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The Japan Expedition, 1852–1854
Matthew Calbraith Perry. The Japan Expedition, 1852–1854; the personal journal of Commodore Matthew C. Perry. Edited by Roger Pineau. With an introd. by Samuel Eliot Morison (Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1968).
Commodore Perry spent several years preparing for the Japan Expedition. In 1851, Perry was appointed to the East India Squadron, and started planning the following January. He collected all available materials on Japan in order to be knowledgeable about the country and customs of the Japanese. In the years 1853-1854, when the Expedition commenced, Commodore Perry kept a personal account of the expedition to the China Seas and Japan. No one knows who wrote down Perry's dictation while on the Expedition but the entire journal is written in the same hand. Marginal notes indicate that Perry looked at the journal in 1855 while he was preparing the Official Narrative of the Expedition. The National Archives holds most of the original journal and scholars worked from that to prepare this edition, published in 1968. The journal begins in 1852 and ends in 1854, and our excerpts begin in about the middle of the text.
- Biographical sketch of Matthew Perry
Return to Edo Bay
Page 155
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11 February 1854The space embraced between Cape Nagatsuro on the west, Cape Serafama [Shirahama] (or Cape King) on the east, and Odawara, Kamakura, and Cape Sagami on the north — and which has hitherto been considered and so mentioned in the charts and in this journal, as forming part of the great Bay of Edo — I shall hereafter denominate the Gulf of Edo, and consider the bay to commence at Point Rubicon. The channel between Cape Sagami and Uraga I shall Uraga Straits. By thus subdividing and naming the three most distinctive parts of this magnificent sheet of water, its navigation and the hydrography of its shores, will be the better understood by strangers.
In entering the gulf this time the steamers encountered a severe blow from northward and eastward, but, keeping during the night under the lee of O Shima, avoided its greatest violence. The previous afternoon we had passed near to a cluster of three dangerous rocks, showing above the surface from ten to twenty feet. These we supposed to be what are called in the charts Broughton Rocks. If this conjecture be correct, their positions are very erroneously laid down; and if they are not the same, then they are not marked on any of the charts known to us. This is not at all remarkable, as few European or American navigators have ever visited the southern and eastern coasts of Japan. It ought not to be expected that the very imperfect charts which have been compiled from the meager information furnished by Broughton, Gove, and Krusenstern, and by the three or four American and English vessels visiting Uraga within a few years back, can be in any manner correct.
It is true that the Japanese have charts, constructed after a plan of their own, without meridian or scale, nor do they mark the soundings. They never venture, if they can possibly avoid it, beyond sight of land, and always seize upon favorable seasons and appearances for making their longest runs from island to island. Their junks skirt the coasts and rarely make a run of longer than 24 hours.
The largest Japanese junks that have come under my notice could not have drawn more than eight feet of water, and as before remarked they run from port to port, invariably seeking shelter on occasions of adverse winds or appearances of bad weather. Their pilots need no charts, familiar as they are with every nook upon the coast into which a junk can enter. There can be no better evidence of the antiquity of the coasting trade of this empire than is furnished by the conveniencies offered in these little harbors for securing the crafts as they run in from the sea. Everywhere holes are artfully made through the angles of the rocks for passing their cables. Where this cannot be done, upright pillars or posts are hewn or morticed in the rock, or small projections or detached parts are rounded and made smooth to prevent the chafing of the moorings.
It may be hoped that the information obtained from actual observation, surveys, and other authentic sources by myself and the other officers of the squadron may contribute very considerably to a more intimate acquaintance with those parts of the coast visited by the vessels of the squadron.
On the morning of the 12th, the weather became more settled and the steamers stood up the bay, and at noon discovered two vessels close in with the land and apparently at anchor. On approaching them they proved to be Macedonian and Vandalia. The latter displayed a signal that Macedonian was aground. On enquiry I soon ascertained that Captain Abbot, on the day previous, mistaking the indentation in which he was aground for the entrance of the passage leading to Uraga and Edo had, in venturing too near the shore, grounded on a ledge of rocks. These were not, of course, laid down on the imperfect chart which he had. It was nothing more than a copy of one of Von Siebold's maps, compiled from Japanese authorities, with a few notes upon it, made on our former visit. He ought not to have depended on it.
Finding his ship in this dilemma, he adopted the usual means of getting her again afloat by starting the water, getting her guns ready for throwing overboard, and actually heaving over the side many miscellaneous articles of which I apprehend there was no account taken. Commander Pope in Vandalia, at the time in company, immediately anchored and sent his boats to the assistance of Macedonian. The providential arrival of the three steamers at once gave assurance of effectual aid. Commander Lee in Mississippi was ordered to approach as near as he could safely venture to the ship on shore, and run lines to her in view of hauling her off by the power of steam. This duty he executed with his usual promptitude and judgment, and before night she was towed into safe anchorage. Meanwhile the other ships were brought to anchor for the night, having been joined on the same afternoon by Lexington, which vessel it will be recollected sailed from Naha in company with Macedonian.
During the same night a boat came alongside, dispatched by Lieutenant Commander Boyle of the Southampton, which vessel — another of Captain Abbot's division — had arrived the day before at the American Anchorage. The Japanese authorities had sent information to Lieutenant Boyle that two ships had arrived off Kamakura, and that one of them was ashore. He very promptly and properly dispatched the launch of Southampton with two officers to render all practicable assistance. When the officer in command reached the vicinity he discovered the presence of the squadron and consequently made his report to me.
