This is the principal seaport of the island, and perhaps the only one possessing the privileges of a port of entry.
Its inner, or Junk harbor, has a depth of water of from two to three fathoms, and though small, is sufficiently large to accommodate with ease, the fifteen or twenty moderate-sized junks which are usually found moored in it. These are mostly Japanese, with a few Chinese and some small coasting craft, which seem to carry on a sluggish trade with the neighboring islands.
The outer harbor is protected to the eastward and southward by the main land, while in other directions it is surrounded by merely a chain of coral reefs, which answer as a tolerable breakwater against a swell from the northward or westward, but affords of course, no shelter from the wind. The holding ground is so good, however, that a well-found ship could ride out here almost any gale in safety.
The clearest approach to Napa from the westward, is by passing to the northward of the Amakarima islands and sighting Agenhu island, whence steer a S. E. course for the harbor, passing on either side of Reef islands, being careful, however, not to approach them too near on the western and southern sides, as the reefs below water in these directions, are said to be more extensive than is shown by the charts.
After clearing Reef islands, bring Wood Hill to bear S. S. E., whenstand down for it, until getting upon the line of bearing forSouth channel. This will carry you well clear of Blossom reef, yet not so far off but that the White Tomb and clump of trees or bushes to the southward of Tumai Head can be easily distinguished. An E. N. E. ½ E., or E. N. E. course will now take you in clear of all dangers, and give a good anchorage on or near the seven-fathom bank, about half a mile to the northward and westward of False Capstan Head. This channel being perfectly straight, is more desirable for a stranger entering the harbor, thanOar channel, which, though wider, has the disadvantage of its being necessary for a vessel to alter her course some four or five points, just when she is in the midst of reefs, which are nearly all below the surface of the water.
TO ENTER BY OAR CHANNEL.
Bring the centre of the island in Junk harbor (known by the deep verdure of its vegetation), to fill the gap between the forts at the entrance of Junk harbor and steer a S. E. ½ E. course, until Capstan Head bears east, when haul up to E. N. E. and anchor as before directed.
THE NORTH CHANNEL
Is very much contracted by a range of detached rocks making out from the reef on the west side, and should not under ordinary circumstances be attempted by a stranger; as at high water the reefs are almost entirely covered, and it is difficult to judge of your exact position, unless familiar with the various localities and landmarks. To enter by this (North) channel, bring a remarkable notch in the southern range of hills, in line with a small hillock just to the eastward of False Capstan Head and stand in on this range S. by E. ½ E. until Tumai Head bears E. ½ N., when open a little to the southward, so as to give the reef to the eastward a berth, and select your anchorage.
There is a black spar-buoy anchored on Blossom reefhalf way between its eastern and western extremities, a red spar-buoy on the point of reef to the W. N. W’d of Abbey point, and a white spar-buoy on the southeast extremity of Oar reef. Flags of corresponding colors are attached to all these buoys, and they afford good guides for the South and Oar channels. There are two large stakes on the reefs to the eastward and westward of North channel, planted there by the natives, this being the channel mostly used by junks trading to the northward.
An abundance of water can always be obtained at the fountains inJunk river, where there is excellent landing for boats. There is a good spring near the tombs in Tumai bluff, but unless the water is perfectly smooth the landing is impracticable, and under any circumstances it is inconvenient from the want of sufficient depth, except at high tide.
It is directed by the commander-in-chief that the vessels of the squadron under his command, shall heave to, on approaching Napa, and make signal for a pilot, when an officer familiar with the localities and landmarks will be sent off from the vessel in port to pilot her in, or point to her commander the position of the dangers to be avoided.
Should there, however, be no vessel in port, then boats are to be sent ahead, and anchored upon the extremities of the reefs, between which the vessel intends to pass.
Macao, October 1, 1853.
Note.—The spar-buoys, above described, were securely moored at the time they were placed in their respective positions, by order of Commodore Perry, but may be displaced, or entirely removed by the heave of the sea, or by the natives, and should therefore not be entirely relied upon.
