MATTHEW C. PERRY. 371 



but the researches of the commodore's officers were 

 confined to the Great Lew-Chew Island, on which 

 the regent resided. This is forty miles in length, 

 and nearly half of it was explored. Generally the 

 inhabitants fled from the presence of the intruders 

 as soon as they discovered their approach. On 

 the 6th of June, the commodore returned the visit 

 of state which he had received from the regent. 

 He was accompanied by a gay retinue of tars and 

 officers, two hundred in number, by two field-pieces, 

 by martial music, and by other demonstrations of 

 greatness. Hundreds of the simple natives crowded 

 around the novel procession, and viewed it with 

 mingled wonder and admiration. Beautiful gardens 

 and rich rice-fields surrounded the road which led 

 to the palace at STapha. These islanders are civilized, 

 and possess the same degree of intelligence and 

 cultivation as the Chinese and the Japanese. The 

 occasion, therefore, was one of no mean importance. 

 The commodore, having arrived at the palace of 

 the regent, was ushered into a hall of respectable 

 proportions, which was soon filled by a throng of 

 native officials arrayed in gay and flowing robes. 

 Each of these was furnished with a fan, which the 

 heat of the atmosphere called into constant use. A 

 ceremonious exchange of compliments then ensued, 

 which was followed by a friendly conversation. 



