So, after successfully delivery a letter from then U.S. President Fillmore to the Emperor of Japan (we hope), Commodore Perry and his black ships sailed away from Japan, with some of the armada sailing towards China, and others sailing back to the U.S. to deliver news of the advent.
Thanks again to Vinny for suggesting I find ample materials from the Early American Newspapers via www.readex.com.
Now, you don't have to read them all to know what's going on, but here's a list of the previous related articles:
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
Part 15 - Richmond Whig, November 8, 1853
Part 16 - Richmond Whig, November 8, 1853
Now, following a newspaper report in the Boston Recorder dated June 22, 1854 from out of Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., lets take a look at what happens next:
COMMODORE PERRY'S SECOND VISIT TO JAPAN
The United States steamer Susquehannah which arrived at Hong Kong, April 2d, in eight days from the Bay of Jeddo, brought the first intelligence of the second reception of Commodore Perry in Japan. The Friend of China, published at Hong Kong, gives a narrative of the squadron, from the date of their arrival in the bay on the 13th of February, to the sailing of the Susquehannah on the 25th of March. From this narrative, we extract the most important passages of interest:—
On the 13th February, the steam frigates Susquehanna, Mississippi and Powhattan, with the Macedonian, Vandalia and Lexington in tow, steamed up to within twenty miles of Yeddo, bringing up in a place which, on the previous visit, was designated the "American Anchorage."
The whole surrounding country, including a high volcanic peak called Fudsi Jamma, was found covered with snow, the thermometer was down to 30(ADD degree SYMBOL), and water froze on the decks.
On the 18th February, Commodore Perry shifted his flag to the Powhattan, on board of which vessel negotiations commenced;—the Vandalia proceeding to Uraga, where it was intended, by the Japanese, an interview between the respective Commissioners should take place.
A succession of gales prevented the vessels from proceeding further up the bay until the 24th, on which day the squadron got under weigh and ran up off a large town called Kanagawa, from twelve to fifteen miles from Yeddo by water,— nine only by land.
The houses of Yeddo were plainly enough visible from the mast heads, and boats from the squadron sounded up to within three miles of the wharves.
The Vandalia's visit to Uraga was rendered unnecessary; it being determined, in her absence, to have a council house erected at a small fishing village called Yo-ko-ha-ma, not far from the town off which the squadron had anchored.
On the 1st of March, His Excellency, Yeizaimou, Deputy Governor of Uraga, and some other high officers, were entertained on board the Susquehanna. The bearing of these officials is said to have been frank and friendly in the extreme.
Toasts were drank and speeches made, interpretation being rendered by means of intermediate Dutch; and by all that could be ascertained from the temper of the guests, there was every reason to believe that the reply of the Emperor of Japan to the letter from the President of the United States, would be as favorable as might be reasonably be expected.
At first, it was understood that the report circulated by the Russians of the death of the Emperor was altogether without foundation.
From subsequent inquiry, however, the report was found to be true; though no attempt was made to postpone negotiations on mortuary account, as the Russians asserted would be the case,—an excuse, there is some reason to believe, that had effect so far as they (the Russians) were concerned, the Japanese denying most positively that any treaty had been made with them.
The Emperor of Japan was 83 years of age when he died.
His Majesty's son has been proclaimed successor, though he is not yet crowned.
On the 8th of March, at noon, under and Ambassador's salute from one of the ships, Commodore Perry landed for his promised interview with the Imperial Japanese Commissioners.
His Excellency's barge was accompanied by boats from the barrios vessels of the squadron, to the number of 28; and besides the boat's crews, 400 seamen and marines were conveyed to the shore to form His Excellency's escort.
The weather was magnificent, and the landing was affected most successfully.
Two other salutes,—one for the Emperor and another for the Commissioners,—were fired by the boat squadron, after His Excellency was on shore.
