commodore made visits to New York, Boston, and New Bedford to confer with captains of whaling vessels familiar with Japanese waters and merchants interested in the commerce of the East. Prominent manufacturers were also visited to secure specimens of the latest im-provements in the arts and industries. Scientists, interpreters, and such other persons as could promote the objects of the expedition were secured.
Frequent interviews were held by the commodore with the President, Secretary Webster, and the Secretary of the Navy. The written instructions were carefully prepared by Mr. Webster, but he died before the commodore sailed, and they bear the signature of ad interim Secretary Conrad. The objects of the expedition were stated to be, first, protection for our shipwrecked sailors; second, the opening of the ports for the entry of vessels to refit and obtain coal; and third, the entry of ports for trade. The letter of President Fillmore to the emperor of Japan was more elaborate than the one carried by Commodore Aulick, and is countersigned by Edward Everett, who had become Secretary of State.[1]
No secret was made of the expedition. The official instructions were published, and the preparations were openly conducted. Both in America and Europe they were the topic of newspaper comment and general discussion. The prevailing feeling was of good-will for the expedition, but grave doubts were often expressed as to its success. The good offices of the government of Holland were solicited by Secretary Webster, to pave
- ↑ S. Ex. Doc. 34, pp. 4–9, 33d Cong. 2d Sess.