It is worthy of remark that the Japanese on observing that Macedonian was on shore, offered their assistance, and subsequently picked up a hogshead of bituminous coal, which had been thrown overboard in lightening the ship, and was washed upon the beach. This they took the trouble to send to the squadron, a distance of twenty miles.
On the following morning the ships moved up to the American Anchorage, about twelve miles above Uraga, the three steamers each taking a sail ship in two. On passing the city, we saw a few officials come out and motion to us that they wished to come on board, but this I did not permit. Early in the afternoon the whole squadron was safely anchored at the position selected by me as the appointed rendezvous, and which has before been repeatedly referred to.
As a correct account of our transactions from this time until the signing of the treaty is contained in a series of notes prepared and transmitted to the government at Washington, I prefer to embody these notes in this journal, the rather to save unnecessary writing.
Notes of transactions which occurred on the occasion of the second visit to Japan by the United States Squadron in command of Commodore M.C. Perry [top]
The squadron sailing in a line ahead — Lexington, Vandalia, and Macedonian being in two respectively of Susquehanna, Powhatan, and Mississippi — arrived off Uraga about two P.M. on 13 February 1854.
As orders had been given similar to those issued by me in July last, no communication was allowed with anyone from shore. Although the ships, in passing the city, were intercepted by government boats, the officials on board of them were beckoned not to venture alongside. They followed us, however, to the position designated in my instructions as the rendezvous of the squadron, and called in our chart the American Anchorage, and there the six above-named ships anchored, Southampton having arrived in advance.
Beginning Negotiations [top]
It was not long before the government or mandarin boats were alongside the flagship with a request from the Japanese officers that they might be admitted on board. But as I had caused the extra or Captain's cabin to be removed from the Susquehanna to Powhatan — in view of changing my flag to that ship, preparatory to the return of the former to China — and as I could not consistently with the system of exclusiveness which I still pursued, of not seeing any of the subordinates, admit them into my cabin, I directed Captain Adams to receive them on board Powhatan.
Accordingly, he proceeded to that ship, accompanied by Messrs. Williams and Portman, interpreters, and Mr. Perry, my secretary. Captain Adams had been charged by me with precise and special instructions to hear all the Japanese had to say, but to give them no unnecessary information, nor to promise them anything.
These people, who seemed to be mandarins of middle rank, with their Dutch interpreters, stated that the Emperor in expectation of our arrival had given orders to receive us in the most friendly manner, and had appointed commissioners of high distinction to meet and confer with me upon the propositions of the President presented in July last. A town called Kamakura, about twenty miles from Uraga — and the place where Macedonian had got on shore — had been designated for the meeting.
I had anchored off this town for the purpose of giving my personal attention to the extrication of Macedonian from the perilous situation in which I found her, and saw enough to satisfy me that it would be absurd to take the ships there. Suspecting some artful design on the part of the Japanese, I directed Captain Adams to say that it was altogether unsuitable.
For this answer they were evidently prepared as, after a little more quibbling, they declared that although the Emperor preferred Kamakura still he would have no objection to the negotiations being conducted at Uraga. There, in fact, a pavilion had been expressly erected for the purpose, and person of high rank appointed to receive me, but to this end it would be necessary for all the ships to return and anchor off that town.
This proposition I also declined upon the ground of the inconvenience and actual unsafety of the anchorage at this boisterous season. I directed other and the following reason to be assigned: that I felt myself bound to go to Edo, or to approach with the ships as near to it as possible; that the anchorage was better higher up the bay, and I was desirous of securing a smooth place to anchor the ships in view of stopping a leak in Mississippi, and to examine the bottom of Macedonian with the sub-marine apparatus to see whether she had sustained much injury whilst on shore.
They replied that Uraga was the only place at which the conferences could be held. The Emperor had issued a decree to that effect, and it could not be changed.
Captain Adams at this stage of the conference sent Mr. Perry to communicate to me this apparent ultimatum of the Japanese. I immediately ordered him back with a message that, for the reasons already assigned, I would not go to Uraga, but would consent to meet the commissioners anywhere between the American Anchorage and Edo, and that I would not recede from the point then occupied by the squadron, but would be more disposed to move higher up the bay. During this interview many compliments and acts of courtesy were interchanged between the American and Japanese officers, refreshments were served, and offers of supplies made by the latter, but in adherence to my instructions not a single point was conceded.
On 15 February the same officials accompanied by others again visited Powhatan, where they were received by Captain Adams, assisted as before.
The same arguments were urged to induce the removal of the ships to Uraga, but with no better success. An offer was again made of supplying wood and water and such other refreshments as the ships needed. They were told that we had abundance of provisions though in the course of time we should require wood and water, which we would be disposed to receive as an article of necessity, even if they declined taking pay for it. But nothing else would be admitted on board the ships so long as they refused payment for the same, and for reasons that the government of the United States could well pay for whatever might be furnished to its Navy, and would not consent to receive supplies gratuitously.
