1. Letter of Millard Fillmore, President of the United States of America, to His

Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, November 13, 1852.

Message:

Fillmore starts off by showing regard and respect for the Emperor and the imperial

system of Japan. He then talks about the locations of California and Japan and the

potential convenience of starting trade with each other, as each are " rich and fertile

country, and produces many very valuable articles". He urges Japan to make new laws

so that they will open to foreign trade. Lastly he asks for Japan's cooperation in

America's trade route, so that their ships can make stops in Japan for coal on the way to

other Asian countries.

Origin:

The letter comes from Millard Fillmore, President of the United States, written to the

Emperor of Japan in November 13, 1852. The letter was handed to the Emperor via

Michael Perry.

Purpose:

Fillmore's intentions in the letter is concise and clear. He is trying to convince Japan to

open the country and form a relationship with America and asks for "friendship,

commerce, a supply of coal and provisions, and protection for our shipwrecked people."

Values:

This letter is a valuable insight into Japan and US relations during the Tokugawa era. As

it is a primary source from Fillmore himself, it reveals much about his diplomacy style;

amiable ("Great and good friend", "your good friend") straight-forward and direct.

In addition, his eager tone shows the significance the existence of Japan was to the US

at the time, in terms of trade.

Limitations:

As the Japanese Emperor most likely had this letter translated into Japanese for better

understanding, the content which we see here may not necessarily be in the same form

that the Japanese Emperor received.

2. Letter of Commodore Perry

Message;

Commodore Perry criticises Japan's attitude toward the people of the United States,

treating them "as if they were your worst enemies". He holds this in contrast with the

behavior of the Americans, who have given "respect to all Japanese subjects who have

fallen under their protection". He request that the Japanese aid the Americans in the case

of a shipwreck or a stress in weather. He then points out the regional relationship of

America and Japan - how Japan is situated right between America and Europe - and

assures that the commerce between America and Europe will rapidly increase, again

asking for Japanese aid with coal and tending of American ships.

Origin:

Letter written from Commodore Perry to the Japanese Emperor on July 7, 1853.

Purpose;

The purpose of this letter is clear. C.M Perry is requesting the same favors as President

Fillmore, but in a much more aggressive and firm tone. It is clear in his writing that he

intends to use whatever it takes to have his requests fulfilled, and his tone suggests that

the duty is on Japan, as their treatment of Americans is unethical and unfair.

Values:

The values of this document is, again, that it is a primary source directly stating the

intentions of C.M. Perry. It gives a direct insight into Perry's distinct diplomatic style

(clearly more aggressive than that of Fillmore's) and gives us an idea of his attitude

towards the Japanese during his trip into the land.

Limitations:

As with Fillmore's letter, the Emperor most likely perceived the letter in the form of a

translated version. Therefore this copy does not give us a 100% accurate view of the

Emperor's understanding.