Continuing my look at The Japan Expedition. This is the second part of a letter written by a member of Commodore Perry's crew… an important gentleman, judging by his role in the parlay with the Japanese to convince them of the important of doing business with the U.S.
But what is his name? At no time does the article actually state what his name or rank is!
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
Part 13 - London Times, June 17, 1854
Part 14 - Richmond Whig, November 8, 1853
This article is again from the Richmond Whig newspaper of Richmond, Virginia of the U.S., dated November 8, 1853, and it, like all of the articles for this historic look at the history of Japanese-American relations is due to the courtesy of Vinnie who has kindly directed me to a database of Early American Newspapers via www.readex.com.
Here we go:
-------------
SUNDAY, JULY 11, 12 A.M.—This hallowed day of quiet has again come around, and fins us lying quietly at our anchors, enjoying a day of rest; our broadsides upon the towns an forts upon the shores; our glasses watching the marches and countermarches of their troops on shore, paraded by their different Mandarins.
The spirit of preparation for resistance and defense is evidently ruling them. The sounds of many guns away toward Jeddo come frequently booming on the ear. The country is evidently awake from its long slumber of peace.
What what excitement now in Jeddo! When before has warlike trumpet ebb sounded in her walls, "to foot, to horse, arm?"
"Hang out our banners on the outward wall; the cry is they still come."
Long freedom, overbearing conduct to other nations, a conviction of their superiority, doubtless, tend to make these people proud, sensitive, chivalric, and brave; but then again, a long peace, and disuse to war and its horrors, have in a measure effeminates them; the effects of shot, shell, earnest fighting, will doubtless shock them; but yet, I think, they will resist bravely, they are organizing with spirit, showing cautiousness, but no fear.
Yet their downfall commenced from the 8th of July 1853. Yes, this day the cross waved over our colors, and under it we worshipped the Christian' God—the Savior. Yes, here within twenty miles of the seat of that haughty tyrant, who has caused for centuries that emblem of mercy to be trampled under foot by his heathen subjects.
Let me renew my narrative of the events of the 8th.—In about one hour after the mandarin left, I again received him with the directions not to palaver much.
In a long windy set speech, he said that the governor did not feel himself justified in receiving the letter from the President to the emperor—that he had not the power—that Nagasaki was the place for the conduct of all foreign affairs—that it was not Japanese custom—that indeed the governor was much bothered to think why four ships should have come together—that he appreciated very highly the letter, but that he could not receive it.
To which I replied: "The distance, to be sure, was very long, and we had come a great way—that we could not think of going to Nagasaki—that the letter was an important one, and that our President had ordered us to deliver it as near the city of Jeddo as possible; therefore, we were here, and I trusted that the letter would be received in the morning."
To this he answered—"No one here can receive it. It would bring harm upon him—Nagasaki is the only place—that he did not believe if the letter was received that the emperor would answer it."
To this I replied—"Does your governor dare to take it upon himself the responsibility to refuse to receive a letter written to his sovereign, and to forward it to him? It is a very grave responsibility to refuse to receive the letter sent from one sovereign to another."
He then said—"The governor may receive it, but we can't tell when the answer may come," but then added, "that he had not the power to receive it," and must wait and refer it."
I replied that this "letter was a very important one—that it would be a great insult to the President of the United States not to receive it. That as to the Emperor's not answering it, that was not our business now, that would be settled after."
He said, "This is Japanese custom; you American's don't understand Japanese customs," &e
I replied, "We Americans do business decidedly promptly/"
At this point I went out, and, referred this new phase of the discussion to the commodore, and by his order I broke up the interview, telling him "that if the governor did not send off for the letter in the morning we would ourselves deliver it in to the town of Oruganda (spelling?).
He was rather taken aback at this decision, and requested permission to come off in the morning. To this I assented. He then took his leave, Before going off he stepped back to our long gun aft, which is all clear, and showing its massive proportions, and examining it, said, looking interrogatively, "Paixhan."
If he has an acquaintance with "Paixhan," I trust it is from reading and not practice.
At six o'clock the next morning, I was called on deck to receive the mandarin; so I dreaded hurriedly and went up.
There was the same story, but he proposed to send to Jeddo for permission. We gave him until Thursday, at 12 o'clock, saying, "if the letter was not received we would regard it as an insult to the President, and act accordingly.
So it rests.
July 17.—One week has passed since I have written a word, and a week of much excitement, and great events. And here we are, thank heaven, safe; and in nine days we have effected much—so much, that the wold will be gratified, and our country feel herself honored. We have landed in Japan, within twenty-five miles of Jeddo, with armed troops and armed men, and delivered our credentials, and the President's letter to commissioners—two princes, one a councillor of the realm, and appointed by his Majesty to receive us.
