U.S.S. Steam Frigate Mississippi (Departure from Honolulu 1854)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, November 11, 1854.

This vessel left our harbor on Thursday morning, for San Francisco, and took a mail for the United States and Europe.

The Mississippi has been sixteen days in port, having arrived on the 23s ult. from Japan. During her stay she has diligently engaged in coaling, taking in water and repairing damages received in the gale of Oct. 7th.

On Wednesday the 8th inst., having completed coaling, &c., Capt. Lee gave a general invitation to the residents of Honolulu to visit his ship, and a large number availed themselves of the opportunity.

On account of indisposition, His Majesty was prevented from going on board, as he had anticipated. His Excellency the Governor of Oahu and suite, however, went off, as well as His Majesty's Ministers of Foreign Relations, Finance and Public Instruction, the Commissioners of France and the United States, and the several consuls of foreign powers resident in Honolulu, all of whom were received with the customary salutes and honors due them under such circumstances. A large number of ladies were also Capt. Lee's guests during the day, as well as the commanders of the several ships-of-war, Portsmouth, St. Marys, l'Artemise and Trincomalee, and numerous officers from the same. 

The Mississippi was in fine order, and in every department exhibited the skill of her officers, and the good discipline of the ship. The Band discoursed sweet music while the visitors were on board, and the courteous attentions of Capt. Lee and the officers of the Mississippi rendered the occasion one of much enjoyment and satisfaction.

The Mississippi, although not a new vessel, is a fine serviceable ship, and has been engaged in many important commissions, all of which she has acquitted herself with credit. Her several voyages have taken her to almost every quarter of the globe, and the present expedition will enable her to complete the circumnavigation of the earth, in one continuous voyage. Since leaving the United States in connection with the Japan expedition, her machinery has never given out, or in any respect failed to give her perfect satisfaction; she is considered altogether a reliable ship and will complete her voyage one safely and in good time, which will demonstrate the sometimes disputed point in regard to heavy steamers successfully making such long voyages.

Capt. Lee and the officers of the Mississippi have made many warm friends in Honolulu, whose best wishes follow them for their safe return. 

Court News: Commanders of the Susquehanna and Mississippi Given an Audience (1854)

Pictured: U.S.S. Mississippi

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, October 28, 1854.

An audience was given on Thursday, the 24th inst. last, to the U.S. Commissioner, and to the Commanders of the U.S. steam frigates Susquehanna and Mississippi. Captains Buchanan and Lee were accompanied by Captains Dornin and Bailey, of the Portsmouth and St. Marys, by Capt. Ringgold, late of the U.S. Exploring Expedition, and by numerous officers from the several U.S. ships, as well as by D.A. Ogden, Esq., U.S. Consul, and a large number of American citizens, residents and strangers in town.

The Commanders of the Susquehanna and Mississippi as well as Capt. Ringgold and Mr. Ogden, were introduced to His Majesty by His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Relations, and the officers, by their respective Commanders. After which the Hon. D.L. Gregg introduced the following gentlemen, as well as many others, whose names are not recorded in the reception book, viz., His Ex. Samuel Purdy, Lieut. Governor of California, Charles Doane, Mr. Hammond, Jas. Wistar, T. Swope and W.P. Cutrell. Several officers from the Portsmouth and St. Marys, who had previously been introduced, paid their respects to His Majesty on this occasion.

After the ceremony of introduction had been completed, Capt. Buchanan courteously invited His Majesty to pay a visit to the Susquehanna, which was accepted by His Majesty, and Thursday, the 26th, at 1 P.M., was fixed upon as the time when the visit would be paid. Capt. Bailey, also, of the St. Marys invited His Majesty to visit his ship on the evening of the same day, at which time a ball would be given, and which invitation likewise His Majesty accepted.

An half hour was spent in general conversation, when the company retired, and band playing "Yankee Doodle." 

His Majesty's Visits Afloat (1854)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, October 28, 1854.

On Thursday afternoon, at 4 o'clock, His Majesty and suite visited that splendid specimen of naval architecture, the U.S. Steam Frigate Susquehanna, on board of which he was received by Captain Buchanan with every mark of honor and respect usually paid to sovereigns on such occasions.

As soon as His Majesty's boat appeared, on its way to the Susquehanna, the Hawaiian ensign was hoisted on the several men-of-war port, and the Trincomalee led off with a salute of 21 guns, which was followed by the Artemise, the Susquehanna and Portsmouth, making a continuous salute of 84 guns, which woke the echoes among the hills around Honolulu, and, in conjunction with manned yards, dressed ships, and numerous boats in motion, was an excavating and lively scene, seldom if ever before witnessed in this harbor.

