by Anthony Grey
‘They won’t let our boats escape a second time, Lieutenant he said in a worried voice. ‘Isn’t it time to fire the recall gun?’
A new shout from the lookout in the rigging high above them made them turn their heads. A mile away another fast Japanese craft, propelled by half- naked standing oarsmen, had come into view, heading rapidly out of Uraga harbour. As they watched, it turned its prow in the direction of the Susquehanna and increased speed.
‘Don’t be too sure, Mr. Armstrong,’ said Rice, studying this new arrival carefully through his telescope. ‘It seems the Japanese might be more anxious to parley again than we are.’
Armstrong watched the official boat with renewed hope as it drew steadily nearer. A diminutive, straight-backed Japanese, wearing a dazzling robe of turquoise silk edged with silver and gold, was seated amidships. On his head a black-lacquered bonnet gleamed in the sun, and when the boat pulled alongside the flagship, Armstrong could see that the official’s robe was embroidered with the design of a great peacock. Its tail was spread in a brilliant, multicoloured fan and the richness of the decoration as well as the official’s exceptionally haughty demeanour suggested he was of a higher rank than previous negotiators.
‘We appear to have a visitor of greater standing today,’ said Armstrong, relief showing in his voice. ‘How is he to be received?’
‘All negotiations must be conducted in the same arm’s-length fashion,’ said Rice, watching the boat manoeuvre towards the gangway. ‘Commodore Perry will continue to stay out of sight until a Japanese envoy of the very highest rank is produced. I will represent him as before, and we’ll use our midshipmen as messengers again, so that he can control all aspects of the negotiations from his cabin. Please take your time with translations, to assist this process.’
Armstrong attempted hastily to order his tousled grey hair with his fingers; then, as best he could, he straightened his loosely knotted cravat and prepared to descend to the head of the gangway by which the Japanese would come aboard. ‘Are we able to offer any small concession to lighten the atmosphere? Are we to offer them any accommodation at all?’
‘Commodore Perry has given his permission to show them the original letter from our President, if that seems useful,’ replied Rice, summoning a midshipman to his side with a quick gesture. ‘They’ll be allowed to see the official seal, and the rosewood box in which it’s contained.’
‘Is that all?’ asked Armstrong in a disappointed voice.
‘Yes, that’s all.’ Rice turned away briefly to issue orders to the midshipman, who immediately dashed off down the ladders to the main deck. ‘Our standpoint otherwise will be firmer, and more uncompromising than ever.’
‘Shouldn’t we at least concede something small to help salvage their pride?’ insisted Armstrong. ‘Perhaps make some gesture of a conciliatory nature.’
‘That’s not Commodore Perry’s intention,’ replied Rice, shaking his head. ‘We are instructed to remain polite, but very firm. I’ve just ordered a marine detachment to stand guard at the top of the gangway for greater security. No Japanese escort wearing a sword will be allowed aboard this time. We must all increase our vigilance - so explain that even ceremonial weapons must be left in their boat.’
‘Very well, Lieutenant replied the missionary his face serious. ‘I’ll do as you ask. But I hope Commodore Perry is not overplaying his hand. A cornered rat, if left no room for retreat, will often fly for the throat of an attacker many times its own size.’
Seeing that the Japanese boat had been made fast at the foot of the gangway, Samuel Armstrong squared his shoulders and drew a deep breath. Turning quickly on his heel, he hurried down from the quarterdeck to supervise the reception of the haughty Japanese envoy and his entourage..
23
‘OUR DISTINGUISHED guest identifies himself as His Excellency, Gudai Kasawara, the Governor of Uraga,’ proclaimed Samuel Armstrong, enunciating his English translation with a sonorous gravity. ‘And his first and most pressing question is: what are those four American armed cutters doing so close to the shores of Nippon?’