But I am ahead of events, and must more leisurely detail the interviews, arrangements &e, which led to an issue so happy, so peaceful, so desirable, and which have reflected much eclat upon the firmness and wisdom of Com. Perry. He has certainly selected a course of conduct which reflects great credit upon himself.
I left off by telling you that we had given Tezimon [sic] (Yezaimon), governor, or highest authority in Uraga, or, by his other title, "the learned scholar who rides," until Thursday at 12 o'clock, to get an answer from Jeddo to our propositions; that is, that the copies of the letters and credentials, with a letter of the commodore's inclosed, were to be received by a high mandarin, accredited by his master to receive them.
On Monday we were to receive information from him of the advancement of matters.
By the by, we showed him the letter, which is beautifully done up in a case, and the seal enclosed in a gold box, costing $1,000; so also with the commodore's credentials.
We had talked and palavered over matters, answering many questions, and amongst others, diplomatising about the propriety of surveying the harbor, &e, for in the morning, the boats well armed with the Mississippi to guard them, had preceded her up the bay, sounding, and had advanced ten miles nearer to Jeddo, finding plenty of water, and a fine, large, capacious, magnificent harbor; when it has always been supposed that Uragawa was about as far as vessels of any size could go, so great is the mystery that hangs around this land.
On the advance of the boats, the forts were armed, the dungaree and canvas screens, behind which rested the pikes of the soldiery, fairly flapped with anger, and armed boats of about 25 men each started out from every point by the hundreds, looking defiance, but onward went our little boats, throwing their leads and marking the soundings, and steadily advanced the Mississippi on her purpose.
Our steam was up, and all the vessels hove short to slip and run to their assistance, and throw in Japanese (unreadable - forts?), dungaree, cotton, boats and all, a few paixhan shell.
My opinion is that for these thirty-six hours, and more particularly for these six, the Japanese hesitated whether or not they should at once resist, and try with us the fortunes of war.
But so steady was our determination , both in council and in conduct, so utterly careless of any action on their part, so perfectly confident of our own resources and power, and so regardless of all danger that they were paralyzed, and prudent and friendly measures were decided.
It is well to remark here, that they have been making the most extensive preparations of forts, &e, lately, as is evident by their new works and those not yet finished.—Doubtless, there are full 1,000 boats, averaging with rowers and soldiers, 25 men.
In these waters we have seen, and could have counted, 500, some on the water, their banners flying, forty and fifty together; others hauled up on the beach, ready to launch out—at first mistaken for villages.
But a new era is marked in their history; they have been placed on the defensive; they dared not begin the game, though I yet believe that any harsh measures, on our part, of encroachment or injury would cause a determined and bloody resistance, for they are a free, frank, pleasing, sociable, fearless people, and would stand bravely to the slaughter. These traits may be expected in a land where "the wives and mothers are proverbially virtuous"—the exception being the rarity and proving the rule. Well will it be if we can make these people our friends and allies. Yes, heretofore they have arrogantly dictated to all others; but with us the game is changed. We have said; so must you do—this is our way. These steamers, too, moving without sails, against the wind and tide, have struck, if not terror, at least wonder and wisdom into their souls.
But to the interviews—this of Monday evening ended. Tuesday morning, about noon, they again came off, and our "learned scholar," evidently wore a more contented air—bye-the bye, Teiman [sic] is a gentleman, clever, polished, well informed, a fine large man, of most excellent countenance, takes his wine freely, and a boon companion. His age is thirty-four.
He told us that the letters would be received; that the emperor was going to send down a high prince, and a councillor to take them.
"When?"
"On day after to morrow. We are putting up a new house to receive you, and it cannot be ready before then; nor will the prince be down until to-morrow."
It was now that we understood that they expected to receive the letter of the President, and the commodore's letter of credence, instead of the copies of which it was the intention to send first, reserving the last in hopes of forcing an interview at Jeddo.
This was explained to them—when the change that came over them was plain—they persisted that they had understood that the letters were to be received, not the copies—the fear of the permission to rip himself up, (the Hari-Kasi) was evident in his face—yet the commodore persisted in this point, and we sent him off to give notice to higher powers that such was the fact.
In the afternoon he came again, and the commodore at last agreed to deliver the originals, and at the place fixed upon.
----------------------------
I am ending this second part of the letter which I hope is actually only a three-parter. I am not a typist, nor do I know how to type, using three fingers on the right (including the thumb)
As for those of you wondering what the hell 'Paixhan" means - well, the author meant 'Paxihans' - with an 's' at the end, and referred to the Paixhans gun, the first naval gun designed to fire explosive shells. It was developed by the French general Henri-Joseph Paixhans in 1822-1823.
