REYNOLDS, Rear-Admiral, Commanding United States Naval Force, Asiatic Station to A Bingham, June 15, 1877

Rear-Admiral Reynolds to Mr. Bingham.

Sir: I take occasion to address you relative to a matter that concerns the safety and convenience of ships of war and of commerce frequenting this port, in the hope that you may find it advisable to bring it to the notice of this government.

The port of Yokohama is at present without a harbor-master. The need of such an official is recognized in all harbors that are frequented by shipping, foreign and domestic. A harbor-master’s duties are to see that the regulations of the port are carried out by vessels in coming to anchor, while at anchor, and in going to sea. I am not aware that there are any port regulations as to the anchorage of ships at this place in existence, while the necessity for them, and for a proper official to enforce them, is quite apparent.

Harbor-masters are to be found at the treaty ports of China, and of course at Hong-Kong. The port regulations of Hong-Kong are well adapted to the purpose.

Vessels loaded with combustibles take an anchorage apart from other ships, and far enough from shore to avoid endangering the town in case of explosion.

Ships of war can have their place of anchorage fixed.

Disputes as to anchoring-berths are decided by the harbor-masters; an important matter when collisions occur. A steam-launch, always ready for use, and an assistant to harbor-masters are requisite.

Admiral Ryder has addressed a letter to the British minister on this subject, and I believe Admiral Vernon will write to the French minister likewise.

I am, &c.,