16 LIBERALITY OF THE GOVERNMENT. [1845. 



deny it but shook their heads, and shortly after they stole 

 away, leaving me with the old Chief. As this was our 

 last day and the boats would continue to come until a 

 late hour with wood, water, and other supplies, the old 

 Chief remained until 8 o'clock, and on retiring begged 

 that I would consent to receive him at 2 o'clock in the 

 morning, and converse until daylight, " such being the 

 custom of the country." To this I consented ; the Chief 

 departing, but leaving the secretary to see every thing 

 complete before he quitted. It was clearly understood 

 that the arrangement for payment was to take place im- 

 mediately the catalogue was found to be correct ; but the 

 secretary now declared, " that it was by an express order 

 of the Government, that every thing had been provided 

 free of cost, and that it was the custom of the country. 

 If a Japan ship goes to your country, I am sure you would 

 do the same ; the country bears the expence, it does not 

 come out of the purse of any individual. Finally, I can- 

 not act in the matter you wish, if I should even name it, I 

 should be disgraced, perhaps lose my life." Drawing me 

 to the taffarel, where no one but himself and our inter- 

 preter, could witness the conversation, he freely acquainted 

 me with the friendly disposition of the Chiefs and great 

 people of Nangasaki, towards the English; and their hope, 

 that on our return the High Councillors would consent 

 to our admission, acknowledging freely that it was within 

 their province entirely, (not the Emperor's), and that no 

 man could form any conception as to the view they would 

 take. All he knew was, that kindly expressions had 

 transpired amongst the great Chiefs about Nangasaki, 

 and they were generally forerunners of good. Relative 

 to the visit of the Chief, he would probably come alone, 



