COMMODORE ASSENTS TO YOKU-HAMA. 339 



" I have adopted the two extremes — by an exhibition of great i^omp, when it could properly 

 be displayed, and by avoiding it, when such pomp would be inconsistent with the spirit of our 

 institutions ; and by resolving never to recognise, on any occasion, the slightest personal 

 superiority, always meeting the Japanese officials, however exalted their rank, with perfect 

 equality, whilst those of comparative distinction, of their own nation, were cringing and 

 kneeling to them ; and from motives of policy, and to give greater importance to my own 

 position, I have hitherto studiously kept myself aloof from intercourse with any of the subordi- 

 nates of the court, making it known that I would communicate with none but the princes 

 of the Empire. Up to this time, I have succeeded far beyond my expectations in maintaining 

 this extreme jjoint of diplomacy, and, as I believe, to very great advantage. 



" It is probable that arrogance may be charged against me for persisting as I did, and against 

 the judgment of all about me, in changing the place of conference, and thus compelling four 

 princes of the Empire to follow the squadron, and subjecting the government to the trouble and 

 expense of erecting another building ; but I was simply adhering to a course of policy deter- 

 mined on after mature reflection, and which had hitherto worked so well." 



The Commodore expressed a willingness to accede to the last proposition of the Japanese, 

 provided his officers, on examining the place selected, should find it suitable. Captains 

 Buchanan and Adams accordingly, having visited the sjiot in company with Yezaiman, returned 

 with a favorable report. The situation was suitable in all respects, being near to Yedo, with 

 safe and commodious anchorage at a mile distant from the shore, and aifording abundant space 

 for landing and exhibiting the presents intended for the Emperor. The Commodore accord- 

 ingly determined to concur in the choice of the place now selected, and notified his resolution in 

 the following communication : 



" United States FLACf-SHip Powhatan, 

 "At anchor off the town of Yoku-hama, Yedo Bay, March 1, 1854. 

 " YouB Excellency : The letter of your excellency from Uraga was duly delivered by Captain 

 Adams ; and shortly after, when it was ascertained that I could not agree to return to Uraga, 

 Keyama Yezaiman suggested that the negotiations might be conducted at a village ojjposite the 

 present anchorage of the squadron. 



"Being exceedingly desirous of meeting the wishes of your excellency, in every way con- 

 sistent with the honor and interest of my country, and learning that the place pointed out was 

 in all respects convenient for the purpose, I at once consented to defer my visit to Yedo until 

 after the completion of the negotiations. 



" I the more readily entered into this arrangement, as, on examination of the port by the 

 surveying boats, it has been found that the shij^s can approach near to the city, where I propose 

 at some future time to anchor them, as well to do honor to his Imperial Majesty by salutes, &c., 

 as to be in full view of the palace, and convenient to be visited by such of the court as may 

 desire to examine the steamers and their machinery, and I hardly need say that they will be 

 kindly and politely received. 



" With the most profound respect, 



"M. C. PERRY, 

 '^ Commander-in-chief United States Naval Forces East India, China, and 



Japan Seas, and Special Ambassador to Japan. 

 "His Highness Hayashi-Daiqaku-no-kami, dc, &c., &c." 



