THE OUTLOOK FOR THE NEW YEAR
[Sidenote: 1868. Hiogo, Jan. 1.]
Commencement of another year. My flag at the fore, flying on board
_Rodney_ in Corvé Bay, near Hiogo. _Rodney_ nearly twelve months in
commission, while I have been nine within the limits of the station,
having assumed the Command-in-Chief at Singapore in March 1867.
Thanks to the speed of the _Salamis_ I have been enabled to visit all
the important points of the China and Japan part of this extensive
station, besides paying an agreeable month’s visit to Peking and its
neighbourhood. And I hope before leaving this part of the world to
have a second peep at Nankin: four and twenty years since I was there
in _Dido_. The event for which we have been preparing since my arrival
has been the opening of Osaka, Hiogo, and other ports for commercial
purposes.
The necessity or advantage of opening these ports seems doubtful,
but they were mentioned in the former treaty, and all the foreign
ministers, however they may disagree on other points, seem united
in the necessity of teaching the Japanese that treaties must be
respected, and not lightly set aside. Owing to the political state
of affairs in Japan, the weakness of the Tycoon power, and strength
of the Independent Feudal Chiefs, as well as the uncertainty of the
strength of two parties styled among themselves the “Admission” and
“Expulsion” parties, it was deemed advisable to appear before Osaka
and Hiogo with an imposing force. Our Minister, Sir Harry Parkes, had
come from Yokohama in the _Adventure_ troopship, Captain Hickley,
with a guard of fifty of the 9th Regiment, besides his twelve mounted
policemen in Lancer costume, and a large staff with the Legation of
Consuls and interpreters in addition to the Attaché. The Americans made
a good display of pennants, but France, afloat, was represented by
one man-of-war, while their Minister, M. Roches, tried to emulate our
Minister by a guard of marines at Osaka.
The Tycoon was at Miako endeavouring to carry on the government,
opposed by Prince Satsumali Li Tosa and other powerful Daimios who had
collected a sufficient number of retainers to threaten the power of the
Tycoon. What their object is has not been ascertained. Most parties
appear to agree as to the necessity of doing away with one of the two
heads. The Tycoon invites a council of Daimios and expresses himself
willing to be guided by their decision. The majority of Daimios decline
attending this council and shut themselves up in their castles. The
1st of January arrives, and the ports of Osaka and Hiogo are open to
foreign trade. Salutes are fired from the ships-of-war off both ports,
and no demonstration or disturbance takes place.
[Sidenote: Jan. 6.]
On the 6th _Basilisk_ sails with mails for Hong Kong; _Salamis_ for
Chusan, to wait me there.
[Sidenote: Jan. 7.]
On 7th I go over in _Sylvia_ to visit and consult with Minister at
Osaka. Land at foreign settlement, where we find horses to ride (4
miles) to the Legation. On coming on to the open space that surrounds
the castle, met a number of troops arriving in various and curious
costumes. These proved to be the Tycoon’s guard and retainers, he
having retreated from his castle at Miako; the subsequent explanation
of which was that Satsuma had surrounded the Mikado’s Palace with
his troops, and thereby was in possession of the Mikado’s person:
representing the seat of government. The Tycoon stated he had removed
his troops at the order of the Mikado. Mikado is a child, but Satsuma
had placed his own people as the advisers of the crown, and the Tycoon,
too patriotic to shed blood and plunge his country into civil war,
retired to his castle at Osaka.
I expect that the Tycoon is not deficient in courage; among the
Japanese I have not seen a man more princely and determined, a
good-looking man, apparently about thirty years of age. He, I think,
is aware of much discontent among Prince Satsuma’s followers; their
swaggering and overbearing manner causes them to be hated by the
inhabitants; they are some 300 miles from home, and when food gets
scarce will have to disperse. The Tycoon will “bide his time,” and
eventually be recalled when they cannot do without him. The foreign
ministers waited on the Tycoon, and received in reply an explanation
worthy of a more civilised nation!
[Sidenote: Jan. 9.]
On Thursday 9th we were to return to Hiogo by the _Sylvia_, having
had the _Rodney’s_ steam launch sent to the settlement to take us
over the bar. Owing to a continued fall of rain and difficulty in
getting coolies, it was late in the afternoon before we got away from
the Legation. We, a large party, consisting of Captains Stanhope and
Brooker, Mitford, Attaché, Captain Gibbs, Harry Stephenson, Adolphus
Crosbie, Bradshaw of 9th Regiment, my servant Fuller and others,
descended the river in native boats from a creek at the back of the
Legation.