Parties of officials visited Powhatan on the 16th and 18th, ostensibly to enquire after my health and to bring me delicacies of fresh oysters, eggs, and confectionary, but in reality to renew their arguments and persuasions for the ships to remove to Uraga, proposing as a sort of compromise that I should go there with one or two of my squadron, but I still resisted. I was convinced that if I receded in the least from the position first assumed by me, it would be considered by the Japanese an advantage gained. Finding that I could be induced to change a predetermined intention in one instance, they might rely on prevailing on me by 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 of 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 conclusions. 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. I have never recognized on any occasion the slightest personal superiority, always meeting the Japanese officials, however exalted their rank, with perfect equality, whilst those of comparative distinction of their own nation were cringing and kneeling to them. For 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.
That there should be no misapprehension of my intentions, I prepared and directed the following note to be read to the Japanese.
United States Steam Frigate Powhatan
American Anchorage, Edo Bay.
18 February 1854.The Commodore expects to be received at Edo agreeably to the customs of all countries.
In consideration of the size of our ships, and their great value, he cannot return to the anchorage at Uraga, nor even remain at this place much longer, but will have to go higher up the bay toward Edo, where the vessels can be more secure.
If the great man (chief commissioner) will appoint an officer of proper rank to meet Captain Adams on shore near where the ships are now lying, to determine when and where the interview with the Commodore shall take place, he must let us know by noon of Tuesday next.
The Commodore will be happy to place a ship at the disposal of the great man, to bring him up to the place of interview and take him back again to Uraga if he wishes it.
When the officer comes to meet Captain Adams, he had better bring a letter to show that he has proper authority, and a person must be sent to conduct Captain Adams to the place of meeting.
(signed) M.C. Perry
Visits were made to Powhatan by the officials on 19 February (Sunday) bringing with them presents of refreshments. They were told that the day was set apart by the Americans as their Sabbath, but as they had come a great distance in cold and boisterous weather on an errand of kindness, they would on that account be politely received, but in future no official intercourse would be allowed on that day. At this interview one of the principal interpreters, after the others had retired, took Captain Adams aside and informed him in strict confidence that the Emperor had given orders to his commissioners to receive and entertain most favorably the propositions of the President presented by me, but nothing would be done to further the desired object, unless I consented to have the meeting at Uraga.
Receiving no satisfactory reply to their suggestions of yesterday, the officials visited Powhatan again today, the 20th, and were told that out of respect to the commissioners, who were detained at Uraga, in expectation of seeing me, I would send Captain Adams to that place in one of the ships to call upon them, and to assure them personally and by letter that I would not go there myself. Accordingly, on the 21st the same officers came from Uraga to accompany Captain Adams to that place, and to introduce him to the Japanese commissioners. They were invited to take passage in Vandalia, and did so.
Captain Adams was the bearer of a note from me, of which the following is a copy:
United States Flagship Powhatan
American Anchorage, Edo Bay
20 February 1854.The undersigned is highly gratified to learn through the officers of his Majesty, who have visited the flagship, that he 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 Edo, it is desirable that he should approach as near as possible to that city, 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 their machinery.
This communication will be presented by Commander H.A. Adams, captain of the fleet, who is empowered to receive any written proposition addressed to the undersigned, and place at the disposal of the commissioners of His Imperial Majesty one of the vessels of the squadron. With the highest respect
(signed) M.C. Perry
Commander-in-chief United States Naval Forces
East India, China, and Japan Seas.
It was quite calm in the morning [21 February] and Vandalia did not get under way until near noon, but before she had reached Uraga a strong gale from the southwest and directly ahead prevented her form reaching the port, making it necessary for her to anchor under Point Rubicon, and Captain Adams with his party did not land at the town until the following day, the 22nd.
He was courteously received by one of the commissioners, Izawa, prince of Mima-Saki [Mimasaka], at the pavilion, erected purposely for my reception, and presenting my note, was told that a reply would be handed to him on the following day. After partaking of some slight refreshments, he returned to the Vandalia, which he had scarcely reached before it again began to blow causing much anxiety to Commander Pope, the anchorage proving very much exposed and consequently unsafe.
Captain Adams particularly noticed the position of a the building erected for the meeting of the commissioners, as being placed in a deep gorge near to the shore, and fenced in by palisades or stakes. On this being told to me, I at once declared that such obstructions would not have been tolerated, and Captain Adams, as he informed me, assured the Japanese that if I had landed at Uraga, my first act would have been to have ordered the demolition of this barricade.
The 22nd being the anniversary of the birth of Washington, all of the ships of the squadron fired the usual salute. Many of the Japanese gentlemen came by permission on board the flagship to witness the firing, with which they were much interested. The most intelligent among them had heard of the name of Washington, though they had very vague notions of his history and character.
Second Landing in Japan
Page 164 [top]
8 March 1854 It was not long before the building was completed and furnished, and I was duly notified that the five commissioners would be ready to received me on Wednesday, 8 March, at noon. Accordingly, every preparation was made in the squadron to distinguish the occasion of our second landing in Japan by all necessary parade, knowing as I well did the importance and moral influence of such show.
At 11:30 A.M. on the day appointed, the escort — consisting of about 500 officers, seamen, and Marines fully armed — embarked in twenty-seven barges in command of Commander Buchanan, and, forming a line abreast, pulled in good order toward the shore. The escort having landed and drawn up, I followed in my barge under an appropriate salute. Upon landing I was received by the escort and a party of Japanese officials and conducted to the hall prepared for the conference, where I found in waiting the five commissioners, and was invited to be seated opposite the chief personage.