The result of the interview can only be generalized into the report that the disposition evinced was most favorable to American wishes. Other meetings were determined on, and a warehouse was erected for the special reception of presents for the Emperor, Empress, and Court, which were landed on the morning of the 13th.
From the size of the building prepared to receive these presents, the Japanese appeared to have expected a bulkier, if not a more valuable assortment.
A plot of ground was cleared, too, for laying down the miniature railroad, and a line was arranged for working the electric telegraph; of both of which, as forming part of the intended presents to the Japanese Court, our readers will no doubt already have heard.
On the morning of the 24th of March, Commodore Perry had his third interview with the Japanese Commissioners, a few days before having despatched the Vandalia and Southampton to examine the harbor of Sho-di-ma, about 70 miles south of Yeddo, one of the places indicated by the Japanese as fitting for a factory.
Two ports are given to trade—Matsuman, in Yeso, and Sho-di-ma before mentioned, and in addition to these places with trading residents, another location is promised contiguous to the coal country.
At first the Japanese Commissioners spoke of one year for the coal station, and five for the trading places, as periods within which they promised the warm endeavor of their Government to prepare the people for the new regulations.
The laws of the Empire, they said were very strict against trading of any kind, excepting at Nangasaqui, with the Dutch.
To these lengthy periods, however, His Excellency, Commodore Perry, temperately, though firmly, objected, insisting on the coal depot at once, and trading ports within a ear.
as regards the terms of the treaty, the basis of that with China is said to form the leading feature.
This, we think, is to be regretted.
Ports in Japan, as well as in China, should be as free as the harbor of Hong Kong, where duty on our Island's sole production—Granite, is collected by the Government from the stone quarry farmer.
Commodore Perry, it is said, offered to embody a clause in the treaty for participation by all in the world in the advantages he desired; but to this proposition, the Japanese Commissioners demurred; expressing, however, a willingness to make separate treaties on similar terms with any other nations who might seek them in a peaceful manner.
The miniature railway, and five miles of magnetic telegraph, created great astonishment.
Arranged with Japanese characters, there was much amusement among the natives, at the extremes of the line, at the rapidity and ease with which a conversation could be carried on, additional wires being ordered to be prepared immediately, so that they might carry the communication right up to the capital.
The railway was taken round a circus of some fifty yards in diameter, or nearly a tenth of a mile in length.
The locomotive, with its tender and car, was made to travel at the rate of forty miles an hour.
Of course, the action of these machines was only intended as a small exhibition of Western science.
The curiosity of the Japanese appears to have been highly excited by the beautiful symmetry of the Macedonian, and artisans were engaged in measuring her, as they said, for the purpose of building her counterpart,
One of the marines of the Mississippi, dying while the squadron was lying in the Bay of Yeddo, an occasion was given to apply for ground of a cemetery. Sufficient space for 10 internments being allotted, the marine was buried with all the honors of war.
Well… that was a pretty interesting read. I really like the phonetic spellings of the Japanese places. Yeddo = Edo (now known as Tokyo);Nangasaqui = Nagasaki; small fishing village called Yo-ko-ha-ma = the large 2013 city of Yokohama; Yeizaimou, Deputy Governor of Uraga = Yezaimon; Sho-di-ma = Shimoda; and Matsuman, in Yeso = I have no freaking idea what or where this might be. Help?
I am guessing that Sho-di-ma is actually supposed to be Shimoda, a port and city about 60 miles (~100 kilometers) southwest of Tokyo on the souther tip of the Izu peninsula.
Oh yeah, the name of the ship Susquehanna is also spelled twice with an 'h' at the end, but not the third time it appears. The correct spelling is without the 'h'. And - dispatched is once spelled 'despatched'. My typing sucks, but I didn't create the spelling mistake in this faithfully recreated article.
Still, my favorite 'translation' is Fudsi Jamma, which My friend Matthew spent most of the day on Thursday - along with @Muzachan - trying to get me to believe that Mount Fuji - Fuji Yama - exists.
