216 



EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



but went even furtlier in his courtesies and attentions than the ohl regent had ever done. As 

 far as he could ascertain the facts, the Commodore believed that the old man had voluntarily- 

 resigned in favor of the young one. 



On the appointed day of the feast, three of the ship's boats were sent off to the creek at 

 Tumai to bring on board the invited guests. On their arrival, and after the usual presentation 

 of crimson cards, they came on board in robes of the finest and cleanest grass-cloth, and with 

 hafchee mafchees of showy color on their heads. Captain Buchanan received them at the gang- 

 way, and conducted them through the various parts of the ship. The day was oppressively 

 warm, and the visitors found it so sultry between decks, and especially in the engine room, that 

 they were glad once more to stand u})on the upper deck. The marines were under arms, and 

 the band played to give honor to their reception. When dinner was announced they were 

 ushered into the Commodore's cabin, and immediately sat down to the table. The entertainment 

 was, of course, entirely in accordance with European and American customs. The Commodore 

 took the centre of the table, with the regent on his right hand and the chief treasurer on his 

 left, while the mayor of Naplia and one of the other treasurers were seated near the ends of the 

 table, where they were taken in charge by the commanders of the different vessels of the squadron . 

 Mr. Williams and Dr. Bettelheim were present as guests and interpreters ; while at a smaller 



l>iiiut-r to the il< 



table were Messrs. 0. H. Perry, Portman, Taylor, and Heine. None ot the regent's suite wore 

 allowed to sit at table with him, but remained in attendance. His interpreter, Ichirazichi, the 

 same whom we have already presented to our readers, stood behind him. 



