Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1854-06-21
tPrOn tbe ckina haii.i
The Opening Of. Japan.

COmmodore Ferry, IN the Susquehanna, lett the
harbor Of Hong Kong on the 9TH Of January, ac-
cOmpanied by the Powhatten and Mssissippi-the
sailing vessels Vandalia, Southampton, Supply,
and Lexington, having some time before proceed
ed to the rendezvous at Napakiaug in Loo Choo,
where the squadron met on the 2Ist of January.
The sailing vessels were despatched for Japan
on the last day of January, under command of
Captain Abbot-the steamships following on tie
7th of February-and along with the sloop-of-war
Saratoga, from Shanghai, joining the sailing ves-
sells in the waters Of Japan on the 18th, without
accident, beyond the temporary grounding Of the
Macedonian, which was lightened and speedily
got off. The whole squadron then proceeded, and
anchored in the Bay of Yedo, passing Uraga, n
where. last year the interview and the delivery of
| the Presidents letter took place. A few small
forts, mounting ten or twelve guns each, were !,
observed, but made no hostile demonstrations. s
Boats were not allowed to come alongside un-
til the vessels had taken their stations, and then
the government officers were directed to the Pow
haitian, Ito which the Commodore's flag had been
removed) where they had an interview on the
18th with the fleet, Captain Adams, to whom, af-
ter the exchange of compliments, the Japanese
stated that in few days a special high officer
would be sent from Yeddo to meet the Commo-
dore,a arrange everything in courteous, frank,
and friendly manner; but they objected that the
vessels had come too far up, and recommended
their return to Urago, where the Emperor defred
the meeting should be held as before; and that
point they considered as of more importance than
talking about the weather, which subject seemed
to be the pisaller of conversation in Japan, as in
all the rest of the West
The following day, l4th another interview was
held on board the Powhatten, when the Japaii-
ese renewed their urgency about the meeting be.
ing held at Uraga, whereon the previous occasion
everything passed is SO amcable and pleasant q
Manner and to which the Commodore had said he
) would return. Finding that Uraga was still OBJ
jected, to, they then proposed Kamakura, where
the Macedonian had got ashore, and which which they
. had held to be q much more convenient place
than Kanagawa, between the present anchorage
and Yedo, as suggested by Dr.. s. w. Williams.
3 But after much talk on the subject the japanese
at length left it to the Commodore to select
r place fer the interview Before taking leave the
deputation said if the ships needed water or pro-
y visions, boats would be sent with supplies; but
n they were told that except water, nothing else
ID was likely to be required.
& After mature consideration Commodore Per-
y ry decided to to send Captain Adams in the Van
= dalia to meet the Governor of the Province at
1t Uraga. Capt Adams was then informed by the
ID Governor that everything was ready for consider
IS ing the terms of a treaty between Japan and the
le Uuited States, and if the Commodore Cor, as he
rs was termed, the Admiralty would come to Uraga,
lie it would be concluded before the going down Of
v the SUM- 1t is supposed, however, that what was
a. here meant by treaty, was favorable reply
e. from the Emperor to the Presidents letter on the
st, subject.
n But Captain Adams reiterated the that Com
ok modore would not come to Uraga, where he
ry had found the anchorage to be indifferent, but
- would meet the Japanese Commissioners at Yck'
ohama, off the present anchorage of the flag ship
ten to twenty miles from Uruga. Capt Adam
rejoned the squadron on the oath February, AM
ka the following day the Japanese officers visited tn
ut flag ship TO sotle the place OF meeting, when tn
diff Commodore, amongst other things, told ther
of that, having been entrusted with so many ships
which were seventeen thousand miles from home
cc he was reasonably anxious about their safety,
his experience had proved to him that Uraga did nc
fact offer SO secure anchorage as where they no'
viii Law. Some discussion ensued but finally it wa
the arranged that the meeting should be held {
lest Yokohams.
the Eleven days afterwards the meeting took plac'
tiop and in the interval, entertainments were inte
thor changed by the American and Japanese officer
unfAtone or two given by Capt. Buchanan, the Gov
G. ernor of Uraga, we have seen in Keying an
title other high Chinese officials at once fell in wit
sion foreign observances toasting and speechfyn
not Capt Buchanan proposed the health CT the En-
ov, neror of japan, which was drank standing sswi
the all the honors," and was acknowledge by Il
mar. Governor of Uragra, who in return similarly pr
on posed the health of the President of the Unit
ome States The Japanese took their liquor free
s. especially champagne and liquors, greatly adm
ing the glassware that contained them, and e
pressed hope that the time was at hand VIII
IN they would be at liberty to visit foreign countr
ng in steamers and ships of the masts,
tne 1t was during this interval that an officer Of
anle squadron approached Yedo, and if he did not
nual tually enter it. at least was near enough to jud
prise of it's appearance, and to ascertain what how'
4or'n er, we believe surveying party had done befo
ooo' that close to the shore there is five fathoms
asr ter, SO that it be approached by large shi
The city is in the form of crescent, and stands
lding q extensive plain. with magnificent backgrou
Ooo'- Of mountains and wooded country; but it see
nd IN to possess no striking public buildings, while
hites' dwelling houses are generally of one story,
,ople. ,hereeore nresent nothing imposing in their
laton pearance, except their vast nunbers and
easea space they occupy The population Of the G
then e h.s bowaver. been greatly exaggerated,