Many of the large ships-of-war destined to visit Japan, have not yet arrived in these seas, though they are hourly expected; and the undersigned, as an evidence of his friendly intentions, has brought but four of the smaller ones, designing, should it become necessary, to return to Yedo in the ensuing spring, with a much larger force. But it is expected that the government of your Imperial Majesty will render such return unnecessary by acceding at once to the very reasonable and pacific overtures contained in the President’s letter, and which will be further explained by the undersigned on the first fitting occasion. With the most profound respect for your Imperial Majesty, and entertaining a sincere hope that you may long live to enjoy health and happiness, the undersigned subscribes himself, (_Signed_) M. C. PERRY, _Commander-in-chief of the United States Naval Forces in the East India, China, and Japan seas._ U. S. Steam-Frigate Susquehanna, Off the coast of Japan, July 7, 1853. A brief pause followed the delivery of the letters, the Japanese appearing dispirited, and their prince as if the day’s doings might result to him in being compelled to perform the “Happy Despatch” of his country; the commodore directed the interpreter to say, that as it would take some time to deliberate on the letter of the president, he should not wait for an answer, but would return in the spring; that he would leave in a few days for Canton, by way of the great Loo-Choo island, and would be happy to take any commands they might have. Owing to our pronunciation of the word “Loo-Choo,” perhaps, they did not seem to understand the latter part of this. The interpreter was then directed to tell them, that China was now in a state of revolution; that the rebels had taken Nanking, Ningpo, Amoy, and Cheang-foo. The Japanese interpreter, apparently for himself, asked what was the cause of the revolution. The commodore commenced a reply by saying, “Religion,” then correcting himself, said “Dissatisfaction with the government on the part of the people.” The interpreter reflected awhile, and then said he could not say anything to his prince about revolutions, but could only speak about the letter. The governor of Uraga then rose, placed the president’s letter in the lacquered chest, and tied the cords; then, turning, bowed very low, intimating that the audience was concluded; the prince rising and saluting as we retired.