At this moment salutes were fired from the howitzers mounted in the launches, of twenty guns in honor of the Emperor, and seventeen for the Japanese commissioners. This display in landing was made altogether for purposes of policy in accordance with the reasons already assigned.
After suitable interchanges of courtesy, I was requested to retire with my suite to an inner apartment where the necessary business could be conducted undisturbed. Accordingly — accompanied by the captain of the fleet, the two interpreters, and my secretary — I withdrew with the commissioners to an adjoining room separated from the principal hall by a flag suspended across the entrance. Refreshments having been served, a reply to the letter of the President, presented in July last, was handed to me and translated from the Dutch by Mr. Portman and I replied to it orally. I then handed to the chief commissioner a draft of a treaty which I had previously prepared as the basis of one which I was desirous of negotiating with the imperial government. This was accompanied by three other papers, one being a reply to the communication of the chief commissioner addressed to me from Uraga, a copy being appended and marked B. another was a statement of my views with respect to the policy of bringing about a mutually advantageous compact between the United States and Japan, a copy also appended and marked C. The third was a memorandum — likewise appended, and marked D — in further explanation of the motives which would govern me in conducting the negotiations, and asking for certain relaxations of the Japanese laws with respect to the squadron.
First American Burial [top]
9 March 1854As it would happen, a Marine belonging to the Mississippi had died two days before this conference, and the very first matter to be discussed was the suitable interment of the body. I had apprehended much difficulty upon this point, and had in my own mind determined — if the Japanese persisted in forbidding the interment within either of their numerous burial places — to have effected the object, let what might occur, upon the small island called in our charts Webster Island and lying convenient to the American Anchorage. I was pretty well satisfied that once the body was in the ground it would not be disturbed, and as others of the squadron might die during the stay, it would be a very appropriate place of interment for all. I was moreover anxious for special reasons to acquire an interest in this island to subserve some ulterior objects.
The proposition seemed to perplex the Japanese commissioners, and after some consultation they retired to discuss the question alone. On leaving they requested that in their absence we might partake of a few Japanese dishes.
I observed that we should be most happy to do so, but it would be more consonant to our notions of hospitality if the commissioners were to join us, as the breaking of bread together was amongst many nations considered an evidence of friendship. They replied that they were unacquainted with foreign customs but would cheerfully join us. Upon this they all retired, but shortly after, the second and third in rank of the number returned, and the collation was served, and all went off in apparent kindness and good nature.
It was not long before the entire board was again in session and a written reply to my request respecting the interment was presented by the chief commissioner. Its purport was that as a temple had been set apart at Nagasaki for the interment of strangers it would be necessary that I should send the body to Uraga, whence at a convenient season it might be conveyed in a Japanese junk to the former named place.
To this I objected, remarking that undisturbed resting places for the dead were granted by all nations, and then proposed to send boats and inter the body at Webster Island. To this they evinced strong objections, and after considerable discussion amongst themselves finally consented to allow the interment to take place at Yokohama, at a spot adjoining one of their temples, and in view of the ships. They observed that as the novelty of the scene might attract an inconvenient crowd, the authorities would send on board Mississippi in the morning an officer to accompany the funeral party.
Accordingly on the following day, one of the interpreters made his appearance and the corpse was taken on shore in the usual manner and placed in a grave near to a Japanese temple with all religious ceremony, conformably to the forms of the Episcopal Church, since which a neat enclosure of bamboo has been put up by the Japanese authorities.
Treaty Articles Considered [top]
17 March 1854The day after the conference a formal reply to the letter of the President was sent to me together with a Dutch translation. An English translation is appended, marked E, as also a copy of my reply, marked F.
It will be seen that the imperial government is prepared to concede much more than was anticipated by many, but, entertaining the opinion that something still more advantageous might be gained, I thought it good policy to hold out for a specific treaty.
In delivering the reply to the letter of the President, they stated that the commissioners would be ready for receiving the presents on Monday the 13th. Accordingly they were landed with much ceremony by a detachment of twenty-four boats, in command of Captain Abbot, and safely placed in a building adjoining the conference house. Engineers and operatives were sent from the ships to put together and arrange the various articles preparatory to the work of instructing the Japanese in their several uses.
On the 13th, the day the presents were landed, I sent a message to the commissioners requesting them to meet me at the conference house on the 15th to discuss the several articles of the treaty which they had submitted for my approval and signature. They replied that they should be much employed until Thursday, and suggested that day as more convenient provided it was fair. The messenger remarked that the Japanese did not like to expose themselves to bad weather.
It stormed on Thursday, and consequently the meeting did not take place until the following day, 17 February. The commissioners arrived about noon from Kanagawa in a magnificent barge or rather galley covered with banners.
On landing I was conducted immediately to the private room set apart for the discussion, and we at once proceeded to business. A paper written in Dutch was not presented, similar in purport to one which had been previously sent me in the Chinese language. From the latter version Mr. Williams had made an English translation, which being compared with the Dutch copy may be read, with the replies respectively submitted to me, as follows:
Propositions of Japanese Commissioners
with replies of Commodore Perry.
