INTERVIEW OF CAPTAIN ADAMS WITH COMMISSIONERS. 335 



wide. The floor was spread with soft mats of very fine texture, and at a distance of several 

 feet from the walls, on either side, were arranged long settees covered with what appeared to be 

 a red felt ; in front of them were tables spread with a silken crape. 



The Americans were invited, on entering, to take their seats on the left hand, which is 

 esteemed by the Japanese the place of honor ; this they had no sooner done than the Japanese 

 prince, accompanied by two other high dignitaries, entered the hall, through a curtained 

 opening which led into another compartment. As soon as these dignitaries presented them- 

 selves, the governor of Uraga, the interpreters, and various Japanese subordinates, who had 

 accompanied the Americans, dropped at once upon their knees — a position they retained 

 throughout the interview — and bowed their heads to the ground. The prince and his two 

 associates took their seats on the right, opposite to the American officers, and a file of Jajjanese 

 soldiers, amounting to half a himdred, marched in and ranged themselves, on their knees, 

 behind the three dignitaries, in the space between their backs and the wall. 



The prince, with his robes of richly embroidered silk, his fine presence, his benevolent and 

 intelligent face, and his courtly manners, made quite an imposing appearance. 



He first addressed Captain Adams, rising as he spoke, and expressed his pleasure at seeing 

 him. His interpreters translated his Japanese into Dutch, which was then repeated in English 

 by the American interpreter, Mr. Portman. The audience then commenced in form, and was 

 conducted throughout with the most friendly expression of feeling on both sides. 



Captain Adams commenced by stating, that it was quite evident that Uraga was not a proper 

 place for the ships, since the anchorage was so much exposed. The Japanese replied, that it 

 had been ordered by the Emperor to receive the Admiral there, and to deliver the answer to 

 the President's letter there. Captain Adams, witliout at the moment pushing this subject 

 further, handed his card to the prince, and requested his in return. He was told that he should 

 have it in a few minutes, when the Japanese prince, requesting to be excused for a few moments, 

 retired through the curtained door into an adjacent apartment. In the meantime the attendants 

 handed round tea, in small China cups handsomely adorned, and borne upon wooden trays 

 beautifully lacquered. The Japanese interpreters apologised for the meagreness of the repast, 

 and entered into an informal conversation, in the course of which they aslced for the names of 

 the American oflicers who were present, and inquired whether they were satisfied with Uraga 

 as a proper place for the reception of the President's letter. 



This subject was uppermost in their minds, and they seemed resolved to press it on all 

 occasions, as they were very desirous of preventing any nearer approach of the squadron to 

 Tedo ; being instructed, no doubt, to attempt to accomplish this purpose at all hazards. They 

 were told that Captain Adams had a letter upon the subject from the Commodore, and were 

 reminded of the severe weather to which the Vandalia had been exposed, and how impossible 

 it was to place the squadron in a position so little protected against the stormy season then 

 prevailing. 



Tlie prince now entered and his card was handed to Captain Adams, upon which was 

 recorded his full name and title, thus: Hayashi-Daigaku-no-kami, i. e., Hayashi, prince of 

 Daigaku. 



Captain Adams now handed the Commodore's letter, which has already been given in full, to 

 the prince, accompanying it with a statement in regard to the insecure anchorage at Uraga, and 

 the necessity of having shelter, space, and smooth water, for mooring tlie squadron, and repair- 



