408 AP PEN D IX . 



order to simplify and methodize these researches, a paper is subjoined particularizing the various 

 departments, in reference to which information is more especially wanted, so that each officer 

 may select that or those departments, which may seem most congenial to his tastes and incli- 

 nations. 



All captains and commanders are required to render every facility, consistent with the proper 

 duties of their respective vessels, to those officers who may manifest a zealous co-operation in the 

 pursuits herein specified, and it is to he plainly understood that I do not officially require the 

 officers to perform any involuntary duty. I shall only exact that which may come legitimately 

 within the sphere of my authority, leaving to the officers themselves to engage as far as they 

 may see fit in those investigations, which may he considered in an official point of view 

 gratuitous. 



And it will always give me the greatest pleasure to identify and bring to proper notice the 

 lahors of each and every individual who may contribute to the general work. 



M. C. PERRY, 

 Commanding East India Squadron. 



No. 3. 



Letter from the second King of Siam to Commodore Perry, recently received. 



Palace of the Second King, 



Banhoh, Siam,' July 16, 1856. 

 Dear Sir : A long interval has elapsed since I have heard from you, hut you are not forgotten. 

 The heautiful pistol which you had the honor of forwarding to me has afforded me much satis- 

 faction and amusement. I was so much pleased with it, that I have taken special pains to secure 

 as many varieties of the revolver as I could ohtain, hut none have given the satisfaction of the 

 pistol you sent me. 



As there is an opportunity of sending to America, through Mr. Mattoon, the United States 

 consul, I gladly avail myself of it to send you a small but richly wrought spear, manufactured 

 in Siam, which I trust you will do me the kindness to accept. 



The American envoy had the honor of making a liberal treaty of commerce and friendship, 

 which I trust will prove mutually advantageous. . ■ 



"With best wishes for yourself, believe me, yours, truly, 



S. PHRA PIN KLAU CHAU YU HUA, 



Second King of Siam, &c. , &c. 

 Commodore M. C. Perry, [seal.] 



United States of America. 



No. 4. 



Account of the loss of Lieutenant John Matthews and boat's crew, of the United States ship 



Plymouth. 



In consequence of the misplacement of some of the official communications of Captain John 

 Kelly, no particular account of the disastrous loss of Lieutenant John Matthews and the entire 



