Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888 Journal of a cruise in the U.S.S. Portsmouth on the East India station, A. H. Foote Esqre commander, book III.

Calf cover. Refit at the Norfolk, VA Navy Yard completed on 26 April 1856. Covers U.S. activity in Asia, cruises to Hawaii, Hong Kong, China, attacks on the Barrier Forts and the second visit to Japan by an American ship.

Excerpts:

[21 September 1857] Continues from GLC05911.02.02. Argument between Capt. Foote and governor of Hakodadi over supplying the ships. "It was all a miserable attempt on the part of the Governor to keep us out of an article of the treaty by which he hoped to gain credit with the government at Yeddo."

[25 September 1857] "I took a look to-day (only for a moment) in the bathing house where men and women bathe indiscriminately. There were only a few women bathing; their bodies entirely exposed; they did not seem to mind us…They are the only people I know of who expose themselves in this way, the Indians, Siamese all have some covering; no wonder there is no virtue among them…It is distressing to go along the streets and see the excitement you cause."

[27 September 1857] "Japan has been for centuries closed to the foreigner. By the treaty that Mr. Harris has just made, any American citizen may settle in the country after July 4th/58."

[10 November 1857] "San Jacinto came in, 3½ days from Shanghae, where upon there did take place a very heavy cannonading of salutes."

[15 December 1857] "The French have declared blockade in the Canton River, and have moved up the river as allies to the English…The English have advanced and occupy all of Hunan."

[Additional excerpts available.]