nese “cash” might not appear exorbitant to the Japanese, yet that they
were really so to the Americans, who were obliged to pay in dollars at a
depreciation much below their value. Moryama Yenoske explained the
affair of the spars, by declaring that he was responsible for what he was
pleased to term the error, as he supposed that all the Commodore had asked
for was the cost of spars, and did not understand that an order had been
given for a supply of them. Subsequently, the Commodore and some of
his officers went on shore and partook of a handsome collation, at the earnest
solicitation of the commissioners, who, on the occasion, made an ample
apology for the various errors and misunderstandings which had interrupted
the friendly intercourse between the Americans and the authorities. The
Commodore explained that it was a principle he had been contending for,
and not the comparatively unimportant consideration of a few hundred
dollars, more or less, as his government had placed ample means in his
hands, and he was disposed to pay liberally for all he had; but neither the
United States nor he were at all willing to be imposed upon. Moryama
Yenoske, who was always the most active of all the officials, and was now
the chief spokesman, said that the Americans might purchase any articles
they pleased at their own valuation. This offer was of course rejected:
and Yenoske then assumed, in behalf of himself and his fellow-interpreter
Tatsnoske, the whole blame, not only in regard to the spars, but the exorbitant
prices and all the other wrongs which had given rise to complaint.
Indeed, these two worthy gentlemen seemed to be convenient mediums
through which their superiors might render a vicarious expiation for their
offences. They were ever ready to shoulder all the responsibility for anything
wrong. Yenoske, however, was very civilly told that although the
Commodore could appreciate the self-sacrificing devotion with which he
shouldered all the blame, yet that it was not a victim that was sought, but
merely a correction of certain evil practices which, if not checked in the
beginning, might lead to disaffection and serious quarrel. A perfect
reconciliation then ensued, which was appropriately sealed by a present
from the commissioners of a block of stone for the Washington monument,
which was to be carried to the United States as a tribute from Japan to the
memory of the great father of our republic. Nothing afterwards occurred
to interrupt friendly relations, and frequent intercourse, which grew more
and more intimate as the day of departure approached, took place with all
classes on shore. Handsome presents were exchanged, and some choice
articles of Japanese manufacture were received from the authorities as gifts
for the President and for the officers of the ships. Among the gifts were
three Japanese dogs, sent to the President. These were of the small spaniel
breed, already alluded to, very highly esteemed in Japan, and purchasable
only at a very large price. The Commodore succeeded in bringing
them to the United States, and they now thrive at Washington. The
Commodore obtained two for himself, one only of which reached the United
States.
A few days previous to the departure of the Commodore, Moryama
Yenoske, in company with several other officials, came on board the
Powhatan to request that the Japanese u Sam Patch,” of whom we have
spoken, should be allowed to remain in Japan. They were told that the
Commodore had no objection whatever to the man’s remaining, if he
wished; but that it must be by his own free will, and that the commissioners
must give a written pledge that the man should not, in any way, be punished
for his absence from Japan. Moreover, as he had suffered shipwreck,
and had been thrown, by God’s providence, on American protection, and
had entered on board an American ship by his own choice, he was entitled
to all the protection and security of an American citizen; consequently the
Commodore could allow of no coercion being resorted to to make the man
remain in Japan. The Japanese officials ridiculed the idea of his suffering
any harm or hurt by his remaining in Japan, and said that the commissioners
would cheerfully give any guarantee required that he should in no
way be molested, but be allowed at once to return to his friends, who were
very anxious to see him. Sam was now called up, but all thn eloquence and
persuasiveness of-the Japanese were insufficient to induce him to leave the
ship. The truth is that Sam never, during the whole stay of the squadron
in Japan, appeared fully to understand the independence and safety of his
position. Long habit had so impressed upon him tbie cowardice of trembling
servility before his superiors in Japan, that it was very obvious the interview
with the officials produced no emotion but abject fear. He fell on his
knees before them after the manner of his country, and would have remained
in that position if Lieutenant Bent, who was determined that no such
obsequiousness should be shown on the deck of an American man-of-war, and
under the flag of the United States, to any thing wearing the human form?
had not peremptorily ordered him immediately to rise to his feet.
Sam had taken his place as one of the crew, and had won the good will
of his shipmates generally by his good nature. All pitied his misfortunes,
and one of the marines named Goble, a religious man, had taken a special
interest in him ; finding in his docility and intelligence promise of good
fruit from a properly directed religious training, Goble had begun with him
a system of instruction which he hoped would not only make the Japanese
a fair English scholar, but a faithful Christian. Sam came to the United
States in the Mississippi, and accompanied his benevolent shipmate and
devoted teacher to his home in the interior of New York, where Goble has
property. At the last accounts they were living there together, and it is
not unreasonable to hope that Sam, with the education -of his faithful
American friend, may be an instrument, in the event of his return to
Japan, under a further development of our relations with that Empire, of