 When the "Kanrin Maru" returned to Japan, the "Powhatan" continued with the Embassy to Panama, where its members crossed the isthmus to the Atlantic via the recently opened Panama Railway.Changing ships for the USS "Roanoke", the 72-man diplomatic mission then proceeded to Washington, D.C..Numerous receptions were held in its honor, including one at the White House, where the diplomats met President James Buchanan.