372 MATTHEW C. PERRY. 



Then came a feast, at which the visitors were enter- 

 tained with the choicest viands which the island 

 produced. The banquet consisted of twelve courses, 

 during the progress of which much diverting con- 

 verse and some complimentary toasts were indulged 

 in. When the entertainment was finished, the 

 commodore extended an invitation to his host to 

 visit him on board his ship ; and then returned to it. 

 These civilities were of more importance than might 

 at first sight appear, because they prepared the way 

 for the arrangement of the amicable treaty which 

 was subsequently consummated between the parties. 

 On the 9th of June, Commodore Perry sailed for 

 the Bonin Islands. These are situated about five 

 hundred miles southeast of Japan, and eight hun- 

 dred from the Lew-Chew Islands. Captain Beech ey 

 took possession of them in 1827, in the name of 

 the British monarch, although no further steps had 

 ever been taken to confirm the title or establish the 

 authority of England there. The object of Com- 

 modore Perry's visit was to ascertain the fitness 

 of the islands as a naval depot, and as a place of 

 stoppage for whalers and steamers. Having ob- 

 tained the necessary information and taken the pre- 

 liminary steps to accomplish this purpose, Commo- 

 dore Perry returned with his squadron again to the 

 Lew- Chew Islands. 



