MANILA AND FORMOSA. 139 



Commodore Perry to Captain Abbot. 



United States Flag-ship Mississippi, 



Simoda, June 19, 1851. , 

 Sir: Some time last winter I was informed by Mr. Charles D. Mugford, of Manila, of a 

 most melancholy event, which had brought him in communication with the authorities of 

 that place. I am yet quite ignorant of the circumstances of the case, but, in consideration of a 

 promise made to that gentleman to bear the subject in mind, with the intention of inquiring- 

 more fully into the matter should it be in my power to visit Manila, I have to request that 

 you confer with that gentleman, as also with the United States consul, Mr. Edwards ; and if, 

 by any just and proper application to the local government, you can, in your official capacity, 

 contribute to the object Mr. Mugford has in view, I request that you may do so. Under 

 any circumstances, you will be pleased to collect all the information you can upon the subject, 

 and report to me for my further guidance. 



Very respectfully, &c, 



M. C. PERKY, 

 Commander-in-chief, &c, &o. 

 Captain Joel Abbot, 



Commanding United States ship Macedonian. 



Commodore Perry to Charles D. Mugford, Esq. 



United States Steam Frigate Mississippi, 



Simoda, Japan, June 20, 1854. 

 My dear Sir : I regret that the delays which have attended my present visit to Japan will, 

 at least for the present, deprive me of the pleasure of visiting Manila ; but mindful of the 

 conversation which passed between you and myself, respecting the melancholy event related 

 by you, I have instructed Captain Abbot, in command of the frigate Macedonian, to confer 

 with you, to collect all necessary information, and to take such steps as may lead to a full 

 understanding of the question, in view of calling for the further action of the commanding 

 naval officers on this station, or of the interference of the government at Washington. 

 I enclose a copy of my instructions to Captain Abbot. 



Very truly and respectfully your obedient servant, 



M. C. PERRY. 



Charles D. Mugford, Esq., Manila. 



Commodore Perry to Captain Abbot. 



United States Flag-ship Mississippi, 



Simoda, June 19, 1854. 

 Sir: I enclose herewith copies of two reports of Lieutenant Commanding J. J. Boyle, which 

 relate to the rescue of six colored persons, supposed to be natives of the island of "Silla-ba-boo," 

 situated in latitude 3° 47' north, and longitude 127° 11' east. 



