DEPARTURE FOR SIMODA. 399 



instigation of the autliorities, in order to eiface every vestige of an erection, wliich mi j, lit 

 provoke by its show of hostility an nnfriendly feeling on the part of the formidahle visitors. 



In consequence of the strong ebb tide, the boats which were pulling ahead, engaged t 

 sounding the channel towards the city, made but little headway, and the steamers with difficulty 

 stemming the current could not be kept under safe steerage. The sailing ships had already 

 anchored some distance astern. The Commodore having promised the commissioners, in o d-.r 

 to allay their apprehensions, that he would not anchor the steamers near the capital, but j y 

 advance them sufficiently to take a glance at it, felt himself bound to return. The men in e 

 boats were exhausted with hard pulling, and as it was not safe to keep the steamers where they 

 -were without dropping anchor, the surveying party were accordingly summoned back, and the 

 ship's head pointed down the bay again. The fears of the commissioners, as they stated, and 

 as the interpreters who were present never failed to continue to suggest, were founded upon the 

 supposition that if the squadron should anchor near to, and in full view of the capital, its 

 immense populace would become greatly excited. Tliis, they declared, might result in the 

 most disastrous consequences ; and though they did not particularly name the Emperor and his 

 household, they evidently felt deeply concerned about their safety. In consequence, therefore, 

 of the very courteous and friendly conduct of the princes and their coadjutors, and trustino- to 

 their asseverations that they would be held personally responsible for any catastrophe that 

 might ensue from anchoring the steamers off the city and saluting the palace, as was the 

 original intention, the Commodore determined to yield to their remonstrances. A direct appeal 

 was also made by the commissioners to the generosity of the Commodore in the statement that 

 having, in the treaty, conceded more than had been originally designed, and thus shown their 

 confidence and friendship, they hoped the Commodore would not subject them to a possible 

 injury and probable death. The Commodore yielded at once. He thought it was better not to 

 bring about an issue that might endanger the very friendly position in which he had placed 

 himself in relation to the Japanese. It would have been a source of endless regret, too, if to 

 gratify a profitless curiosity misfortune should have been brought upon the commissioners, 

 whose friendly conduct deserved every kind return that might be given in consonance with duty. 

 The squadron, therefore, now returned and anchored at the "American anchorage." The 

 anxiety of the Japanese interpreters, who remained on board during the whole trip, was thus 

 much relieved, and they participated with the greatest conviviality in a collation which was 

 spread for their entertainment in the Commodore's cabin. 



There being no further reason for the detention of the squadron in the upper bay of Yedo 

 the Commodore prepared to depart. He accordingly dispatched in advance the Macedonian for 

 Peel island, on the 11th of April ; the ships Southampton and Supply on the fourteenth and 

 the Vandalia and Lexington on the sixteenth, for Simoda. During the two days precedino- his 

 own departure, the Commodore took the opportunity of inspecting the island near the 

 "American anchorage," which had been called by him Webster, and the neio-hborino- shores. 

 The beauty of the country, now developed in all its picturesque charms of rich verdure shaded 

 groves, fertile fields, and cultivated gardens, was a source of never-ending pleasure, and as the 

 time approached for taking leave of the attractive shores of the upper bay of Yedo there was 

 no little feeling of regret. The scenery in the neighborhood of the American anchorage was 

 now very familiar to all on board ship, and had a double interest, as well that of association 

 from long residence as from its intrinsic beauties. Webster island is a charming spot, shaded 

 with the thickest groves of green growth, and varied with hill and dale, wild mountain top and 