Oonting harbor is on the N. W. side of Loo-Choo, and distant about thirty-five miles from Napa.
Sugar Loaf island, an excellent landmark, lies about twelve miles to the W. N. W’d of the entrance. The island is low and flat, with the exception of a sharp conical peak near its eastern extremity, which rises to a height of several hundred feet.
Passing to the northward of Sugar Loaf island, an E. S. easterly course will bring you to the mouth of the harbor, and to the northward and westward of Kooi island. It is advisable to heave to here, or anchor in twenty or twenty-five fathoms water, until boats or buoys can be placed along the edges of the reefs bordering the channel, for without some such guides, it is difficult for a vessel of large draft to find her way in between the reefs, which contract, in places, to within a cable’s length of each other, and are at all times covered with water.
The ranges and courses for the channel, are first: Hele rock in range with double-topped mountain bearing south thirty-seven degrees east. Steer this course, keeping the range on until Chimney rock bears S. ½ E.; then for Chimney rock, until Point Conde bears south forty-nine degrees east; then for Point Conde, until entering the basin of Oonting, when anchor; giving your ship room to swing clear of the reef making out to the northward of Point Conde, and you will be as snug as if lying in dock; with good holding ground, completely land-locked, and sheltered almost entirely from every wind.
Good water is to be had at the village of Oonting.
The entrance to the harbor of Port Lloyd, on the western side of Peel island, one of the Bonin group, is well defined; so that it can scarcely be mistaken.
A ship bound in, would do well to place a boat on the shoal, that makes off south from the eastern point of Square Rock, as it is called on Beechy’s harbor chart. This shoal can be easily seen from aloft, however, even when there is no swell on. It extends full two cables length from Square Rock to the southward, and is steep. The centre of the shoal is awash with a smooth sea. The tide rises about three feet, and there is a coral rock about one cable’s length north from the northern point of Southern Head, on which I foundeight feet water. But a ship entering the harbor would not be likely to approach Southern Head so near as to be upon it. This island, as well as those surrounding it, is chiefly visited by whale-ships, and its products, therefore, are such as to suit their wants.
Potatoes, yams, and other vegetables, fruits of various kinds, together with wild hogs and goats can be procured from the few whites and Sandwich-islanders—thirty five in all—settled there. Wood is good and plentiful, and water can be had, though in limited quantities, and slightly tainted by the coral rocks from which it springs.
The anchorage is fair, though open to the south and west. The reconnoissance made by order of the commander-in-chief, proved the accuracy of Captain Beechy’s chart.
Mr. Bennet, acting master of the Susquehanna, says in his report: “Assuming the position of Napa in Great Loo-Choo island, as established by Beechy, to be correct, I find by the mean of my chronometers, that he has placed Ten-Fathom Hole, in Port Lloyd, five miles too far to the westward, and consequently the whole group is placed that much to the westward of its true position.”
U. S. Steam-Frigate Mississippi,Honolulu, October 26, 1854.
Vessels bound to the harbor of Simoda, to the southward and westward, should make Cape Idzu, from which Rock island bears E. S. E. ¼ E., distant about five miles; and if the weather is at all clear, the chain of islands at the entrance of the gulf of Yedo will at the same time be plainly visible.
Between Rock island and the main land, there are a number of rocks awash and above water, among which the Japanese junks freely pass, but a ship should not attempt a passage inside of Rock island, unless in case of urgent necessity, particularly as the northeasterly current, which sweeps along this coast, seems to be, at this point, capricious, both in direction and velocity.
Giving Rock island a berth of a mile, the harbor of Simoda will be in full view, bearing N. ¼ W., distant five miles.
Vandalia Bluff, on the east side of the entrance, may be recognised by a grove of pine-trees on the summit of the bluff, and the village of Susaki, which lies about one third of the way between it and Cape Diamond. Cape Diamond is a sharp point making out to the eastward of the entrance of the harbor.
Standing in from Rock island, you will probably pass through a number of tide rips, but not get soundings with the hand lead, until near the entrance of the harbor, when you will be in from fourteen to twenty-seven fathoms.
