Here we see two of Perry's "black ships." At the right is the Powhatan, which served as Perry's flagship. The Powhatan was a steam frigate built in Norfolk in 1852. It was among the most modern ships of its time. It carried a crew of 300, was 253 feet long, and was armed with 9 of the latest naval cannon. The vessel on the left might have been one of the supply ships. In total Perry brought with him three frigates (paddle wheel steamers), four sloops (sailing vessels) and three supply ships. At the time this was one quarter of the entire U.S. Navy. The combined firepower of Perry's ships, 130 cannon and 2600 men, awed the Japanese. They felt they had no choice but to agree to the American terms. That is, to "open" the country to Americans and sign the "Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and Japan."

Next Image | Previous Image | Image Gallery | Black Ship Scroll Main Page