The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-06-26


ing through the Japanese archipelago, between
Loo hoo and Japan, we sighted and passed close TO
the island Of OSima, laid down upon some charts as
"Montauk Island" discovered Sy Capt. Glen, o. the
known to the Dutch for long period. The French
survey, under Admiral Cecile, Ia correct; but moth
thing IL known Of its capacities or population.
Approaching the islands to the south of Yeddo
bay, on the 18th of February, cluster Of danger
GUS rocks" not laid down on any chart. was dis
covered from the mast head Of the Powhatan-she
being slightly in advance. These "rocks" are In
hat. 50 81 N. lon. 1873 so E.. and should be looked
out for by navigators In these After expert
en- cling anxious night Of hard weather among the
many unknown islands adjacent to the entrance To
the Bay Of Yeddo. the morning found us close under
the beautiful volcanic island Of OhoSima, stu
stcd about twenty-five miles southwest from
Cape Lagame, and in full operation-the high,
mountainous land Of Nippon ensicsng US to
the northward and westward 6tegning on, we
discovered two eail ut anchor under the land.
We soon made them out TO be the Vandalia and the
Macedonian the latter hard and fast on shore. An
choring at convenient distance from them, prepa-
ratiops were made for getting her off, which was soon
done by the gallant old Mississippi No damage had
happened to the Macedonian, much to the gratifca-
ton Of all hands, for 1t would have been q great
blow to expedition and loss to the country for
this splendid war ship to have laid her homes on the
inhosritable shores Of Japan. Remaining at our
anchors oil night the morning broke upon us In I'M.
clouded splendor-seldom had any one among rs
witnessed o more magnificent view than that pre-.
Day was fast streaking the east with approaching
light, while the moon at full rode in the heavens
showering flood of isht upon the vast ranges Of
mountains, covered with snow extending far of to the
southwark, while Mount "Foesi for which we had
looked in vain the day hefore-rose towering in all
its beautiful proportions into the sky. So clear was
the air that every ssure chasm, and wreath of
seemed to be within reach the Done resting against
the blue sky like soft moonlight pointing. "a indeed
it was, and by the grandest of !" Old Masters" None
of us will, | am sure, ever forget in our fu-
ture "reminiscences, this, our moonlight view
Of Japan, as our heavy anchors rose from what
might prove O hostile bottom. Each steamer
taking ship in tow-the Lexington had joined
u in TIE evening-our feet steamed rapid
ly for Yeddo; guns shotted decks cleared for action
and everything ready for an emergency for we
knew not the nature Of our reception aud the Lon
don Times and other wiseacres had predicted hot
reception. For this we were expectant, and rather
anxious. Steaming up the bay, we found all quiet
demonstration Of boats no additional forts or dis
play OF troops, could be observed Passing Uraga,
where, from the government boats lying in wait, it
was evident they expected us to anchor, we pro
ceeded to our last, or american anchorage" ten
miles beyond. Here we found the Southampton
lying quietly at anchor, she having beat the sailing
ships, and reached port several days betore-her
sailor captain having run to the end Of his chart,
could go no further with safety. The squadron
anchoring in succession the flag ship was soon
boarded by the same authorities as last year. The
interview took place on board the Powhatan, to
which ship Commodore Perry had transferred his
pennant-the usual ceremony took place, when the
japanese were very anxious for the squadron to
return to Uraga, expressing their friendly feeling
and disposition to negotiate, with promises OF ia
vo1abe answer to the Presidents letters. This the
Commodore would not hear that anchorage being un;
safe, and informed them that he would seek for still
safer anchorage higher up the bay and nearer Yeddo;
this was somewhat startling, and for several days
they entreated us to return in vain. Seeing that the
Commodore was determined, and that the surveying
boats and smaller ships were already hard at work
sounding out, and proceeding up the bay they camo
down in most astonishing manner from their posi-.
ton, and consented to establish q council house
and the officers appointed by Commodore Perry is
in the bay of Kanaeawa, ten miles from the impe-
rial city. This place afforded safe and commodious
anchorage and easy access to the shore. The whole
squadron was moved and anchored in line of battle
half a mile from shore; the council and reception
houses were moved up from Uraga and erected near
the beach, forming in themselves quite snug little
village. should tell you that preliminary inter-
view had taken place ut Uraga, between Captain
Adams on the part of the COMMANDMENTS chief and
the Jai anose princes, where some diplomatic bust
ness was transacted, of which not in the secret.
On the sth of March preparations were made for
an official interview fotila of armed boats
by order, assembled near the flag. This fotila was
composed of the different launches and cutters
the squadron, numbering thirty.two boats, filed
with marines and sailors. and mounting eleven
pieces CT twelve and twenty-our pounds calibre. At
given signal, all started for the shore in admirable
order, and though we knew that all hopes Of an ems
counter had past, still the enthusiasm was immense
With flags flying, we reached the beach. The
marines, 16G strong, and light infantry Of sea.
men, with 240 muskets, formed in rapid and
admirable order, and awaited the arrival of
the commanderin.chief, while our boats, anchored
admirably armed and ready for instant service, lay
musktt shot from the shore. Encircllng in every
direction were long stretches of painted canvas de-
noting the camp OF the Japanese, long rows OF whom
could he seen in every dire ction, standing notion
lees, with their rusty old matchlocks on their
shoulders, their spears planted in the ground be-
fore them, the officers seated mostly on low stools
before their men, perfect pictures of military pa
uence or stupid indifference, know not which.
Thus drawn up, our Americans In their neat uni
forms, poisie ed equipments, perfect arms, ready
discipline and compact order, with their stalwOrth
forms and cool Indifference to their vast numbers,
form ed an amusing contrast with our weaklo0king,
eht mlnately dressed and shambling friends. Their
miserable arms servile attitudes, scattering ranks,
and fCpf ensemble created many smile from Jack"
end not few EXPLANATIONS OF contempt and aston
tshmt Mt from the officers, who now saw them for the
first time. 1t is but just to suppose that they put
their best foot foremost, did, and the imperial
display, which they got up for the occasion, In the
presence Of their highest princes, was, for scenic
effect and military prOwess,'a most contemplate
humbug. But to return: our COmnOndOre reaching
the shore the troops presented arms, drums beat,
flags waved as he passed our ranks and entered
the council house; where, after grave and digDi
fled reception on the part OF the Japanese commits
ei0ners, diplomatic affairs were at once opened-a
favorable answer returned, disposition to open
trade expressed, articles of treaty exchanged and
various other matters connected with the expedition
discussed.
Among other things, q marine having expired on
board the Mississippi the hight previously, some
speculation had been INDUCED in as to how they
would act upon our demand for right OF burial;
when this subject was preached by the Commodore,
they at refused telling the Commodore that he
must send the body to Uraga, from whence they
would send it TO Nangasaki for intermeut In the
ground allotted to the Dutch; this the Commodore
objected to- stating chs determination to have q
burial place here, safe from harm decoration
much hrmness had to be sh5wn ere they would
yield this to them, important point and infringe
ment Of their most positive laws. Their OBJ
je,tions were not listened to, and with good
countenance, they at last gave up the contest:
In the meantime the artillery had saluted the royal
standard with 81 euns-an event-the Commodore,
in his character Of ambassador, de-, with IL. Our
three bands sent forth their strains, aud the whole
scene became gay and full Of animation. Our officers
and men mingled freely with the people, examining
aims, dresses, houses, and what ever came within
observation In tho short dist lnce they stroed. The