M.C. Perry and Japan (XI)

In response to Perry firmness, the governor said he would send a message to Yedo for further instruction and it would take four days to have a reply. This official then offered to provide fresh water and food to the squadron but was told that such things were unnecessary. He left the ship. The next day, July 10th the Americans could notice preparation were underway on the shore with soldiers being moved busily. Meanwhile the squadron was busily mapping the bay with surveying boats dispatched up the bay. When this act was queried by the governor of Uraga, Perry replied that American laws commanded him to discharge such a duty. Perry further impressed the governor that unless the purpose of his mission was accomplished, he would return in the coming spring with a larger force.1 On July 12 the Governor Kayama Yezaimon arrived with 2 interpreters, Hori Tsunosuke, the principal, and Hatshisuko Tokushumo the assistant. They were greeted by Captains Buchanan and Adams. Prior to this meeting, Perry had written a letter to the Emperor to request for an interview.2 In the subsequent discussion, governor said that a building would be erected on shore to receive Commodore and his suite, and a Japanese high official appointed by the Emperor would be present to receive Perry's letters. But as to the reply to these letters, they would be transmitted to Nagasaki, the only port that Japan had open to foreigners. On the spot Perry gave his response which was translated in Dutch to the Governor. It said that "The commander-in-chief will not go to Nagasaki . . . He has a letter from the President of the United States to deliver to the Emperor of Japan, or to his secretary of foreign affairs, and he will deliver the original to none other:- if this friendly letter . . . is not received and duly replied to, he will consider his country insulted, and will not hold himself accountable for the consequences".3 (to be continued)

Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 59.
2. Ibid., page 61
3. Ibid., page 62