Here's some data on the Commodore Perry-led Japan Expedition, as originally presented in the April 15, 1854 edition of the Sandusky Register (published as the Daily Commercial Register) of Sandusky, Ohio, USA.
Thanks again to Vinny in helping me discover wonderful resources like this at www.readex.com, which is a resource for Early American newspapers.
Here are links to the earlier newspaper articles I have plumbed:
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
For your information, the Loo-choo mentioned below (also seen spelled as Lew-Chew, Loo-Chew and probably a lot more!), is actually Okinawa, which was a separate country back then… a country with an obvious Chinese-sounding name.
Here's the article:
American Japan Fleet
The United States' squadron, under Commodore Perry, says the China Mail of the 11th January, is under immediate orders for Loo-choo and Japan. A portion of the sailing vessels had already sailed. The total fleet consists of the following -
Vessels Commanders Men Guns
Steamer Mississippi Com. Perry 375 10
" Powhattan Capt. McCluney 270 9
" Susquehana Capt. Buchanan 350 9
" Queen (tender,) Lieut. Taylor 30 -
Frigate Macedonia Capt. Abbott 450 36
Sloop Plymouth Capt. Kelly 200 20
" Saratoga Capt. Walker 200 20
" Vandalla Capt. Pope 220 20
Storeship Supply Lieut. Sinclair 50 6
" Southampton Lieut Boyle 60 6
" Lexington Lieut. Clossen 50 6
------ -----
Total….. 11 vessels 2,255 142
The officers of the vessels at Hong Kong had given several entertainments, and are very highly spoken of by the China Mail.
The Overland Friend of China, of the 11th January, says:
Admiral Pillow's twenty-one gun salute, with the stars and stripes at the main, on the occasion of Commodore Perry's departure with his squadron on Saturday last for japan, was in excellent taste. It was one of those occasions when a national salute possessed all the appearance of a gruff old father belching out a blessing on his well-intentioned son, and wishing him in his enterprise—God Speed!
So... this newspaper article indicates the full compliment of vessels, men and weaponry (canons), that the U.S. took with them for its second visit to China and Japan.
While too early for future US President Teddy Roosevelt, walk softly and carry a big stick, indeed.
I am unsure if this show of strength was meant to impress China and Japan to show that the upstart US nation was indeed a global force, or if it was to intimidate them a bit - give them a treaty or face the consequences.
I don't believe it to be the later - if it was, the US surely underestimated the actual strength of each country, and while I am sure a certain amount of arrogance is part of the young nation's DNA, I don't believe a war would have started over such a matter.
But who knows? Perhaps further information will come from other newspaper articles. I haven't read ahead (or behind, as the case may be).
Cheers
Andrew Joseph
Thanks again to Vinny in helping me discover wonderful resources like this at www.readex.com, which is a resource for Early American newspapers.
Here are links to the earlier newspaper articles I have plumbed:
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
For your information, the Loo-choo mentioned below (also seen spelled as Lew-Chew, Loo-Chew and probably a lot more!), is actually Okinawa, which was a separate country back then… a country with an obvious Chinese-sounding name.
Here's the article:
American Japan Fleet
The United States' squadron, under Commodore Perry, says the China Mail of the 11th January, is under immediate orders for Loo-choo and Japan. A portion of the sailing vessels had already sailed. The total fleet consists of the following -
Vessels Commanders Men Guns
Steamer Mississippi Com. Perry 375 10
" Powhattan Capt. McCluney 270 9
" Susquehana Capt. Buchanan 350 9
" Queen (tender,) Lieut. Taylor 30 -
Frigate Macedonia Capt. Abbott 450 36
Sloop Plymouth Capt. Kelly 200 20
" Saratoga Capt. Walker 200 20
" Vandalla Capt. Pope 220 20
Storeship Supply Lieut. Sinclair 50 6
" Southampton Lieut Boyle 60 6
" Lexington Lieut. Clossen 50 6
------ -----
Total….. 11 vessels 2,255 142
The officers of the vessels at Hong Kong had given several entertainments, and are very highly spoken of by the China Mail.
The Overland Friend of China, of the 11th January, says:
Admiral Pillow's twenty-one gun salute, with the stars and stripes at the main, on the occasion of Commodore Perry's departure with his squadron on Saturday last for japan, was in excellent taste. It was one of those occasions when a national salute possessed all the appearance of a gruff old father belching out a blessing on his well-intentioned son, and wishing him in his enterprise—God Speed!
So... this newspaper article indicates the full compliment of vessels, men and weaponry (canons), that the U.S. took with them for its second visit to China and Japan.
While too early for future US President Teddy Roosevelt, walk softly and carry a big stick, indeed.
I am unsure if this show of strength was meant to impress China and Japan to show that the upstart US nation was indeed a global force, or if it was to intimidate them a bit - give them a treaty or face the consequences.
I don't believe it to be the later - if it was, the US surely underestimated the actual strength of each country, and while I am sure a certain amount of arrogance is part of the young nation's DNA, I don't believe a war would have started over such a matter.
But who knows? Perhaps further information will come from other newspaper articles. I haven't read ahead (or behind, as the case may be).
Cheers
Andrew Joseph
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