138 EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



port of Manila, in the island of Luzon, and there enter into communication with the United 

 States consul and American merchants resident at that place, in view of giving to them such aid 

 and protection as they may require ; and after remaining there not more than eight clays, unless 

 some unforeseen and urgent necessity makes it proper for you to protract your stay, you will 

 make the best of your way to Hong Kong, where you will receive further instructions. 

 It is desirable that you should be at Hong Kong by the 1st of August. 



These instructions do not restrict your operations solely to the port of Kelung, in Formosa ; 

 if you deem it expedient and safe, you can resort to other ports of the island with the two ships, 

 provided there be any information to make such course desirable. 

 Wishing you a pleasant cruise, I am, sir, your obedient servant, 



M. C. PERKY, 

 Commander-in-cliief U. S. naval forces, 



East India, China, and Japan seas. 

 Captain Joel Abbot, 



Commanding U. 8. ship Macedonian. 



P. S. — You will be in time if you are at Hong Kong by the 5th of August next. 



M. C. P. 



Commodore Perry to Captain Abbot. 



United States Flag-ship Powhatan, 



Simoda, June 18, 1854. 

 Sir : I enclose herewith copies of certain papers received from the Navy Department respecting 

 the procurement of plants of the sugar-cane, and have to direct that you advise with the United 

 States consul at Manila as to the feasibility of obtaining desirable specimens in that neighbor- 

 hood. His long residence in the country will enable him to give you every information upon 

 the subject, and it is not improbable that his attention has already been called to the advantage 

 or otherwise of sending plants of the cane from Luzon to the United States. 



Chaplain Jones will aid in executing the wishes of the government, as well in this particular 

 as in the collection of other specimens. 



You will perceive that the letter of the Secretary of the Interior authorizes the disbursement 



of the necessary funds to defray the expenses of purchasing and securing the required specimens. 



It is not desirable to have a great number from Luzon, as I propose to obtain specimens 



from other localities. Please make yourself acquainted with the best mode of preparing and 



preserving the plants on shipboard. 



Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



M. C. PERRY, 

 Commander-in-chief U. 8. naval forces, 



East India, China, and Japan seas. 

 Ct.ptaiu Joel Abbot, 



Commanding United States ship Macedonian. 



