President of the United
States to the emperor, a message of such importance that it could be
delivered only to an officer of high rank. He was also told, through the
interpreters, that the squadron would not submit to be placed under
guard, and that all the guard-boats must withdraw. The official
displayed much of the inquisitive curiosity for which the Japanese had
made themselves notable on former occasions, and asked a variety of
unimportant questions which the lieutenant refused to answer, saying
that they were impertinent.

The Japanese officer had brought with him the ordinary notifications,
warning all ships against entering their ports, but these the lieutenant
refused to receive. Returning to the shore, in about an hour the officer
came back, saying that his superior could not receive the letter
addressed to the emperor, and stating that Nagasaki was the proper place
for foreign ships to stop. As for the letter, he doubted if it would be
received and answered. He was at once given to understand that if the
governor of the town did not send for the letter, the ships would
proceed up the bay to Yedo and deliver it themselves. At this he
withdrew in a state of great agitation, asking permission to return in
the morning.

During the night watch-fires blazed at points along the coast, and bells
sounded the hours. The watch-boats remained around the fleet, but kept
at a respectful distance from the perilous intruders. The next morning
the highest official of the town came on board, but did his utmost to
avoid receiving the letter. In the end he offered to send to Yedo for
permission, and was granted three days for this purpose.

While awaiting an answer the ships were not idle. Surveying parties were
sent four miles up the bay, sounding, and finding everywhere a depth of
from thirty to forty fathoms. As they approached the forts armed
soldiers came out, but retired again when the boats drew nearer. The
forts, five in number, were very feeble, their total armament consisting
of fourteen guns, none larger than nine-pounders. Many of the soldiers
were armed with spears. Canvas screens were stretched from tree to tree,
as if with the idea that these would keep back cannon-balls. In truth,
the means of defence were so slight that Yedo lay at the mercy of the
American fleet.

Villages seemed to line the shores in an unbroken series, and numerous
small craft lay in the harbor, while trading vessels came in and out
with