142 EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



a very low order. Various attempts were made with, the language of signs to communicate 

 with them, hut without their acknowledging the least comprehension of it. 

 We are, sir, very respectfully, your ohedient servants, 



T. S. SMITH, Surgeon of the Fleet. 

 J. J. MESSERSMITH, Passed Assistant Surgeon. 

 Commodore M. C. Perry, 



Commander-in-chief Japan Expedition, &c. , &c. , &c. 



EEPOETS. 



Captain Abbot to Commodore Perry. 



United States Ship Macedonian, 

 Kelung, Island of Formosa, July 22, 1854. 



Sir: I very hriefly inform you hy the "Supply," that I succeeded in getting out of the 

 haihor of Simoda on the morning of the 26th of June, in company with the "Supply," (she, 

 however, disappeared the second day out,) and that I arrived here on the morning of the 

 11th instant, in the midst of a tempett, having had a strong opposing current and a head wind 

 nearly all the way. The "Supply," greatly to my annoyance, anxiety, and regret, did not 

 reach here until yesterday morning, ten days after us, which has somewhat prolonged my stay 

 here. The first night here it hlew exceedingly heavy, so as to have to let go the sheet anchor; 

 since which the weather has heen very moderate and pleasant, except exceedingly warm. 



All on hoard have heen constantly employed, and arduously so. 



With a good deal of effort and labor, we have succeeded in watering ship with some good 

 and some had water ; the latter I considered preferable to filling the tanks with salt water. 



My mission here has been a successful one in all respects, except obtaining information 

 touching the fate of our missing countrymen, respecting which I have gained no intelligence. 



By the Rev. Mr. Jones's indefatigable searches after coal, he has discovered eight or ten 

 very extensive and valuable coal-mines, the coal from which appears to be very pure and 

 excellent. 



By persevering efforts, in the face of opposing influence of Chinese officials, about twelve 

 tons of coal have been obtained, and taken on board the Supply to-day, and thiee small junks 

 have gone for more. The coal obtained here now, under disadvantageous circumstances, will 

 probably cost about three dollars ($3) per ton. Mr. Jones is writing you on the subject of the 

 coal mines, so I need say no more now myself. 



Lieutenant Preble has perfected a good survey of the harbor, and an adjacent little harbor 

 near one of the mines, that is protected against northeast winds and is almost entirely 

 landlocked. 



Mr. Jones has purchased a stone for the Washington Monument — the best we could find. 



If the wind and weather will permit, I shall sail early in the morning, leaving the " Supply" 



to get necessary supplies, and during which to receive all the coal that can be obtained. 



Most respectfully, I have the honor to be your ohedient servant, 



JOEL ABBOT, 



Captain United States Navy. 

 Commodore M. C. Perry. 