The process of coaling having been completed, the Susquehanna was in as fine condition as skill and Harbor could make her, and her perfectly neat appearance reflected much credit upon her commander and officers. 

It would be difficult, we imagine, to find, in any navy in the world, a combination of good qualities surpassing those of the Susquehanna, most of which strike at once the visitor with admiration, and all of which were pointed out to His Majesty by the courteous officers of the ship. The beautiful engine and ponderous machinery of the Susquehanna, as well as her heavy armament and perfect equipments, were examined by His Majesty with particularity, and elicited frequent expressions of admiration; and after spending two hours on board, His Majesty took leave, well pleased with the ship and the attentions he had received on board.

On leaving the Susquehanna, His Majesty proceeded at once to the U.S. Ship St marts, where he was also received with all honor by Capt. Bailey and the officers of that ship.

The St. Marys had been fitted up for a large party, her midship, guns removed, and the main and poop decks closed in with awnings, and decorated with flags, evergreens and chandeliers, in most beautiful style. In fact, the whole ship was in perfect order and in fine keeping with the arrangements for the entertainment of her guests on deck.

Our space will not allow a detailed account of the guests, the decorations, or the entertainments of the evening onboard the St. Marys. We can only say that everything was done by Captain Bailey and his officers to render the ship and the entertainment agreeable, in the highest degree, to the brilliant assemblage that visited them on the occasion; and we believe we are safe in adding that they succeeded perfectly in their object.

His Majesty retired early, but the "sma' hours"  were witness to the return of the boat that conveyed the last ashore. 

Departure of the Susquehanna (1854)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, November 4, 1854.

This splendid U.S. steam-frigate took her departure on Monday last, the 30th inst., for San Francisco, after a stay of twenty days at this port. She took the United States and European mails, which she will doubtless deliver at the post office some five or six days before the sailing of the steamer of the 15th November, for Panama.

While lying here, the Susquehanna was visited by His Majesty and a large number of chiefs, as well as residents on shore, and was universally admired for the beauty of her model, the perfection of her machinery, and the admirable condition in which she was always found.

At the invitation of Capt. Buchanan, His Majesty and suite again went on board when she was ready for sea, and together with a large party of town's-people and officers from the several men-of-war in port, took a short cruise in her off the eastern end of the island. As she passed out of the harbor, she was heartily cheered by the St. Mary's and Portsmouth, whose men were in the rigging for that purpose, and by the crew of the Artemise, whose yards were manned. The cheering was promptly returned by the crew of the Susquehanna. The Hawaiian flag was displayed from all men-of-war in port, while His Majesty was afloat, and a salute was fired, both when he went on board and when he left the ship.

The short cruise outside afforded much satisfaction to all who went on board to enjoy it. The sea was calm, and the huge vessel was as quiet, almost, as

"A painted ship, upon a painted ocean."

So steady was she, in fact, that none of those unpleasant sensations usually felt by the unaccustomed landsmen, were experienced by the most sensitive on board.

After steaming up past Diamond Head, and opening out the channel between Oahu and Molokai, the Susquehanna was put about and stood back for the harbor, off which she soon came to, stopped her machinery, disembarked her temporary guests, firing her homeward bound voyage.

A pleasant trip and safe arrival of the Susquehanna at the port of her destination! During her short stay in port, the residents of Honolulu have had an opportunity of seeing a fine ship, -the largest, in fact, that ever entered the harbor,- while the courteous attentions of her officers, and others on board, have made them feel, on her leaving, that they might have parted from friends with whom they could have desired a longer acquaintance. 

It is possible that the Susquehanna may be retained in the Pacific for some time to come, and if so, we may see her again at the islands, where she will always be a welcome visitor.  

"Later from China: Return of the United States Squadron from Japan." (1853)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, October 29, 1853.

By the arrival of the brig SOLIDE. we have Hong Kong dates to the 23d of Agust. The principal item of interest in these papers, is from the Register of Aug. 9th, concerning the Japan Expedition. We give it below, from which our readers will learn what progress Com. Perry has made in opening Japan.

RETURN OF THE UNITED STATES SQUADRON FROM JAPAN

The first scene of the drama "Japan Opened" has been played, and very cleverly played, too, if we can believe the accounts of it which are now current here. The United States fleet destined for the doing so, or rather a part of it, viz., the steamers Susquehanna and Mississippi, and the sloops-of-war Plymouth and Saratoga, left the coast of Loochoo on the 2d July, and steamed in to the bay of Jedo, each steamer having in tow one of the sloops, on the 8th of the same month. It was a very short time after they had come to anchor when the "civility" which had hitherto been forced upon all vessels-of-war, whether American, French, or English-that of having a cordon of boats thrown around them was proffered-indeed pressed upon Commodore Perry- a civility however which the Commodore not only did not value, but demurred at receiving. 

