Here is Part 13 of our (my) look at the way Japan - US relations were forged.
At this juncture, the Commodore Perry-led Japan Expedition is making its second official visit. Prior to the Perry trek, there was another mission I had hints about, but failed to adequately present here - patience... I'll do a Japan Expedition - Part 0 soon enough.
My pal Vinny has been ably abetting me in my hobby of knowledge. It's my only outlet for power these days, and I'll be damned if I shrug away a chance to learn something old or new.
Vinny has been pointing me farther and farther into the depths of gleaning data from Early American Newspapers via www.readex.com. You know about it, now go and check it out! You never know what arcane knowledge you might find to enable you to become King/Queen of your own private castle.
The following story was originally presented in the June 17, 1854 edition of the London Times... okay... actually, this may not be correct. This is actually taken from one of the Hartford, Connecticut newspapers, which actually borrowed the news from the London Times. I would assume that if a Yankee newspaper is borrowing from a Brit paper, that June 17 date (which is on the U.S. paper), may actually owe its origins some 20 days plus earlier.
However, again, the news still had to travel from the Far East to London... it was still to early for wireless telegraph, and even for such a distance for electrical telegraph... that meant that the following news from the Far East had to first travel to London and then the additional 20 days to the US. That means that the following article may first have seen the light of day in late May of 1854.
And all this because someone didn't present the actual newspaper in Hartford that re-printed this story.
Hey... the www.readex.com site is awesome... it's not perfect, though. Pretty close, however.
Party 1-13 can be read here, and are a selection of article during this era that provide us with a better glimpse into just what was going on in negotiations between Japan and the U.S. and just what the whole Commodore Perry Japan Expedition was really about.
Part 1 - Alexandria Gazette, September 13, 1852
Part 2 - Plattsburgh Republican, November 20, 1852
Part 3 - Charleston Courier, November 22, 1852
Part 4 - Weekly Herald, January 1, 1853
Part 5 - Alta California, May 16, 1853
Part 6 - Daily National Intelligencer, November 3, 1853
Part 7 - President Fillmore's Letter To Japan, November 13, 1852
Part 8 - List Of Presents From The US To Japan, July 14, 1853
Part 9 - National Aegis, November 9, 1853
Part 10 - Daily Democratic State Journal, December 7, 1853
Part 11 - Sandusky Register, April 6, 1854
Part 12 - Sandusky Register, April 15, 1854
Anyhow... the extreme details present in a previous letter presented here are not forthcoming in this particular one, but it does offer some nice insight and a personal warning to American businesses looking to exploit the 'weak' Japanese.
Here we go:
THE AMERICANS IN JAPAN.
We take from the London Times, the following letter, dated,
UNITED STATES STEAM-FRIGATE SUSQUEHANNA
Off Yokohama, Bay of Jeddo, March 24 [my note: 1854]
You know that we sailed from Hong Kong on the 14th of January last. On the 21st we arrived at Napakiang, Loochoo; on the 7th of February we sailed for Japan, and on Sunday the 13th, we anchored within about twenty-five miles of Jeddo, where no foreign vessel had ever anchored before.
After a good deal of diplomacy on the part of the Americans, we told them we did not like the place appointed for the negotiations [Ed. Note - I believe it was Nagasaki, far, far, far to the west!], and would go nearer to Jeddo. They assented as gracefully as children go to bed before the time, and we proceeded to Yokohama, of which village, within ten miles of the Imperial city, we anchored. It was well for the Imperial diplomats that they lost no time in agreeing to meet us here, for the boats which had been surveying returned in the afternoon, and reported that the ships could go very near to Jeddo, which they know and dreaded. We had, however, passed our word to negotiate there, and we made a new era in Eastern diplomacy by keeping it. They immediately constructed houses and ample accommodation on the beach, and on the 8th of March the Commodore landed in state to receive the answer to the President's letter. on the 17th he landed again, and made the definite arrangements of a treaty. Yes, Americans, your navy has made a treaty with the exclusive, mysterious Japanese, and Yankee whalers can now pursue their gigantic game in these well filled seas without the fear of a hostile shore upon their lee, and may put into Matsuma and other ports to refit and refresh in confidence. The treaty was concluded on the 23rd, and the Princes were to dine with the Commodore on board on the 27th. We sail to-day, being dispatched by orders from Washington, to be placed at the disposal of Mr. McLane, our new commissioner. I do not know the particulars of the treaty, but it was modelled after that with China. We are to have as much coal as we want at some port which we will select and all hands are to be treated with hospitality who may land upon their shores.
