Year: 1860

ne "a pm ncse Emb say to the United States
Ihe Japanese Ahassador first came on board
the steamer Powhntan on Saturday, the I4th
DAY OF January last, for the purpose of in.
spec ing their accommodations. On the fol-
lowing Monday, at noon. they came for good
anu were received with a salute and other
nonors They came without any pomp or pa
rade. and though dignifed in their bearing
they gave no evidence Of pride but rather
evinced timidity at their new position Step.
ping ior the hrst time upon the deck Of a
OF which they know nothing, to a country
| their Knowledge of which was very limited
and being received by all the officers in full
uniform, and the marNes presenting their
bright arms, it would have been strange il
even brave men should not have been a little
en- barrassed by the scene and the thoughts
which all this brough, up


Ihe sight was to them a novel one They
were surrounded oy n crowd of people. whose
| language they did not unders tand, and whose
customs were new to them; but they soon
overcame their timidity, and the warm well
come they received made them feel Mt home


Inc arrangements on board the Powhatan
Tor the accommodation of the Embassy was
as perfect rs could be. Capt Pearson gave up
the whole Of his large cabin for their special
use, and nearly the whole Of the fore cabin
was occupied by them. Four cabins had been
built on each side Of the quarter deck two in
front of the Commodore's cabin, and four
under the hurricane deck, for the inferior off,
GERS and servants.


The japanese method of fitting out their
rooms and victualing themselves is somewhat
peculiar. Many of their articles Of food are
which are two or three feet long. Rice is the
main article OF consumption. They eat bitter
bread but no meat, while there Is no end to
the little dishes and nice things they take with
them: A galiy or kitchen is prepared for their
especial use. Their mats are cut to fit the
room and are about three inches thick. For
bedding they wear their winter cloaks which
are made OF silk or cotton and stuffed with
cotton TO the thickness of an ordinary bed
quilt. The arms are large enough for ones
BODY, and the cloak is so long that the head
ard feet can be wrapped up together.


Besides their own plunder they bring thir-
about foot and a half square. filled with pre-
sents Tor the Emperor Of the United States" )"
as they call the President


,, men our officers, accompanied by Mr..
Hewskin rs interpreter, paid a visit to the
Prime Minister and other heads of depart.
Inents. within the Imperial castle, they were
received with the greatest honors and treated
TO sumptuous entertainment. The Ministers
commended their Ambassadors to the kind
consideration of the Commodore and officers
saying that they would be completely in the
hands OF strangers. Their humanity and SYM
paihy was deeply touching.


The first Ambassador is only 3j wears old
The second is all of %, and the Counsellor
about the same age. All Of them are Princes
but not hereditary, and they are among the
most distinguished statesmen in Japan.


The rumor that some of the Embassy were
sent as spies on the others, is incorrect The
Counsellor is only sent to aid the others by
his wisdom and experience. He is short man
but well formed, and his countenance is in
telligent.


Both Of the Ambassadors are rather tall and
thin with long sharp faces, dark complexion
and jet black hair


The japanese dress their hair in a peculiar
fashion. They shave IL all to the skin, except
around the temples and down the back of the
neck. This they collect at the top of the head
aud fasten with string and then bend for
ward, well stiffened with pomatum in the
form of a queue. They dress in silks and
wear two swords.


Among the under officers are an artist, Yor-
sida Sagosagemon by name, who is said to be
we'll skilled in his pro iessi on, and is poet as
we'll rs a painter Natsmoto Samijgo, the his
torlan OF the party, is about 81 years old, 4
plain and sedate looking man.


One Of the richest Princes in Japan forms
part OF the mbassy. His name is Skahara
JhugOra. His face is as light as that Of most
Americans, his form as graceful, and he has
the air and n mAuners Gale LAT ted to attract He
reads and speaks Dutch with facility, and is
desirous OF becoming acquainted with Eng
lish.


The doctors are all young men, and wear
their hair shaven to the quick. Anatomy and
surgery are unknown in Japan, and in medi-
cine little is done beyond roots, herbs and
charms.


The Embassy had no priest with them. AID
they do not bring any Gods or Idols. They
apparently attach very little Importance to