THE momentum of Perry’s long and active life left a force which, a generation after his death, is yet unspent. He rests from his labors, but his works do follow him. His thoughts have been wrought towards completion by others. The opening of Japan to foreign commerce and residence, and ultimately to full international intercourse, occupied his brain until the day of his death. His interest did not flag for a moment. What we see in New Japan to-day is more the result of the influence of Matthew Perry and the presence of Townsend Harris, than of the fear of British armaments in China. English writers have copied, even as late as 1883,[51] the statement of Captain Sherard Osborn[52] and the _London Times_,[53] that “as soon as the Tientsin Treaty was arranged, the American commodore [Tatnall] rushed off to Japan to take advantage of the consternation certain to be created by the first news of recent events in the Peiho. It was smartly imagined.” We propose to give a plain story of the facts. Townsend Harris the United States Consul at Ningpo, China, was appointed July 31st, 1855, by President Pierce, Consul-General to Japan. No more fortunate selection could have been made. By experience and travel, thoroughly acquainted with human nature and especially the oriental and semi-civilized phases of it, Mr. Harris possessed the “dauntless courage, patience, courtesy, gentleness, firmness and incorruptible honesty” needed to deal with just such _yakunin_ or men of political business, as the corrupt and decaying dynasty of Yedo usurpers naturally produced. Further, he had a kindly feeling towards the Japanese people. Best of all, he was armed with the warnings, advice and suggestions of Perry, whom he had earnestly consulted. Ordered, September 8th, 1855, by President Pierce to follow up Captain Edmund Robert’s work and make a treaty with Siam, Mr. Harris after concluding his business, boarded the _San Jacinto_ at Pulo Pinang, and arrived in Shimoda harbor, August 22d, 1856. The propeller steamer was brought to safe anchorage by a native pilot who bore a commission printed on “The Japan Expedition Press,” and signed by Commodore Perry. The stars and stripes were hoisted to the peak of the flag-staff raised by the _San Jacinto’s_ carpenters on the afternoon of September 3d. Then in his quiet quarters at Kakisaki, or Oyster Point, Mr. Harris, following out Perry’s plan of diplomatic campaign, won alone and unaided, after fourteen months of perseverance, a magnificent victory. Lest these statements seem inaccurate we reprint Mr. Harris’ letter in full. U. S. CONSULATE GENERAL, SIMODA, _October 27, 1857_.