An item reported that on short notice a French expedition intended to depart towards Japan with a military, commercial and scientific intentions. In fact was the main task to open the Japanese market for European merchants. Apparently received the French cabinet a huge number of offers and proposals from merchants and scientists. The expedition would consist of a steamship, a frigate and a schooner. (1) Another newspaper Zierikzeesche Courant dated 30th August reported that the force would consist of a frigate, a corvette and a steamship commanded by a rear admiral which was well known with the Pacific and the Chinese Seas.
Note
1. The Netherlands were since the 17th Century the only European country with an establishment in Japan, namely on the island Decima.