On arriving at the settlement we found a fresh breeze from southward
and a ripple on the water, although 2 miles from the mouth, sufficient
to show that the bar would not be quite smooth. In addition to
_Rodney’s_ launch we had the steam cutter of the _Sylvia_, which we
took in tow. By the time we reached the mouth of the river it was too
dark to judge of the state of the bar, although we could plainly see
the white tops of the waves against the darkness beyond. We could also
discern the ships-of-war at anchor outside.
[Sidenote: Corvé Bay.]
Having a strong ebb tide, stronger perhaps from the late heavy rains,
we pushed on, and in a few minutes found ourselves plunging into a head
sea, the rollers breaking heavily. We saw at once that retreat was too
late, our only chance being to have steerage way enough to keep the
boat’s head to the sea, which at every plunge broke angrily into her,
threatening to extinguish the fires. Our only propelling power lay in
steam, as, with the engine in the boat, no room is left for the oars to
work, only a portion of the crew being sent on such occasions.
Besides, we all knew that in case of the boat filling, the weight of
the engine was sufficient to take her down like a stone. We were not
long in casting off the _Sylvia’s_ cutter to take care of herself.
We hoped to find less sea when once across the bar. In that we were
mistaken. In spite of pumps and baling the water was gaining on us,
and as the boat got heavier it appeared as if each plunge must be
the last. We had, too, the mortification to see that the current had
carried us past the _Sylvia_, and we dared not turn the boat’s head
in that direction without certain destruction from the seas that would
inevitably have broken over her broadside.
The next few were anxious minutes, until we came under the lee of _La
Place_, French frigate, which providentially lay just on our line
ahead. We were drenched, bitter cold, and those who were not sea-sick
very hungry. Nothing could equal the kindness and attentions of Captain
Emot and the officers of _La Place_. To get on board the frigate was
out of the question, although she rigged out her spanker-boom with a
Jacob’s ladder suspended from the end.
[Sidenote: Hiogo.]
However, by means of waterproof cases they supplied us with all we
required, even a tin of sardines, which the natives helped to get rid
of, and mulled wine. Between 10 and 11 P.M. a lull took place, and we
succeeded in getting to the _Sylvia_, and in the morning weighed for
Hiogo, having first ascertained that the cutter was safe inside the
river.
We afterwards heard that within a minute of being cast off she filled
with a second sea, but being fitted with air-tight compartments as
a life-boat, she was sufficiently buoyant to bear the weight of the
engine. By holding up the portion of an awning in the fore part of the
boat they succeeded in getting her head round, and drifted in again
before the wind.
The following morning Admiral Bell, the American Commander-in-Chief,
attempted to cross the bar in his twelve-oared barge, which capsized,
when himself, Flag-Lieutenant Read, and ten seamen were drowned. We
sailed in _Rodney_ on the 11th; arrived at Yokohama on 13th.
[Sidenote: Yokohama, Jan. 19.]
On 19th went in _Firm_ to visit the Naval Yard establishment for
instruction of Japanese under the able management of Commander Tracey,
assisted by Lieutenant A. K. Wilson and a competent staff, of an
engineer, warrant-officer, and seamen gunners. The pupils consisted
of between seventy and eighty Japanese lads, all the sons of officers
and respectable people, each lad wearing that distinguishing mark of
rank, two swords. The College was a long, well-arranged building,
with cabin, and bunks like those on board passenger ships: each
cabin containing two students. Baths, cook-houses, etc., arranged
after their own fashion, but the indoor instruction was carried on
at tables with seats. They had their rigging and engineer lofts, a
section of a frigate’s maindeck with portholes and guns. This was
rendered necessary, as, although the establishment bordered on the sea,
the water was too shoal to admit of any man-of-war approaching near
enough to be available for such purposes. They had, however, a small
brigantine moored close by, and boats to teach them the practical part
of a seaman’s work.
No nation ever went through such changes, and so great a revolution,
although still incomplete, in so short a time and with so little
bloodshed. But internal dissensions must ensue, and the Saturday
night of our arrival and the greater part of Sunday fires were
blazing in five or six different parts of the city. This proved to
be all property belonging to Prince Satsuma, who was domineering it
with so high a hand over the Tycoon at Miako. A steamer of his that
attempted to go to sea was chased and attacked by three of the Tycoon’s
vessels-of-war. Although there did not appear to be much damage done,
it is the beginning of a Civil War which must decide which is to be the
strongest and ruling power. Much has to be done, and that strongest of
all earthly powers, the majority of the people, has not as yet been
thought of as having anything to do with their differences. It will be
curious to watch the progress of events.
