154 EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



In almost every instance, the coal seams are remarkably accessible ; from a number of the 

 mines a railroad of two hundred yards would deliver it on the banks of a stream navigable at 

 full tides and debouching in the harbor of Kelung, while at a spot three and a half miles east 

 from this, a seam comes cropping out in a bluff rising immediately from the sea, or rather from 

 the bottom of a shallow bay, where a railroad of two hundred feet from the mines down might 

 drop the coal at once into boats lying in the safely-sheltered coves among the rocks below. 



I have explored to an extent of seven miles east from this, and have found coal-mines, or in- 

 dications of coal, over the whole extent. The country westward has exactly the same geological 

 character as the east ; but I have not had time to give it any examination. 



The natives have done a little at mining ; but it is in a slovenly way, and with indifferent 

 results. 



We have had great difficulty in getting a stone for the Washington Monument, the rock here 

 being all a soft sandstone, entirely unfit for architectural purposes ; but we finally purchased a 

 granite stone, forming part of the quay at Kelung, which I hope will suit. 



Captain Abbot has requested me to say that they have completed a good survey of the harbor, 

 extended also to the coal seam at the east. 



I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



GEO. JONES, 

 Chaplain United States Navy. 



Commodore M. C. Perry, 



Commanding U. S. naval forces, East India, China, and Japan seas. 