Should the wind be from the northward and fresh, a vessel should anchor at the mouth of the harbor until it lulls or shifts, or until she can conveniently warp in, as it is usually flawy and always baffling.
Approaching from the northward and eastward, a vessel can pass on either side of Oho Sima, from the centre, of which Cape Diamond bears W. S. W. ¾ W., distant about twenty miles.
Between Oho Sima and Simoda no dangers are known to exist; but the northeasterly current must be borne constantly in mind—particularly at night and in thick weather. Its general strength is from two to three miles per hour; but as this, as well as its direction, is much influenced by the local wind, headlands, islands, &c., neither can be relied upon.
Should Oho Sima be obscured by thick weather, before reaching Cape Diamond, endeavor to sight Rock island, for there are no very conspicuous objects on the main land, by which a stranger can recognise the harbor at a distance, and the shore appears as one unbroken line.
To the westward of the harbor there are several sand beaches, and three or four sand banks, These can be plainly discerned when within six or eight miles, and are good landmarks.
A vessel from the southward and eastward should pass to the westward of the island of Kozu Sima,4which may be known by a remarkable snow-white cliff on its western side. There is also a white patch on its summit, to the northward of the cliff. From this island the harbor bears N. by W. ½ W., distant about twenty-eight miles.
There are but two hidden dangers in the harbor; the first is the Southampton rock, which lies in mid-channel, bearing N. ½ W. from Vandalia bluff, about three fourths of the way between it and Centre island. This rock is about twenty-five feet in diameter, and has two fathoms water upon it. It is marked by a white spar-buoy.
The second is the Supply rock. Bearing S. by W., a short distance from Buisako islet, and is a sharp rock, with eleven feet water upon it. Its position is designated by a red spar-buoy.
Both of these buoys are securely moored, and the authorities of Simoda have promised to replace them, should they by any cause be removed.
Centre island, which receives its name from being the point from which the treaty limits are measured, is high, conical, and covered with trees. A cave passes entirely through it.
In the outer roads, or mouth of the harbor, a disagreeable swell is sometimes experienced; but inside of the Southampton rock and Centre island, vessels are well sheltered, and the water comparatively smooth. Moor with an open hawse to the southward and westward.
There are good landings for boats in Simoda creek, and at the village of Kakizaki.
A harbor-master and three pilots have been appointed; wood, water, fish, fowls, and eggs, also sweet potatoes and other vegetables may be procured from the authorities. It is necessary to supply them with casks to bring the water off.
Latitude Centre island34° 39′ 49″ N.Longitude Centre island138° 57′ 50″ E.Variation52′ westerly.High Water, F. and C5 hours.Extreme rise of tide5 ft. 7 in.Mean rise of tide3 ft.
To make the foregoing directions more easily comprehended, they have been rendered as concise as possible, but to furnish further information to navigators bound to, or passing the port, the following additional remarks are appended:—
The harbor of Simoda is near the southeastern extremity of the peninsula of Idzu, which terminates at the cape of that name. To the northward of the harbor, a high ridge intersects the peninsula, and south of this, all the way to the cape, it is broken by innumerable peaks of less elevation.
The harbor bears S. W. by W. from Cape Sagami, at the entrance of Yedo bay, distant about 45 miles.
Rock island is about 120 feet high, and a third of a mile in length, with precipitous shores and uneven outlines. It has a thick matting of grass, weeds, moss, &c., on the top.
From the summit of this island overfalls were seen, bearing N. ½ W., distant a mile, or mile and a half. These may have been caused by a rock or reef. An attempt was made to find it, but the strong current and fresh wind prevented a satisfactory examination. The Japanese fishermen, however, deny the existence of any such danger.
N. by W. from Rock island, distant 2 miles, are the Ukona rocks. These are two rocks, though they generally appear as one. The largest is about 70 feet high. Between these and Rock island, the current was found setting east-northeasterly, fully four miles an hour.
Centre island bears from Rock island N. ½ E., distant 5½ miles, and from Ukona rocks N. by E. ½ E., distant 3½ miles.
