MATTHEW C. PERRY. 379 



up directly to the very gates of Jeddo. Commo- 

 dore Perry had wisely determined at the very outset 

 of his intercourse with the Japanese to assume the 

 tone of an equal, or even of a superior, under the 

 conviction that such a policy would be most con- 

 ducive to success. The event proved the correctness 

 of his supposition. On leaving the flag-ship the 

 Japanese official informed the American com- 

 mander, that an officer of higher rank would be 

 deputed to wait upon him in reference to the pro- 

 posals with which he was intrusted, took a courteous 

 leave, and, as he descended the ship's side, ordered 

 the fleets of boats to disperse. That order was in- 

 stantly obeyed. The next day the Governor of 

 Uraga proceeded to visit the squadron. He was 

 richly dressed in figured silks, and wore two splen- 

 did swords, as indicia of his superior rank. After a 

 long audience with the commodore he took his 

 departure, promising to refer his mission to the im- 

 perial government at Jeddo, and inform him as soon 

 as possible of the result of its deliberations. 



Very tedious and provoking delays ensued. The 

 Japanese officials, though frequently visiting the 

 commodore on board his ship, interposed repeated 

 and frivolous obstacles to the accomplishment of 

 any definite result. At length his patience was 

 exhausted, and the commodore informed Yezairnon, 



