With Togo; The Story of Seven Months' Active Service Under His Command (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905. Excerpt: ... 11 CHAPTER II. Invited to join the Manchu She sails from Yokosuka--The Etajima Naval College--Ju-ju-si--Sasebo--Admiral Samijima--Arrival at Chemulpo--A visit to Seoul--Received in 'audience by the Emperor--At sea again--A night alarm--The naval engagement--The story of the Emperor's favourite. My invitation to join the Manchu Maru duly arrived, and on June 12th I entered the Shinbashi (Tokyo railway station), where a special train was waiting to convey the party to Yokosuka, where the Manchu Maru was lying. Amidst the confusion and crowd (for we had a great "send-off") I soon picked out the foreign contingent, some of whom were showing the most desperate anxiety about their baggage. There is not much need for this in Japan, for if you leave things alone your Jappy henchman will bring you, and all your belongings, to your appointed seat in the train. At last we all got settled, and with a tremendous "Banzai" from crowds of well-wishers, we steamed slowly out of the station. At Shinegawa, the first stop, we met more enthusiastic friends, and the train made a long wait to permit our making our final adieux. Jocular sallies as to the possibility of our being captured by the Russians caused shouts of laughter. Our merry detainers released us at last, and at Yokohama we picked up some more guests, who were heartily greeted by their Japanese hosts. At 1 p.m. we drew up at a siding at Yokosuka, where the Japanese officers and bluejackets took charge of us and our baggage. Steam launches conveyed us to the Manchu Maru, which looked like a steam yacht as she lay at anchor a short distance from the dockyard. We were received on board by Captain Yamaguchi, the Commander, Captain Takarabe, who had accompanied us, having charge of our party. We soon settled down on bo...