PRESENTS EXCHANGED. 269 



Yezaimcn was informed, by the orders of the Commodore, that the presents which he had 

 brought could not be received unless others from the Commodore were accei)ted in return. To 

 this Yezaimen at first demurred by interposing the invariable plea that the Japanese law- 

 forbade it. He was now answered that American laws enjoined a reciprocity, and that 

 his presents could not be otherwise received. Finding the Commodore resolute upon this, 

 as upon all other points of ceremony, Yezaimen consented at last to receive in return 

 whatever, with the exception of arms, there was a disposition to give him. Accordingly, some 

 few articles of more value than those brought by the Japanese were sent on deck ; but when 

 Yezaimen saw them he declared that they were of too much value, and that he dared not take 

 on shore anything but what he and his interpreter could conceal about their persons. He was 

 then informed that if he could not receive the articles openly, and without concealment^ that 

 those which he had brought with him would be put back into his boat. He then departed, 

 carrying with him all the Commodore's presents, with the exception of three swords, which 

 he was permitted to leave. 



In the afternoon, Yezaimen and his interpreters came on board again, with a trifling present 

 of some fowls in wicker cages and several boxes of eggs. They seemed in very good humor, 

 as there had been no objection iirged on shore to their retaining the presents they had 

 received from the Commodore in the morning. The Commodore, on receiving the fowls and 

 eggs, sent presents to the wives of the Japanese officials, as he was determined to be under 

 no obligation to them. Another important point had been gained in persuading the Japanese 

 to consent to an exchange of presents, a concession which had hitherto been unjjreccdented in 

 all their previous relations with foreign nations. 



Among the articles given to Yezaimen was a large box containing a variety of American 

 seeds and some, if not equally useful, not less acceptable, cases of wine. The governor 

 had showed his appreciation of the latter article by the gusto with which he shared in the 

 conviviality on board which marked his last visit. Yezaimen and his interjireters, Tatznoske 

 and Toksaro, evidently lingered with pleasure on board the ship and were loth to say the final 

 good-bye. Over the board which was spread to refresh and to do honor to them they became 

 remarkably jovial and communicative. Yezaimen's disposition was naturally genial, and it 

 became still more expansive in its bonhommie under the by no means restricted draughts of 

 champagne. His affection towards his American friends was liberally acknowledged^ and he 

 confessed such a yearning for them tliat he declared he would not be able to restrain his tears 

 on their departure. The interpreters, though less bibulous and more reserved than their 

 superior, were evidently in a very joyous mood and disposed to be confidential. Tatznoske, 

 with a knowing look, hinted in a low, whispering tone of voice, that the President's letter had 

 a very fair chance of a satisfactory answer, and that Yezaimen had a good prospect of promotion 

 from the governorship of Uraga to some higher grade of official distinction. 



The Japanese, however, were always on the alert to gain a point in diplomacy, and despite 

 their convivial freedom did not forget their official duties. Captain Buchanan had informed 

 Tatznoske of the intention of the Commodore to leave Yedo Bay next day, whereupon that 

 shrewd gentleman put down his glass of champagne, and showing his usual eager attention to 

 business, even in the midst of pleasure, asked the captain for a declaration in writing of what 

 he had said in words about the squadron's departure. Tliis was refused with an expression of 

 cold reserve on the part of Captain Buchanan, as it would seem to imply a doubt of his word. 



