On the 18th of June, 1854, he writes: “The opinions expressed in my despatch, No. 41, have been confirmed by subsequent observations, and Loo-Choo, it appears, is in a measure an independent sovereignty, holding only slight allegiance either to Japan or China, but preferring rather its relationship to the latter empire; that the islands stretching from Formosa to Kiusiu are all under its sovereignty, and are in such intercourse with the parent island, Great Loo-Choo, as the imperfect character of their means of navigation will allow.”
In this despatch “No. 41,” he says—like Cowper’s bird perched upon the church-steeple, “What says he?” “—— and are moreover told that Loo-Choo is a royal fief of the empire of Japan, though it is asserted by some writers, that it owes fealty only to the prince of Satsuma.”
How does this “confirm” the statements contained in the despatch of 18th of June, 1854?
In the Pickwickian Gazette, published in the English colony of Hong Kong, y’clept “The China Mail,” of the 27th of July, 1854, the demi-official announcement—of course in accordance with Secretary Kennedy’s order—says:—
“Having been assured by the commissioners at Yokohama, that Japan exercised no jurisdiction whatever over Loo-Choo, the commodore proposed making a treaty with the regent and drew up a sketch of what he thought it desirable should be established by official sanction: with some unimportant modifications, this was accepted.”
According to Meylan, who was the Dutch opperhoofd, the president of the factory at Desima, in his semi-annual audiences with the governor of Nangasaki, among other things also takes upon himself an obligation to respect all vessels “belonging to the Loo-Choo islands, they being subject to Japan.”
The American opperbevelhebber, however, after undergoing this pleasing state of uncertainty, thought he would “make assurance doubly sure, and take a bond” of the Loo-Chooans; so the following compact was agreed to, very much on the part of the effeminate islanders, like the compact of the poor chicken with the horse in the stable: that if he didn’t tread on his toes, he wouldn’t tread on his toes:—
Compact between the United States and the Kingdom of Loo-Choo. Signed at Napa, Great Loo-Choo, the 11th day of July, 1854.
Hereafter, whenever citizens of the United States come to Loo-Choo, they shall be treated with great courtesy and friendship. Whatever articles these persons ask for, whether from the officers or people, which the country can furnish, shall be sold to them; nor shall the authorities interpose any prohibitory regulations to the people selling; and whatever either party may wish to buy, shall be exchanged at reasonable prices.
Whenever ships of the United States shall come into any harbor in Loo-Choo, they shall be supplied with wood and water at reasonable prices; but if they wish to get other articles, they shall be purchasable only at Napa.