CORRESPONDENCE IN REFERENCE TO SUM. 197 



to authorize so large an expenditure as would have heen required in the passage of the steamers 

 to and from Siam, and still leave an adequate supply for my second visit to Japan. 



One of my ohjects had heen to induce the king to send one of his ships (all of which combine 

 hoth war and commercial purposes) to the United States, with some of his most intelligent 

 officers — many of whom speak English* — there to examine into our institutions, resources, 

 &c; the surest way, in my opinion, of securing the respect and friendship for our government 

 of a people not more than half civilized, as we understand civilization. 



My plans with respect to Siam have, however, heen frustrated by the indispensable delay in 

 the negotiations with Japan, and the necessary return of the Mississippi and Susquehanna by 

 way of the Pacific, the employment on special service of the Powhatan, and the imperative 

 necessity of keeping a ship constantly at Canton and Shanghai. 



Copies of all the correspondence referred to have been furnished to Mr. McLane, and will 

 also be forwarded to the department on my return to the United States. 



With respect to the possibility of opening an intercourse with Cochin China, notwithstanding 

 the previous failures of England, France, and the United States, I am of opinion, founded upon 

 reliable information obtained in China proper, and at Singapore, that a favorable issue might 

 be accomplished, provided that small steamers of light draught were employed to ascend the 

 rivers upon which the principal cities are situated, and in sufficient force to resist and prevent 

 insult, to command respect, and, as a consequence, to secure the friendship of these singular 

 people ; and though the trade of Cochin China and the neighboring countries is growing in 

 importance, it is a question whether the advantages of a treaty purchased at so much expense 

 would be otherwise desirable than as reflecting high honor upon the enterprise and energy of a 

 nation yet comparatively in its infancy. 



With great respect, I have the honor to be your most obedient servant, 



M. C. PERRY. 



Hon. James C. Dobbin, 



Secretary of the Navy, Washington. 



* Both the kings speak and write English. 



