The Early Diplomatic Relations Between the United States and Japan, 1853-1865 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1917. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX Choshiu Takes The Offensive The alarming news which reached Yokohama on the 11th of July was none other than that one of the great daimyos, Choshiu, the leader of the anti-foreign faction, had taken literally the Mikado's order for the expulsion of the foreigners, which set the date for June 25, and had fired on the first foreign vessel which tried to pass through the Straits of Shimonoseki.1 This vessel was the little American steamer Pembroke, which was en route from Yokohama to Shanghai, and the attack was delivered by two armed vessels at 1 a. m. on the morning of June 26, while she lay at anchor near the entrance to the straits. Happily no lives were lost and little damage was done, but the American flag had been fired upon by a foe which carried the national flag of Japan.2 Mr. Pruyn learned of this attack on the evening of the 11th, first from a governor for foreign affairs, despatched from Yedo, and a little later from a letter written by the owners at Shanghai, covering an affi 1For. Rel., 1863, II, 1129-1137. 2 One of the vessels carried the government flag, the red sun on a white field, whereas when the Medusa was attacked later the Choshiu flag of blue and white was used. davit and a request for $10,000 damages.8 Early the next day he sent for the governor and learned that the vessels belonged, not to the Shogun, but to the Lord of Choshiu, and that they carried the government flag in disobedience to orders. Mr. Pruyn pointed out the serious nature of the insult to the American flag, assured the governor that ample satisfaction would be demanded, and said that he would expect to receive some statement from the Japanese government concerning this serious offence. The governor was unwilling to approve an American punitive expedition...