But a little time elapsed before the Mandarins of the place presented themselves on the quarter deck of the Susquehanna. It was explained to their chief that the courtesy thus proffered was not appreciated, and that it would be well that the boats immediately took themselves off. The Mandarin relied that it was Japan "fashion" -a fashion to which not only the American, but other nations had submitted, which could not be dispensed with. We believe that Commodore Perry is not given to swearing, but he so quickly and energetically explained that a longer detention of the boats around his vessels would not only be looked upon as an insult, but would be resented as such, that one wave from the fan of the leading Mandarin caused them to disperse-the sight of the ponderous guns on board leaving him no alternative. Eastern cunning, however, induced the notion that what would not be permitted when hundreds were engaged, might be looked over when engaged by the tens.- 

This movement however did not escape observation, and the lowering of a few boats, in which were marines with their muskets loaded, very speedily dismissed those that remained. During the stay of the vessels at Jedo no attention of this sort was again pressed upon the formidable strangers. 

The Commodore having informed the highest officials in Jedo for what purpose he had visited the country, explained that it would be necessary to send to the capital in order tat the Emperor might depute an officer of sufficient rank to meet him, to receive from his hands the letter of the President of the United States. A high officer was immediately despatched from the capital, and a meeting was shortly after fixed to take place. The Commissioner appointed to receive the President's letter received the Commodore on shore with a guard of honor amounting, it is said, to 5,000 men -soldier-like in their appearance and armed with matchlocks and English muskets. 

The Commodore on landing with a guard of honor of about four hundred men, accompanied by the bands of the two steamers, was received most graciously, and having delivered the President's letter, he was told it would be immediately carried to the Emperor whose deepest attention would be immediately bestowed upon it. The Commodore, in reply, stated it was a matter which involved the highest and best interests of Japan, -that he had no desire to hurry His Imperial Majesty to any hasty decision, -that he would have the honor of again calling, when he expected a favorable reply would await him, sometime during next spring.

Our "medium" not being on hand, we have no means of inspecting the private records of the Commodore, but we believe that what we have said pretty nearly embraces all that has been done, and if we have come in any way near to the truth we can only compliment Commodore Perry on the good temper and statesman-like conduct which he has displayed on this delicate mission; and we have further to express our heartfelt hope that all things will prove propitious for his spring visit -that his diplomacy may then be brought to an end alike creditable to his country and himself. 

Late News from China and Japan: The Friend, Honolulu (1853

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: Volume 10, #10. November 1, 1853. Page 76. 

Late News from China and Japan.
Whampoa, China,
August 10th, 1853. 

The steamers Susquehanna and Mississippi have returned from Japan. 

Commodore Perry with his fleet consisting of the above named steamers having in tow the Plymouth and Saratoga entered the hay of Jeddo in July last and were boarded by the Mandarins. An attempt was made to surround them as usual, with boats which the Commodore successfully resisted. 

The Commodore went on shore and entertained by the authorities sumptuously. He despatched the President's message to the Emperor, with the request for him to weigh well the matters therein contained, and take time to consider well his answer, for which he would again call in the spring, hoping thai it might be favorable. He then returned to Hong Kong, touching at Loochoo. 

The Mississippi came to this port this afternoon. Respecting the Rebels we have heard but little for (be last month. Our river and the sea are infested with Pirates. 

On the 5th the British brig Arratoon Apcar left Hong Kong for Calcutta, having, in part, a Chinese crew, 10 in number, and two China passengers, the balance of the crew consisted of Malays and one Portuguese.— About midnight, being about five miles from land, the Chinamen attacked the officer of the deck and murdered him, then rushed to the cabin, murdered the captain, chief officer, two passengers and a boy, a relative of the captain's being all of the whiles on board.— The Malays on hearing the struggle became alarmed and run tip into the rigging. 

The Chinamen after murdering all of the whites, robbed the ship of her treasure and valuables, then made their escape to the shore in the boats. After which the Malays put the ship about and succeeded in reaching Hong Kong next day. 

The crew of Chinamen were shipped here in Whampoa and most of them are known by the shipping agent which may lead to their detection. Three of them have, it is supposed been arrested. 

A few days ago two small armed vessels went out from Macao to attack a fleet of Pirates but found them so numerous and so well armed that they thought it not advisable to attack them and put about, the Pirates being in chase, and were glad enough to avail themselves of (be superior sailing qualities of their lorchas, in getting back to port. 

I write by the Hamburg brig Solide which is loading for Honolulu. The Captain having orders not to .carry any letters or papers, I have applied to the agents to get permission to send some letters, and supposing that you would not perhaps get any late papers, have written you a few items, supposing that this might possibly reach you before you received it from any other source. 

