and honourable to your
personal character.
I have, &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
No. 104.
Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received February 2, 1838.)
My Lord, Macao, July 5, 1837.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's Despatch, of the
8th November, 1836, declaratory of the state of the law with respect to any
authority in the Superintendents of trade to deport a British subject from this
country.
I have, &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
No. 105.
Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received February, 2, 1838.)
My Lord, Macao, July 5, 1837.
IN acknowledging your Lordship's Despatch, of the 6th December, 1836,
I have the satisfaction to observe that the Inclosure in the Despatch of the
14th September preceding, has had the effect of completely removing all diffi
culty upon the subject of official correspondence between the Portuguese
Government of this settlement and His Majesty's officers.
The instructions to the Admiral, which your Lordship has been pleased to
215
notice in the former Despatch cannot fail to be attended with the best conse
quences to the general interests of the trade in this empire.
I have, &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
No. 106.
Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.-+-(Received March 20, 1838.)
Macao, August 29, 1S37.
My Lord,
A SHIP upon the point of sailing affords me an occasion to announce
to your Lordship the return of His Majesty's sloop Raleigh on this
day, after an entirely successful completion of the service explained in my
Despatch of the 3rd July.
The fifteen people belonging to the late brig Fairy were despatched to
Canton by the Government of Fuhkeen on the day after the arrival of the
Raleigh at the mouth of the Min River ; and they were all safely delivered
over into my hands by the authorities of this province on the 2nd instant.
Their generous treatment by the Chinese authorities has been in the highest
degree honourable to the humanity of this Government, and I have not failed to
convey my respectful sense of such conduct to his Excellency the Governor.
A more detailed statement of Captain Quin's proceedings shall be trans
mitted by an early occasion ; but in the mean time it will be satisfactory to
your Lordship to know that he has succeeded in drawing from the Government
of " Fuhkeen and Chekeang," a direct official answer to his address.
I feel assured that the zeal and great judgment which Captain Quin has
displayed in the discharge of a very delicate duty will not be lost upon His
Majesty's Government.
I have, &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent-
No. 107.
Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received April 10, 1838.)
My Lord, Macao, September 4, 1837.
WITH reference to my Despatch of the 29th ult., I have now the honour to
submit a translation of the document handed to Captain Quin, of His Majesty's
sloop Raleigh, by the officers of the Provincial Government at Foo Chow Foo
on the 3rd July last. This paper is not an edict from the Governor, addressed
directly to Captain Quin, but it is an instrument signed and sealed by certain
native officers, to whom it was addressed, involving a copy of his Excellency's
commands, communicated to them for injunction upon Captain Quin.
The sensitiveness of the higher Chinese authorities, upon the subject of
direct official communication with foreigners, is a feeling which is commonly
supposed to be very much confined to the government of this province.
It was strongly manifested, however, on this occasion, at Foo Chow Foo ;
and I believe it may be considered to be a principle of Chinese policy, which
will be found in active force at all the outward limits of the empire.
Upon the whole, I trust that the successful completion of this service will
be satisfactory to your Lordship.
It was desirable, on many accounts, to convince the Chinese Government
that the safety of British subjects was always a source of earnest solicitude to
that of His Majesty. And though I have already said that there did not appear
to be any serious ground for apprehension about these people, still it was to be
remembered, that they had been more than twelve months detained at Foo
Chow Foo ; and their having formed part of the crew of a vessel engaged in the
216
illicit traffic, considerably increased my own anxiety for their restoration into
our hands.
I hope, too, that other advantageous consequences may result from this
voyage to the Min. That the King's ships could find their way to other points
than Canton, upon proper and necessary occasions, would be one obvious reflec
tion, and, adverting to its effect upon the authorities of this province, probably
a very salutary one to create. The measured tone of the communication, it is
to be presumed, would favourably dispose the governments of other provinces
than this, to receive one on a like occasion, rather than incur the hazard of
troublesome discussions by its rejection ; and (if difficulty occurred) of certain
censure from the Court for unreasonable impracticability.
Before I dismiss this subject, I would respectfully suggest and request that
your Lordship should address a letter to the Governor of Canton, expressive of
thanks for the very generous treatment of these fifteen persons. They were
well fed, lodged, and clad, and upon their final departure from Foo-chow-foo,
each individual received a present in silver to the amount of about 50 shillings.
The one half of their journey to Canton was performed in chairs.
There would be no difficulty in transmitting your Lordship's letter to the
Governor through an officer, as was done in the case of the Governor General
of India's communication brought on in the year 1829, by Captain Freemantle.
His Majesty's sloop left the Min on the 3rd July, and arrived at Napa-
kiang in the Great Loochoo on the 14th. At that place Captain Quin found
the American Ship Morrison, on board of which Mr. Gutzlaff embarked in
prosecution of the intended voyage to Japan.
The conduct of the inhabitants of the Loochoo's was inoffensive ; and
indeed it is a painful proof of the suspicion of the Government, and the extreme
subjection and timidity of the people, that they steadily refused to receive any
remuneration for some supplies procured by Captain Quin,—of course under
the impression that they were to be paid for. Water was supplied in the
Native Boats ; they furnished three bullocks, five pigs, fowls, and vegetables ;
but they would take no payment, and even brought back a bag of dollars which
had been cast into the last boat, entreating Captain Quin, with great earnestness,
to take it again. They insisted that they did not dare to receive the money.
On the 1 6th July, Captain Quin proceeded to the Bonin Islands, where
he arrived after a tedious passage, owing to light winds, on the 2nd August.
The Inclosure No. 2, contains Captain Quin's remarks upon the condition
of that Settlement.
His Majesty's sloop sailed from Port Lloyd on the 10th August, and
arrived in these Roads on the 29th. This voyage was also protracted by a
continuation of very light weather, but under general circumstances, I think
the passage between the Bonins and China might be performed in a ship of war
at all seasons of the year in about twelve days.
On the same day (the 29th August), the ship Morrison returned from
the expedition to Japan, bringing back the Japanese.
The Reverend Mr. Gutzlaffs notes, Inclosure No. 3, will most satisfactorily
explain the history of this voyage.
1 have presented each of the Japanese who were formerly supported at
the charge of this establishment with ten dollars, and I have the satisfaction to
add, that they are now eligibly placed and earning their own livelihood.
