162 



EXPKDITION TO JAPAN. 



CHAPTER VIII 



REPORT OF AN INLAND EXPLORATION OF GREAT LEW CHEW, BY A PARTY FROM THE SQUADRON, UNDER THE COMMAND OF 



COMMODORE FERRY. 



f!OaERTS.SC 



ONDAY, the 30th of May, says 

 the report, was the day fixed 

 upon by Commodore Perry 

 for our departure. We were 

 ordered to cross the island to 

 the eastern shore, follow the 

 line of coast northward, and 

 return throiigh the interior, 

 pushing our course as far as 

 Itracticable, under our instructions to return within six days. All the 

 stores having been procured, and packed in convenient parcels, 

 together with portfolios and drawing materials, implements for pre- 

 paring birds, &c., we landed about 10 o'clock, and proceeded to the house of the missionary, 

 Dr. Bettelheim, which had been chosen as the rendezvous. The authorities had not been 

 previously informed of our intention ; and, as it was evident that we should not be allowed to 

 advance far without an escort, or espionage of some kind, Dr. Bettelheim sent to request that a 

 proper officer should accompany us as guide. After waiting about an hour, and no person 

 appearing, we decided to set out, believing that our guide would be forthcoming before we left 

 the city. In fact, we had no sooner reached the main street, communicating with the road to 

 Sheudi, than a portly personage, with a long white beard, and two younger officers, with black 

 beards and swarthy complexions, joined us. A crowd of curious natives had also collected, and 

 followed us until we left the city. 



"Each of the men carried a haversack, in addition to his arms, leaving about 120 pounds 

 weight of baggage to be divided among the four coolies. The men, Terry and Mitchell, 

 marched in advance, the former carrying the flag, while the other men. Smith and Davis, 

 remained m the rear of the baggage ; this order was preserved during the whole expedition. 

 We had not proceeded half a mile before our coolies showed signs of breaking down under their 

 loads, and, even though we might force them to keep up for some time longer, it was evident 

 that we could not make much progress without further help ; Mr. Jones, therefore, requested 



