SURVEY OF THE BAY OP DRAGA. 239 



tlie bay than the' anchorage of the sqnadron, when they were recalled by a signal gnn. On 

 their return they were sent out again, with orders to keep nearer to the western shore. In the 

 afternoon all the boats returned, coming alongside at about three o'clock p. m. 



The hydrographic reports were of the most favorable character, as deep water was found as 

 far up as four miles toward the head of the bay, which was the extent of the first survey. The 

 soundings varied from twenty-nine to forty-three fathoms, and at the height of the ebb tide a 

 current was observed running at the rate of two or three knots. The examination of the harbor 

 of Uraga, which was carried to within a few feet of the shore, gave five fathoms at about a cable's 

 length distance, while within that space from the land several reefs were found to extend out. 

 As the boats approached the shores there was a good view of the fortifications, which did not 

 seem to be of a very formidable character. Their construction did not exliibit much strength 

 or art. Their position and armament were such as to expose them to an easy assault ; their 

 parapets were in earthwork, while many of the buildings, the barracks and magazines, appeared 

 to be of wood. They mounted but few guns, and those of small calibre, while their embrasures 

 were so wide that the cannon were greatly exposed. 



On the first approach of the survey boats the soldiers showed themselves in considerable force, 

 and were observed to be fully armed. They presented quite a bristling front with their spears 

 and match-locks, while their lacquered caps and shields flashed brightly in the sun. They did 

 not seem disposed, however, to make any very decided stand, for they retreated within the walls 

 of the fortification as soon as the boats made in closer with the land. One of the ofiicers in 

 command of a ship's boat approached to within a hundred yards of the shore, and observing 

 three persons, seemingly of authority, standing out upon an embankment, levelled his glass at 

 them, whereat they disappeared on the instant, evidently much discomposed at being sighted 

 with an instrument which they (though not unfamiliar with the telescope) might have supposed 

 to be a weapon unknown to them, and capable of projecting something more deadly than the 

 glance of an eye. The Japanese soldiers in the boats along shore beckoned to our officer to 

 keep ofi", while he, in response, made a sign to show the direction in which he was going. The 

 Japanese then put off and approached so rajsidly that it appeared as if their intention was to 

 intercept the ship's boat, and the officer in command accordingly gave orders to his men to rest 

 upon their oars and adjust the caps to their carbines. There was, however, no attempt directly 

 to interfere with this or any other of the ship's cutters, although they were followed by numbers 

 of Japanese boats, which, however, on seeing our men well armed, did not venture to molest 

 them. The artist who accompanied the surveying party had an excellent opportunity, which 

 was well improved, of making sketches of the land, the forts, and various other objects on shore. 



Everything seemed propitious, as the action of the Commodore had so far been crowned with 

 success. He had gained his purpose in clearing the squadron of the presence of the o-uard- 

 boats ; he had compelled the visit of the first in authority at Uraga ; he had surveyed the 

 harbor ; he had refused to go to Nagasaki, and kept his position in the bay of Yedo ; and this 

 last he determined to retain until he had some definite answer as to the reception of the 

 President's letter by a person of proper rank and authority. 



The weather added its smiles to the occasion, for nothing could be more propitious. The 

 heat, which was not excessive, for tlie thermometer hardly ranged above 78°, was tempered 

 by cool sea breezes, and the atmosphere was so clear that every object appeared with great 

 distinctness, and there was a jiicturesque view disclosed to the eye on all sides. The peaked 

 summit of Fusi rose, with great distinctness, above the high land on the western coast, and ten 



