to correct some of the misunderstandings which had arisen respecting the Perry treaty. The Japanese had denied the right of Americans to reside in the treaty ports. They had also fixed a grossly inadequate value on American coins used in purchasing supplies and in trade, and had raised various other questions. After persistent demands, commissioners were appointed to negotiate with him, and on June 17, 1857, ten months after his arrival, he concluded and signed with them a treaty.
By this convention the right of permanent residence in the treaty ports was granted to Americans, the rate of American currency was fixed at its true value, jurisdiction was granted to the consuls to try Americans for offenses committed in Japan, and the rights and privileges of consuls were more clearly defined. These were important concessions secured by the patient, though persistent, American representative, but they had been obtained by him under trying circumstances. The Japanese obstructions were a severe trial, but the apparent neglect of his own government was even more dispiriting. For more than twelve months after his arrival he was without a single communication from Washington, and he lived practically the life of a hermit. The only white person with whom he had intercourse was his secretary. His stock of European provisions was long exhausted before a naval vessel brought him a new supply, and his health felt the effects of the exclusively Japanese fare. Yet there was still before him new tests of his patience and official endurance, though to be finally crowned with even greater success.[1]
- ↑ For details of Mr. Harris's residence at Shimoda, see his Journal in Life of Townsend Harris, by W. E. Griffis, Boston, 1895.
