Passing the Rubicon: Lieut. S. Bent in the Mississippi's first cutter forcing his way through a fleet of Japanese boats while surveying the bay of Yedo, Japan, July 11th, 1853

Elephant folio of the American's arrival in the Bay of Edo [Toyko], being met by Japanese officials. In the background is a Japanese ship, distinguishable by the black and white sail. Black and white are the Imperial colors of the Tokugawa shogunate. There is one American boat surveying the bay, flying an American flag. The American sailors appear in full costume. Those sailors not rowing stand ready with bayonets. A fleet of Japanese government vessels meets the American boat, in an effort to desist progress. One Japanese official holds up his hand to stop the Americans.The Japanese boats are built of pinewood, without paint. Each Japanese government vessel flies a black and white flag and a tassel at the bow. Japanese officials sit or stand, some holding fans or lances, while a numerous crew of boatmen work. The Japanese, like the Chinese scull, instead of row, the boat. The Japanese officers appear wearing jingasa [lacquered helmets], leggings, and two swords on either side. The boatmen wear a white strip of cloth over their brows, and short brightly colored robes. Elephant folio of the American's arrival in the Bay of Edo [Toyko], being met by Japanese officials. In the background is a Japanese ship, distinguishable by the black and white sail. Black and white are the Imperial colors of the Tokugawa shogunate. There is one American boat surveying the bay, flying an American flag. The American sailors appear in full costume. Those sailors not rowing stand ready with bayonets. A fleet of Japanese government vessels meets the American boat, in an effort to desist progress. One Japanese official holds up his hand to stop the Americans.The Japanese boats are built of pinewood, without paint. Each Japanese government vessel flies a black and white flag and a tassel at the bow. Japanese officials sit or stand, some holding fans or lances, while a numerous crew of boatmen work. The Japanese, like the Chinese scull, instead of row, the boat. The Japanese officers appear wearing jingasa [lacquered helmets], leggings, and two swords on either side. The boatmen wear a white strip of cloth over their brows, and short brightly colored robes. "To Commodore M.C. Perry. Officers and men of the Japan Expedition this print is respectfully dedicated by their Obt.Servts, Heine and Brown." New York, Old Print Shop, 1948.