accompanied them with translations in the Chinese and Dutch languages, certified to by his interpreters; and the commissioners signed three copies of the treaty in the Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch languages, and handed them to the commodore. Immediately after the ceremony the commodore presented the first commissioner (Hayashi) with an American flag, remarking that he considered it the highest expression of national courtesy and friendship he could offer. The commissioner, it is reported, seemed deeply impressed with the gift, and returned thanks with indications of great feeling.
The signing of the treaty was followed by a dinner, given in the hall of conference by the Japanese commissioners. It was served entirely in native style. It is recorded that the feast did not make a strikingly favorable impression on the guests; but they were greatly pleased with the courtesy of their hosts, whose urbanity and assiduous attentions left nothing to desire on the score of politeness. They departed, however, it was confessed, with appetites but scantily gratified by the unusual fare that had been spread before them.[1]
The treaty which had been agreed upon was all that was expected by the American negotiator, the doughty commodore, except as to the matter of commerce. The Japanese stipulated for the protection of shipwrecked sailors; two ports were to be opened, in addition to Nagasaki, where Americans might land, where vessels might obtain supplies and purchase goods, and which
- ↑ For narrative of events on second visit to Yedo and negotiation of treaty, 1 Perry's Expedition, chaps, xviii., xix., and xx.; for official report and documents, S. Ex. Doc. 34, cited, 116–167.