1st Japanese proposition From the first of next month, wood, water, provisions, coal and other things, the productions of this country that American ships may need, can be had at Nagasaki; and after five years from this, a port in another principality shall be opened for ships to go.
Commodore Perry's reply Agreed to; but one or more ports must be substituted for Nagasaki, as that is out of the route of American commerce; and the time for the opening of the ports to be agreed upon must be immediate or within a space of sixty days. The manner of paying for articles received shall be arranged by treaty.
2nd Japanese proposition Upon whatever part of the coast people may be shipwrecked, those people and their property shall be sent to Nagasaki by sea.
Note. When after five years shall have expired, and another harbor shall be opened, those shipwrecked men will be sent either there or to Nagasaki, as may be most convenient.
Commodore Perry's reply Agreed to excepting as to the port to which the shipwrecked men are to be carried.
3rd Japanese proposition It being impossible for us to ascertain who are pirates and who are not, such men shall not be allowed to walk about wherever they please.
Commodore Perry's reply Shipwrecked men and others who may resort to the ports of Japan, are not to be confined, and shall enjoy all the freedom granted to Japanese, and be subject to no further restraints. They shall, however, be held amenable to just laws, or such as may be agreed upon by treaty.
It is altogether inconsistent with justice that persons thrown by the providence of God upon the shores of a friendly nation should be looked upon and treated as pirates before any proof shall be given of their being so, and the continuance of the treatment which has hitherto been visited upon strangers will no longer be tolerated by the government of the United States so far as Americans are concerned.
4th Japanese proposition At Nagasaki they shall have no intercourse with the Dutch and Chinese.
Commodore Perry's reply The Americans will never submit to the restrictions which have been imposed upon the Dutch and Chinese, and any further allusion to such restraints will be considered offensive.
5th Japanese proposition After the other port is opened, if there be any sort of articles wanted, or business which requires to be arranged, there shall be careful deliberation between the parties in order to settle them.
Commodore Perry's reply Agreed to, so far as it applies to ports other than Nagasaki.
6th Japanese proposition Lew Chew is a very distant country, and the opening of its harbor cannot be discussed by us.
Commodore Perry's reply As there can be no good reason why the Americans should not communicate freely with Lew Chew, this point is insisted on.
7th Japanese proposition Matsmai [Matsumae] is also a very distant country, and belongs to its prince; this cannot be settled now, but a definite answer on this subject shall be given when the ships are expected next spring.
Commodore Perry's reply The same with respect to the port of Matsumae, for our whaling ships, steamers, and other vessels.
American Gifts
Page 176
[top]
During our stay in Edo Bay, all the officers and members of the crew had frequent opportunities of mingling freely with the people, both ashore and on board, as many of the natives visited the ships in the business of bringing water and provisions, and on official matters.
For the first few days after our arrival in Yokohama, Mr. Gay, the chief engineer of Mississippi, assisted by First Assistant Engineer Danby, with the requisite number of mechanics, was employed in unpacking and putting in working order the locomotive engine, whilst Messrs. Draper and Williams were equally busy in preparing to erect the telegraphic posts for the extension of the magnetic lines. Dr. Morrow was also engaged in unpacking and arranging the agricultural implements, all intended for presentation to the Emperor, after being first exhibited and explained.
The Japanese authorities offered every facility. Sheds were prepared for sheltering the various articles from the weather; a flat piece of ground was assigned to the engineers for laying down the track of the locomotive. Posts were brought and erected as directed by Messrs. Draper and Williams, and telegraphic wires of nearly a mile in a direct line were soon extended in as perfect a manner as could have been done in the United States. One end of the wire was at the treaty house, the other at a building allotted for the purpose, and communication was soon opened between the two operators in the English, Dutch, and Japanese languages, very much to the amazement of the spectators.
Meanwhile the implements of husbandry had been put together and exhibited, the track laid down, and the beautiful little engine with its tiny car set it motion. It could be seen from the ship, flying round its circular path exciting the utmost wonder in the minds of the Japanese. Although this perfect piece of machinery was with its car finished in the most tasteful manner, it was much smaller than I had expected it would have been, the car being incapable of admitting with any comfort even a child of six years. The Japanese therefore who rode upon it were seated upon the roof, whilst the engineer placed himself upon the tender.
These various exhibitions, with the singular groups of American officers, sailors and Marines, intermingled with the native mandarins, officials, and laborers presented an animated spectacle.
Japanese Curiosity [top]
The Japanese are remarkable for their inordinate curiosity and, in the display of so many of the inventions of our ingenious countrymen, they had ample means of gratifying this propensity. They were not satisfied with the minutest examination of all these things, surpassingly strange as they must have been to them, but followed the officers and men about, seizing upon every occasion to examine every part of their garments, and showing the strongest desire to obtain one or more of their buttons. Those who were admitted on board the ships were equally inquisitive, peering into every nook and corner accessible to them, measuring this and that, and taking sketches after their manner of whatever they could lay their eyes upon, though it would be difficult to discover from their drawings what they were intended to represent.
Notwithstanding that the Japanese are themselves so fond of indulging their curiosity, they are by no means communicative when information is required of them, alleging as a reason that their laws forbid them to communicate to foreigners anything relating to their country or its institutions. We have had much better opportunities of picking up here and there, and from time to time, many interesting particulars respecting the laws, customs, and habits of these people than others who have preceded us. Yet a long time will elapse before any full and authentic account of their internal laws and regulations will be obtained; certainly not until we can establish men of intelligence in the country in the character of consular agents, merchants, or missionaries who, to enable them to make any progress, should acquire a knowledge of the language.
