g
this activity in penetrating little-known parts of the world, that
attention should have been given to Japan, which was a land of mystery
to the world at large because of the exclusion of foreigners from that
country. In 1852, Captain Perry was assigned the command of the
squadron cruising in the East Indies, and was empowered, in addition
to his ordinary duties, to make a display of force in the waters of
Japan in order to obtain better treatment for American seamen cast
upon Japanese shores, and to gain entry into Japanese ports for
vessels seeking supplies. He bore a letter, moreover, from the
President of the United States to the Emperor of Japan, written with a
view to obtaining a treaty providing for friendly intercourse and
commerce with the haughty island kingdom. On the 8th of July, the
squadron, comprising the frigates "Mississippi," "Susquehanna," and
"Powhatan"; the corvette "Macedonian"; the sloops-of-war "Plymouth,"
"Saratoga," and "Vandalia"; and the store-ships "Supply,"
"Southampton," and "Lexington," anchored off the city of Uraga, in the
Bay of Jeddo, Japan. Captain Perry decided that the proper course to
pursue with the Japanese was to assume a very lofty and commanding
tone and bearing. He therefore ordered away from the sides of his
vessel the boats which swarmed around it, and allowed none but
government officials of high rank to come on board. He himself
remained in seclusion in his cabin, treating with the Japanese through
intermediaries. He moved his squadron nearer the capital than was
allowable, and then demanded that a special commission, composed of
men of the highest rank, be appointed to convey his letter from the
President to the Emperor. The close proximity of the ships-of-war to
the capital, and Captain Perry's peremptory demand, were not at all to
the liking of the Japanese; but they were greatly impressed with his
apparent dignity and power, and at last consented to receive and
consider the letter. Fearing treachery, Captain Perry moved his ships
up so that their guns would command the building prepared for his
reception, and on the 14th of July went ashore with an escort of 400
officers and men, who found themselves, on landing, surrounded by
about 6,000 Japanese soldiers under arms.

Three months were given to the Japanese officials to reply to the
letter, and Captain Perry sailed with his squadron for the coast of
China. He returned after an interval of three months, and anchor