The considerable degree in which the Reverend Mr. Gutzlaffs attainments
have contributed to the successful accomplishment of our objects in Fukeen will
be very apparent to your Lordship.
I have, &c,
(Signed') CHARLES ELLIOT.
Inclosure 1 in No. 107.
An Order, to be opened by the English Naval Commander Quin and others.
Po, commanding the Governor's central regiment.
Loo, second in command of a naval squadron.
Tib., second in command of the Lieutenant Governor's central force.
217
Tae, Prefect of the department of Fuchow ; and
Yen, Sub-Prefect, charged with the Coast-guard, hereby transmit commands.
On the 1st of July, 1837, they received and copied the commands of their
Excellencies Chung, Governor of Fukeen and Chekeang, and Acting General of
the garrison of Fuchow, Wei, Lieutenant-Governor of Fukeen, and Chang,
Lieutenant-General of the garrison of Fuchow,—these commands being of the
following tenour.
" It has been reported to us that an English ship has arrived in the province
of Fukeen, and has anchored in the offing of Uhu, also that three boats have
left her and passed through the mouth of the river■, to present an address. And
now, the above-named military officers, &c, have laid before us the address of
the foreign officer.
" It is therein stated, that fourteen seamen belonging to a merchantman of
the said nation have been cast on the coast of Fukeen, and it is entreated that
they may be delivered up.
" On a perusal of the address, its language and wording are found to be
throughout respectful and dutiful.
" Having investigated the subject, it seems, that in September, 1836, there
were found on the coast of Nanking, and other adjoining villages, within the
jurisdiction of the district Changpoo, in the department of Changchowfoo,
certain distressed foreigners, Mitsoo and others, to the number of fifteen, who,
having encountered a gale at sea, were drifted on shore. The number was not,
as here stated, fourteen. Nor has the foreign officer who now addresses us given
the surnames and names of the shipwrecked foreigners.
" It appears from the interpretation given of the depositions of the ship
wrecked foreigners, as before taken in this province, that Mitsoo is a native of
Tisoo [?1 in the West ; that Joze" is a European Portuguese, and that the rest,
Malu and others, to the number of thirteen, are Javanese, that none of them are
English.
" Now We, the Governor, &c, being apprehensive that the Fuhkeen inter
preter might have failed to give a full, clear, and accurate interpretation, did
therefore have an interpreter from Canton, lieu Tseang, an inhabitant of Macao,
sent hither in order to examine and interpret the depositions. We, the Governor
and Lieutenant Governor, joined in a personal examination of the men, and
perceived, with regard to these wrecked foreigners, that though their spoken
language was not intelligible, yet [an outward exhibition of ] the mental passions
seemed to be susceptible of explication: and thereupon their depositions were
taken and put on record. We, the Governor, &c, did, according to the facts
(thus ascertained) report clearly to the Great Emperor, and did also forthwith
depute officers, Yang Ching tsigh, expectant of a district magistracy, and others, to
take the distressed foreigners and convey them to the province of Kwangtung,
there to be delivered over to a foreign officer for the purpose of being put on
board some fit vessel for conveyance back to their countries. They were also
liberally gifted with pecuniary gratuities, as a mark of compassionate kindness.
" Thus the shipwrecked foreigners, drifted hither, have been examined,
through the medium of an interpreter, and have, according to law, been sent
back.
" Within the province of Fuhkeen, the regulations do not permit foreign ships
to remain at anchor. The established enactments of the Celestial Empire are
very strict. And though the said foreign officer, having come to make inquiries
respecting shipwrecked foreigners, and to deliver an address, is not the same as
one who cruizes about without a cause ; yet all territories have their fixed boun
daries, and their established regulations relating thereto. He must by no means
then be suffered to enter the river and anchor within it, thereby infringing the regu
lations. This, as is befitting, should be clearly and authoritatively communicated
to him, and he should immediately be compelled to proceed with his boats to
Uhu, and thence should be required to sail away with the ship. He cannot be
suffered to remain loitering there, looking around, and flattering himself with
hopes and expectations, till, in the end, the impropriety of breaking the bounds
be forgotten.
" To this effect we proceed to issue our commands. When this reaches
the before-mentioned military and other officers, let them immediately prepare a
copy of this joint edict from us the Governor, &c, and transmit these com
2 F
218
mands to the said foreign officer, &c, requiring that he wait until the men of
war of the several naval stations conduct him from station to station ; and that
then he speedily proceed to sea, returning to his ship, and sailing back to his
country.
" In regard to the fifteen shipwrecked foreigners, Mitsoo and his com
panions, let them wait till the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Kwang-
tung shall have fully examined their cases, when they will be delivered over to a
foreign officer to be conveyed to their said native countries, there to be treated
as (their Governments) may themselves determine.
" Within the celestial empire, Kwangtung is the only province in which
the said nation has hitherto been granted permission to trade. With this
exception, all the provinces from Fukeen northwards contain no places to which
foreign ships ought to repair. To none, therefore, must they, under any
pretence regarding the winds, proceed ; by rashly proceeding northward, they
will but expose themselves to be forcibly expelled, and will bring on themselves
the crime of presumptuously transgressing the laws.
" We will communicate the substance of the address, and of our commands
thereon, to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Kwangtung. And let
the said military and other officers speedily and fully transmit our commands
and act according to them. Let none of them delay or trifle, and so render
themselves criminal. The address of the foreign officer, let them also send
back. Give trembling attention, and hasten ! Give trembling attention ! Be
speedy ! These are our commands."
The above having been received, the commands thereof are forthwith
transmitted to the English naval officer Quin, &c, that he may speedily act in
obedience to their Excellencies' commands, may go back into his boats, and
may, with all haste, proceed with them to sea, there to repair on board his ship,
and at once sail back to his country. He must not stay loitering here, looking
around him ; nor must he, under any pretext regarding the winds, rashly proceed
northwards, exposing himself, to no purpose, to be forcibly expelled, and involv
ing himself in the crime of disobeying the regulations.
As to the fifteen wrecked foreigners, Mitsoo and his companions, he must
wait until the Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, and the Lieutenant
Governor of Kwangtung deliver them to the foreign officer at that place, when
they may be conveyed to their respective native countries, to be there treated as
(their Governments) may themselves determine.
Let each, with trembling attention, obey : oppose not. A special order.