‘Tell His Excellency first of all that he is most welcome aboard this flagship of the United States Navy’ replied Lieutenant Rice in his most formal tone. ‘And secondly inform him that, at first light, our boats commenced a detailed survey of the harbours and anchorages of Yedo Bay. Thirdly, say this survey is being carried out because it may very soon become necessary for our squadron of warships to steam up the bay and anchor broadside on before his capital city’
Armstrong translated the flag lieutenant’s words into Dutch, and listened and watched carefully as the same scholarly-looking interpreter who had accompanied the first delegation conveyed their meaning to the stony-faced dignitary As before, the two groups were facing one another warily in the restricted confines of the captain’s cabin, and Flag Lieutenant Rice, who was wearing his full dress uniform for the occasion, had placed his black cocked hat and sword formally on the table at which he sat. Behind him Harris and two other midshipmen were standing rigidly to attention, flanked by four fully armed marine guards and, to emphasize his position of intermediary, Armstrong had seated himself at the table’s end. The Governor of Uraga was accompanied by four new civilian officials, in addition to the interpreter, Haniwara Tokuma, who this time had introduced himself to Armstrong on arrival. All the visiting officials were seated stiffly on straight-backed ship’s chairs and as soon as he had understood the response to his query, the Japanese governor rapped out words that the Americans recognized as a protest even before they were interpreted.
‘His Excellency insists that the laws of Nippon expressly forbid foreign vessels to make such surveys said Armstrong uneasily. ‘He also demands that our vessels cease this activity immediately
At a nod from Lieutenant Rice, Midshipman Harris hurried from the cabin, leaving the remaining participants facing one another in an uncomfortable silence. As the cadet officer’s footsteps echoed across the floor planks of the wardroom, the Governor of Uraga remained ramrod straight on his chair, his narrow eyes focused, like those of his supporters, on the oak panelling behind the Americans. In the absence of conversation, the incessant throb of war drums and gongs from the shore seemed more men- acing, and the quiet closing of a cabin door and the rapid return of Midshipman Harris’s footsteps came as a welcome relief to the waiting Americans. On re-entering, Harris moved to Lieutenant Rice’s side and whispered urgently in his ear.
‘I must inform His Excellency the Governor that American laws compel us to make such surveys,’ said Rice when the midshipman had resumed his place. ‘And we are as much bound to obey the laws of America as the Japanese people are bound to obey the laws of Japan.’
‘Is it your intention to make landings from these boats?’ asked the governor anxiously through his interpreter. ‘Are you planning to put men ashore?’
Lieutenant Rice shook his head firmly and looked towards Armstrong. ‘Tell His Excellency that the commodore has no plans to land armed personnel - at present. And emphasize very specially those final words at present. Remind him, too, that our sole mission is to deliver a letter from the President of the United States, and to see that it is received with appropriate dignity by a personal representative of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan. And that means at least a high minister of cabinet rank.’
Armstrong hesitated before beginning the interpretation, and leaned close enough to the flag lieutenant’s ear to speak in an undertone. ‘Might it be advisable now to give His Excellency a moment’s pause? Could we not suggest that he may send a member of his entourage ashore to inform the defence forces that our men are merely making a survey, and have clear orders not to land? That might
help defuse the tension - and perhaps save lives. .
The flag lieutenant considered the suggestion for a moment, then nodded quickly. ‘Yes, that would be wise, Mr. Armstrong. Tell them the commodore wishes to confirm that there will be no landings for the present - while we await
a decision about delivery of the President’s letter. But phrase your reply very clearly. . . And be sure to re-state the paramount aims of our mission in no uncertain terms.’
After Armstrong had conveyed the officer’s reply, a flurry of whispered discussion followed among the Japanese. Then Haniwara Tokuma, who had been making notes on a small table, straightened in his chair. ‘His Excellency welcomes your solemn agreement not to make any landings on the sacred soil of Nippon from your longboats he said slowly. ‘Furthermore we do wish to take this opportunity to despatch one of our officials to convey this information to those defending our shores.’
