commodore's letters to the emperor. 259 



■will see the necessity of averting unfriendly collision between the two nations, by responding 

 favorably to the joropositions of amity, which are now made in all sincerity. 



Many of the large ships-of-war destined to visit Jajnxn have not yet arrived in these seas, 

 though they are hourly expected; and the undersigned, as an evidence of his friendly intentions, 

 has brought but four of the smaller ones, designing, should it become necessary, to return to 

 Yedo in the ensuing spring with a much larger force. 



But it is expected that the government of your imperial majesty will render such return 

 unnecessary, by acceding at once to the very reasonable and pacific overtures contained in the 

 President's letter, and which will be further explained by the undersigned on the first fitting 

 occasion. 



With the most profound respect for your imperial majesty, and entertaining a sincere hope 

 that you may long live to enjoy health and happiness, the undersigned subscribes himself, 



M. C. PERKY, 



* Commander-in-cJdef of the United States Naval Forces 



in tJie East India, China, and Japan seas* 



To His Impekial Majesty, 



the Emperor of Japan. 



Commodore Perry to the Emperor. 



" United States Steam Frigate Susquehanna, 



" Uraga, Yedo Bay, July 14, 1853. 

 "It having been represented to the undersigned that the propositions submitted through him 

 to the government of Japan are of so much importance, and involve so many momentous 

 questions, that much time will be required to deliberate and decide upon their several bearings : 

 "The undersigned, in consideration thereof, declares himself willing to await a reply to these 

 propositions until his return to Yedo Bay in the ensuing spring, when he confidently hopes 

 that all matters will be amicably arranged, and to the satisfaction of the two nations. 



"With profound resjiect, 



"M. C. PERRY, 

 "Commander-in-chief of the United States Naval Forces 



"in the East India, China, and Japan seas. 

 "To His Imperial Majesty, 



"the Emperor of Japan." 



Letter of credence to Commodore Perry. 



MILLARD FILLMORE, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, TO HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY THE 



EJIPEROR of JAPAN. 



Reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, prudence, and ability of Matthew C. 

 Perry, a captain in the navy of the United States, I have invested him with full power, for and 

 in the name of the said United States, to meet and confer with any person or persons furnished 

 with like powers on the part of your imperial majesty, and with him or them to negotiate, 



* It should be remarked that the Commodore framed this letter on his letter of instructions from the authorities of the United 

 States. 