[Annexed is the original address sent back by their Excellencies.]
Taoukwang, 17th year, L. S.*, 5th month, 30th day. (2nd July, 1837.)
Translated from the Chinese.
(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,
Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.
Inclosure 2 in No. 107.
Remarks on Peel Island, Bonin Groupe, situated in hat. 27° 5' 35'' N. Long.
142° 11' 3a' E., 9tk August, 1837.
AFTER Captain Beechey's visit to, naming of this island, and port,
and taking formal possession of the Groupe, as per inscription in good
preservation on a sheet of copper, as follows :—
" His Britannic Majesty's ship Blossom, Captain F. W. Beechey," took
" possession of this groupe of islands in the name and on the behalf of His
• Britannic Majesty, George IV., 14th June, 1827."
The first settlers were Matteo Mozaro, a native of Ragusa, but who had
been many years in the employment of Mr. Bennet of Rotherhithe, near
London, an owner of whale-ships in the South Sea Fishery, and had also
served on board an English sloop-of-war, in the West Indies, named La
Morne Fortunde. With Matteo Mozaro came Richard Millichamp, a native
* Five Seals of the five Military and Civil Officers named at tbe
219
of Devonshire, his partner : they sailed from Oahie the 21st May, 1830,
with two Americans, one Dane, and a party of Sandwich Islanders, viz.
men, five in number ; women, ten in number—in all twenty persons, under
the countenance of Mr. Richard Charlton, His Majesty's Consul for the
Sandwich Islands, who supplied Messrs. Mozaro and Millichamp with an
Union-jack, and a paper describing them as deserving persons, who had, at
their sole expense and risk, fitted out the expedition to settle on one of the
Bonin islands, as per accompanying documents.
From the schooner that brought them from Oahie, two Sandwich
Islanders and one American deserted, increasing their numbers to twenty-
three.
1831.—The English whale-ship, Partridge, Captain Francis Stavers,
arrived ; of her crew seven deserted, viz.,—
John Hayes . . English Drowned.
Joseph Cullens . . do. Resident, August 9, 1837, Port Lloyd.
John Bravo . . Portuguese do. do. do.
William Gill . . English \
Nicholas . do. v Three apprentices returned to the ship.
■ Eaton . . . do. j
Edwin . . do. Strayed from a party and lost in the
woods.
The English bark Kent, Captain Laughton, landed two men ; viz.,—
John Jackson . . American After a temporary residence left the
John Butler ... do. Island.
1832.—The English bark Walmer, Captain Robins, arrived, one of her
crew deserted ; viz.,—
James Martin . . English Remained twelve months and then
rejoined his ship.
1833.—The English whaler, Amelia Wilson, Captain Wilson, was
wrecked on a rock about forty miles to the northward of Port Lloyd ; three
boats arrived, with twelve men, of which number four remained; viz.,—
Thomas Baily . . English ^
William Gilly do. I All four resident at Port Lloyd, Au-
Joseph Antonio . . Portuguese C gust 9, 1837.
John Roberts do. '
The English whaler Cadmus, Captain Snowdon, landed fourteen muti
nous seamen, against the remonstrances of the settlers, and who, (if a stroke
of Providence had not drowned half of them,) would in a short time have
ruined the infant settlement; some shipped at Sydney, New South Welles ;
they got other bad subjects, already on the Island, to herd with them, and
threatened to supply themselves at the expense of the young community,
to fire their dwellings and retire to the jungle.
1834.—The English bark Faron, Captain Dale, left two men ; viz.,—
English After remaining five or six weeks
do. reshipped in an English bark, be
longing to the same owners.
English ship, Corsair, Captain Venables, left two men, viz.,
English. Left the island shortly after.
James Marshall, Scotch. Was left sick on the beach, without any supply,
relief or resource, by Captain Venables,
against the remonstrance of the settlers, and
is now resident on the island, 9th August,
1837.
English bark, Daniel, Captain Duncan, one of her crew deserted, viz.,
John Parker, English. Who remained six weeks and reshipped, in the
Volunteer, American ship.
2 F 2
220
1834.—American
Portuguese.
ship, Howard,
Who reshipped
Captain in
Worth,
the Volunteer.
left one man sick, viz.,
English bark, Rochester, Captain Price, had one man deserted, viz.,
Scotch. Who remained upwards of twelve months, then
reshipped in the English bark, Tory.
1835.—American ship, Amazon, Captain Cressey, had four men desert, viz.,
William Low, American. Resident 9th August, 1837, Port Lloyd.
Benjamin Eady, do.
Thomas Mick, do. > Reshipped in various vessels.
— Avery, do. )
English bark, John Palmer, Captain Lawrence, had two men deserted,
viz.,
James Smith, English. * Resident 9th August, 1837, Port Lloyd.
(cooper) do. Remained twelve months, and rejoined his own
ship.
English bark, Folkstone, Captain Blisse, had one man deserted, viz. :
William English. Remained a month, and reshipped in the
American brig, Diana.
1836.—United States ship, Peacock, Captain Stribling, with the broad
pendant of Commodore Kennedy, had two men deserted, viz.,
English. Remained about twelve months, then reshipped
American. in the English bark, Tory.
United States schooner, Enterprize, Captain Holding, had one man
deserted, viz.,
Richard Ladman, English. Remained one year, then reshipped in the Eng
lish bark, Tory.
1837.—English bark, Rochester, Captain Kenny, had two men deserted,
viz.,
Charles Powell, English. Remained one month, then entered his Ma-
Thomas Hawkins, do. jesty's service, on board the Raleigh.
English bark, Mellish, Captain Cowley, had one man deserted, viz.,
Thomas Lewis, Irish. Remained about six weeks, then entered his
Majesty's service, on board the Raleigh.
English bark, Caroline, Captain Wheeler, one man deserted, viz.,
John Jacket (ar.) English. Resident, 9th August, 1837. Port Lloyd.
English bark, Admiral Cochburn, Captain Lawrence, one man deserted,
viz.,
English. Remained ten days, and reshipped in English
ship Mellish.
The numbers on the Island when the Raleigh left Port Lloyd, 10th
August, 1837, were as under,
Original Matteo Mozaro. Ragusa.
Settlers Richard Millichamp. Devonshire, Great Britain,
arrived Alden B. Chapin. Boston, United States.
