ARRIVAL AT THE CANARIES. 87 



active measures to secure a sufficient number of ports of refuge. And hence I shall look with 

 mucli anxiety for the arrival of the Powhatan and the other vessels to be sent to me. 



I have thus exhibited, in this crude and informal communication, my views upon a subject 

 which is exciting extraordinary attention throughout the world, and I trust the department 

 will approve the course I propose to pursue. 



With great respect, I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 



M. C. PEKRY, 



Commanding East India Squadron. 

 Hon. John P. Kennedy, 



Secretary of the Navy, Washington. 



The answer to this communication did not, of course, reach the Commodore for many months ; 

 but as it preserves the continuity of the transaction, as well as shows the spirit of the govern- 

 ment, and its confidence in the Commodore, it is inserted in the note below.* 



On the evening of Wednesday, December 15, the Mississippi weighed anchor and proceeded 

 to sea, under steam, shaping her course to pass to the westward of Palma, one of the Canaries. 

 This island was made at daylight on the morning of the 17th, and after reaching the lee of 

 Hierro or Ferro, the southwesternmost of the group, the immersed floats or paddle boards on 

 each side of the vessel were removed, the fires were extinguished and the ship left entirely 

 dependent upon her sails. 



This change was made from an expectation that the ship would soon be under the impulse of 

 the northeast trade winds. At the time the floats were removed there was a moderate breeze 

 from E.S.E., which it was sujjposed would gradually settle into the northeast trades ; but, much 

 to the surprise of the ofiicers of the ship, it hauled more to the southward, and eventually 

 came from the S.S.W. Such was the obscurity of the weather at the Canaries that Teneriffe 

 was not seen at all, and but an indistinct view was obtained of Gomera. This was the more 



* Jl/r. Everett to Commodore Perry. 



Department of State, Washington, February 15, 1853. 



Sir : Your dispatch of the 14th of December has been referred by the Secretary of the Navy to this department, and by me 

 submitted to the President. 



The President concurs with you in the opinion that it is highly desirable, probably necessary for the safety of the expedition 

 under your command, that you should secure one or more ports of refuge of easy access. If you find that these cannot be 

 obtained in the Japanese islands without resort to force, it wiU be necessary that you should seek them elsewhere. The 

 President agrees with you in thinking that you are most likely to succeed in this object in the Lew Chew islands. They are 

 from their position, well adapted to the purpose ; and the friendly and peaceful character of the natives encourages the hope 

 that your visit will be welcomed by them. 



In establishing yourself at one or two convenient points in those islands, with the consent of the natives, you will yourself 

 pursue tiie most friendly and conciliatory course, and enjoin the same conduct on all under your command. Take no supplies 

 from them except by fair purchase, for a satisfaclory consideration. Forbid, and at all hazards prevent plunder and acts of 

 violence on the part of your men toward these simple and unwarlike people, for such they are described to be. Let them from 

 the first see that your coming among them is a benefit, and not an evil to them. Make no use of force, except in the last resort 

 for defence, if attacked, and self-[ reservation. 



The President approves tlie idea suggested by you of encouraging the natives to turn their attention to agriculture, and has 

 given orders to ha%'e the implements of husbandry mentioned by you sent out by the Vermont. He has also directed a small 

 printing press, with type and materials for printing of all kinds, to be sent out by the Vermont. 



The President is gratified to perceive that you are impressed with the importance of the enterprise confided to your direction, 

 the success of which will mainly depend upon your prudence and address. It will attract a large sharj of the attention of the 

 civilized world : and the President feels great confidence that the measures adopted by you will reflect credit on your own 

 wisdom and discretion, and do honor to your country. 



I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 



EDWARD EVERETT. 

 Commodore M. C Perrv, 



Commnndhig the United Slates naval fones in Me China seas. 