Buisako islet lies N. N. E. from Centre island. It is about 40 feet high, and covered with trees and shrubs.
Should the buoy on Southampton rock be removed, the east end of Centre island on with the west end of Buisako, will clear the rock to the westward.
Off the village of Susaki, and distant one third of a mile from the shore, is a ledge of rocks, upon which the surf is always breaking; give them a berth of two cables in passing.
Approaching from the eastward, the harbor will not open until you get well inside of Cape Diamond.
To the northward of Cape Diamond is the bay of Sirahama, which is quite deep, and as it has also several sand-beaches, it may be mistaken for Simoda; but as you approach this bay, Cape Diamond will shut in the Ukona rocks, and Rock island to the southward; while in the Simoda roads they are visible from all points.
Cape Idzu,latitude34° 36′ 03″ N.”longitude138° 52′ 32″ E.Rock Island,latitude34° 34′ 20″ N.”longitude138° 57′ 10″ E.
S. W. ½ W. from Kozu-Sima, distant about 20 miles, and south, a little westerly, from Cape Idzu, distant about 40 miles, there are two patches of dangerous rocks, 15 or 20 feet high, which have been named Redfield rocks. They are in—Latitude 33° 56′ 13″ N., Longitude 138° 48′ 31″ E.; and Latitude 33° 57′ 31″ N., Longitude 138° 49′ 13″ E.
These positions may not be strictly correct, but it is believed they are not much out of the way.
Several errors in the first edition of these directions, published in July last, have been corrected in the above.—W. L. M.
Several errors in the first edition of these directions, published in July last, have been corrected in the above.—W. L. M.
Vessels from the southward, bound to this bay, should pass up to the westward of the chain of islands lying off the gulf of Yedo, and are cautioned against mistaking the deep bight of Kawatsu bay for the entrance of Uraga channel, for on the northeast side of this bay there is a ledge of rocks several miles from the shore, bearing from Cape Sagami about W. N. W., distant ten miles, upon which one of the vessels of our squadron grounded. A stranger without a correct chart would naturally make this mistake, as the opening of the channel is not seen at a distance from this quarter, the shore appearing as an unbroken line.
The entrance to the channel bears from the centre of Oho-Sima N. E. by N., distant about twenty miles. Stand in upon this line, and the Saddle hill to the northward of Cape Sagami will be readily recognised, as well as the round black knob on the eastern side of thechannel. On approaching Uraga, the Plymouth rocks will be plainly seen; give these a berth of half a mile to clear the Ingersoll Patch, a sunken rock with but one fathom on it, and which is the only known danger in the channel.
Between Plymouth rocks and Cape Kami-Saki, the ground is clear and the anchorage good, if care be taken to get pretty well in, so as to avoid the strong tides which sweep round the latter with great rapidity. A spit makes out a short distance to the southward of Kami-Saki; but to the northward of the cape, the shore is bold, and the water very deep.
On rounding Cape Kami-Saki, if bound for the city of Yedo, steer N. W. by N., until Perry island bears S. by W. ¾ W., so as to clear Saratoga spit, which extends well out from the eastern shore; then haul up, keeping Perry island upon this bearing until the beacon on the low point to the southward of Yedo bears W. N. W. This clears the shoal off the point, and here there is good anchorage in about ten fathoms water, in full view of the city of Yedo.
At this point our survey terminated; the boats, however, found a clear channel, with plenty of water for the largest vessels, several miles farther to the northward, and within a few miles of the city.
If bound to the American anchorage, from Cape Kami-Saki, steer N. W., and anchor in eight or ten fathoms water, with Perry island bearing S. S. E., and Webster island S. W. by S.
To the southward of Webster island there is also good anchorage in six and seven fathoms. Near this anchorage, there are two snug coves, very accessible, in which vessels may conveniently repair and refit.
Susquehanna bay, three miles W. N. W. from Cape Kami-Saki, is well sheltered, but it contains a number of reefs and rocks, and is therefore not recommended as an anchorage.
