Beschreibung:

[Japanese Manuscript map of the "American Anchorage" in a bay on the Western side of Tokyo bay 20 miles from Yedo.] [Japan: February 12th-March 4th., 1854] A Japanese manuscript map of the "American Anchorage" near Uraga, drawn in the period before the arrival of the USS Saratoga on March 4th 1854, showing the seven ships of Perry's US Naval Squadron at anchor in the bay, the squadron comprising 3 steam ships and 4 sailing vessels. On Japanese Mulberry paper, 280 x 400 mm. The map naming three of the ships, as well as several features along the shoreline, titled at left margin, central vertical crease, small hole at lower right; together with 13 other Japanese manuscript notes and copies of letters, relating to Perry's visit to Japan in 1854, all on mulberry paper. Perry's second expedition to Japan, followed his first arrival near Uraga in July 1853, with his 4 "black ships." On that visit, the Japanese refused to have any discussions with Perry, so Perry delivered the various diplomatic letters from President Fillmore and himself and departed Japan saying he would be back in a year to conclude a Trade Treaty. Whilst he waited out in China, he heard that both the British and French were seeking a trade Treaty, so he returned to Japan earlier than he intended with 7 vessels to the same bay. After considerable negotiation, he was allowed ashore to meet with the representative of the Tokugawa Shogunate, in a specially constructed house, where over many days they negotiated the Treaty of Kanagawa. The arrival of the powerful American ships both in 1853 and again in 1854, off Edo, threw Japanese society into some turmoil as they realized that the centuries of isolation had made them vulnerable to the new technologies and fire-power of the western powers. Copies, in Japanese, of all the documents relating to Perry's visits and sketches of the ships and the formal events were circulated to many of the Daiymo, the Feudal Lords, for their information.