Page:"Round the world." - Letters from Japan, China, India, and Egypt (IA roundworldletter00fogg 0).pdf/84

 breakfast with some good English ale, and he seemed a little mellow, and in good humor with himself and all the world. His hair was not tied up in cue, but cut very short, and his dress was in Japanese style of very rich material. One sword was in his belt, and the larger one was lying on the table. They were by far the most elegant I have seen in Japan. The scabbards and handles were inlaid with gold and pearl. His hat lay before him on the table, shaped like an inverted wash-bowl, and richly decorated with gold lace. His lieutenant’s hat was similar, only with silver decoration. He did not seem in a bit of a hurry, but offered me a cigar, while one of his attendants, on his knees and with his head bowed to the floor, handed him an elegant Japanese pipe. His knowledge of the English vocabulary seemed about equal to mine of the Japanese. He could say “yes,” “no,” “How do youdo,” and ‘“‘good bye.” So our conversation was through the interpreter. He touched me on the coat and intimated that I wore no uniform, which I explained by saying that I was in traveling dress. The next question as put by the interpreter so amused me that I could with difficulty keep a sober countenance. It was, “How do Mr. Grant, Emperor, America?” I assured him the “Emperor” was quite well the last time I heard from him, and then tried to explain that we call our “Emperor” by the title of “President.” I don’t think he appreciated the difference. I answered to the best of my ability many questions about our army and how our battles were fought, whether at long or short range, hand to hand, or with big guns, with troops massed or as skirmishers, told him something about the great battles of our war, the number of men engaged, and the part taken in the war by “Emperor” President Grant. He asked the number of men in my regiment and whether they were brave. I can assure, I gave the Sixth and Seventh Ward Germans, who composed the Third Regiment O. V. M., the credit of being as gallant set of fellows as ever shouldered a musket. He seemed quite interested in hearing about our war, of which he knew scarcely anything. When I rose to take leave, and apologized for detaining him so long, he requested me again to be seated, and asked me where I was going. I think his knowledge of geography was too limited to understand the route I propose to take. When I told him I had been to Yeddo, he said: “You go again and come see me.” Perhaps I shall do so. While I