It was on the morning of the third day, Friday 9th, that a dozen of the Daimio’s officers arrived, and immediately waited on Sir Harry Parkes on board the _Basilisk_. The interview was long, but not satisfactory. They were satisfied with what trade they had, and did not wish theirs to be made a treaty port. They were very civil and polite. Their Daimio was ill, and on that account could receive no one: no encouragement. But I have a great idea that our Minister will carry his point, although I do not see my way. Nothing would unite these Damios so soon as an attempt on the part of the Tycoon to coerce one of them; besides, the Tycoon has had a lesson. Seaton and Mitford were sent overland to Osaka to wait there our arrival: a perilous journey I should think. At 5 P.M. we got under way for Nagasti, to be followed by _Basilisk_. _Serpent_ left to survey the harbour. [Sidenote: Nagasaki, Aug. 12.] On arrival in Nagasaki Harbour, heard of the cruel murder of two seaman of the _Icarus_, Lord Charles Scott. The poor fellows had fallen asleep outside a tea-house, when some passing Yakomins slashed their bodies with their two-handed swords, almost cutting them in two. My first step was to communicate the facts to the Hon. Minister in Japan, in the hope that the crime might be traced to its source. Suspicion fell on some of Prince Tosa’s retainers. [Illustration: _Charlie Scott._] Whilst here we visited a Daimio, the Prince of Awa. We were received in a magnificent feudal castle, with drawbridges, moats, etc. I was accompanied by two or three members of the Legation, Suttie, Secretary and Flag-Lieutenant. On first arrival our presents were sent in, and then we were presented to the Prince. A dinner followed; the Prince took the head of the table; his guests were arranged according to rank. Half-way down, the table was depressed some feet below the level of the upper table, and here his subordinate officers were entertained, illustrating the “below the salt” of our feudal times. The officer plied us with warm saki, but its effects showed sooner on our tempters than on ourselves. Dinner was followed by a speech from the Daimio, who welcomed us to his territory, and, pointing to a recess full of Japanese curios, expressed a hope we would take with us some specimens of the manufactures of the country, as indeed we did, none leaving without a present. Then followed Japanese theatricals, which of course we could not follow. On retiring to rest we found that a four-poster bed had been rigged up for each of us. A huge tub of cold water was provided, and a pint bottle of champagne was on each dressing-table, the Prince having evidently been informed that such conditions were essential to the everyday life of an Englishman. [Sidenote: Sept. 1.] Weighed and stood to the south-east. [Sidenote: Sept. 25.] Came to off entrance to the Peiho. [Sidenote: Sept. 26.]