Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1859-02-04


To you, who know me so we'll, trust l
need not say that these ceremonies and sla-
wish obseryances but i'll agreed with myl
simple habits, and that they were utterly
repugnaut TO my sincere Republican princi-
pies. But what could dol knew that
the ultimate success Of the real object of
my mission to Yeddo did, 10 fact very
much depend on tho state and ceremony
which was observed on my journey, and
which would attend my entry into Yeddo.
Such being my feelings and opinions, 1 did
not, on the one hand, demand any Of these
honors, nor, on the other, refuse them when
offered 10 me.
On Monday, the 3oth Of November, l
made my entry into Yeddo. My followers
put on their camissimos, or dresses Of cere-
mony, decorated with any quantity of eagles.
l should not have known when passed
the line which separates Singana from Yed-
do had the spot not been pointed out To-
me, rs the houses form continuous street
for somo miles before you reach the actual
boundary of tho city. From the gate by
which | entered the city 20 my quarters was
about seven miles. The streets of Yeddo
are divided into sections Of 100 yards by
gates and palisades Of strong timber. This
enables the police to isolate any portion Of
the city, or any line running through it,and
thus prevent the assembling Of crowds or
mobs. When we approached gate it was
opened, and as soon as the rear had passed
through it was closed. The gates of all
the cross streets were also kept closed. l
could sec immense crowds beyond the gates,
but the people on our actual line Of march
were those only who occupied the buildings
on the route. Notwithstanding all this,
the number that assembled was prodgious.
The center Of tho way was kept clear, and
the crowd kept back by ropes stretched
along each side Of the street. The Assem-.
blage was composed of men, women and
children, of all ranks and conditions-the
women being the larger number. | esti.
mated the two lines of people that extend
ed along the way, from my entrance into
the city to the place provided for my resi-
dence, to have been full 100000. Yet in
all this vast concourse did not hear a word,
except the constant cry Of tho harbingers,
Sdtu, sdtu.
You may think it impossible that
silence could have been maintained among
so large number of women, but ] assure
you it was so.
The house prepared for me was situated
within the fourth circle Of the castle or ar.
istocratic portion of the city, and large
enough to accommodate 500 persons in the
! Japanese manner.
On my arrival wns warmly welcomed
By my good friend the Prince of Sinano
who showed me the various provisions tha
had been made for my accommodation and
comfort, and which included chairs, tables
bedsteads, &C., none Of which arc used by
the Japanese.
The following day the Prince of Tambs
visited me in great state. He said he came
as special ambassador" from the Emper.
or to congratulate me on my arrival and to
ask after my health. After receiving these
compliments, and making suitable reply
the Prince pointed to large box which he
said was present to me from his Majesty
l found the box contained five large trays oi
bOn-bOns, weighing over 100 pounds.
/ subsequently, visited the hereditary
Prince of Hotta, Chief of the great Council
of State and Minister for Foreign Affairs
The visit was pleasant one, and the ar
} rangements for my audience we're complet
ed. l gave the Prince copy Of my in
tended speech to the Emperor, and be
fore left he gave copy Of the reply the
} Emperor would make to me. By this ar
rangcmcnt, the speeches being both trans
lated beforehand, We would be enabled tc
dispense with the presence Of interpreter
at the audience. On Monday week alto
. my arrival set out for the Palace. NJ,
train blazed out in new silk dresses, anC
my guard wore their breeches rolled up t.
the middle of the thigh. You must know
, that the wearing of breeches in Japan is I
mark Of high rank, or if worn by an inferi
or, that he is 10 the service Of ono of thu
highest rank $50 that the wearing Of brssche
here is as much coveted as It is said to be il
certain quarters in America, and that here
as we'll as in America, the article is a typ
or emblem of power or authority. A new
} flag, made Of Japanese Grape, was carried
before me. This flag is the first fcreigl
banner that was ever carried through thi
great city, and mean to preserve it as
} precious relic. The distance from my rosi
. dence TO tho alace wEs over two miles
t On arriving at the bridge over the thirt
{ moat, or ditch, all my train left their horse
, and norrimons and proceeded on foot.
5 continued in my norrimou, and was carris'
Q over three moats, and through as many for
tilted gateways up TO the gate Of the Pal
= ace itself. was received at the entFane
: by two chamberlains, who, having ''knocke,
head" conducted me to an appartmen
: where l found chair for my use. Tea
y bon-bons, and other refreshments, we're the
y offered to rue. A large number Of th
= Princes came to be presented to me. A
t length 1 was told that the Emperor wa
d ready to receive me. passed through
r largo ball in which some 500 to 400 of tn
high mobiles Of Japan, all dressed in thei
y court dresses, wero kneeling, and as silen
and motionless as statues; and from thi
d hall entered the audience chamber. A
d this moment chamberlain called out in
Q loud voice, "Merrlcan EmbassadoF," and tn
; Prince of Sinano threw himself dUwH an
Q crawlsd along as walked in. Mr.. Heuskeu
!. my secretary, who carried the President
s letter, halted at the entrance. l advance,
$ up tho room, making three bows as pre-
i eaeded. and halted at the head Of two line