Cheers
Andrew Joseph
But what is his name? At no time does the article actually state what his name or rank is!
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
Part 13 - London Times, June 17, 1854
Part 14 - Richmond Whig, November 8, 1853
This article is again from the Richmond Whig newspaper of Richmond, Virginia of the U.S., dated November 8, 1853, and it, like all of the articles for this historic look at the history of Japanese-American relations is due to the courtesy of Vinnie who has kindly directed me to a database of Early American Newspapers via www.readex.com.
Here we go:
-------------
SUNDAY, JULY 11, 12 A.M.—This hallowed day of quiet has again come around, and fins us lying quietly at our anchors, enjoying a day of rest; our broadsides upon the towns an forts upon the shores; our glasses watching the marches and countermarches of their troops on shore, paraded by their different Mandarins.
The spirit of preparation for resistance and defense is evidently ruling them. The sounds of many guns away toward Jeddo come frequently booming on the ear. The country is evidently awake from its long slumber of peace.
What what excitement now in Jeddo! When before has warlike trumpet ebb sounded in her walls, "to foot, to horse, arm?"
"Hang out our banners on the outward wall; the cry is they still come."
Long freedom, overbearing conduct to other nations, a conviction of their superiority, doubtless, tend to make these people proud, sensitive, chivalric, and brave; but then again, a long peace, and disuse to war and its horrors, have in a measure effeminates them; the effects of shot, shell, earnest fighting, will doubtless shock them; but yet, I think, they will resist bravely, they are organizing with spirit, showing cautiousness, but no fear.
Yet their downfall commenced from the 8th of July 1853. Yes, this day the cross waved over our colors, and under it we worshipped the Christian' God—the Savior. Yes, here within twenty miles of the seat of that haughty tyrant, who has caused for centuries that emblem of mercy to be trampled under foot by his heathen subjects.
Let me renew my narrative of the events of the 8th.—In about one hour after the mandarin left, I again received him with the directions not to palaver much.
In a long windy set speech, he said that the governor did not feel himself justified in receiving the letter from the President to the emperor—that he had not the power—that Nagasaki was the place for the conduct of all foreign affairs—that it was not Japanese custom—that indeed the governor was much bothered to think why four ships should have come together—that he appreciated very highly the letter, but that he could not receive it.
To which I replied: "The distance, to be sure, was very long, and we had come a great way—that we could not think of going to Nagasaki—that the letter was an important one, and that our President had ordered us to deliver it as near the city of Jeddo as possible; therefore, we were here, and I trusted that the letter would be received in the morning."
To this he answered—"No one here can receive it. It would bring harm upon him—Nagasaki is the only place—that he did not believe if the letter was received that the emperor would answer it."
To this I replied—"Does your governor dare to take it upon himself the responsibility to refuse to receive a letter written to his sovereign, and to forward it to him? It is a very grave responsibility to refuse to receive the letter sent from one sovereign to another."
He then said—"The governor may receive it, but we can't tell when the answer may come," but then added, "that he had not the power to receive it," and must wait and refer it."
I replied that this "letter was a very important one—that it would be a great insult to the President of the United States not to receive it. That as to the Emperor's not answering it, that was not our business now, that would be settled after."
He said, "This is Japanese custom; you American's don't understand Japanese customs," &e
I replied, "We Americans do business decidedly promptly/"
At this point I went out, and, referred this new phase of the discussion to the commodore, and by his order I broke up the interview, telling him "that if the governor did not send off for the letter in the morning we would ourselves deliver it in to the town of Oruganda (spelling?).
He was rather taken aback at this decision, and requested permission to come off in the morning. To this I assented. He then took his leave, Before going off he stepped back to our long gun aft, which is all clear, and showing its massive proportions, and examining it, said, looking interrogatively, "Paixhan."
If he has an acquaintance with "Paixhan," I trust it is from reading and not practice.
At six o'clock the next morning, I was called on deck to receive the mandarin; so I dreaded hurriedly and went up.
There was the same story, but he proposed to send to Jeddo for permission. We gave him until Thursday, at 12 o'clock, saying, "if the letter was not received we would regard it as an insult to the President, and act accordingly.
So it rests.
July 17.—One week has passed since I have written a word, and a week of much excitement, and great events. And here we are, thank heaven, safe; and in nine days we have effected much—so much, that the wold will be gratified, and our country feel herself honored. We have landed in Japan, within twenty-five miles of Jeddo, with armed troops and armed men, and delivered our credentials, and the President's letter to commissioners—two princes, one a councillor of the realm, and appointed by his Majesty to receive us.
