c o m m o d o r e ' s v i e w o f h i s m i s s i o n . 105
the ordinary sledge used for transporting casks of wine and other heavy articles
through the streets, surmounted by a gaily decorated carriage body, and
drawn by a yoke of oxen. This is now the fashionable conveyance, and in
such an one did the Commodore, with his flag captain and aid, make all his
official visits. There are stands in the streets, as for our cabs and carriages,
where these vehicles may be found with the oxen yoked, and all things prepared
for immediate transportation.
I t must not, however, be supposed that there are no other modes of conveyance
; horseback riding may be seen, and the fair equestrian makes her
appearance without an attendant cavalier or groom, but with a footman,
who keeps pace with the easy gait of the horse, and protects him from the
annoyance of flies and other insects. Asses are common, and are probably
the best beasts of burden on such roads as the island possesses.
While the ship was at Madeira, the Commodore, who had reflected much
and anxiously on the important mission with which he had been entrusted,
thought it best to bring distinctly before the department the views he entertained
of the steps he ought to undertake, more particularly as so much was
necessarily confided to his discretion. He accordingly addressed to the
Secretary of the Navy an official communication, which is here presented,
not only as affording a record of his matured opinions on the important work
before him, but also as furnishing the reader with the means of ascertaining,
as he proceeds in the narrative, how far the Commodore’s anticipations were
fulfilled, and how nearly he was enabled to follow out his original intentions.
Commodore Perry to the Secretary o f the Navy.
Un it ed States Steam F r ig a t e Mis s is s ip p i,
Madeira, December 14, 1852.
S i r : Since leaving the United States I have had leisure to reflect more
fully upon the probable result of my visit to Japan, and though there is still
some doubt in my mind as to the chances of immediate success in bringing
that strange government to any practicable negotiation, yet I feel confident
that in the end the great object in view will be effected.
As a preliminary step, and one of easy accomplishment, one or more
ports of refuge and supply to our whaling and other ships must at once be
secured; and should the Japanese government object to the granting of such
ports upon the main land, and if they cannot be occupied without resort to
force and bloodshed, then it will be desirable in the beginning, and indeed,
necessary, that the squadron should establish places of rendezvous at one
or two of the islands south of Japan, having a good harbor, and possessing
facilities for obtaining water and supplies, and seek by kindness and gentle
treatment to conciliate the inhabitants so as to bring about their friendly
intercourse.
The islands called the Lew Chew group are said to be dependencies of