320 



EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



accommodation of tlie sick and otliers of the sq^nadron, whose duties made it necessary for 

 them to reside on sliore, had been secured, and tliose supplies obtained wliicli were necessary for 

 the squadron. With an occasional faint demur on the part of the authorities, they continued 

 to accept payment for the various articles needed, and with their growing willingness to sell 

 came an increased demand for higher prices. The friendly intercourse of the Americans with 

 the inhabitants of the island had undoubtedly greatly contributed to their advantage. The 

 most scrupulous regard had been observed toward the rights of the authorities and other classes, 

 and they all were becoming less reserved. It was not an unreasonable inference, from the 

 favorable disposition of the Lew Chewan people toward relations with a higher civilization, and 

 from a seeming sense on their part of the oppressive tyranny of their absolute rulers, that they 

 would rejoice in being placed in a political position that might render them independent of 

 Japanese despotism. 



A more demonstrative indication of the friendly feeling of the Lew Chewans for their foreign 

 visitors would have been shown probably had it not been for the numerous Japanese agents and 

 spies who were ever on the watch to notice and report to the imperial government every event 

 that transpired, and to make those who manifested any friendship toward the Americans 

 accountable at some future time. 



The Commodore, being detained at Napha in negotiations with the authorities, thought it 

 advisable to dispatch some of the sailing vessels of the squadron to Yedo bay, with the intention 

 of following soon after with his steamers. He expected to arrive, with the advantages of steam 

 in his favor, in Japan at about the same time with those who had preceded him in their departure. 



Accordingly, Captain Abbot sailed on the first of February in the Macedonian, in company 

 with the Vandalia, Lexington, and Southampton. The Commodore followed on the seventh of 

 February, with the steamers Susquehanna, Powhatan, and Mississippi. The storeship Supply 

 had been got ready, and was ordered to sail on the next day after the Commodore's dejjarture 

 for Shanghai, there to take on board a cargo of coal and some live stock, and proceed to join the 

 squadron in Yedo bay. 



It had been arranged that Dr. Bettleheim, who had been superseded by another English 

 missionary, a Mr. Moreton, should have a passage for himself and family in the Suj)ply to 

 Shanghai. 



,-^!>%cy^ 





ff.ROBERrS.S^' 



American Grave-yaid at Tu-mai, Lew Ohew. 



