not unmingled with considerable alarm; but they were careful to preserve
the most dignified demeanor. They were conducted to the captain’s cabin,
and thence shown over the ship. They observed every thing with great
gravity; but when they reached the ponderous engine, their assumed indifference
was fairly overcome, and it was evident that they were conscious of
having encountered in it something very far beyond their comprehension.
They were much quicker of perception, however, than the Chinese, as well as
more agreeable in features, and much more neat and tidy in apparel.
Up to this time they had hot seen the Commodore. He had remained
secluded in solitary dignity, in his own cabin. I t was not meet that he
should be made too common to the eyes of the vulgar. All this, of course,
was mere matter of policy for the time being, as the Commodore was no very
unusual sight to the officers and men of the squadron. The visitors were,
however, informed that they were now to be conducted into his presence, and
were accordingly taken to his cabin. Just as the regent reached the head
of the steps the band struck up a lively a ir; but the dignified old man
passed on without even casting an eye on the musicians. To him it was
doubtless a solemn occasion. The Commodore received and entertained his
guests most handsomely, and during the interview of an hour and a half
between himself and the regent, assurances of amity and good will were
exchanged between the parties. On the retirement of the regent he was
escorted with great respect to the ship’s side, and on his departure received
honors similar to those that had been tendered on his arrival.
Among other matters that occurred at the meeting between the regent
and the Commodore, the latter informed his guest that he should do himself
the honor to return his visit, at the palace, in the city of Sheudi or Shui, on
the following Monday week, (June 6th.) This information caused some consultation
and discussion between the regent and his counsellors; but the
Commodore put an end to it by stating that he had fully made a determination
to go to the palace on that day, and should surely execute it. He
further added that he should expect such a reception as became his rank and
position as commander of the squadron and diplomatic representative of the
United States in those regions; and with a distinct understanding, if not
acquiescence, on the part of the regent, to this effeot, he took his departure.
One result of the visit was very agreeable to the officers, for permission
was immediately given them to go on shore, accompanied with a request that
they would in no case intrude themselves where their presence might seem
to be disagreeable to the natives. They very soon availed themselves of the
privilege, and a party (of which Mr. Taylor was one) landed at the foot of
the rock upon which Dr. Bettelheim had erected his flagstaff. They found
the shore to be coral rock covered with a dense and luxurious vegetation ;
and about the distance of twenty yards from flood tide mark, the gardens of
the natives commenced, divided from each other by coral walls and bristling