explained his long absence on the score of illness, and the immense pressure
of publio business. He expressed great pleasure in seeing his old acquaintances,
and proved himself the same affable, courteous gentleman, as on all previous
ocoasions. Yezaiman explained the objeot of his visit by presenting a
letter from himself, in which he informally, as he stated, though undoubtedly
with the connivance of the government, repeated the assurances of the friendly
disposition of the Emperor, and earnestly solicited Captain Adams to use his
influence with the “ Admiral ” to prevail upon him to concede the point in
regard to Uraga. Everything, of oourse, was referred to Commodore Perry,
although the belief was expressed that he would resolutely adhere to his
original determination. Yezaiman having promised that the answer of the
high officers to the Commodore’s letter should be brought on board the next
day, took his departure.
Accordingly early the next morning (February 24) the Japanese, having
brought the dispatch in answer to the Commodore’s letter, and having taken
the occasion of urging their views about Uraga, for their first and last word
was perpetually Uraga! Uraga! the Vandalia got under way to join the
squadron at the American anchorage. The ship, however, had not proceeded
far when the steamers and sailing vessels were observed in the distanoe
ahead, standing up the bay.
The Commodore, having little hope of any favorable result from the visit
of Captain Adams to Uraga, had determined to put his threat into execution
and had actually removed the squadron, during the absence of the Yandalia,
to a spot whence Yedo might be seen from the mast-head. So near, indeed,
did he approach to that capital, that the striking of the city bells during the
night could be distinctly heard. As a measure of precaution, the surveying
boats always sounded in advance of the ships, and when the Vandalia was
seen to approach with Captain Adams on board, bearing the dispatch of the
high officers at Uraga, the surveying party was absent Agaged in further
explorations towards Yedo. Next morning (February 25), while the squadron
was anchored off the town of Kanagawa, one of the Vandalia’s boats arrived,
and came alongside the flagship, bringing Captain Adams, who handed
the Commodore the following letter from the high officer :
“ To Admirul M. C. Perry:
“ The undersigned, ambassadors of the Emperor of Japan, have perused
and understood the letter of the Lord Admiral, and in reply may remark :
% The Lord Admiral is right in going up to Yedo, to be received there
according to the custom in Europe and America. According to the Japanese
custom ambassadors are commissioned, and a building erected, for the
reception of ambassadors from foreign countries in a friendly manner, and
with high consideration.
“ The Emperor has sent us to Uraga to receive the Admiral with the