Mississippi bay is four miles north of the American anchorage; it is well sheltered from the prevailing winds. Upon anchoring it is necessary to give the shore a wide berth, to avoid a shoal which extends out from half to three quarters of a mile. The conspicuous headland, or long yellow bluff, on the north side of this bay, is called Treaty point; a shoal surrounds the point from two thirds of a mile to a mile distant.
Between the American anchorage and Treaty point, the soundings are irregular, shoaling suddenly from twelve to five fathoms on a bank of hard sand.
To the northward of Treaty point, and N. N. W. from Cape Kami-Saki, distant fourteen miles, is Yokuhama bay. To reach this anchorage, bring the wooded bluff which terminates the high land onthe north side of the bay to bear N. by W. ½ W., and steer for it until Treaty point bears S. W. by S.—(this clears the spit off the point); then haul up about N. W. by N. for the bluff over the town of Kanagawa, and anchor in five and a half or six fathoms, with the Haycock just open to the eastward of Mandarin bluff. Mandarin is the steep bluff a mile to the northward of Treaty point.
A flat extends out from the northern shore of this bay, between Kanagawa and Beacon point from one to two miles; off Mandarin bluff there is also a shoal extending a mile to the northward.
The bay of Yedo is about twelve miles wide, and thirty deep, with excellent holding-ground, and capable of sheltering the fleets of the world.
Our survey embraced the western shore only, from Cape Kami-Saki to Beacon point. We had no opportunity of examining the eastern side. The soundings from Treaty point across in an E. S. E. direction are regular, and three fathoms were found about a mile and a half from the opposite shore.
Of Uraga channel, a reconnoissance was made of the western shore only.
During our stay in the bay, from the 17th February to the 18th April, the weather was generally fine, being occasionally interrupted by strong winds and heavy rain. The gales came up suddenly from the southward and westward with a low barometer, and continued for a short time, when the wind hauled round to the northward and westward, and moderated. We had no easterly blows; in fact, the wind was rarely from this quarter, except when hauling round from the northward (as it invariably did) by east to the southward and westward.
The tide is quite strong out in the bay; and off the tail of Saratoga spit, Perry island, and Cape Kami-Saki, its velocity is much increased. But at the anchorage in the bay of Yokuhama it was scarcely felt. At Yokuhama the Japanese, authorities supplied us with wood and water, and a few vegetables, fowls, eggs, oysters, and clams.
Latitude,Cape Sagami35° 06′ 30″Longitude,”139° 40′Latitude,Webster Island35° 18′ 30″Longitude,”139° 40′ 34″Latitudeof Treaty building, north end of Yokuhama35° 26′ 44″Longitude,”139° 40′ 23″Variation25′ westerly.High Water, F. and C6 hours.Rise and fall at Yokuhama6 feet.
United States Steam-Frigate Mississippi,At Sea,July 20, 1854.
This splendid and beautiful bay, which for accessibility and safety is one of the finest in the world, lies on the north side of the straits of Sangar, which separate the Japanese islands of Nippon and Yeso, and about midway between Cape SirijaSaki5(the N. E. point of Nippon), and the city of Matsmai. It bears from the cape N. W. ½ W., distant about 45 miles, and is about 4 miles wide at the entrance, and 5 miles deep.
The harbor is the southeastern arm of the bay, and is completely sheltered, with regular soundings and excellent holding ground. It is formed by a bold-peaked promontory, standing well out from the high land of the main, with which it is connected by a low sandy isthmus, and which, appearing at a distance as an island, may be easily recognised.
The town is situated on the northeast slope of the promontory, facing the harbor, and contains about 6,000 inhabitants.
Approaching from the eastward, after passing Cape Suwu Kubo, named on our chart Cape Blunt, which is a conspicuous headland 12 miles E. by S. from the town, the junks at anchor in the harbor will be visible over the low isthmus.
FOR ENTERING THE HARBOR.