We found the common people more disposed to fraternize than were the mandarins or officials. It was evident that nothing but a fear of punishment deterred them from entering into free intercourse with us; but they were closely watched, and it may be inferred that the higher classes would be equally inclined to greater intimacy if they in their turn were not also watched. In truth every native has a spy set upon him in this country, as in Lew Chew. No one is entrusted with public business of any importance without having one or more associated with him, who are ever on the alert to detect and take note of the slightest suspicion of delinquency.
Southward from Shimoda
Page 216 [top]
After leaving Shimoda, I directed the squadron to be steered to the south in view of again seeing the cluster of very dangerous rocks discovered by us on our passage up in February last. We found their positions very correctly established by former notes, but took care to verify these notes by new observations.
As we were the first of modern navigators who discovered and marked the position of these rocks, I claim the right of naming them, and consequently have given them the name of a man to whom every sailor, in truth every man, woman, or child who may embark upon the ocean, ever will be immeasurably indebted. I allude to a most esteemed friend William C. Redfield, and trust that when the government of the United States shall have entered into a closer commercial intercourse with Japan that the position of Redfield Rocks will be as familiar to our navigators as that of every other danger to be avoided in their passage to and fro.
From these rocks a course was made for the northeast end of O Shima, the island claimed to have been discovered by Commander Gylnn. It will be recollected that in our last passage up I was particular in making observations of the western shore of this and the adjacent islands; that I made a report to the Navy Department upon the subject. In my passage down I determined to examine very closely the eastern side of the coast of the same island, and consequently on the morning of 29 June we made the northern point of O Shima bearing N 82° W, and which is erroneously placed on the chart. Passing between O Shima and Kikai Shima, or Bungalow Island, we traversed the eastern coast of this island so closely that we could mark with much accuracy all its sinuosities, bays, and inlets, and having at meridian obtained excellent observations of latitude and longitude, the result of the notes of the three ships, we had it in our power to determine the positions of the most prominent headlands by a series of angles deduced from those observations.
Before the visit to these seas by the United States Squadron, a French chart constructed by Capitaine de Vaisseau, Monsieur N. Guerin, and published at Paris in 1848, was the most approved guide. This, however, has been greatly improved by the observations and notes of the officers under my command, and though there are doubtless many dangers not yet discovered and laid down I feel justified in saying that we have contributed very much in improving the hydrography of this part of the world, and more especially in the waters of the gulf and bay of Edo, where the ground has been almost entirely new to strangers.
After our meridian observations had been calculated, I dispatched two of the boats of Mississippi in charge of Lieutenants Maury and Webb to a little bay abreast the ships and about two miles distant, being determined to communicate with this terra incognito. The officers landed and found only a small hamlet, and a squad of miserably armed natives drawn up to meet them, but there very civil and gave in exchange for bread and pork some fowls and vegetables. The party also brought off a few botanical specimens.
I regretted that I had not time, and what was still more valuable any coal to spare, to remain longer and to explore further these interesting islands. They will deserve more complete examination, and I hope that the government of the United States will ere long send suitable vessels for such purpose. One small steamer, and a schooner of 120 tons, with a storeship for carrying coals and provisions, would be adequate for the work.
Keeping as near as safety would permit to the chain of islands lying between O Shima and Lew Chew, we continued to steer southward and westward through the night, and at daylight made the northern end of great Lew Chew and the islands in the vicinity. At 10 A.M. of 30 June, the Southampton, until this time in tow of Powhatan, was cast off and ordered to part company.
This ended the journal kept by Commodore M.C. Perry on his Japan Expedition.
Appendix A
Letter of the President of the United States to the Emperor of Japan
Page 220 [top]
Great and Good Friend!
I send you this public letter by Commodore Matthew C. Perry, an officer of highest rank in the Navy of the United States, and commander of the squadron now visiting Your Imperial Majesty's dominions.
I have directed Commodore Perry to assure Your Imperial Majesty that I entertain the kindest feelings toward Your Majesty's person and government, and that I have no other object in sending him to Japan but to propose to Your Imperial Majesty that the United States and Japan should live in friendship and have commercial intercourse with each other.
The constitution and laws of the United States forbid all interference with the religious or political concerns of other nations. I have particularly charged Commodore Perry to abstain from every act which could possibly disturb the tranquility of Your Imperial Majesty's dominions.
The United States of America reach from ocean to ocean, and our territory of Oregon and state of California lie directly opposite to the dominions of Your Imperial Majesty. Our steamships can go from California to Japan in eighteen days.
Our great state of California produces about sixty millions of dollars in gold every year, besides silver, quicksilver, precious stones, and many other valuable articles. Japan is also a rich and fertile country and produces many very valuable articles. Your Imperial Majesty's subjects are skilled in many of the arts. I am desirous that our two countries should trade with each other for the benefit both of Japan and the United States.
We know that the ancient laws of Your Imperial Majesty's government do not allow of foreign trade except with the Dutch. But as the state of the world changes, and new governments are formed, it seems to be wise from time to time to make new laws. There was time when the ancient laws of Your Imperial Majesty's government were first made.