As for an advantages to be immediately derived from commerce with these people, I am doubtful on that point: we saw no evidence of any wants or of any superfluities, but who can anticipate the wants which commerce can make necessaries, and the unknown which she can call into existence! But, if our first adventurers come here under the impression the Japanese are ignorant because they are inexperienced in commerce, they will find themselves mistaken, for not even the Chinamen understand the art of making things appear to the greatest advantage with more skill than the Japanese. The presents of fruits and sweetmeats were so arranged in the boxes as to appear of thrice the real quantity, and everything is so contrived as to be over-estimated by all but the closest observer.
On the 1st of March Captain Buchanan gave Yzaimanm [sic] the Governor of Uraga, and nine of his suite a dinner on board this ship, the first foreign dinner perhaps, ever given in Japan. They enjoyed themselves in perfect confidence, and relished our food and liquors with the taste of gourmands.
They may never have tasted turkey before, and asked permission to take portions of it and of other things on shore to show their friends, which they did, wrapping them up in paper, very much like Chinese paper, leaves of which constituted their pocket handkerchiefs. The intuitively accommodated themselves to our customs, especially that of emptying their glasses; and used the knives and forks with nearly as much dexterity as perseverance. They returned thanks for our toasts and reciprocated them with more than tact of an alderman: as for example Capt. Buchanan gave - "May the kind feelings which so happily subsist between our Japanese friends and ourselves prevail throughout both countries." Governor Yzaiman [sic] promptly replied with thanks for the sentiment and assurances of its reciprocy, and hopes that American and Japanese would soon be enabled to visit each other's countries.
Capt. Adams proposed "The health of the Emperor, and a long and happy reign." Governor Yzaiman immediately replied that he appreciated the compliment to his Emperor; and filling all the glasses himself, drank the "Health of the President, and a happy Administration."
Lieutenant Doer [sic], with a few happy remarks, proposed "The health of Governor Yzaiman [sic]," at which he blushed; but, with admirable presence of mind, proposed "The health of Commodore Perry, and all the officers of the squadron."
All this passed of course, through the interpreters, and each toast was drank in our manner, with all the honors; the huzzas appeared to divert them very much, and they joined in with great glee.
Lieutenant Brown sang a song, which they answered with a verse or two of a Japanese song. I trust the difference of taste did not make our song sound in their ears as their song did in ours, for it was more like the roaring of lions with bad colds than anything else I can compare it to.
One of our marines died, and they allowed us to bury him on shore, in a romantic spot, near one of their own cemeteries, with the three volleys, and the funeral service by the chaplain.
What a difference between what people expected and what our guns have realized for us! It was absurd to attempt to treat with these people without a force at command sufficient to answer, by silence alone, and all their provarications to gain time, which appears to be of no value to them.
They were to have dined with the Commodore on board the Powhattan--I mean the Princes who negotiated the treaty--on Monday, the 27th, and no doubt had a glorious time of it.
We laid down a circular railroad, and the beautiful miniature locomotive and car went around with great velocity and regularity, to the admiration of the Japanese, many of whom made several circuits in the car.
We also set up a mile of magnetic telegraph, which succeeded in spelling out Japanese sounds, from one end to the other, of course making them see that it could be done, but they evidently did not comprehend nor fully believe it.
A very interesting letter from yet another crew member of The Japan Expedition.
I do find it interesting that this gentleman suggest the Japanese are sharp businessmen, but equally interesting that he didn't think the Japanese had anything the Americans might want to purchase for resale back home. Ahh, how times change, eh? Artwork via ukiyo-e (low-level poster art, essentially), pottery, fine silks... are things that come to mind from myself.Regardless, the Americans and Japanese did find many things to trade, of course.
The next installment will have another view on this second meeting, though I also reserve the right to write about something else.
I have to buzz of the my son's grandma's place tomorrow for Easter presents and to return her car - always nice to have a second car when she's away on vacation.
Of course, the added trip means less time for me to research and write, as I am sure I'll be watching a hockey game when I get back.
You folks don't think I just sit here all day and write, do you? Sometimes I sit elsewhere.
