CONVERSATION WITH THE GOVERNOR OF URAGA. 247 



great deal of misunderstanding about receiving the original letter and the translated copies, 

 whether to be received together or separately. The Admiral now is willing to meet with a high 

 officer of Yedo, holding rank in Japan corresponding to the rank of Admiral in the United 

 States. This officer shall be accredited, viz: possess a writing properly signed by the Emperor, 

 authorizing him to receive the said letters. Of this writing or letter of credence shall be made 

 a copy, translated into Dutch, and the same copy be transmitted to the Admiral before the 

 interview takes place. 



" At this interview there shall be no discussions whatever ; no more than an exchange of 

 civilities and compliments. 



" The Admiral does not insist upon receiving an answer to the original letter of the President 

 immediately, but will come back for that purpose after some months."] 



Yezaiman. The high officer will not be allowed to speak on the matter ; only to make and 

 return compliments. 



Capt. B. That is all that is necessary. 



Yezaiman. The high officer will be here the day after to-morrow, to receive the letter on 

 shore. , 



Capt. B. At what hour? 



Yezaiman. At eight o'clock in the morning. As soon as we see the flag hoisted we will come 

 on board the ship. 



Capt. B. Will the high officer bring the copy of the letter empowering him to act, properly 

 certiiied ? 



Yezaiman. He will bring it. 



Interpreter. The governor is very grateful for his kind reception on board. 



Capt. B. We are very happy to see him. Where is the place of reception? 



Interpreter. I can point out the place, but the house cannot be seen. 



Yezaiman. Will the Admiral await the Emperor's answer to the President's letter ? 



Capt. B. No ; the Admiral will not now wait for it. 



Yezaiman. When will he come for a reply? 



Capt. B. He will return in a few months to receive the Emperor's reply. 



Yezaiman. I would desire a statement in writing to that effect. [There being no satisfactory 

 answer to this, Yezaiman continued.] The high officer who receives the letter of the President 

 will give a receipt for it, as an assurance that it has been received. 



Capt. B. Can you not appoint a place nearer the ship ? The distance is very great for the 

 men to pull in a boat. The Admiral will be satisfied to meet the high officer in a tent, or in 

 one of the forts nearer the ships. The interview will not be long. 



Interpreter. The house is not far off ; it is less than a Japanese mile. 



Capt. B. Can you not arrange to have it nearer the ships ? 



'Interp^-eter. The governor says he will endeavor to arrange it. 



Capt. B. Can you let us know to-morrow morning ? 



Interpreter. Yes. 



The conference here ended. 



Kayama Yezaiman and his companions seemed to be in the highest good humor, and readily 

 availed themselves of the proffered courtesies of the officers of the Susquehanna, which were 

 accepted and responded to in a manner indicating the most polished good breeding. In 