Rounding the promontory of Hakodadi, and giving it a berth of a mile, to avoid the calms under the high land, steer for the sharp peak of Komaga daki, bearing about N., until the east peak of the Saddle, bearing about N. E. by N., opens to the westward of the round knob on the side of the mountain, then haul up to the northward and eastward, keeping them open until the centre of the sandhills on the isthmus bears S. E. by E. ¾ E.; these may be recognised by the dark knolls upon them. This will clear a spit which makes out from the northwestern point of the town in a north-northwesterly direction two thirds of a mile; then bring the sandhills a point on the port bow, and stand in until the northwestern point of the town bears S. W. ½ W., when you will have the best berth, with 5½ or 6 fathoms water. If itis desirable to get nearer in, haul up a little to the eastward of S., for the low rocky peak which will be just visible over the sloping ridge to the southward and eastward of the town. A vessel of moderate draught may approach within a quarter of a mile of Tsuki point, where there is a building-yard for junks. This portion of the harbor, however, is generally crowded with vessels of this description; and, unless the want of repairs, or some other cause, renders a close berth necessary, it is better to remain outside.
If the Peak or Saddle is obscured by clouds or fog, after doubling the promontory, steer N. by E. ½ E., until the sandhills are brought upon the bearing above given, when proceed as there directed.
A short distance from the tail of the spit is a detached sandbank, with 3½ fathoms on it. The outer edge of this is marked by a white spar-buoy. Between this and the spit there is a narrow channel with 5 or 6 fathoms water. Vessels may pass on either side of the buoy, but it is most prudent to go to the northward of it.
Should the wind fail before reaching the harbor, there is good anchorage in the outer roads, in from 25 to 10 fathoms.
Excellent wood and water may be procured from the authorities of the town; or, if preferred, water can be easily obtained from Kamida creek, which enters the harbor to the northward and eastward of the town.
The season, at the time of our visit, was unfavorable for procuring supplies; a few sweet and Irish potatoes, eggs, and fowls, however, were obtained, and these articles, at a more favorable period of the year, will no doubt be furnished in sufficient quantities to supply any vessels that may in future visit the port.
Our seine supplied us with fine salmon and a quantity of other fish, and the shores of the bay abound with excellent shellfish.
During our stay in this harbor, from the 17th May to 3d June, the weather was generally pleasant until the 1st June, when the fog set in. It was usually calm in the morning, but toward the middle of the day a brisk breeze from S. W. sprung up.
Latitude, mouth of Kamida creek41° 49′ 22″ N.Longitude,”140° 47′ 45″ E.Variation4° 30′ W.High Water, F. and C5 hours.Extreme rise and fall of tide3 feet.
Our chronometers were rated at Napa Kiang, Loo-Choo, from the position of that place as given by Captain Beechy,R. N.
[In the text is given an account of the negotiations relative to the comparative value of the American and Japanese coin. It is thought as well to give the report of the pursers appointed to arrange the question, which will be found below.]
United States Steam-Frigate Powhatan,Simoda,June 15, 1854.
Sir: The committee appointed by you, in your letter of the 12th instant, to confer with a committee from the Japanese commissioners in reference to the rate of exchange and currency between the two nations in the trade at the ports opened, and to settle the price of coal to be delivered at this port, beg leave to report:—
The Japanese committee, it was soon seen, came to the conference with their minds made up to adhere to the valuation they had already set upon our coins, even if the alternative was the immediate cessation of trade. The basis upon which they made their calculation was the nominal rate at which the government sells bullion when it is purchased from the mint, and which seems also to be that by which the metal is received from the mines. The Japanese have a decimal system of weight, like the Chinese, of catty, tael, mace, candareen, and cash, by which articles in general are weighed; but gold and silver are not reckoned above taels. In China a tael of silver in weight and one in currency are the same, for the Chinese have no silver coin; but in Japan, as in European countries, the standard of value-weight and that of currency-weight differ. We were told that a tael weight of silver has now come to be reckoned, when it is bullion, as equal to 225 candareens, or 2 taels, 2 mace, 5 candareens; but when coined, the same amount in weight is held to be worth 6 taels, 4 mace. It is at the bullion value that the government has decided to receive our dollar, the same at which they take the silver from the mines; asserting that, as its present die and assay give it no additional value, it is worth no more to them. In proportion to a tael, a dollar weighs 7 mace, 1 1-5 candareen, which, at the rates of bullion value, makes it worth 1 tael, 6 mace, or 1,600 cash. Thus the Japanese government will make a profit of 66-2/3 per cent. on every dollar paid them of full weight, with the trifling deduction of the expense of recoining it. The injustice of this arrangement was shown, and the propriety of paying to the seller himself the coin we gave at this depreciated rate urged, but in vain.