About the same time America, which is sometimes called the New World, was first discovered and settled by the Europeans. For a long time there were but a few people, and they were poor. They have now become quite numerous; their commerce is very extensive; and they think that if Your Imperial Majesty were so far to change the ancient laws as to allow a free trade between the two countries, it would be extremely beneficial to both.
If Your Imperial Majesty is not satisfied that it would be safe, altogether, to abrogate the ancient laws which forbid foreign trade, they might be suspended for five or ten years, so as to try the experiment. If it does not prove as beneficial as was hoped, the ancient laws can be restored. The United States often limits its treaties with foreign states to a few years, and then renew them or not, as they please.
I have directed Commodore Perry to mention another thing to Your Imperial Majesty. Many of our ships pass every year from California to China, and great numbers of our people pursue the whale fishery near the shores of Japan. It sometimes happens in stormy weather that one of our ships is wrecked on Your Imperial Majesty's shores. In all such cases we ask and expect that our unfortunate people should be treated with kindness, and that their property should be protected till we can send a vessel and bring them away. We are very much in earnest in this.
Commodore Perry is also directed by me to represent to Your Imperial Majesty that we understand that there is a great abundance of coal and provisions in the empire of Japan. Our steam ships, in crossing the great ocean, burn a great deal of coal, and it is not convenient to bring it all the way from America. We wish that our steam ships and other vessels should be allowed to stop in Japan and supply themselves with coal, provisions, and water. They will pay from them in money, or anything else Your Imperial Majesty subjects may prefer, and we request Your Imperial Majesty to appoint a convenient port in the southern part of the empire where our vessels may stop for this purpose. We are very desirous of this.
These are the only objects for which I have sent Commodore Perry with a powerful squadron to pay a visit to Your Imperial Majesty's renowned city of Edo: friendship, commerce, a supply of coal, and provisions and protection for our shipwrecked people.
We have directed Commodore Perry to beg Your Imperial Majesty's acceptance of a few presents. They are of no great value in themselves. But some of them may serve as specimens of the articles manufactured in the United States, and they are intended as tokens of our sincere and respectful friendship.
May the Almighty have Your Imperial Majesty in his great and holy keeping!
In witness whereof I have caused the great seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed, and have subscribed the same with my name, at the city of Washington in America, the seal of my government, on the thirteenth day of the month of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.
Your good friend,
Millard FillmoreBy the President
Edward Everett
Secretary of State
Translation of answer to the President's letter to the Emperor of Japan:
The return of Your Excellency as Ambassador of the United States to this Empire has been expected according to the letter of his majesty the President, which your excellency delivered last year to his majesty the Emperor of this nation. It is quite impossible to give satisfactory answers at once to all the proposals of your government.
Although a change is most positively forbidden by the laws of our imperial ancestors, for us to continue attached to ancient laws seems to misunderstand the spirit of the age. Nevertheless we are governed now by imperative necessity. At the visit of your excellency to this Empire last year, his majesty the former Emperor was sick and is now dead. Subsequently his majesty the present emperor ascended the throne. The many occupations in consequence thereof are not yet finished and there is not time to settle other business thoroughly. Moreover his majesty the new Emperor at his succession to the throne promised the princes and high officers of the empire to observe the laws; it is therefore evident that he cannot now bring about any alterations in the ancient laws.
Last autumn at the departure of a Dutch ship, the superintendent of the Dutch trade in Japan was requested to inform your government of this event, and we have been informed in writing that he did so.
The Russian Ambassador arrived recently at Nagasaki to communicate a wish of his government. He has since left the said place because no answer would be given to whatever nation that might communicate similar wishes. We recognize necessity, however, and shall entirely comply with the proposals of your government concerning coal, wood, water, provisions, and the saving of ships and their crews in distress. After being informed which harbor your excellency selects, that harbor shall be prepared, which preparation it is estimated will take about five years. Meanwhile commencement can be made with the coal at Nagasaki, by the first month of the next Japanese year (16 February 1855).
Having no precedent with respect to coal, we request your excellency to furnish us with an estimate, and upon due consideration this will be complied with if not in opposition to our laws. What do you mean by provisions, and how much coal will be required?
Finally, anything ships may be in want of that can be furnished from the production of this Empire shall be supplied; the prices of merchandise and articles of barter to be fixed by Kahei Kurokawa and Einosuke Moriyama. After settling the points beforementioned, the treaty can be concluded and signed at the next interview.
Seals attached by order
of the high Gentleman,
(signed) Einosuke Moriyama—————————————
United States Flagship Powhatan
At anchor off the Town of Yokohama
Edo Bay, 10 March 1854To His Highness,
Hayashi, Daigaku-no-kami
etc. etc. etc.Your Highness,
In reply to the communication of your highness which was brought to me yesterday by Kahei Kurokawa, and the chief interpreter Einosuke Moriyama, I hasten to remark that it has given me the greatest satisfaction to learn from its contents that the imperial government of Japan has at last awakened to a conviction of the necessity of so altering its policy with respect to foreign nations as to consent to an interchange of friendly intercourse with the United States.