26th June, 1 830, Nathaniel Savoiy. Do. do. do.
5 in No. Charles Johnson. Copenhagen.
7 Men, Sandwich Islanders.
13 Women, do. do.
25 Original Settlers.
221
After ■ • William Gilly, English, N. Yarmouth. 4 yrs. at P. Lloyd.
Settlers Thomas Bailey, Do. Bideford. 4 do. do.
11 in No. John Bravo, Portuguese, Cape de Verd. 5^ do. do.
Joseph Cullens, English, London. 5^ do. do.
. ; John Jackets, English, London. 2 months.
Joseph Antonio, Portuguese, Brazil. 4 years.
John Roberts, Do. Lisbon. 4 do. do.
James Smith, English, London. 1 do. do.
- . • Francis Silva, Azores, Fayal. do. do.
William Low, United States. 2 do. do.
James Marshall, Scotch. 3 do. do.
Children William Gilly, Original Settlers 25
6 in No. George Gilly, After . . do. . 11
John Hayes, Children ... 6,
John Bravo, —-
George Bravo, making a total of 42
Thomas Bravo, —
Persons on the Island.
I have been thus particular to show how fluctuating has been the state
of the population of Port Lloyd. Last May, the period for which the Sand
wich Islanders had bound themselves to labour for Messrs. Mozaro and
Millichamp, was at an end, and from that time, being free agents, they have
done little or no work, Messrs Mozaro and Millichamp are of opinion that
thirty more families, say three persons in each, could be comfortably and sub
stantially located, and fed ; having besides a reasonable stock to dispose of to
ships arriving to supply themselves with clothing, tools, and a few dollars per
annum. The want of a fixed head, authorized by Government, is severely felt,
and from the want of unity among the settlers, frequently occasioned by com
petition in supplying such whalers as arrive, and frequently by the conduct of
their crews ; ships which have good crews will not anchor in the port, fearing
their men will desert ; others, which have bad men, land them, and disturb
the tranquillity of the settlers, by putting them in fear for their lives and pro
perties ; as in the instance of the Cadmm, Tory, and Admiral Cockburn. The
settlers wanted me to interfere in some of their little local disputes, but as I
had no authority, I only listened to their several complaints, and advised
unity ; hence, the number of affidavits sworn before me.
The Union Jack given to Messrs. Mozaro and Millichamp by his Ma
jesty's consul, at the Sandwich Islands, being quite worn out, and their flag
staff blown down, I considered it my duty to supply the deficiency, and rigged
them out substantially, in order to point out to strange ships on which side of
the Port to apply for supplies.
Peel Island has already, in great cultivation, sweet Potatoes, Taro,
Indian Corn, Onions, Yams, Pumpkins, Water Melons, Sugar Cane ; Tobacco
has been planted, and with such success, that it is likely to give them a great
deal of trouble from its speading so fast, and the want of hands to gather it
in, and prepare it ; it is said to be of an excellent quality ; they have a few
excellent lemon-trees planted from seed, which bear well, but are neglected.
Pigs are in great abundance. For them the Indian corn is cultivated,
and they are sold at from four dollars to eight dollars each*. Wild Hogs are
also many in number, and a breed of Dogs, brought from the Sandwich Islands,
are so well taught that they will at any time, under the direction of their
masters, find, attack, and bring down the largest.
The island has also many jungle fowl, for, on first arrival, the settlers
managed to get their poultry adrift ; and in a wild state they have increased
greatly, to the annoyance of their corn fields.
Goats, in a wild state, are on the southern head, which, at high water, is
an island, and are many in number ; no tame ones, save a pair left by the
Raleigh.
There are no noxious animals, or snakes, on the island ; no rats, but
many mice. Sharks are numerous but small, these the dogs frequently chase
in shoal water, capture, and drag them high and dry, on the sandy beaches.
* The average was 10 lbs. per Spanish dollar.
222
Although the timber on the island is in great plenty, there is not more
than required, if a larger number were to settle ; there is none fit for masts ;
one sort is in great plenty, called Toomana, which is used for floors and
planking, being also ornamental, furniture is made from it. The mulberry
tree is very hard, used for posts or stautions for their dwellings, and never
decays in the ground. There is also a small quantity of sandal wood, but
not sufficient to make a remark. Mr. Mozaro, with eight men, being three
months collecting thirty peculs.
Not the least vestige of previous occupancy has been discovered by the
present settlers, who have now been resident since July 26th, 1830 ; and
have examined every part of the island, and I am of the same opinion as
themselves, that Peel Island is one of those numerous islands in the North
Pacific that has been never occupied.
The settlers have heard of acts of piracy being committed on the coast
of Japan by the whalers, but cannot vouch for the truth of the statements of
hemselves. They know nothing, and never knew of any plunder being
jrought to Port Lloyd—in fact, they say " we have no dollars," which piratical
persons would require for the stolen property.
In conclusion, I beg to submit that a Vice-Consul, under either the
Superintendent of British Trade in China, or his Majesty's Consul for the
Sandwich Islands, would be a sufficient head in the present infant state of
the settlement, and protect it from the lawless behaviour of the whalers,
as he could report to his superior, who might move his Majesty's Govern
ment to direct their Attorney-General to prosecute, on their arrival in
England.
Messrs. Mozaro and Millichamp would be very glad to receive ten
China men and their wives ; they would place them on productive land on
what they term "Halves," viz., that half the produce should be paid to
them in lieu of rent, and in full of all demands.
STATE OF WEATHER AT PORT LLOYD.
January.—Strong Westerly winds, and clear weather.
February and March.—Moderate Westerly winds ; occasionally freshes
and showers.
April.—Variable winds, inclining to East ; showers frequently.
May.—Winds more confirmed East ; dry weather generally.
June.—Ditto ditto. Occasional showers.
July.—Heavy rains ; fresh gales from East to South-East.
August.— Heavy rains, fresh gales ; occasionally heavy Typhoongs.
September and October.—Heavy winds, generally Easterly ; occasionally
heavy Typhoons.
November.—Heavy strong winds, generally South-East, but incline to
South and West.
December.—Winds more regular ; fresh winds Westerly.
Typhoons in J uly, August, September, and October : of the greatest
strength in October.
(Signed) MICH. QUIN.
223
Inclosure 3 in No. 107.