Cheers
Andrew Joseph
At this juncture, the Commodore Perry-led Japan Expedition is making its second official visit. Prior to the Perry trek, there was another mission I had hints about, but failed to adequately present here - patience... I'll do a Japan Expedition - Part 0 soon enough.
My pal Vinny has been ably abetting me in my hobby of knowledge. It's my only outlet for power these days, and I'll be damned if I shrug away a chance to learn something old or new.
Vinny has been pointing me farther and farther into the depths of gleaning data from Early American Newspapers via www.readex.com. You know about it, now go and check it out! You never know what arcane knowledge you might find to enable you to become King/Queen of your own private castle.
The following story was originally presented in the June 17, 1854 edition of the London Times... okay... actually, this may not be correct. This is actually taken from one of the Hartford, Connecticut newspapers, which actually borrowed the news from the London Times. I would assume that if a Yankee newspaper is borrowing from a Brit paper, that June 17 date (which is on the U.S. paper), may actually owe its origins some 20 days plus earlier.
However, again, the news still had to travel from the Far East to London... it was still to early for wireless telegraph, and even for such a distance for electrical telegraph... that meant that the following news from the Far East had to first travel to London and then the additional 20 days to the US. That means that the following article may first have seen the light of day in late May of 1854.
And all this because someone didn't present the actual newspaper in Hartford that re-printed this story.
Hey... the www.readex.com site is awesome... it's not perfect, though. Pretty close, however.
Party 1-13 can be read here, and are a selection of article during this era that provide us with a better glimpse into just what was going on in negotiations between Japan and the U.S. and just what the whole Commodore Perry Japan Expedition was really about.
Part 1 - Alexandria Gazette, September 13, 1852
Part 2 - Plattsburgh Republican, November 20, 1852
Part 3 - Charleston Courier, November 22, 1852
Part 4 - Weekly Herald, January 1, 1853
Part 5 - Alta California, May 16, 1853
Part 6 - Daily National Intelligencer, November 3, 1853
Part 7 - President Fillmore's Letter To Japan, November 13, 1852
Part 8 - List Of Presents From The US To Japan, July 14, 1853
Part 9 - National Aegis, November 9, 1853
Part 10 - Daily Democratic State Journal, December 7, 1853
Part 11 - Sandusky Register, April 6, 1854
Part 12 - Sandusky Register, April 15, 1854
Anyhow... the extreme details present in a previous letter presented here are not forthcoming in this particular one, but it does offer some nice insight and a personal warning to American businesses looking to exploit the 'weak' Japanese.
Here we go:
THE AMERICANS IN JAPAN.
We take from the London Times, the following letter, dated,
UNITED STATES STEAM-FRIGATE SUSQUEHANNA
Off Yokohama, Bay of Jeddo, March 24 [my note: 1854]
You know that we sailed from Hong Kong on the 14th of January last. On the 21st we arrived at Napakiang, Loochoo; on the 7th of February we sailed for Japan, and on Sunday the 13th, we anchored within about twenty-five miles of Jeddo, where no foreign vessel had ever anchored before.
After a good deal of diplomacy on the part of the Americans, we told them we did not like the place appointed for the negotiations [Ed. Note - I believe it was Nagasaki, far, far, far to the west!], and would go nearer to Jeddo. They assented as gracefully as children go to bed before the time, and we proceeded to Yokohama, of which village, within ten miles of the Imperial city, we anchored. It was well for the Imperial diplomats that they lost no time in agreeing to meet us here, for the boats which had been surveying returned in the afternoon, and reported that the ships could go very near to Jeddo, which they know and dreaded. We had, however, passed our word to negotiate there, and we made a new era in Eastern diplomacy by keeping it. They immediately constructed houses and ample accommodation on the beach, and on the 8th of March the Commodore landed in state to receive the answer to the President's letter. on the 17th he landed again, and made the definite arrangements of a treaty. Yes, Americans, your navy has made a treaty with the exclusive, mysterious Japanese, and Yankee whalers can now pursue their gigantic game in these well filled seas without the fear of a hostile shore upon their lee, and may put into Matsuma and other ports to refit and refresh in confidence. The treaty was concluded on the 23rd, and the Princes were to dine with the Commodore on board on the 27th. We sail to-day, being dispatched by orders from Washington, to be placed at the disposal of Mr. McLane, our new commissioner. I do not know the particulars of the treaty, but it was modelled after that with China. We are to have as much coal as we want at some port which we will select and all hands are to be treated with hospitality who may land upon their shores.