The interpreter paused as one of the governor’s silk-gowned acolytes rose hurriedly from his chair. Upon a whispered order from Lieutenant Rice, one of the junior midshipmen moved forward to escort the official from the cabin. When their footsteps on the ladders had died away, Haniwara glanced nervously towards the American officer, then took a deep breath and continued.
‘But His Excellency the Governor has been instructed to make one further point clear to you. Under the laws of Nippon, it is impossible to receive your letter from the President of the United States at the town of Uraga. Even if that were possible, any answer would be sent to Nagasaki. Nagasaki is the port where, under our laws, all dealings with foreign countries must take place. Therefore the squadron of United States warships must immediately leave Yedo Bay and proceed to Nagasaki!’
Rice shook his head grimly to indicate immediate rejection of the point, but offered no comment. Instead, he again motioned for Midshipman Harris to convey the essence of the Japanese statement swiftly to the commodore.
‘They are only repeating in stronger terms what was first said yesterday, Lieutenant,’ whispered Armstrong. ‘Perhaps it might be appropriate at this point to offer our visitors a sight of the President’s letter.’ He paused and gestured with his head towards the gleaming rosewood casket, decorated with elaborate gold filigree, that rested on a side table. ‘Its splendour may be seen as a compliment - it might perhaps have some palliative effect
The lieutenant nodded quickly in compliance, and Armstrong rose to pick up the casket. Unfastening its golden clasp, he opened the elegant container and held it out towards Gudai Kasawara.
‘Your Excellency, you might like to see the original letter addressed respectfully to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Nippon: said Armstrong politely, tilting the casket sufficiently to reveal its contents. ‘You will see it is written in the finest hand on gilded vellum, and is signed by President Millard Fillmore himself. It is also embossed with the Great Seal of the United States in gold, and housed in this silk-lined casket of rosewood that has been specially created for the occasion by one of our finest craftsmen.’
As they listened to their own interpreter, the governor and his supporters gazed suspiciously at the ornate box and its letter; but beneath their bonnets of shiny black lacquer, their impassive faces betrayed no obvious reaction.
‘To assist you, we have provided copies and official translations in Dutch, Chinese and English,’ continued Armstrong affably, waving an arm towards sealed packages on the side table ‘The copies will be handed over to you for your study well in advance - once arrangements have been agreed for the formal presentation of the original letter.’
‘Perhaps you could help His Excellency by translating some extracts from the letter: suggested the Japanese interpreter tentatively, peering at the document with his pen poised above his writing tablet. ‘That would be of very considerable assistance.’
After receiving permission from Lieutenant Rice, Armstrong tilted the rosewood casket towards a shaft of light filtering through an overhead hatch. ‘After sending formal greetings to His Imperial Majesty, the President says, “Our steamships can now go from California to Japan in eighteen days and if Your Imperial Majesty were to change the ancient laws of your land so as to allow free trade between our two countries, it would be extremely beneficial to both... It also sometimes happens in stormy weather that one of our many ships is wrecked on Your Imperial Majesty’s shores. In all such cases we ask and expect that our unfortunate people would be treated with kindness, and that their property should be protected till we can send a vessel and bring them away.. . We are very much in earnest in this.. .“
As he wrote swiftly on his tablet, the interpreter was murmuring a quiet translation into Japanese. Around him the faces of the governor and his supporters showed that they were concentrating intently on every word.
‘The President further says, “We understand there is a great abundance of coal and provisions in the Empire of Japan.. . We wish that our steamships and other vessels should be allowed to stop in Japan and supply themselves with coal, provisions and water. They will pay for them in money, or anything else Your Imperial Majesty’s subjects may prefer. We also request Your Imperial Majesty to appoint a convenient port in the southern part of the Empire where our vessels may stop for this purpose. .
Armstrong paused to give the Japanese interpreter time to catch up, then gestured towards the foot of the letter, indicating he was drawing to a conclusion.