Notes by Mr. Gutzlaff upon a Voyage to Fuhclwo, Napakeang, and the Bays of
Yedo and Kagosima, in His Majesty's Ship Raleigh, and the Morrison.
24th June—29th August, 183/.
Abode at Fuhchoo.
THE appearance of a man of war at the mouth of the Min river created
much sensation, though there was apparently no fear expressed. I had
repeatedly to assure the Mandarins that she carried no cargo ; yet this asser
tion was still doubted.
By patience we obtained the requisite papers, and parted from our guests
with many protestations of affectionate remembrances. One of the Mantchoo
officers asked me whether he would be permitted to travel in our country for
information. He was a man who had just arrived from Peking, and for the
first time seen foreigners from the West ; and therefore the more interested in
their conversation. It is my firm opinion, that if we could only have more
frequent intercourse with the Mandarins, and sufficiently explain our inten
tions, much of their suspicion would be lulled to sleep.
We found the people invariably kind, and even frank, in their manners.
They would give us some assistance, even if it was not required ; and greatly
thank us, if we showed them a favour in our turn.
To the advantages of navigating the Min I have adverted in a former
paper. Vessels of thirteen feet draught might go up to the Min-gan fort, and
those drawing less even reach the city. The large junks we saw there opposite
at anchor, fully proved that ships of considerable burthen might be able to
proceed to the anchorage, though the channel is intricate, and there are not a
few banks.
The Mandarins invariably depreciated the commercial resources of this em
porium ; but there existed too much ocular proof to the contrary. All was
bustle on the river's side; the junks were loading as quick as they could, and
several passed down the river. The native craft is here considerably more
numerous than I have seen at any time at Canton. The Amoy merchants are
also here the most respectable, and command the market ; their junks fetch
rice from Formosa, and supply Fuhchoo with sugar and cotton, two articles of
extensive consumption. As the natural port for the exportation of black teas,
Fuhchoo is fully deserving of our attention.
Rice was at this time very scarce, and fetched 30 per cent, above the
Canton price. The major part of the populace was in a state of suffering;
though there was no famine, there was want. The population is very numerous,
and the means of subsistence not so plentiful in proportion. Silver sold for
1 100 large cash per dollar— an exorbitant price. The limited circulation of
the precious metals is throughout the Empire very keenly felt; the complaints
are general, yet it can scarcely be believed that ten or eleven millions of dollars,
annual exportation, can so materially affect so large an Empire as China, as it
has generally been believed. If this, however, be the case, the native currency,
before the establishment of the foreign trade, must have been very limited ; for
all the exports, taken together, do not yet amount to one-half of the previous
imports. Supposing the complaints of Chinese statesmen well grounded, so
that the circulating medium will decrease annually as they have foretold, this
will lead to results which will render foreign agency conspicuous. The Chinese
Government possesses no credit for raising a loan ; a repeated attempt to intro
duce a paper currency has also failed ; and though cash may do in the payment
of small sums, it is too bulky in great transactions, and renders some more
handy substitute necessary. Some quantity of bullion is indispensably neces
sary ; and if this is not imported into Canton at a very high premium, it most
he obtained some other way, in order to satisfy the demand. Such a crisis, if
duly improved, may pave the way for a closer intercourse, upon a more liberal
footing.
224
Departure, and Arrival at Loo-Choo.
During our absence from the ship, a friendly naval officer had paid Her
Majesty's sloop a visit. We had scarcely come on board, when the Captain
gave orders for getting under weigh. In crossing the bar, we were nearly
getting aground. Some islands to the north of the Min, at least a degree
distant from the main, which I had not observed in any of my previous voyage,
became visible in the afternoon of July 3.
On the 4th, when in Lat. 26° 8' N., Long. 123° 45' E., at noon, we observed
to windward, at about twenty miles distance, two islands—one of considerable
extent, with two peaks upon it. If these have ever been seen by any previous
navigator, they have not been accurately laid down in any chart.
We had had hitherto always fair weather, and thus reached, on the 6th of
July, the westernmost island of the Loo-Choo group, and the second in extent,
called Kanmisang. It is inhabited, and well cultivated. A heavy gale arose
here, which lasted for three days, with unabated fury, and obliged us to lay to.
When the weather cleared up, we found ourselves to leeward of the islands ;
and we reached, as late as the 14th, the roads of Napakeang, where the Ameri
can ship Morrison was already at anchor, waiting for us.
Shortly after our arrival, some Loo-Choo Mandarins came on board, and
made the customary inquiries :—To what nation do you belong ? From what
port do you come ? &c We gave them a list of the provisions we wanted,
whilst Captain Ouin requested an audience with the King.
Stay at Loo-Choo.
My original intention was to examine these islands as much as time would
permit ; but our late arrival frustrated this plan. Having been formerly at
this place, and being now able to speak the native language, a brogue of the
Japanese, I possessed ample means for obtaining information. Captain Ouin
sent the first Lieutenant, with me, on shore, early in the morning. We
demurred for a considerable time in the temple near the landing-place, but
were by no means cordially received. The appearance of two vessels, and one
of them a man-of-war, had rendered the authorities suspicious. To my know
ledge no foreign trader committed ever any violence here ; yet the natives
always dreaming of conquest, can scarcely imagine that a ship should come to
these remote regions, without entertaining some hopes of subjecting the
islands. Having succeeded in calming the fears of the chiefs, we proceeded to
the city. In this trip we were at first opposed by the authorities ; but when
we had gained our point, they showed the utmost readiness of conducting us
through the streets. It took us about an hour to walk at a rapid pace through
the whole length of the town. I am unable to determine its breadth, but
think that the city may contain about 10,000 inhabitants. All the houses are
surrounded with a stone wall, which also incloses a garden, and are mostly built
of wood, one story high, with a verandah in front, upon the smallest scale
maginable, in the Japanese style. We did not perceive a single shop or any
article offered for sale. The number of squalid looking beings and naked
children who surrounded us, was by far the major part of the spectators. We
met beggars in the most wretched condition, but were more astonished at the
miserable look of the females ; they are fat and raw-boned, the very picture of
ugliness, with orify*a scanty covering, and this almost in tatters, whilst their
left hands were more or less tattered. As the number of women of all ages
who flocked around us was very great, and we did not see a single exception,
we do not doubt but that they are kept in the most abject condition. A whole
row of them came down from the hills carrying burdens, in company with
some ponies, with whom they seemed to rank on a par. The few acres we
passed in our ramble were cultivated with potatoes, pulse and grains, with the
greatest art ; but the peasantry we saw seemed to be a hard-working, ill-
requited race. Yet the fishermen are still worse off. They are venturesome,
and go with their canoes hollowed out of a single tree, to a great distance from
the land, taking only a bucket of water and some potatoes for their subsistence.