As for an advantages to be immediately derived from commerce with these people, I am doubtful on that point: we saw no evidence of any wants or of any superfluities, but who can anticipate the wants which commerce can make necessaries, and the unknown which she can call into existence! But, if our first adventurers come here under the impression the Japanese are ignorant because they are inexperienced in commerce, they will find themselves mistaken, for not even the Chinamen understand the art of making things appear to the greatest advantage with more skill than the Japanese. The presents of fruits and sweetmeats were so arranged in the boxes as to appear of thrice the real quantity, and everything is so contrived as to be over-estimated by all but the closest observer.
On the 1st of March Captain Buchanan gave Yzaimanm [sic] the Governor of Uraga, and nine of his suite a dinner on board this ship, the first foreign dinner perhaps, ever given in Japan. They enjoyed themselves in perfect confidence, and relished our food and liquors with the taste of gourmands.
They may never have tasted turkey before, and asked permission to take portions of it and of other things on shore to show their friends, which they did, wrapping them up in paper, very much like Chinese paper, leaves of which constituted their pocket handkerchiefs. The intuitively accommodated themselves to our customs, especially that of emptying their glasses; and used the knives and forks with nearly as much dexterity as perseverance. They returned thanks for our toasts and reciprocated them with more than tact of an alderman: as for example Capt. Buchanan gave - "May the kind feelings which so happily subsist between our Japanese friends and ourselves prevail throughout both countries." Governor Yzaiman [sic] promptly replied with thanks for the sentiment and assurances of its reciprocy, and hopes that American and Japanese would soon be enabled to visit each other's countries.
Capt. Adams proposed "The health of the Emperor, and a long and happy reign." Governor Yzaiman immediately replied that he appreciated the compliment to his Emperor; and filling all the glasses himself, drank the "Health of the President, and a happy Administration."
Lieutenant Doer [sic], with a few happy remarks, proposed "The health of Governor Yzaiman [sic]," at which he blushed; but, with admirable presence of mind, proposed "The health of Commodore Perry, and all the officers of the squadron."
All this passed of course, through the interpreters, and each toast was drank in our manner, with all the honors; the huzzas appeared to divert them very much, and they joined in with great glee.
Lieutenant Brown sang a song, which they answered with a verse or two of a Japanese song. I trust the difference of taste did not make our song sound in their ears as their song did in ours, for it was more like the roaring of lions with bad colds than anything else I can compare it to.
One of our marines died, and they allowed us to bury him on shore, in a romantic spot, near one of their own cemeteries, with the three volleys, and the funeral service by the chaplain.
What a difference between what people expected and what our guns have realized for us! It was absurd to attempt to treat with these people without a force at command sufficient to answer, by silence alone, and all their provarications to gain time, which appears to be of no value to them.
They were to have dined with the Commodore on board the Powhattan--I mean the Princes who negotiated the treaty--on Monday, the 27th, and no doubt had a glorious time of it.
We laid down a circular railroad, and the beautiful miniature locomotive and car went around with great velocity and regularity, to the admiration of the Japanese, many of whom made several circuits in the car.
We also set up a mile of magnetic telegraph, which succeeded in spelling out Japanese sounds, from one end to the other, of course making them see that it could be done, but they evidently did not comprehend nor fully believe it.
A very interesting letter from yet another crew member of The Japan Expedition.
I do find it interesting that this gentleman suggest the Japanese are sharp businessmen, but equally interesting that he didn't think the Japanese had anything the Americans might want to purchase for resale back home. Ahh, how times change, eh? Artwork via ukiyo-e (low-level poster art, essentially), pottery, fine silks... are things that come to mind from myself.Regardless, the Americans and Japanese did find many things to trade, of course.
The next installment will have another view on this second meeting, though I also reserve the right to write about something else.
I have to buzz of the my son's grandma's place tomorrow for Easter presents and to return her car - always nice to have a second car when she's away on vacation.
Of course, the added trip means less time for me to research and write, as I am sure I'll be watching a hockey game when I get back.
You folks don't think I just sit here all day and write, do you? Sometimes I sit elsewhere.
Cheers
Andrew Joseph
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