1845.J RELATION WITH JAPAN. 23 



when the order for letting go the anchor was given, it 

 was with the full conviction that the ' Samarang ' was in 

 a condition to resent any insult which might, by mistake, 

 be offered to the Flag. By the kindness of my friend 

 Dr. Bridgman, of the American Mission at Canton, I had 

 been supplied with the voyages of the 'Himaleh' and 

 ' Morrison ', and their contents had been closely scanned, 

 and duly weighed, long before sighting the shores of 

 Japan ; and having been further warned by Mr. Gutzlaff, 

 the interpreter at the visit of the ' Morrison,' that I must 

 expect treachery and be prepared to punish it, iny readers 

 will understand the semi-hostile, or cautious, feelings in 

 which I have indulged. With no ostensible ground for 

 my visit, beyond the pursuit of Science (more particularly 

 that relating to Magnetic Observations), whilst antici- 

 pating the chances of repulse, with the paramount neces- 

 sity for maintaining the credit of our Hag, my feelings 

 were of a somewhat complicated nature. Should hosti- 

 lities unfortunately take place, I was answerable to the 

 Government, as my visit might possibly be interpreted 

 as seeking them ; and if surprised in this dilemma, one 

 line of duty required, that I should, as the Captain of a 

 British Ship of War, support the character of the Flag ; 

 whilst another, and very opposite line of policy, was em- 

 bodied in my specific instructions ; which enjoined that I 

 should on all occasions of scientific duty, abstain from 

 force. Insult to the Flag was, therefore, the only plea 

 which warranted active service ; however, I felt confident 

 that by firmly maintaining my measures, I should prevent 

 any exhibition of this nature. Had we been called into ac- 

 tion, I foresaw without apprehension that the ' Samarang ' 



