198 Nov - Dec. 1854 Loo Choo Ship being brought down by the head for that purpose, by running guns, chains etc forward and hoisting the boats up by the bows. The "Regent" of Loo Choo having been visited by the Commodore and Suite, took opportunity, on the 30th November to return the visit. A large number of the Nobility in yellow and red caps denoting grades, accompanied him. He was received with a Saluto, and after a reception in the Cabin, dined with the Commodore and us in the Ward-Room. I was placed between two of the "Mandarins" and did my best toward entertaining them although neither understood more than a dozen words of English. Still, some how or other intercommunication was kept up with great vivacity and hilarity on their part, the sparkling qualities of our Champagne, of which they were very fond, soon having its effect upon them. Papa harbor, during these months is much subject to strong winds from the Northward. It blew almost a continual gale during our stay here, and sometimes it was next to impossible 199 Nov - Dec. 1854 Loo Choo to keep up communication with the Shore in boats. The Coast Trade of the Loo Chooans in their little so-to-two junks was thus much interrupted, and on a moderate day the offing and harbor would swarm with these vessels, all seizing the opportunity to prosecute their short voyages. Most of them were loaded with wood, which is abundant on the North, but scarce on the Southern half of the Island. During our stay here we were regularly supplied with fresh provisions, at cheap rates by the Government. They consisted chiefly of pork, chickens, eggs, turnips, sweet-potatoes and oranges, the latter fruit however being few and almost unfit for use. On the 2nd December the natives reported a wreck on the south side of the Island. Two of our officers proceeded to the spot and reported it to be the bark W.H. Sayward, Capt. Hodges, bound from San Francisco to Shanghai - sprung leak at sea and put in for this the nearest land, anchored in 40 f. water and went ashore in boats all hands saved. We got underway and proceeded to her assistance, as some