Original Letter about early 1853 Visit to Japan Puzzling, pre-Perry trip to Japan
[Japan] A single page written on both sided and clearly dated, 'New York March 1853' at top right. The author is writing to his mother, presumably Alice J. Middleton, whose name is written down the bottom left at the end of the letter. The writer's name is challenging to decipher, but it appears to be 'Dannie'. He describes leaving on Dec. 28th [1852] his, '...native land [New York] for the cold, distant Japan', on the 'Star' [presumably the extreme clipper Shooting Star] and arriving in Brazil on 'the 14th day after we left' [which would be Jan. 11, 1853]. He gives a brief description of Brazil and its products and climate. After a few days there the ship went around Cape Horn on the way to California, stopping a few days in San Francisco. From there to Japan they encountered a violent storm but, '...soon after were surprised to find ourselves within the limits of Japan...', and, '...we continued traveling until we reached Jeddo [Yedo/Tokyo], where we remained during our stay in Japan. The country is nothing like I expected to find it, though I must say I like it very much.' He goes on to describe the features of Japanese people and the main products of Japan. Lastly, he writes, 'After spending three months in Japan, I took the ship the 25th Feb for a speedy journey homewards.......and after a month had passed after leaving Japan I landed safely at home determined never to go again.' Signed, 'Your Affct [Affectionate] Child, Dannie'. The dates in the letter are also mysterious as it seems like his stay was more like 1 month than the 3 months mentioned. In another hand at the end of the letter, someone has written, 'White Brocade 14 yds', and below that, 'Satin slipers' [sic].
Single page with three folds. 31.1 x 20.1cm.
In very good condition. A few marks. Some darkening at edges and along folds. Otherwise very good. e33060966