For gold the rate is more, as the disparity between the value of bullion and that of coin, among the Japanese, is not so great. A tael weight of gold is valued at 19 taels in currency, and a mace at 1 tael, 9 mace. The gold dollar weighs almost 5 candareens, but the Japanese have reckoned it as the twentieth part of a $20 piece, which they give as 8 mace, 8 candareens; and, consequently, the dollar is only 4 candareens, 4 cash. This weight brings the gold dollar, when compared with the tael of bullion gold worth 19 taels, to be worth 836 cash, and the $20 piece to be worth 16,720 cash, or 16 taels, 7 mace, 2 candareens. This, when converted into a silver value, makes a gold dollar worth 52¼ cents, and a $20 piece worth $10 45, at which the Japanese propose to take them. But this valuation of the gold dollar at 52¼ cents, when reckoned at 836 cash, its assessed value by the Japanese government, suffers the same depreciation as our silver; and its real value, when compared with the inflated currency in use among the people, is only about 17¼ cents. Consequently, by this estimate, gold becomes 50 per cent. worse for us to pay in than silver. The currency value of a gold dollar, taking the its-evoo as of equal purity, and comparing them weight for weight, is only 1,045 cash, or nearly 22 cents in silver; so that the actual depreciation on the part of the Japanese is not so great as silver—being for the two metals, when weighed with each other, for silver as 100 to 33-1/3, and for gold as 22 to 17. The elements of this comparison are not quite certain, and therefore its results are somewhat doubtful; but the extraordinary discrepancy of both metals, compared with our coins and with their own copper coins, shows how the government has inflated the whole monetary system in order to benefit itself.
The parties could come to no agreement, as we declined to consent to the proposals of the Japanese, who were decided to adhere to their valuation of a silver dollar at 1 tael, 6 mace, or 1,600 cash; neither would they consent to do justly by us in relation to the moneys paid them at this place before our departure for Hakodadi, at the rate of only 1 tael, 2 mace, or 1,200 cash, to the dollar, by which they had made a profit of 76 per cent. on each dollar, stating that the money paid them at this rate had passed out of their hands; and, moreover, that the prices placed upon the articles furnished had been charged at reduced prices with reference to the low value placed upon the dollar.
For the amount due and unsettled, for supplies received at Yokuhama, and on account of which Purser Eldredge paid Moriyama Yenoske, imperial interpreter, $350 in gold and silver, that they might be assayed and tested at Yedo, they consent to receive the dollar at thevaluation now placed on them—that is, at the rate of 1,600 cash for the silver dollar.
We carefully investigated the price of the coal to be delivered to vessels in this port. We learn that 10,000 catties or 100 piculs have arrived; and this, at the rate of 1,680 catties to a ton of 2,240 pounds, or 16 4-5 piculs, costs 262 taels, 6 mace, 5 candareens, 3 cash, or $164 16; making the rate to be $27 91 per ton. The Japanese state that the price of coal would be considerably reduced as the demand for it increased, and their facilities for mining became more perfect.
In conclusion, we take pleasure in expressing our thanks to Messrs. Williams and Portman, whose services as interpreters were indispensable, and from whom we received important aid in our investigations.
We have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servants,
William Speiden,Purser U. S. Navy.J. C. Eldredge,Purser U. S. Navy.
CommodoreM. C. Perry,Commander-in-Chief U. S. Naval Forcesin the East India and China Seas.
A Meter is about 39⅓ inches.
A Meter is about 39⅓ inches.
Japanese Measurement of the Heights of Foogee Yama.
THE END.