Upon this they live for days together, until the quantity of fish they caught is
225
adequate to buy them a new supply of victuals. We saw them with harpoons
in pursuit of sharks and other large fish, of which a single one with a blow of
the tail, might upset their frail bark. ;
Having passed a large timber-yard, and several salt-works along the sea
shore, we arrived at the grave of an English sailor, who had been buried those
twenty-one years ago. Wherever we passed, we saw the coral insect at work,
the coast around being covered with its excresence.
We had at this time better opportunities for observation than our prede
cessors. The general aspect of things renders the impressions which remained
from my last visit less favourable ; the Loo Chooans do not improve upon
nearer inspection. Several circumstances conspire to keep the great mass of
the people in a state of poverty. It is now nearly 200 years that the Prince of
the Japanese principality Satzuma took forcible possession of these islands ;
and until this day the natives have to pay annually 75,000 peculs in sugar as
tribute, according to our native informant. This is doubtless a very great
drain upon national industry, and greatly checks the enterprising spirit of the
peasant. How abstemious soever the natives may be, and from what we saw,
the dinner of four men would scarcely satisfy a single European ; yet the com
mon people find it very hard to earn a subsistence.
The trade with Satzuma is considerable. There were seven junks of that
place in harbour ; one had already left; and the whole number is stated to be
annually fifteen. The Loo Chooans visit, in their own craft, Kagosima, the
capital of that country, and thus employ a considerable capital in commerce.
The trade with Fuhchoo, for which harbour annually two junks of the largest
description are despatched, is far from trifling. They import Biche de mar,
agar agar, sulphur, their own and Japanese manufactures, and take Chinese
stuffs, and various other articles, in return. This is the most favoured nation
in the whole Celestial Empire : they are not only allowed to trade, but also to
send their tribute-bearers to the capital, and leave some natives there to acquire
the Chinese language. The chiefs consider it quite below their dignity to con
verse in the vulgar tongue, always preferring the Mandarin dialect. They do
not only understand the Chinese character, but have also adopted the syllabary
of the Japanese.
The King of Satzuma delegates his authority to a viceroy, an honour now
hereditary, and also sends at times some inferior officers to rule over the coun
try. Notwithstanding the burthen of a foreign yoke, the native authorities
appear to have great control, all the branches of industry being in their hands.
Japanese cash, similar in shape and weight to the Chinese, and bearing the
inscription of Kwan yung twig paou (everlasting currency), is here in general
use. Ambassadors are sent both to Japan and China ; both empires claim the
supremacy over these inoffensive islanders, but there has never been a quarrel
about the actual possession, because the Emperor of China is satisfied with the
mere title, whilst the King of Satzuma levies the tribute.
The islands are divided into two distinct groups. The northernmost has
been described by Captain Hall ; of the southern, which are also called the
Hache-kosima (eight islands— Pa-chow—from their being that number), are
less known. The Great Loo-Choo is divided into three districts —San-nan, the
southernmost, with the emporium, Napakeang ; the central, Teoo-san, with
the capital, Teoori ; and the northern, Hoku-san, with Port Melville. In
giving the names of these islands, we have preferred those written by the
Japanese to the nomenclature adopted in our chart. North to the Great Loo-
Choo is a chain of islands, which gains this group to the Japanese. They are
Yuro, Wookido, Tokoonosima, Kakiroma, Ohosima, and Kikac^ To the north
west we find Kisan, Tonaki, Zokoku, Ohobakusan, Yuron, and Yeraboo. ' "On
the east coast of the Great Loo-Choo are The, Famasima, Tsouhota, and Kou-
taha ; on the south-west, opposite to Napakeang, is Koneyama, and,«-to the
south, Miyako, Oukama, Korima, Tarama, Mena, Yerabo, Ekima. Some of
them are small, others about fifteen to forty miles in extent; but almost all of
them are inhabited by a very industrious population. The Hache-kosima group
comprises the following islands—Yayama, Tomoutahe, Kou. isima, Namiterima,
Karahitsuhi, Yoonakooni, Kone, and Hatoma, with a smaller one, called Zinzio.
The largest, which is called, in Chinese, Tac-ping-shan, has about thirty miles
in circumference, the others are much less. It is impossible to determine the
2G
226
number of inhabitants, which is, however, by no means small ; or give an esti
mate of the quantity and quality of productions which constitute the staple
article of trade ; sugar, however, appears to be the most important. There is
also a kind of summer cloth manufactured by the Loo-Chooans, which is very
much in demand at Fuh-Choo.
On our return we visited a Japanese junk of about two hundred tons bur
then, a flat-bottomed, broad vessel. Her single mast was composed of four
pieces of wood, held together by iron rings, and bent at the top. The object
which most strikes a stranger is the immense rudder, with a pole as large as a
moderate mainmast. These vessels carry a single sail, made of cotton canvass,
so neat and durable, as not only to equal, but also to surpass our own. Instead
of anchors, the junk has five or six grapnels ; a- straw shed, built in the form of
a roof, serves for an upper deck ; the bulwark is very low. and pierced for let
ting out the water. The lower deck is partly stowed with cargo, and also con
stitutes the place of rendezvous for the crew; it is neatly adorned, and resembles
our best cabins. The Japanese keep their vessels very clean; a smaller number
of individuals than in the Chinese junks navigate them, and these have the
appearance of very hardy sailors. The crew we visited preserved the utmost
silence, and did not answer any of our questions, until I called them a company
of mutes, when they laughingly overcame their reserve, and answered some
trifling interrogatories. All these vessels belonged to Kagosima, the southern
most part of Satzuma, and a very great emporium : their cargo consisted of
sugar.