But I am ahead of events, and must more leisurely detail the interviews, arrangements &e, which led to an issue so happy, so peaceful, so desirable, and which have reflected much eclat upon the firmness and wisdom of Com. Perry. He has certainly selected a course of conduct which reflects great credit upon himself.
I left off by telling you that we had given Tezimon [sic] (Yezaimon), governor, or highest authority in Uraga, or, by his other title, "the learned scholar who rides," until Thursday at 12 o'clock, to get an answer from Jeddo to our propositions; that is, that the copies of the letters and credentials, with a letter of the commodore's inclosed, were to be received by a high mandarin, accredited by his master to receive them.
On Monday we were to receive information from him of the advancement of matters.
By the by, we showed him the letter, which is beautifully done up in a case, and the seal enclosed in a gold box, costing $1,000; so also with the commodore's credentials.
We had talked and palavered over matters, answering many questions, and amongst others, diplomatising about the propriety of surveying the harbor, &e, for in the morning, the boats well armed with the Mississippi to guard them, had preceded her up the bay, sounding, and had advanced ten miles nearer to Jeddo, finding plenty of water, and a fine, large, capacious, magnificent harbor; when it has always been supposed that Uragawa was about as far as vessels of any size could go, so great is the mystery that hangs around this land.
On the advance of the boats, the forts were armed, the dungaree and canvas screens, behind which rested the pikes of the soldiery, fairly flapped with anger, and armed boats of about 25 men each started out from every point by the hundreds, looking defiance, but onward went our little boats, throwing their leads and marking the soundings, and steadily advanced the Mississippi on her purpose.
Our steam was up, and all the vessels hove short to slip and run to their assistance, and throw in Japanese (unreadable - forts?), dungaree, cotton, boats and all, a few paixhan shell.
My opinion is that for these thirty-six hours, and more particularly for these six, the Japanese hesitated whether or not they should at once resist, and try with us the fortunes of war.
But so steady was our determination , both in council and in conduct, so utterly careless of any action on their part, so perfectly confident of our own resources and power, and so regardless of all danger that they were paralyzed, and prudent and friendly measures were decided.
It is well to remark here, that they have been making the most extensive preparations of forts, &e, lately, as is evident by their new works and those not yet finished.—Doubtless, there are full 1,000 boats, averaging with rowers and soldiers, 25 men.
In these waters we have seen, and could have counted, 500, some on the water, their banners flying, forty and fifty together; others hauled up on the beach, ready to launch out—at first mistaken for villages.
But a new era is marked in their history; they have been placed on the defensive; they dared not begin the game, though I yet believe that any harsh measures, on our part, of encroachment or injury would cause a determined and bloody resistance, for they are a free, frank, pleasing, sociable, fearless people, and would stand bravely to the slaughter. These traits may be expected in a land where "the wives and mothers are proverbially virtuous"—the exception being the rarity and proving the rule. Well will it be if we can make these people our friends and allies. Yes, heretofore they have arrogantly dictated to all others; but with us the game is changed. We have said; so must you do—this is our way. These steamers, too, moving without sails, against the wind and tide, have struck, if not terror, at least wonder and wisdom into their souls.
But to the interviews—this of Monday evening ended. Tuesday morning, about noon, they again came off, and our "learned scholar," evidently wore a more contented air—bye-the bye, Teiman [sic] is a gentleman, clever, polished, well informed, a fine large man, of most excellent countenance, takes his wine freely, and a boon companion. His age is thirty-four.
He told us that the letters would be received; that the emperor was going to send down a high prince, and a councillor to take them.
"When?"
"On day after to morrow. We are putting up a new house to receive you, and it cannot be ready before then; nor will the prince be down until to-morrow."
It was now that we understood that they expected to receive the letter of the President, and the commodore's letter of credence, instead of the copies of which it was the intention to send first, reserving the last in hopes of forcing an interview at Jeddo.
This was explained to them—when the change that came over them was plain—they persisted that they had understood that the letters were to be received, not the copies—the fear of the permission to rip himself up, (the Hari-Kasi) was evident in his face—yet the commodore persisted in this point, and we sent him off to give notice to higher powers that such was the fact.
In the afternoon he came again, and the commodore at last agreed to deliver the originals, and at the place fixed upon.
----------------------------
I am ending this second part of the letter which I hope is actually only a three-parter. I am not a typist, nor do I know how to type, using three fingers on the right (including the thumb)
As for those of you wondering what the hell 'Paixhan" means - well, the author meant 'Paxihans' - with an 's' at the end, and referred to the Paixhans gun, the first naval gun designed to fire explosive shells. It was developed by the French general Henri-Joseph Paixhans in 1822-1823.
Cheers
Andrew Joseph
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