26 POLITENESS. [1845. 



any of the Japanese with whom we had hitherto commu- 

 nicated. The interpreter admitted that they were people 

 of rank. As a proof that no thoughts of hostility were en- 

 tertained, by them, we noticed shortly after our arrival that 

 having laid all their guns for the ' Samarang ' they quitted 

 them; and nothing which could be construed into anything 

 approximating to slight, such as pointing guns, or other 

 hostile preparations, was noticed. Every thing was con- 

 ducted in the most polished manner and with the utmost 

 kindness. Being perfectly aware of their laws upon the 

 subject, I had no idea when at Nangasaki of requesting 

 permission to land, because I did not think it wise to risk 

 a refusal. Indeed I gave them to understand most 

 clearly, that I would not land unless requested to do so, 

 and without the restriction demanded of the Dutch; 

 impressing upon them " that our swords were part of our 

 uniform, and without them we could not feel our capacity 

 as British Officers." All this they comprehended, and 

 bowed with great humility in acquiescence. Respecting 

 their military preparation I was told in confidence by the 

 secretary, that as the Chief who commanded at the period 

 of the Phaeton's visit, was speared for his neglect, it 

 was incumbent to take every precaution, for their own 

 safety as well as credit ; and for that reason (and, probably, 

 under some fear arising out of our transactions in China), 

 all the troops in the neighbourhood were summoned, 

 though many had gone home since our arrival. 



The following remarks from Titsingh will probably 

 prove interesting in this place. 



"On the first arrival of the Dutch in 1609, the 

 Japanese were allowed to visit foreign countries. Their 



