CHAPTER H. 



PUBLIC INTERVIEW BETWEEN COMMODORE PERRY AND 

 THE IMPERIAL COMMISSIONERS. 



As the American squadron rapidly sailed up the 

 magnificent Bay of Jeddo, the imposing and novel 

 sight created the utmost astonishment among the 

 inhabitants, who crowded the shores on both sides. 

 Soon the placid waters were covered with a host of 

 Japanese boats, whose object evidently was to impede 

 or arrest the progress of the strangers. A succession 

 of populous towns and villages, surrounded by 

 trees, were picturesquely grouped along the shores ; 

 and the bay was filled with innumerable trading- 

 junks which were crossing and recrossing the tran- 

 quil waters in the pursuit of their usual trade. At 

 length the commodore's ships, having boldly steamed 

 their way to the spot which he had selected for his 

 anchorage, through the immense shoals of petty 

 native craft which vainly encumbered his path, 

 moored safely off the city of Uraga. Immediately 

 the batteries on the shore fired two guns, and 



rockets were sent into the heavens, for the purpose 



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