Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-11-16

had been erected,by the Japanese, one of which
was prepared for the interview, while the other
two were apparently intended for the accommo-
daton of the Princes who had come from Jeddo
to receive the letter. The officers and men de-
tanned to accompany Commodore Perry,amount-
ed to about 400, while the force of the Japanese
was variously estimated at from 5000 to 1000
Their foremost files extended around the head
of the blight for the distance of nearly mile
and with their number of scarlet pennons, and
banners Of various devices, presented a novel
and beautiful show. The Commodore was cs-
corted with the American colors flying, and the
bands playing the National Hail Columbia" to
the house of reception. Here he was received
by the Prince of Idzu, first Councillor Of the
Emperor, who was accompanied by the Prince
of fIwami. The letter of the President and Com
Perry's letter of credence were formally deliver
ed, and an official receipt given in return by the
two Princes. The interview then terminated,
as the latter were not empowered to enter into
any negotiations. The Commodore stated, how
ever, that in order to give the Japanese Gov
ernment ample time for deliberation, he would
depart in three or four days and return in few
months, to receive the reply. We may here
mention, that this was the only instance in which
Commodore Perry met any of the Japanese of
ficials in person. The Governor of Uraga was
not received by him, as not being Of equal rank,
and all the previous and subsequent ncgotia-
tions with the Japanese, were carried on thro'
the officers of the Commodore's staff and Com
mander Buchanan, of the Susquehannah.
"The Governor and deputy.Governor of Ura-
ga with the interpreters and attendants, after the
interview, were treated to trip in the Susque-
hannah, where they witnessed for the first time
the performance of the steam engine. After
leaving them at Uraga, the squadron stood across
the bay toward the Eastern shore, and then pro-
ceeded to the point reached by the Mississippi,
day Commodore Perry, in the Mississippi, went
about ten miles beyond this, making a total dis
tance of twenty miles beyond the limit Of pre-
vious exploration. From the deck of the frigate
crowd OF shipping was seen seven or eight
miles to the northward; and, from the number
of junks continually going and coming, it was
evident that this was the anchorage in front of
the capital. The officers of the Susquehannah
and Mississippi speak with admiration of the
beauty of the shores, and the rich cultivation
and luxuriant vegetation which they everywhere
witnessed. The natives with whom they came
in contact were friendly in their demeanor, and
the Governor of Uraga is spoken of as a model
of refinement and good breeding
The day before the departure of the squad
ron the Governor went on board the Susquehan-
nah, taking with him number of presents, con-
sisting of articles of lackered ware and other
Japanese manufactures. A suitable collection
of presents was prepared in return; and, in spite
of his declaration that it was contrary to Japan
ese law, he was obliged to accept them in order
to prevent the rejection Of his own. He after
ward brought off large quantity of poultry for
the vessel, and received in return large box of
choice American garden seeds, his acceptance of
the presents on the previous visit having to his
great joy, been sanctioned by his superiors.-
Notwithstanding the repeated concessions which
the Japanese made to the demands of Commo-
dore Perry, they are said to have been very
friendly in their intercourse, and to have taken
their final leave with show of real regret
"The squadron sailed from the bay of Jeddo
on the 18th, and, after encountering severe
gale during the 2lst and 22d, arrived at Loo
Choo on the 18th of July, and the two steam
friga'es returned to Hong Kong on the evening
of the 7th Of August"