one instance, they might rely on prevailing on me, hy dint of perseverance,
to waver in most other cases pending the negotiations; therefore, it seemed
to be the true policy to hold out at all hazards, and rather to establish for
myself a character for unreasonable obstinacy, than that of a yielding disposition.
I knew that upon the impression thus formed by them would in a
measure hinge the tenor of our future negotiations; and the sequel will show
that I was right in my oonelusions. Indeed, in conducting all my business
with these very sagacious and deceitful people, I have found it profitable to
bring to my aid the experience gained, in former and by no means limited
intercourse with the inhabitants of strange lands, civilized and barbarian;
and this experience has admonished me that, with people of forms, it is necessary
either to set all ceremony aside, or to out-Herod Herod in assumed
personal consequence and ostentation.
“ I have adopted the two extremes—by an exhibition of great pomp,
when it could properly be displayed, and by avoiding it, when such pomp
would be inconsistent' with the spirit of our institutions; and by resolving
never to recognize, on any occasion, the slightest personal superiority, always
meeting the Japanese officials, however exalted their rank, with perfect equal-
ity, whilst those of comparative distinction, of their own nation, were cringing
and kneeling to them; and from motives of policy, and to give greater
importance to my own position, I have hitherto studiously kept myself aloof
from intercourse with any of the subordinates of the court, making it known
that I would communicate with none but the princes of the Empire. Up to
this time, I have succeeded far beyond my expectations in maintaining this
extreme point of diplomacy, and, as I believe, to very great advantage.
u I t is probable that arrogance may be charged against me for persisting
as I did, and against the judgment of all about me, in changing the place
of conference, and thus compelling four princes of the Empire to follow the
squadron, and subjecting.the government to the trouble and expense of erecting
another building; but I was simply adhering to a course of policy determined
on after mature reflection, and which had hitherto worked so
welL”
The Commodore expressed a willingness to accede to the last proposition
of the Japanese, provided his officers, on examining the place selected,
should find it suitable. Captains Euchanan and Adams accordingly, having
visited the spot in company with Tezaiman, returned with a favorable report.
The situation was suitable in all respects, being near to Yedo, with safe and
commodious anchorage at a mile distant from the shore, and affording abundant
space for landing and exhibiting the presents intended for the Emperor.
The Commodore accordingly determined to concur in the choice of the place
now selected, and notified his resolution in the following communication:
“ Un ited States F lag- s h ip P owhatan.
“ A t anchor o ff the town o f Toku-hama; Yedo Bay, March 1, 1854.
“ Y o u r E xcellency : The letter of your excellency from Uraga was
duly delivered by Captain Adams; and shortly after, when it was ascertained
that I could not agree to return to Uraga, Keyama Yezaiman suggested that
the negotiations might be conducted at a village opposite the present anchorage
of the squadron.
“ Being exceedingly desirous of meeting the wishes of your excellency, in
every way consistent with the honor and interest of my country, and learning
that the place pointed out was in all respects convenient for the purpose, I
at once consented to defer my visit to Yedo until after the completion of the
negotiations.
“ I the more readily entered into this arrangement, as, on examination of
the port by the surveying boats, it has been found that the ships can approach
near to the city, where I propose at some future time to anchor them, as
well to do honor to his Imperial Majesty by salutes, &c., as to be in full
view of the palace, and convenient to be visited by such of the court as may
desire to examine the steamers and their machinery, and I hardly need say
that they will be kindly and politely received.
“ With the most profound respect,
“ M. 0. PERRY,
“ Commander-in-chief United States Naval Forces East India,
China, and Japan Seas, and Special Ambassador to Japan.
“ His Highness Hayashi-Daigaku-no-kami, &c., &c., &c.”
The surveying boats had been kept busy during the progress of all this
negotiation, and immediately after the Commodore had signified his intention
of accepting the proposition of the Japanese offering Yoku-hama as the place
of meeting, the party of surveyors returned to the Powhatan, and reported
that they had found six fathoms of water within four or five miles of Yedo.
This near approach to their capital was supposed to be the clue to the sudden
change in the policy of the Japanese, as they doubtless feared that the
Commodore would proceed at once to execute his threat of moving his squadron
to Yedo, if the authorities still persisted in their demands for him to
return to Uraga.
The Japanese now commenced constructing at once a wooden building
for the proposed conference, and great numbers of workmen were seen busily
engaged in bringing materials and putting them together in the form of a
large and irregular structure. The ship’s boats were sent out to examine
the anchorage opposite the place, and the Commodore, after receiving a
favorable report, directed (February 27) the squadron to be moored in a
line abreast, and within a mile of Yoku-hama, covering with their guns an
extent of shore of five miles. Captains Buchanan and Adams went ashore,