Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-11-11

The following Interesting account of the move
monts of the EXPEDITION is from the North China Mail,
of August l 1th:
The appearance of the steamers-the first ever seen
in these waters-with the other vessels in tow NOV
ing with all sails iurIed, at the of nine or ten
knots hour appeared 10 produce considerable SEN
sation the japanese, and all the trading unks
with which the bay crowded carefully kept out
their way.
AS the vessels were coming to anchor, two shell or
rockets fired into the air from battery ebout
mile distant, but apparently a signal, and not as
ok en- of hostility Several government boats Immediate
y came of, and endeavored TO put board the vessel
the usual notification 10 foreigners, warning them 10
depart. They not received, however, and the
Deputy Governor of Uraga, who the only person
allowed to on board was noticed that, if the ia
panese authorities endeavo:ed to surround the ships
with the usual Gordon of boats, it would lead to very
serious conse uencPs
A few boats, nevertheless fingered around the Sus.
quehanna, but the sight of some waIke preparations
satisfied them that Commodore Perry in earnest,
and they quickly retired. During the stay of the
squadron in the bay it after visited by any
boats, except those containing the officials through
whom the negotiations were carried on.
The next morning, YeZeimon, the governor of IRA
ga and noble of the third rank, came off, and, after
ascertainng the OBJ ect of the VISIT asked for time to
despatch an express TO Jedio, in order 10 communi-
cate>he information, and obtain instructions how 10
act During the three days which elapsed before the
answer arrived, the Mississippi made trip of about
ten miles further up the bay, finding every where
deep soundings.
Beyond the promontory of Uraga, a point which
no foreign vessel had passed before, she discovered
large and beautiful blight, which perfectly land
locked and offered the most secure and commodious
anchorage She was followed at a distance by num-
Der of government boats, but OF them attempted
to interfere with her.
On Tuesday, the 12h an arrived from
| Jeddo, stating that The Emperor had appointed an
III hIrhn anK n md
receive the letter of the United States, and satisfactory
proofs having been given 10 Com. Perry that this APP
pontment directly from the Imperial Govern
ment, it arranged that the interview should take
place on the morning of the 18th.
| The Japanese selected the small town oil Gorihame
about three miles south OF Uraga for the interview
On the morning OF the 18th the Susquehanpa and the
! Mississippi took up position Oft the town, and lay
with their oad>des 10 the shore The governor and
| deputy governor OF Uraga, with the commandant OF
the military forces came off to company the Com
modore 10 the landing place The officers and men
detained to accompany Commodore Perry amounted
to about 400. while the force of the Japanese was
variously estimated at from 5000 10 1000.
| The Commodore escorted with the American
coIors flying, and the bands playing the national "Hai
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
! Iwami The letter OF the President and Commodore
Perry's letter of credence were formerly delivered
|
Princes The Commodore stated that in order 10 give
the Japanese government ample time for deliberation
he would depart in three four days and return in
| few months, TO receive the reply
On the following day Commodore Perry, in the
Mississippi, went aboutten miles beyond this making
total of 20 miles. beyond the limit of previous ex-
pIoration From the deck of the frigate a crowd oil
shipping seven or eight miles to the north
ward, and from the number of junks continually
going and coming it was evident that this was the
anchorage in front of the capi'a The officers of the
! SuSquehanna and Mississippi speak with admiration
of the beauty of the shores and the rich cultivation and
luxuriant Vegetation which they every where wit
messed
The natives with whom they came in contact were
friendly in their demands, and the governor of Uraga
is spoken of as model of refinement and good breed
ing.
/ The day before the departure of the squadron, the
Governor went board the Susquehanna. taking
with him number of presents, consisting OF Articles
of lacanered ware and other Japanese manufactures
/