Through the propositions set forth in the communication of your highness furnish strong evidence of the enlightened spirit with which the imperial commissioners are disposed to meet the suggestions which I have had the honor to submit, they fall far short of my anticipations, and I do not hesitate to say that they would not satisfy the views of the President.
I cheerfully accede to those of the propositions of your highness which offer to guarantee kind treatment to such vessels of the United States as may hereafter visit the parts of Japan or be wrecked upon its coasts, with protection and suitable hospitality to the people who may belong to them.
Also that provisions and other supplies shall be furnished to them and payment received for the same.
Also that American steamers shall be supplied with reasonable quantities of coal and at fair and equitable prices.
These are all very well so far as they go and can be incorporated in the treaty which I shall expect to make, but my instructions require me to look for an intercourse of a more enlarged and liberal character, and I feel assured that the imperial government, in consideration of the spirit of the age and with full knowledge of my strong desire to conduct my mission in peace and friendship, will no longer hesitate to enter with cordiality into a treaty that will be mutually honorable and advantageous to both nations.
The convenience of the immense and growing commerce of the United States in these seas will require certainly as many ports of resort in Japan as are specified in the treaty with China, and these must be free from any restrictions not recognized, by the usages of free and independent nations.
In a word I again earnestly urge upon your highness the policy of fixing upon some written compact, that will be binding as well upon the citizens of the United States as the subjects of Japan.
It would be needless in me again to express the sincerest desire of my heart to bring these negotiations to an amicable and satisfactory termination, not will I again allude to the importance of such an issue, important as well to save time as to prevent the necessity of sending from America more ships and men and possibly with instructions of more stringent import.
I have the power and the wish to meet the imperial commissioners in all good faith, believing that there can be no more favorable time than the present to settle all the questions under consideration in such manner as will bring about a good understanding between two nations whose geographical positions lying in comparative proximity would seem to enjoin as a measure of wise foresight a mutual interchange of those acts of kindness and good will which will serve to cement the friendship happily commenced and to endure I trust for many years.
With the most profound respect
(signed) M.C. Perry
Commander-in-chief United States Naval Forces
East India, China, and Japan Seas.
And Special Ambassador to Japan.
Appendix D
American Gifts presented to Japanese
Page 233 [top]
For
the Emperor:
Miniature steam engine, ¼ size, with track, tender, and car
2 telegraph sets, with batteries, three miles of wire, gutta percha wire, and insulators
1 Francis' copper lifeboat
1 surfboat of copper
Collection of agricultural implements
Audubon's Birds, in nine vols.
Natural History of the State of New York, sixteen vols.
Annals of Congress, four vols.
Laws and Documents of the State of New York
Journal of the Senate and Assembly of New
York
Lighthouse Reports, two vols.
Bancroft's History of the United States, four vols.
Farmer's Guide, two vols.
1 series of United States Coast Survey Charts
Morris Engineeering
Silver-topped dressing case
8 yards of scarlet broadcloth, and scarlet velvet
Series of United States standard yard, gallon, bushel, balances and weights
Quarter cask of Madeira
Barrel of whisky
Box of champagne and cherry cordial and maraschino
3 boxes of fine tea
Maps of several states and four large lithographs
Telescope and stand, in box
Sheet-iron stove
An assortment of fine perfumery
5 Hall rifles
3 Maynard muskets
12 cavalry swords
6 artillery swords
1 carbine
20 Army pistols in a box
Catalogue of New York State Library and of Postoffices
2 mail bags with padlocks
For the Empress:
Flowered silk embroidered dress
Toilet dressing-box gilded
6 dozen assorted perfumery
For Commissioner Hayashi:
Audubon's Quadrupeds
4 yards scarlet broadcloth
Clock
Stove
Rifle
Set of Chinaware
Teaset
Revolver and powder
2 dozen assorted perfumery
20 gallons of whisky
1 sword
3 boxes fine tea
1 box of champagne
1 box of finer tea
For Abe, prince of Ise, first councilor:
1 copper lifeboat
Kendell War in Mexico and Ripley History of the War in Mexico
1 box of champagne
3 boxes of fine
tea
20 gallons whisky
Clock
Stove
Rifle
Revolver with powder
1 sword
2 dozen assorted perfumery
4 yards scarlet broadcloth
For each of the other five councilors:
1 book
10 gallons whisky
1 lithography
Clock
Revolver
Rifle
Sword
12 assorted perfumery
For Ido, prince of Tsushima, second commissioner:
Appleton's Dictionary
9 assorted perfumery
Lithograph of New Orleans
5 gallons
whisky
1 box of tea
1 Clock
1 Revolver
1 Rifle
1 Sword
1 box of cherry cordial
For Izawa, prince of Mimisaki, third commissioner:
Model of lifeboat
View of steamer Atlantic
5 gallons whisky
1 Rifle
1 Revolver
1 Clock
Sword
9 assorted perfumery
Box of cherry cordial
Small box of tea
Brass howitzer and carriages
For Udono, fourth commissioner:
List of post-offices
Box of tea
Lithograph of elephant
9 assorted perfumery
1 Rifle
1 Revolver
1 Clock
1 Sword
5 gallons whisky
Box of cherry cordial
For Michitaro Matsuzaki, fifth commissioner:
Lithograph of a steamer
Box of tea
6 assorted perfumery
1 Revolver
1 Clock
1 Sword
5 gallons whisky
Box of cherry cordial