CONVERSATIONAL INTERVIEW. [1845. 



receive my guests. As I was still informed that no great 

 personage was sent to visit me, I retained the customary 

 undress, with epaulettes. The party consisted of four 

 first-class Chiefs, including our visitor of the previous 

 day, numerous second-class, and but few, in comparison, 

 of the plain gentry. They were conducted to the cabin 

 and between decks, and partook of refreshments, after 

 which they preferred the cooler air of the quarter-deck, 

 where chairs were placed for them. One very intelligent 

 and active person, who seemed to fill the situation of 

 secretary and linguist to the deputation, acted as the 

 medium of communication with our Chinese interpreter, 

 occasionally in characters, but principally viva voce. 



The customary questions, as to the object of our visit, 

 having been replied to, they commenced by informing 

 me, that they had been expecting us for the last two years; 

 that they had been informed by a Dutch vessel from 

 Batavia, in 1843, that the ' Samarang ' would visit them ; 

 and that they had also letters, through Loo-Choo, from 

 the Meia-co-shimas, giving a full account of our pro- 

 ceedings in those islands, plainly telling me, however, 

 " that it was forbidden to measure the land in Japan." 

 That the reports were strongly in our favour, stating that 

 we did not enter their towns, or offend their prejudices, 

 but conducted ourselves in accordance with law and good 

 manners, and this had warmed the Emperor's breast. 

 They then enquired how long we intended to remain, and 

 upon being informed not longer than three days, unless 

 we could obtain supplies, they not only expressed them- 

 selves disappointed, but it was evident from their coun- 

 tenances, that some arrangement which they had made, 



