princes never having spoken a word, and the whole ceremony lasting less than half an hour.
The Americans went back to their ships, enlivened by national airs from the bands, feeling highly gratified at what had been accomplished. They had received different treatment from any foreigners who had visited Japan for two centuries. They had commanded respect and secured intercourse, upon the basis of equality. They held direct communication with the highest imperial authorities, without the interposition of the Dutch at Nagasaki. They disregarded or caused to be withdrawn local regulations, which were derogatory to the dignity of their nation. On the other hand, while exhibiting firmness as to their rights, they showed the utmost regard for the sovereignty and rights of the Japanese. The crews of the vessels were not permitted to go on shore. No native was insulted or maltreated; no woman was outraged; no property was taken; no police regulation was violated—practices quite common on the part of the crews of other foreign ships.
The afternoon following the reception the squadron moved ten miles farther up the bay toward Yedo, anchored, took soundings, and made surveys. On the same day the commodore addressed a letter to the emperor, informing him of his intended departure and his expected return in the spring. On the 17th, having been in the bay eight days, the ships passed down as they had entered, under steam with sails furled, and put to sea. A momentous subject had been submitted to the imperial government for decision, and the American commander withdrew his ships in order that there
