H381

The visit of the "Black Ships" to Japan made quite an impact and were depicted in various ways. Below is a sketch by a local artist of the Susquehana entering Edo Bay in July of 1853:

But other depictions tried to capture the appearence of the fleet off of Uraga in more dramatic fashion:

Another interesting image shows the Black Ships in a color print:

There is a nice cross-section view of the Susequehana available on line.

Commodoare Matthew C. Perry had quite a high opinion of himself as this portrait of him suggests:

It is interesting to see the way the Japanese depicted him in the following selection:

 

I have directed Commodore Perry to assure your imperial majesty that I entertain the kindest
feelings towards your majesty's person and government, and that I have no other object in
sending him to Japan but to propose to your imperial majesty that the United States and Japan
should live in friendship and have commercial intercourse with each other. . .

I am desirous that our two countries should trade with each other, for the benefit both of Japan and the United States. . .

We know that the ancient laws of your imperial majesty's government do not allow of foreign
trade, except with the Chinese and the Dutch; but as the state of the world changes and new
governments are formed, it seems to be wise, from time to time, to make new laws.

If your imperial majesty is not satisfied that it would be safe altogether to abrogate the ancient
laws which forbid foreign trade, they might be suspended for five or ten years, so as to try the
experiment. If it does not prove as beneficial as was hoped, the ancient laws can be restored.
The United States often limit their treaties with foreign states to a few years, and then renew
them or not, as they please.