Monongalia mirror. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1855, 1853-11-26

the beach. The detachments ofseamen
were under the command of Lieut.. J
K. Duer, of the Susquehanna Lieut.
Charles NJ. Morris, of the Mississippi
Lieut.. John Matthews, Of the plymouth,
and Passed Milshipman Rubt. w. Scott
of the Saratoga. Including the officers
there were upward of 800 persons land,
ed, while the Japanese troops amount
ed as they themselves informed US, to
FIVE thousand. We had l2 marines,
about 12O seamen, so officers, and 80 or
40 musicians. About 100 yards from
the beach stood the foremost files of the
Japanese, in somewhat loose and strag-
Cling order. Their front occupied the
whole beech, their right flank resting
upon the village Of ofGori-hama, and theil
left against steep hill, which bound
ed the blight on the northern side. The
greater part were stationed behind the
canvass screens, and from the numbers
crowded together 10 the rear, some oil
the officers estimated their force at near
er ten than FIVE thousand men. Those
in the front rank we're armed with swords
spears and matchlocks, and their uni
form differed little from the usual ia
panese costume. There werea number
Of horses, ofa breed much larger and
much superior to the Chinese, and in the
background we saw body of cavalry.
On the slope of the hill near the village
great number ofnativ yes, many Of whom
were women, had collected, out OF Gu
riosity, to witness the event.
A salute was fred from the Susque-
hanna, as the Commodore left, accom-
panied by his staff, Commander Adams
and Lieut.. Cnntee, and the men had
scarcely been formed in line before his
barge approached the shore. The 9TH
er officers commanding detachments
were Commanders Buchanan and Wal
ker, and Lieurs. Gills and Taylor. The
officers composing the Commodnre's es-
cort formed a double line from the jetty
and as he passed between them fell in
to the proper order behind him. He
was received with the customary honors
and the procession Immediately started
for the place Of reception. A stalwart
boatswain's mate was selected 10 bear
The broad penpant of the Commodore,
supported by two very tall and power
fui negro seamen. completely armed.
Behind these followed two sailor boys
bearing the letter of the President and
the Commodore's letter of credence,
in their sumptuous boxes, wrapped in
scarlet cloth. Then came the Commo-
dore himself, with his staff and escort
of officers. The marine force, fine
athletic body of men, commanded by
MOTOR Zeillin, with detachment from
the Mississippi, under Capt. Slack, led
the way, and the corps of seamen from
all the ships, brought up the rear.
The house of reception was directly
in front ofthe landing, but an interyo.
ming screen rendered slight de,our ne
ccssary in order to reach the entrance;
and Major Zeilin made the most of this
circumstance. in order to display our
forces to the Japanese. There certuin-
" was a marked contrast between the
regular, compact files of our men, and
their vigorous, muscular figures, and
the struggling ranks of the mild, effem.
mate featured japanese. In front of
the house were two old brass four-poun-
ders, apparently of Spanish manufac-
ture, and OH each side stood a company
of soldiers, who belonged either 10 the
Imperial forces, or to the body guard
of The Prince. Those on the left wore
a uniform somewhat resembling the
modern Egyptian dress. It was of a
dark gray colour, having full trowsers,
gathered below the knees, broad sash
around the waist, and white cloth,
similar to turban, bound upon the head.
were armed with the old Tow
er muskets which are 10 be found in
every part of the world, with flint locks
aud bayone,s. Those on the right wore
q different uniform, exhibiting mixture
ofdulI brown and yellow in its colors,
and carried match.locks Of antique fash
ion.
Yezsimon and the Interpreters preceded
us, in order 10 show the way. The distance
from the jc,ty to the door Of the building
was SO short, that little opportunity was
given me for noticing miuutely the appear
ance of the Japanese, or the order Of their
array. The building into which the Com
molore and suite were ushered was small,
aud appeared to have been erected in haste.
The timbers were Of pine wood. and mum.
bered, as il they had been brought from
some other place. The first apartment,
which was abou, forty feet square, was oil
canvas, with an awning Of the same, Of
ground, with the Imperial arms emblazoned
on it in places. The floor was covered with
white cotton cloth, with pathway of red
felt, or some similar substance, leading a!
cross the room 10 q raised inner apartment,
which was wholly carpeted with it. This
apartment, the front of which was entirely
open, SO that it correspondent precisely TO
a. 3, ruxL;,h bou.ee yar hung with