Anyhow - hope we learned something!
Cheers
Andrew Joseph
Thanks again to Vinny for suggesting I find ample materials from the Early American Newspapers via www.readex.com.
Now, you don't have to read them all to know what's going on, but here's a list of the previous related articles:
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
Part 15 - Richmond Whig, November 8, 1853
Part 16 - Richmond Whig, November 8, 1853
Now, following a newspaper report in the Boston Recorder dated June 22, 1854 from out of Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., lets take a look at what happens next:
COMMODORE PERRY'S SECOND VISIT TO JAPAN
The United States steamer Susquehannah which arrived at Hong Kong, April 2d, in eight days from the Bay of Jeddo, brought the first intelligence of the second reception of Commodore Perry in Japan. The Friend of China, published at Hong Kong, gives a narrative of the squadron, from the date of their arrival in the bay on the 13th of February, to the sailing of the Susquehannah on the 25th of March. From this narrative, we extract the most important passages of interest:—
On the 13th February, the steam frigates Susquehanna, Mississippi and Powhattan, with the Macedonian, Vandalia and Lexington in tow, steamed up to within twenty miles of Yeddo, bringing up in a place which, on the previous visit, was designated the "American Anchorage."
The whole surrounding country, including a high volcanic peak called Fudsi Jamma, was found covered with snow, the thermometer was down to 30(ADD degree SYMBOL), and water froze on the decks.
On the 18th February, Commodore Perry shifted his flag to the Powhattan, on board of which vessel negotiations commenced;—the Vandalia proceeding to Uraga, where it was intended, by the Japanese, an interview between the respective Commissioners should take place.
A succession of gales prevented the vessels from proceeding further up the bay until the 24th, on which day the squadron got under weigh and ran up off a large town called Kanagawa, from twelve to fifteen miles from Yeddo by water,— nine only by land.
The houses of Yeddo were plainly enough visible from the mast heads, and boats from the squadron sounded up to within three miles of the wharves.
The Vandalia's visit to Uraga was rendered unnecessary; it being determined, in her absence, to have a council house erected at a small fishing village called Yo-ko-ha-ma, not far from the town off which the squadron had anchored.
On the 1st of March, His Excellency, Yeizaimou, Deputy Governor of Uraga, and some other high officers, were entertained on board the Susquehanna. The bearing of these officials is said to have been frank and friendly in the extreme.
Toasts were drank and speeches made, interpretation being rendered by means of intermediate Dutch; and by all that could be ascertained from the temper of the guests, there was every reason to believe that the reply of the Emperor of Japan to the letter from the President of the United States, would be as favorable as might be reasonably be expected.
At first, it was understood that the report circulated by the Russians of the death of the Emperor was altogether without foundation.
From subsequent inquiry, however, the report was found to be true; though no attempt was made to postpone negotiations on mortuary account, as the Russians asserted would be the case,—an excuse, there is some reason to believe, that had effect so far as they (the Russians) were concerned, the Japanese denying most positively that any treaty had been made with them.
The Emperor of Japan was 83 years of age when he died.
His Majesty's son has been proclaimed successor, though he is not yet crowned.
On the 8th of March, at noon, under and Ambassador's salute from one of the ships, Commodore Perry landed for his promised interview with the Imperial Japanese Commissioners.
His Excellency's barge was accompanied by boats from the barrios vessels of the squadron, to the number of 28; and besides the boat's crews, 400 seamen and marines were conveyed to the shore to form His Excellency's escort.
The weather was magnificent, and the landing was affected most successfully.
Two other salutes,—one for the Emperor and another for the Commissioners,—were fired by the boat squadron, after His Excellency was on shore.
The result of the interview can only be generalized into the report that the disposition evinced was most favorable to American wishes. Other meetings were determined on, and a warehouse was erected for the special reception of presents for the Emperor, Empress, and Court, which were landed on the morning of the 13th.