Your's respectfully, A. GREGG.

The Treaty of Kanagawa (1854)

Source: The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, September 9, 1854.

Washington, July 16, 1854
The following is a copy of the Japan treaty, communicated to the Senate, July 13th:

TREATY

BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE EMPIRE OF JAPAN, DONE AT KANAGAWA THE 31ST DAY OF MARCH, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 1854, AND OF KAYEI THE SEVENTH YEAR, THIRD MONTH AND THIRD DAY.

The United States of America and the Empire of Japan, desiring to establish firm, lasting and sincere friendship between the two nations, have resolved to fix, in a manner clear and positive by means of a treaty or general convention of peace and amity, the rules which shall in future be mutually observed in the intercourse of their respective countries; for which most desirable object the President of the United States has conferred full powers on his commissioner, Matthew Calbraith Perry, special ambassador of the United States to Japan and the august sovereign of Japan has given similar full powers to his commissioners, Hayashi-Daigaku-no-kami, Ido, Prince of Tsus-Sima; Izawa, Prince of Mmimasaki; and Udono, member of the Board of Revenue -and the said commissioners after having exchanged their said full powers and duly considered the premises, have agreed to the following articles:

Article I. There shall be a perfect, permanent and universal peace and a sincere and cordial amity between the United States of American on the one part and between their people, respectively, without exception of persons or places

Article II. The port of Simoda, in the principality of Idzu and the port of Hakodadi, in the Principality of Matsmai are granted by the Japanese as ports for the reception for American ships, where they can be supplied with wood, water, provisions and coal, and other articles their necessities may require, as far as the Japanese have them. The time for opening the first named port is immediately on signing this treaty; the last named port is to be opened immediately after the same day in the ensuing Japanese year. [Note- A tariff of prices shall be given by the Japanese officers of the things which they can furnish, payment for which shall be made in gold, and silver coin.]

Article III. Whenever ships of the United States are thrown or wrecked on the coast of Japan, the Japanese vessels will assist them, and carry their crews to Simoda or Hakodadi and hand them over to their countrymen appointed to receive them. Whatever articles the shipwrecked men may have preserved shall likewise be restored and the expenses incurred in the rescue and support of Americans and Japanese who may thus be thrown up on the shores of either nation are not to be refunded.

Article IV. Those shipwrecked persons and other citizens of the United States shall be free as in the other countries and not subjected to confinement but shall be amenable to just laws.

Article V. Shipwrecked men and other citizens of the United States, temporarily living at Simoda and Hakodadi, shall not be subject to such restrictions and confinement as the Dutch and Chinese are at Nagasakil but shall be free at Simoda to go where they please within the limits of seven Japanese miles from a small island in the harbor of Simoda, marked on the accompanying chart hereto appended; and shall in like manner be free to go where they please at Hakodadi, within limits to be defined after the visit of the United States squadron to that place.

Article VI. If there be any other sort of goods wanted or any business which shall require to be arranged, there shall be careful deliberation between the particles in order to settle such matters.

Article VII. It is agreed that ships of the United states resorting to the ports open to them, shall be permitted to exchange gold and silver coin and articles of goods for other articles of goods under such regulations as shall be temporarily established by the Japanese government for that purpose. It is stipulated, however that the ships of the United States shall be permitted to carry away whatever articles they are unwilling to exchange.

Article VIII. Wood, water provisions, coal and goods required shall only be procured through the agency of Japanese officers appointed for that purpose, and in no other manner.

Article IX. It is agreed, that if, at any future day, the government of Japan shall grant to any other nation or nations privileges and advantages which are not herein granted to the United states and the citizens thereof, that these same privileges and advantages shall be granted likewise to the United States and to the citizens thereof without any consultation or delay.

Article X. Ships of the United States shall be permitted to resort to no other ports in Japan but Simoda and Hakodadi, unless in distress or forced by stress of weather.

Article XI. There shall be appointed by the government of the United States consuls or agents to reside in Simoda at any time after the expiration of eighteen months from the date of the signing of this treaty; provided that either of the two governments deem such arrangement necessary.

Article XII. The present convention, having been concluded and duly signed, shall be obligatory, and faithfully observed by the United States of America, and Japan and by the citizens and subjects of each respective power; and it is to be ratified and approved by the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof, and by the august Sovereign of Japan, and the ratification shall be exchanged within eighteen months from the date of the signature therefore, or sooner if practicable. In faith, whereof, we, the respective plenipotentiaries of the United States of America and the empire of Japan aforesaid have signed and sealed these presents.

Done at Kanagawa, this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four and of Kayei, the seventh year, third month and third day.