IMPERIAL BARGE AT Y K U-K A M A , 



345 



gathered from the neighboring towns and villages, and were thronging in curious eagerness on 

 either side of a large open space on the shore, which was l5:ept free from intrusion by harriers, 

 within which none of the spectators were allowed to enter. Two or three officials were seen 

 busily moving about, now directing the workmen, and again checking the disorder among the 

 Japanese multitude. 



Soon a large barge came floating down the hay, from the neighboring town of Kanagawa. 

 This was a gaily painted vessel, which, with its decks and open pavilion rising high above the hull, 

 had very much the appearance of one of our western river steamboats, while streamers floated 



,.jorK- 



luijjcrial liarge at Yoku-hama. 



from Its three masts, and bright colored flags and variegated drapery adorned the open deck 

 above. This barge bore the Japanese commissioners, and when it had reached to within a short 

 distance of the shore^, these dignitaries and their suites disembarked in several boats and hurried 

 to the land. An immense number of Japanese craft of all kinds, each with a tassel at its prow 

 and a square striped flag at its stern, gathered about the bay. The day was fresh and clear, 

 and everything had a cheerful aspect, in spite of the lingering wintry look of the landscape. 



The Commodore had made every preparation to distinguish the occasion of his second landing 

 in Japan by all necessary parade, knowing, as he did, the importance and moral influence of 

 such show upon so ceremonious and artificial a people as the Japanese. He had, accordingly, 

 issued orders to the effect that all the marines who could be spared from duty should appear on 

 the occasion in full accoutrement, that the bands of music from the three steamers should be 

 present, and all the ofiicers and sailors that could possibly leave. The officers were to be in 

 undress uniform, frock coats, cap and tpaulets, and equipped with swords and pistols. The 

 44 .J 



