that during a calm, at this elevation, they might, by a ricochet-shot, reach the ships of an enemy even seven hundred yards distant. They had also cut into perpendicular steps the ground between this fort and the water, that shot may be stopped in ricochet firing, and their effect lessened if not destroyed. There were no crown batteries visible. Their guns were under cover, and their calibre could not be ascertained, but it is doubtful whether they were of the calibre to render harbor defences efficient. As soon as the tide served, after our anchoring in the inner bay, the Saratoga and Plymouth got underway, stood up and joined us. The next day the commodore came aboard of the Mississippi, when his broad-pennant was hoisted, the anchor hove up, and with boats ahead to make soundings, we stood up the bay, running nearer to the great capital of the empire than ship of any foreigner had gone before. The Japanese troops on shore kept watch on our movements, and their guard-boats rowed up in company with ours, but did not attempt to impede or molest them. Having gone up and made soundings, and a reconnoissance, until the water began to shoal, we put the ship about and returned to where we had left the Susquehanna. In the evening a Japanese functionary who had been looking with much solicitude upon our movements, went on board of the flag-ship, and said, “He hoped we would not attempt to go up their bay any farther, if we did there would be trouble.” He was told that if it became necessary to bring our whole squadron into their waters, that it was necessary that the ships should have a less exposed anchorage than the one we had occupied off Uraga, and the only way that such an anchorage could be found out, was by surveys and soundings. On the 16th boats were sent down to survey and ascertain the depth of water in the cove which opens on the left hand just after entering the inner bay in which is situated the Saru-Sima, by some called “Perry island.” The steamers followed during the day down to this anchorage, but the wind proving light and baffling, the sailing ships did not get there until evening, one of them meanwhile having drifted afoul of the other, on having to come suddenly to anchor, and carrying away a flying-jib boom. Here, before dusk, a Japanese official, who spoke Dutch, brought off as presents game-fowls which had beautiful plumage, lacquered-ware, some of their small pipes and mild tobacco, and brocade interwoven with gold thread. These were refused until they consented to receive presents in return. They would not give one of their blades nor receive one of our swords; such an exchange did not indicate friendship according to their ideas, nor was the parting with any Japanese arms allowed by their laws. They expressed great desire to know when we should leave, and manifested much solicitude and anxiety about our remaining. This curiosity was not gratified.