352 EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



As an evidence of the friendly intentions of the President, and to pay the highest honor to his 

 Imperial Majesty, he has sent me in command of a number of ships — to be increased by others 

 which are to follow — not only to bear to his Majesty the letter which I have already presented, 

 but to evince, by every suitable act of kindness, the cordial feelings entertained by him towards 

 Japan. 



That there might be sufficient time allowed for a full consideration of the just and reasonable 

 demands of the President, I took upon myself to withdraw the ships in July last from the coast, 

 and have now, after an absence of seven months, returned, in the full expectation of a most 

 satisfactory arrangement. 



Another proof of the friendly disposition of the President has been given in his sending for 

 exhibition to the Imperial court three of tlie magnificent steamers of the United States, of which 

 there are many thousands, large and small, in America ; and he has also sent, for presentation 

 to the Emperor, many specimens of the most useful inventions of our country. 



Therefore, after all these demonstrations of good will, it would be strange if the Japanese 

 government did not seize upon this very favorable occasion to secure a friendly intercourse with 

 a people anxious to prevent, by wise and prudent foresight, all causes of future misunderstanding 

 and strife. 



It will be observed that there is no western nation so intimately connected with the peace and 

 welfare of Japan as the United States, a part of whose territory lies opposite the Imperial coast, 

 and whose commerce covers the Pacific ocean and Japan seas ; not less than five hundred large 

 ships being engaged exclusively in those regions in pursuit of whales, the crews of many of 

 which suffer for want of water and other refreshments ; and it would seem nothing more than 

 common humanity to receive those who may seek shelter in the ports of Japan with kindness 

 and hospitality. 



The government of China has derived much benefit from its treaty with the United States. 

 The purchase of teas by the Americans during the present year will amount to three million six 

 hundred thousand (3,600,000) taels, and of raw and manufactured silks to nearly three millions 

 (3,000,000) of taels. 



Nearly thirty thousand subjects of the Emperor of China have visited America, where they 

 have been kindly received, and permitted by the American laws to engage in whatever occupa- 

 tion best suited them. They have also been allowed to erect temples, and to enjoy in all freedom 

 their relio-ious rites. All have accumulated money, and some have returned to China, after a 

 short absence, with sums varying from 300 to 10,000 taels. 



I have adverted to these facts merely to show the advantages that would grow out of such a 

 treaty as I now propose, and to remark again that some amicable arrangement between the two 

 nations has become positively necessary, and for reasons already explained. 



Indeed, I shall not dare to return to the United States without carrying with me satisfactory 

 responses to all the proposals of the President, and I must remain until such are placed in my 

 possession. 



With the most profound respect, 



M. C. PERRY, 

 Conimander-in-cMef U. 8. Naval Forces East India, 



China, and Japan Seas, and special Ambassador to Japan. 



His Highness Hayasiii-Daiuaku-no-kami, dc, dec. 



