These are the only objects for which I have sent Commodore Perry with a powerful squadron to pay a visit to your Imperial Majesty’s renowned city of Yedo: friendship, commerce, a supply of coal, and provisions and protection for our shipwrecked people.
We have directed Commodore Perry to beg your Imperial Majesty’s acceptance of a few presents. They are of no great value in themselves, but some of them may serve as specimens of the articles manufactured in the United States, and they are intended as tokens of our sincere and respectful friendship.
May the Almighty have your Imperial Majesty in his great and holy keeping!
In witness whereof I have caused the great seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed, and have subscribed the same with my name, at the city of Washington in America, the seat of my government, on the thirteenth day of the month of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.
Your Good Friend,
Millard Fillmore.
By the President.
Edward Everett,
Secretary of State.
Accompanying this letter was one from Commodore Perry, merely repeating the language embraced in the instructions from the secretary of state:—
To His Imperial Majesty,
THE EMPEROR OF JAPAN.
The undersigned, Commander-in-chief of all the naval forces of the United States of North America, stationed in the East India, China, and Japan seas, has been sent by his government to this country on a friendly mission, with ample powers to negotiate with the government of Japan, touching certain matters which have been fully set forth in the letter of the President of the United States; copies of which, together with copies of the letter of credence of the undersigned, in the English, Dutch, and Chinese languages, are herewith transmitted.