420 EXPEDITION TO JAPAN. 



watch, little notice was at first taken of them. Observing, however, that they seemed to be 

 approaching as if stealthily, and as though desirous of seeking an opportunity of speaking, the 

 American officers awaited their coming up. On being accosted, the Japanese were observed to 

 be men of some position and rank, as each wore the two swords characteristic of distinction, 

 and were dressed in the wide but short trowsers of rich silk brocade. Their manner showed 

 the usual courtly refinement of the better classes, but they exhibited the embarrassment of men 

 who evidently were not perfectly at their ease, and were about doing something of dubious 

 propriety. They cast their eyes stealthily about as if to assure themselves that none of their 

 countrymen were at hand to observe their proceedings, and then approaching one of the officers 

 and pretending to admire his watch-chain, slipped within the breast of his coat a folded paper.* 

 They now significantly, with the finger upon the lips, entreated secresy, and rapidly made off. 



During the succeeding night, about two o'clock, a. m., (April 25th,) the officer of the mid- 

 watch, on board the steamer Mississippi, was aroused by a voice from a boat alongside, 

 and upon proceeding to the gangway, found a couple of Japanese, who had mounted the ladder 

 at the ship's side, and upon being accosted, made signs expressive of a desire to be admitted on 

 board. 



They seemed very eager to be allowed to remain, and showed a very evident determination 



* This papei- proved to be a letter in Japanese, of which the following is a literal translation by Mr. Williams, the interpreter 

 of the squadron : 



" Two scholars from Yedo, in Japan, present this letter for the inspection of ' the high officers and those who manage affairs.' 

 Our attainments are few and trifling, as we ourselves are small and unimportant, so that we are abashed in coming before you ; 

 we are neither skilled in the use of arms, nor are we able to discourse upon the rules of strategy and military discipline ; in 

 trifling pursuits and idle pastimes our years and months have slipped away. We have, however, read in books, and learned a 

 little bv hearsay, what are the customs and education in Europe and America, and we have been for many years desirous of 

 going over the * five great continents,' but tlie laws of our country in all maritime points are very strict ; for foreigners to come 

 into the country, and for natives to go abroad, are both immutably forbidden. Our wish to visit other regions has consequently 

 only ' gone to and fro in our own breasts in continual agitation,' like one's breathing being impeded or his walking cramped. 

 Happily, the arrival of so many of your ships in these waters, and stav for so many days, which has given us opportunity to 

 make a pleasing acquaintance and careful examination, so that we are fully assured of the kindness and liberality of your 

 excellencies, and your regard for others, has also revived the thoughts of many years, and they are urgent for an exit. 



" This, then, is the time to carry the plan into execution, and we now secretly send you this private request, that you will 

 take us on board your ships as they go out to sea ; we can tlius visit around in the five great continents, even if we do in this, 

 slight the prohibitions of our own country. Lest those who have the management of affairs may feel some chagrin at this, in 

 order to effect our desire, we are willing to serve in any way we can on board of the ships, and obey the orders given us. For 

 doubtless it is, that when a lame man sees others walking he wishes to walk too ; but how shall the pedestrian gratify his 

 desires when he sees another one riding? We have all our lives been going hither to you, unable to get more than thirty 

 degrees east and west, or twenty-five degrees north and south ; but now when we see how you sail on the tempests and cleave 

 the huge billows, going liglitning speed tliousands and myriads of miles, skirting along the five great continents, can it not be 

 likened to the lame finding a plan for walking, and the pedestrian seeing a mode by wliich he can ride ? If you who manage 

 affairs will give our request your consideration, we will retain the sense of the favor ; but the prohibitions of our country 

 are still existent, and if this matter should become known we should uselessly see ourselves pursued and brouglit back for 

 immediate execution without fail, and such a result would greatly grieve the deep humanity and kindness you all bear towards 

 others. If you are willing to accede to this request, keep ' wrapped in silence our error in making it ' until you are about to 

 leave, in order to avoid all risk of such serious danger to life ; for wlien, by-and-bye, we come back, our countrymen will never 

 think it worth while to investigate bygone doings. Although our words have only loosely let our thoughts leak out, yet truly 

 they are sincere ; and if your excellencies are pleased to regard them kindly, do not doubt tliem nor oppose our wishes. We 

 together pay our respects in handing this in. April 11." 



A small note was enclosed, of which the following is a translation : " The enclosed letter contains the earnest request we 

 have had for many days, and which we tried in many ways to get off to you at Yoku-hama, in a fishing boat, by night; but 

 the cruisers were too thick, and none others were allowed to come alongside, so that we were in great uncertainty how to act. 

 Hearinc that the ships were coming to Simoda we have come to take our chance, intending to get a small boat and go off to 

 the ships, but have not succeeded. Trusting your worsliips will agree, we will, to-morrow night, after all is quiet, be at 

 Kakizaki in a small boat, near the shore, where there are no houses. There we greatly hope you to meet us and take us away, 

 and thus bring our hopes to fruition. April 25." 



