M.C. Perry and Japan (XVIII)

Perry also raised the question of buying a piece of ground from Japan for the burial of dead American sailors because two days ago a marine had died. After some discussion, the Japanese required to retire to discuss the question. Soon the full board was in session again. The Japanese suggested the American to use Nagasaki for the burial and this was rejected by the American. Finally Japan allowed the burial to take place in Yokohama.1 At this point Perry decided to end the discussion of the day and returned to his vessel in military formation as before. Before leaving Perry expressed his wish to see the Japanese dignitaries on board his vessel. The next day Kurokawa Kahei, a prefect, together with interpreter Yenosuke visited the American on board. A day was set for the American to send ashore their gifts to Japan. US captain Adams asked what ports the commissioners had selected to be open to the American and remarked the 5 years was too long for the American to wait. It was decided a short conference be held in the treaty house the next day with Adams. During this meeting Adams disclosed that Perry was about to write a letter to the US government to report the progress of the negotiation and to decide whether more ships should be sent to Japan. Upon hearing that the Japanese seemed to show signs of worrying. The meeting also agreed that gifts from the US would sent ashore on Monday, March 13th. Along with the gifts sent on shore were a little locomotive with curricular track, and one set of telegraph system with wires and wiring posts. The operation of these two items were later shown to the Japanese. Kurokawa Kahei, the prefect and Yenosuke, the interpreter visited the American on board almost daily. The next meeting with Perry on shore was scheduled for 16th March, but postponed to 17th due to poor weather. Before that Perry received written reply to some of his requests. 2 (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 164.
2. Ibid., page 178.