Being recognised by several Loo-choo chiefs, with whom I had become
acquainted at my previous visit, they heartily welcomed me, and made many
inquiries about my former companions. They repeatedly asked how many
veasels may still becoming; ana evidently were tired with supplying them
with provisions. At the fort on the entrance they had stationed seven soldiers
with clubs, in order to give something like a military appearance to their har
bour. For the provisions furnished to H. M. ship Raleigh they obstinately
refused receiving any compensation, lest it might have the appearance of bar
tering or trading with foreigners. Again and again did I press upon them the
necessity of taking something in exchange for their presents, in order to avoid
entailing loss to themselves ; they replied, "If we receive anything in lieu we
shall lose our heads."
In a political point of view these islands claim no notice, unless a colony be
established on the Bonian Islands. In that case it would be necessary to come
to an understanding with the chiefs, and to open a free intercourse. Supposing
that Japan obstinately refuses all terms for establishing a commerce, Napakeang
might become an entrepot of that trade, and there is no doubt but the people
of Satzuma, who very much resemble the Chinese of Fokeen province in point
of enterprise, would gladly avail themselves of this opportunity if they were
permitted to do so. Yet it will require a great and permanent effort to convince
the people of Loo-choo that trade is our sole object, and to silence their sus
picion of ulterior views.
Departure for Japan.
In accordance to my instructions, I called the seven shipwrecked Japanese
together, and asked them whether they preferred embarking in a Satzuma junk
to proceeding in the Morrison straightway to Yedo. They chose the latter for
various reasons. As poor ignorant sailors, who had never transgressed against
the laws of their country, they expressed not the least fear on returning in the
most open manner, and in a ship of which they could give the best testimonials
regarding the benevolent intention of her inmates. Had it been in a Chinese
junk matters would have stood differently ; for some of their countrymen,
brought back to Nugazaki by Chinamen were imprisoned, great jealousy exist
ing between the two nations, and were after the lapse of a considerable time
released. Supposing that they went in a Satzuma junk, they never would be
able to elude the vigilance of the Mandarins ; to smuggle themselves into the
country would be a capital crime, and, if the Government Officers looked un
favourably upon their having spent so many years in a foreign country, they
would be entirely in its clutches, and be unable to retrieve their steps in the
227
Morrison. Such were the reasons which determined them to remain in the
ship, and disembark at Yedo. As I had to yield to their wishes I could make
no further objections, and therefore embarked with them on board the American
ship " Morrison," which had already gotten under weigh, July 13th.
To remove all suspicion, Mr. King, the owner of this vessel, had left the
guns behind, and taken his wife and a female servant on board, in order to con
vince the Japanese that he expected no ill from them. Dr. Parker, a clever
physician, well known at Canton for his philanthropic endeavours, had em
barked in this expedition, in order to practice gratuitously, and thus to gain the
hearts of the people. Mr. King had prepared an elegant assortment of presents
for the Emperor, accompanied by a letter stating the object of the voyage.
We had the means of communicating both through the medium of the Chinese
character as well as the Japanese language, and were thus enabled to give an
account of everything required, and to satisfy the proverbial curiosity of this
nation to any extent.
We had calms, and very light winds, during the greater part of the voyage,
and a strong current setting against us, which greatly retarded our way. When,
however, approaching the land, it set strongly in our favour towards the east.
We made the land near the promontory of Tzou, and also perceived the snowy
mountain Foojesan, which was then cloud-capped. Little did we then tliii»k
that the land we saw—which is said to have, during two centuries, enjoyed
perfect tranquillity—was then in a state of rebellion. A dreadful gale, last
year, in August, which lasted with unabated fury for ten days, had destroyed the
crops. The consequence was, a very severe famine, which rose to such a
height, that the rabble of Osaha, the principal emporium of this Empire, rose
upon the corn merchants, and either robbed or destroyed their magazines. The
Government, anxious to quell this insurrection, attacked the starving wretches,
and the whole city, second only to Yedo, became a prey to the flames. In the
Capital itself, the inhabitants had risen against the imperialist: the whole city
was one scene of confusion and bloodshed, but victory had not yet been decided.
The prospects of the present year were still very gloomy ; little rain had fallen,
and the young plants had nearly died. Of these circumstances, communicated
afterwards to us by natives, we were not aware, when we approached the bay
of Yedo, 30th July.
The entrance to this bay has landmarks which can never be mistaken. A
chain of islands stretches down from its mouth to nearly the Bonian group.
The northernmost is Ohosima (the great island), large and high — formerly
inhabited, but now a volcano—Nisima, Koszesima, Miyake, Mekourasima—
which is likewise a volcano—and Fatsio : the southernmost, the Botany Bay of
Japanese statesmen, not far from the Bonian group. The latter are known to
the Japanese, and inserted in their charts under the name of Boniusima, or
Okasawarasima ; but these are not visited by their junks, though some of their
vessels were driven thither by stress of weather.
Cape Sagami, at the southern entrance, is situated in Lat. 35° 10', Long.
139° 20', being twenty-three miles farther to the west than laid down by Kru-
senstern. The bay is about ten or fifteen miles in width, with about twenty-
five fathoms sounding, coral and gravel bottom, throughout the whole, and six
fathoms close in shore, without any dangers under water. The narrowest part
is several miles farther on towards the Capital, near a fort called Uragawa, when
it does not exceed four miles. After this it again expands to about twenty -five
miles iu width, forming a complete bason, where whole fleets may anchor secure
against all winds. Towards the southern shore of the bason are some sand
banks, well known to the native navigator. Junks anchor at a distance of three
or four miles from the Capital, while smaller craft can pass the bar, and enter
the canals. The shores around are elevated, and bear a romantic appearance.
They are thickly inhabited by fishermen—a very hardy and stout race.
Stay in the Bay of Yedo.
We rather wondered to see so very- few junks cruising about ; a very
extraordinary thing, since the tribute of the whole country is forwarded to
this spot. But since the commencement of the famine, the vassals have ceased
to send their grain, and starvation in such a populous city has been the imme
2 G2
228
diate consequence. The crew of a junk which sailed across our bows, did not
show the least symptom of fear ; and we have found invariably that the people
beyond the reach of their superiors, are friendly and fond of strangers. Of the
sailing qualities of these vessels I can not say very much. In a gale they
labour very heavily, and the rudder, presenting a large surface to the sea, is
often broken. They are by no means seaworthy, being moreover slenderly
built of fir, so as scarcely to withstand a heavy sea. The inhuman govern
ment has thus ordered their construction in order to make it impossible to visit
foreign countries. Yet, this crooked policy has had the most disastrous conse
quences, and thousands of these frail barks are annually engulphed. When
the mariners are unfortunately driven from the shore, they give themselves up
as lost. This happens frequently, because an easterly current sets in along the
coast, and runs at the rate ot about three miles per hour. Unless there be a
very good breeze, it is impossible to make the land ; and there remains no
alternative for these unfortunate people but to die of starvation, if they are not
fortunately thrown on one of the eastern islands. Of this there have latterly
been many instances ; whilst some reached the west coast of America, others
landed in Lusonia or Hainan, or reached the Sandwich Islands.