From the size of the building prepared to receive these presents, the Japanese appeared to have expected a bulkier, if not a more valuable assortment.
A plot of ground was cleared, too, for laying down the miniature railroad, and a line was arranged for working the electric telegraph; of both of which, as forming part of the intended presents to the Japanese Court, our readers will no doubt already have heard.
On the morning of the 24th of March, Commodore Perry had his third interview with the Japanese Commissioners, a few days before having despatched the Vandalia and Southampton to examine the harbor of Sho-di-ma, about 70 miles south of Yeddo, one of the places indicated by the Japanese as fitting for a factory.
Two ports are given to trade—Matsuman, in Yeso, and Sho-di-ma before mentioned, and in addition to these places with trading residents, another location is promised contiguous to the coal country.
At first the Japanese Commissioners spoke of one year for the coal station, and five for the trading places, as periods within which they promised the warm endeavor of their Government to prepare the people for the new regulations.
The laws of the Empire, they said were very strict against trading of any kind, excepting at Nangasaqui, with the Dutch.
To these lengthy periods, however, His Excellency, Commodore Perry, temperately, though firmly, objected, insisting on the coal depot at once, and trading ports within a ear.
as regards the terms of the treaty, the basis of that with China is said to form the leading feature.
This, we think, is to be regretted.
Ports in Japan, as well as in China, should be as free as the harbor of Hong Kong, where duty on our Island's sole production—Granite, is collected by the Government from the stone quarry farmer.
Commodore Perry, it is said, offered to embody a clause in the treaty for participation by all in the world in the advantages he desired; but to this proposition, the Japanese Commissioners demurred; expressing, however, a willingness to make separate treaties on similar terms with any other nations who might seek them in a peaceful manner.
The miniature railway, and five miles of magnetic telegraph, created great astonishment.
Arranged with Japanese characters, there was much amusement among the natives, at the extremes of the line, at the rapidity and ease with which a conversation could be carried on, additional wires being ordered to be prepared immediately, so that they might carry the communication right up to the capital.
The railway was taken round a circus of some fifty yards in diameter, or nearly a tenth of a mile in length.
The locomotive, with its tender and car, was made to travel at the rate of forty miles an hour.
Of course, the action of these machines was only intended as a small exhibition of Western science.
The curiosity of the Japanese appears to have been highly excited by the beautiful symmetry of the Macedonian, and artisans were engaged in measuring her, as they said, for the purpose of building her counterpart,
One of the marines of the Mississippi, dying while the squadron was lying in the Bay of Yeddo, an occasion was given to apply for ground of a cemetery. Sufficient space for 10 internments being allotted, the marine was buried with all the honors of war.
Well… that was a pretty interesting read. I really like the phonetic spellings of the Japanese places. Yeddo = Edo (now known as Tokyo);Nangasaqui = Nagasaki; small fishing village called Yo-ko-ha-ma = the large 2013 city of Yokohama; Yeizaimou, Deputy Governor of Uraga = Yezaimon; Sho-di-ma = Shimoda; and Matsuman, in Yeso = I have no freaking idea what or where this might be. Help?
I am guessing that Sho-di-ma is actually supposed to be Shimoda, a port and city about 60 miles (~100 kilometers) southwest of Tokyo on the souther tip of the Izu peninsula.
Oh yeah, the name of the ship Susquehanna is also spelled twice with an 'h' at the end, but not the third time it appears. The correct spelling is without the 'h'. And - dispatched is once spelled 'despatched'. My typing sucks, but I didn't create the spelling mistake in this faithfully recreated article.
Still, my favorite 'translation' is Fudsi Jamma, which My friend Matthew spent most of the day on Thursday - along with @Muzachan - trying to get me to believe that Mount Fuji - Fuji Yama - exists.
Anyhow - hope we learned something!
Cheers
Andrew Joseph
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