the latter part of the invitation they, however, jeered at, as a very amusing
but quite an impracticable joke.
On Tuesday, the 21st day of February, the Japanese boat came alongside
the Powhatan, and the officials, on being received aboard, stated that they
had come to show Captain Adams the landing at Uraga. They were then
invited to accompany him on board the Vandalia, which ship immediately
set sail, and moved down the bay. Captain Adams was the bearer of the
following note from the Commodore to the Japanese authorities:
“ Un it ed States F dag- sh ip P owhatan,
“ American Anchorage, Tedo Say, February 20, 1851.
“ The undersigned is highly gratified to learn, through the officers of his
Majesty who have visited the flag-ship, that the imperial court has come to
the conclusion to respond, in the most cordial manner, to the propositions of
the President of the United States which the undersigned had the honor to
present in July last.
“ Inasmuch as the anchorage at Uraga is unsafe and inconvenient, and
considering the great size and value of the steamers composing a part of
the command of the undersigned, he does not consider himself justified in
removing to that place; on the contrary, he deems it necessary to seek a
more commodious harbor higher up the bay; and as his instructions direct
him to present himself at Yedo, it is desirable that he should approach as
near as possible to that oity, as well for the better convenience of communication
as with reference, also, to the arrangement and exhibition of the various
presents sent by the President to his Imperial Majesty.
“ As the mission of the undersigned is of a most friendly character, he is
not prepared to anticipate any objection to his reception at the seat of government,
conformably to the usages of all the nations of Europe and America,
and he hopes that when the steamers shall have reached the vicinity of
the city, and secured more suitable moorings, he may have the honor of
receiving on board his ship such distinguished members of the imperial court
as may be desirous of viewing the steamers and witnessing the working of
the machinery.
“ This communication will be presented by Commander H. A. Adams,
captain of the fleet, who is empowered to receive any written proposition
addresed to the undersigned, and place at the disposal of the commissioners
of his Imperial Majesty one of the vessels of the squadron.
S With the highest respect,
“ M. C. PERRY.
“ Commander-im-chief U. S. Naval Forces
“ East India, China, and Japan Seas.”
I t was calm in the morning, but before the Yandalia had reached Uraga,