‘Therefore, to summarize, the President concludes by saying, “The following are the only objects for which I have sent Commodore Perry; with a power- full squadron, to pay a visit to Your Imperial Majesty’s renowned city of Yedo: friendship, commerce, a supply of coal and provisions, and protection for our shipwrecked people. . And we are very desirous of obtaining all these things-”
Armstrong broke off as a sudden flurry of footsteps heralded the return of Midshipman Harris from the commodore’s cabin. When he entered, he was seen to be carrying a single sheet of paper bearing several lines of writing in a firm, bold hand. After placing the paper before the flag lieutenant, the midshipman resumed his position behind the table.
‘We wish now to respond formally to your insistent demand that our warships proceed at once to Nagasaki,’ said Rice, looking hard at the Governor of Uraga. ‘And we would make three very important points. Firstly, we would inform you that our commander-in-chief, Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry; will never consent under any circumstances to such an arrangement. And, secondly, be assured he intends to persist without any let-up in his duty, to deliver the President’s letter to your esteemed Emperor right here in the Bay of Yedo.’ Rice paused and waited for Armstrong to make the translation; when he had finished he resumed very slowly, to emphasize the gravity of the final point. ‘Lastly, if no person of suitable rank is appointed to receive the letter, our commander-in--chief will land at the head of a sufficient force of armed men, and march on Yedo castle. There he will deliver the letter personally
- no matter what the consequences of this action might be!’
A tense silence descended on the cabin as soon as the third point was translated. None of the Japanese spoke, and their immobile faces betrayed no emotion; but the sudden stiffness of their postures conveyed more clearly than words the inner sense of affront and apprehension they were experiencing.
‘In view of all that you have said, I will return to Uraga now: said the governor at last in a distant tone. ‘It will be necessary for me to send a communication to Yedo and seek further instructions before these discussions can continue:
‘Very well: replied Lieutenant Rice, nodding agreeably. ‘We will, of course, await your answer with much interest
‘It will take at least four days to obtain a reply,’ added the governor, a note of defiance entering his voice. ‘Perhaps longer.’
Rice frowned and motioned with his head to Harris once more, and the senior midshipman immediately left the cabin. ‘I should perhaps inform Your Excellency: he said, turning back to the governor, ‘that not much more than one hour’s steaming will take our warships within sight of Yedo.
The distance is no more than thirty miles. Four days seems an unduly long time to obtain instructions.’
‘It will take four days: repeated the governor stubbornly. ‘That is the necessary time for a proper exc
hange of messages.’
The midshipman returned rapidly with another sheet of paper, on which only a few words were written, and handed it to Lieutenant Rice.
‘Our commodore will grant you three days to obtain a reply, no more,’ said Rice brusquely. ‘We will expect a communication from you no later than Tuesday, the twelfth of July. Until then, no further visitors from Nippon will be welcome aboard this flagship. And furthermore, with this statement, these discussions are hereby concluded.’
As soon as he had finished speaking, Rice rose to his feet, picked up his hat and sword and waited while the governor and his officials were ushered from the cabin by the midshipmen. Samuel Armstrong followed them up to the spar deck and, by the entry port, he drew the interpreter quietly aside.
‘Haniwara-san, I would like to advise you informally of one further detail,’ said the American missionary speaking Dutch in a confiding undertone. ‘During the night one of our younger officers disappeared from this ship.’
The Japanese interpreter looked startled. He glanced quickly towards the shore, where the American cutters were continuing to make their soundings, shadowed closely by the Japanese flotilla. A discernible tension still surrounded the manoeuvring of the boats but both sides, for the time being at least, had clearly pulled back from the brink of conflict.
‘Has this officer you speak of fallen overboard and drowned?’ asked the Japanese, turning to look at Armstrong again.
The missionary shook his head decisively. ‘That’s unlikely. In defiance of our strictest orders, he seems to have swum ashore. We also had on board a Japanese fisherman who was shipwrecked some years ago and taken to America by a passing vessel. We were bringing him home. He too has disappeared from this ship.’