The weather was rainy when we worked into the bay, yet the Mandarins
seemed to be aware of our approach, and therefore commenced a brisk fire
from several batteries. Whilst bearing up for Uragawa, a shot fell about a half
mile from us, and our captain judged it therefore prudent to come a few miles
below the fort to anchor.
The broad principle upon which we had entered in this enterprise, was to
win our way cautiously by kindness ; and as it was naturally to be imagined,
that the nearer we were the court, the sooner an application for permitting
foreign intercourse would be taken in consideration at head-quarters, we had
addressed ourselves to the Emperor. In this letter it was stated, that our ship
brought seven shipwrecked natives back to their homes, that we requested the
favour of a visit from an accredited officer, to whom we might communicate
our wishes, and should rejoice to trade if H. M. pleasure were known to that
effect. A list of the presents and of the cargo, and separate papers, containing
a short account of the United States, and setting forth the offer of assisting the
sick, were put into the same envelope. Prepared for disappointment, we
wished to leave nothing untried in order to open a communication with the
Court.
Shortly after the anchor was down, a crowd of curious natives came on
deck. Many were in a state of nudity, whilst others wore a single upper dress,
and none of them trowsers. Upon their heads, shaven in front, whilst the
hair of the hinder part was bound up in a knot, they wore no covering, and only
a few had straw sandals on their feet. An elderly man first reconnoitred, and
gave an account of his friendly reception to the waiting crowd. A number
of people rushed immediately on deck ; they examined every thing with
out reserve, and showed themselves very friendly and good-natured. Think
ing that all people in the world speak Japanese, they were rather astonished
that there was only one single individual whom they could understand. We
gave them some trifling presents, for which they thanked us very heartily, and
then retired with joy to make room for others. One who for the first time
might have seen this scene on board, would scarcely have believed that we
were in Japan, for the natives behaved in such a manner as if they had been for
years familiar with us. Even women came alongside ; and had it not been
for the rain which begun to pour down, they would have favoured our ladies
with their company on board. To the intelligent part of our visitors I stated
who we were, which wrote it down on a piece of paper, in the Japanese and
Chinese character; and also distributed some papers, in which we expressed a wish
to see a Mandarin on board. We expected every moment an officer, when we
saw a large boat coming from the Uragawa fort, in the bow of which a well-
dressed person was seated. I pressingly invited him to come up the gangway,
but he politely refused, and merely rowed around the ship, and then returned.
It was naturally to suspect that amongst the motley group which crowded the
deck, there might be some government spies, and the inquisitivencss about our
guns betrayed them. Yet we augured well about our reception by the autho
rities, since we had witnessed such decided proofs of good will on the part of
229
the people. Having been pressingly invited to visit the picturesque shore, we
deferred this on account of the rain to the next day.
Early in the morning we were ready to tread for the first time on the
Japanese shore, when suddenly, whilst the boat was preparing, our ears were
greeted with the firing of cannon. Scarcely had the morning dawned when
we saw the shot falling in various directions, some passing through the rigging,
others pitching at the stern, and only one coming in through the porthole, and
striking the deck. Some boats, anchored off the Uragawa fort, also opened a
fire, which, however, proved entirely harmless.
It was no use to serve for a target, since we were in an entirely defenceless
state, and fully determined not to requite evil for evil. We therefore got under
weigh, and had the mortification to see that, though the vessel was moving
slowly on in a calm, the battery did not cease firing. Conscious of having
given no cause for provocation, we were the more astonished at this unprece
dented act of aggression upon defenceless foreigners. We therefore laid-to for
some time, hoping that an explanation might be given, and a communication
opened at the entrance of the bay. In this anticipation we were, however,
deceived ; for, though the war-boats followed us at a respectable xlistance, no
officer came off'.
We had been about twenty miles from the capital at anchor, and the com
manding officer at the next fort must doubtless have communicated our arrival
to His Majesty ; so that the orders for driving us away from the coast so unce
remoniously emanated directly from the palace. In all expeditions on record
some officer had visited the foreign ship, and supplied her with provisions ; but
here, notwithstanding our earnest entreaties, no understanding took place. We
suppose this, therefore, to be a new law, according to which Barbarians are to
be treated. If such, however, be the case, the exclusive system of this Govern
ment is at its climax,—where it ought to receive a check. They will neither
care whether a ship is in distress, or whether there are some wrecked seamen
in a boat, but endeavour to take away their lives, if this can be effected. As
many of our whalers cruize about this coast for several months of the year, this
must occasionally happen ; and it is very mournful to think that men who
hasten to these shores, in order to save their lives, should expose themselves to
the danger of being killed by their fellow men. If they could treat us so bar
barously when they had occular proof that we had divested ourselves of the
means of injuring them, and came with friendly intentions, how will they treat
suspected foreigners ? Whatever may be the politics of this reclusive country,
its rulers must be constrained to pay regard to the law of nations, and not to
treat all the remainder of mankind as enemies.
When our seven shipwrecked Japanese saw the behaviour of their Govern
ment, they declined going on shore, since, under such circumstances, it would
be certain death. We thought it, however, our duty to try at another place,
and therefore steered for Kagosima, the capital of Satzuma. Calms and a
current setting us often two or three miles to eastward, very much retarded
our progress.
August 8th, we came in sight of Hiyonga, which is a bold and rocky coast.
Here we hailed several fishermen, who gave us ready answers to our questions,
but would not come on board.
On entering the capacious bay of Kagosima, we dispatched two of our
Japanese to the next military station on shore. The commanding officers,
having heard the tale of their previous sufferings, and kind reception on the
part of the foreigners, were moved deeply, and promised ready assistance to
them and the kindest treatment to us, who they said resembled in our conduct
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