The most influential and dangerous party now are the ignorant, idle,
lazy, two-sworded followers and retainers of the Daimios and Feudal
chiefs--scoundrels who are alike a curse to their masters as well
as the people. The fires at Yedo were extensive, and so near to the
British Legation that two young students, a Mr. Easlim, and their
guests, two American gentlemen by name of Hunt, thought it advisable to
clear out. Having deposited their goods on board the _Firm_, they came
to the Naval Yard establishment for board and lodging.
We were disturbed just as we were preparing for dinner by the body of
one of the American gentlemen being borne in on the shoulders of five
men, and badly wounded. He was laid on the floor and search made, but
no wound being discovered, he was given some hot brandy and water, when
it transpired that his revolver had accidentally gone off in the pocket
of his _pants_. He sat up and ate a very good dinner, but blood having
been discovered under his chair, it was thought advisable to make a
further examination on our arrival next day in the _Firm_ at Yokohama.
[Sidenote: Jan. 21.]
[Sidenote: Jan. 24.]
The English mail having arrived at Yokohama on 20th, we sailed the
following day, and arrived off Osaka on the 24th, in time to cross the
bar before dusk, when I proceeded to the Legation, _Rodney_ going on to
Corvé Bay. News had already reached Osaka of the burnings and doings at
Yedo.
[Sidenote: Jan. 26.]
On 26th took leave of Sir Harry Parkes for a while; my intention to
leave Captain Stanhope of _Ocean_ in charge. The Tycoon’s troops, some
2000 strong, marched this morning for Miako. Reports of disaffection
on part of Satsuma’s followers; most likely provisions failing.
[Sidenote: Jan. 27.]
Shifted flag to _Adventure_, and took leave of Japan for a while.
_Rodney_ to follow.
[Sidenote: Feb. 1.]
Arrived at Shanghai. Made arrangements with regard to the new Naval
Yard to be established on the right bank of Woosung River.
[Sidenote: Feb. 6.]
Shifted flag to _Salamis_.
[Sidenote: Hong Kong, Feb. 10.]
Arrived at Hong Kong, 10.40 A.M. _Rodney_ arrived 2.30 P.M. Shifted
flag to her. Each successive mail from northward brought accounts of
the movements of the Civil War. The troops whom the Tycoon had sent
against the disaffected princes had been met by Satsuma’s followers and
dispersed. The Tycoon, taking fright, had departed for city of Yedo,
leaving his magnificent castle to be burnt. The Foreign Legations had
quitted Osaka the best way they could, and retired upon Hiogo under
the protection of the ships-of-war. The Tycoon’s want of courage and
retreat greatly disgusted Monsieur Roches, the French Minister. The
French having embarked large sums in the construction of docks and
other works, were pecuniarily interested in the stability of the
Tycoon’s Government. M. Roches retired to Yokohama, and would likely
have continued his retreat to Paris, had he not been stopped by the
newly-arrived French Admiral, Monsieur Ohier.
[Sidenote: Japan. Flag in _Rodney_.]
Other wavering Princes declared for the Mikado, in whose name Satsuma,
Tosa, Chion, and other Daimios carried on the war against the Tycoon.
Among them the Prince of Bozin came up from the westward; his line
of march lay through Hiogo, and skirted the territory which had been
allotted and already taken possession of by the foreigners. Prince
Bozin’s advanced guard had gone on, and when his main body came up and
were abreast of the Foreign Settlement, the not uncommon order for
all to prostrate themselves was given. Two French seamen who were on
the road attempted to cross the line of troops and were charged with
spears. In the confusion the officer in command of Bozin’s troops
gave the order to fire, an order which was immediately obeyed; but,
as in all probability it was the first time the Japs had ever to fire
in earnest, no great damage was done, but the alarm was sounded: the
Minister’s guard of fifty men belonging to the 9th Regiment turned out,
marines and seamen from our man-of-war (_Ocean_) hurried on shore.
Just as the disturbance commenced, Sir Harry Parkes, with Captain
Stanhope, was returning from a walk, attended by two dismounted men
of the Body Guard. They made for the Consulate across the open space
which had been cleared for the Foreign Settlement, and afforded capital
pot-shots for the excited Japs, who for a few minutes had it all their
own way; but by the end of that time the 9th were advancing, and in a
few minutes afterwards Parkes was out at the head of his troopers, and
the Japs, in full retreat, throwing away all extra weight, dispersed
towards the hills with the agility of monkeys. Parkes came up with,
and captured, three brass guns. Two French and one American had been
wounded.
Nothing could have happened worse or more inopportunely for the
disaffected chiefs, whose last wish it was to offend the foreigners,
while we (the foreigners) made a very grave affair of the whole
business, demanding ample apologies from the Mikado himself, and
nothing short of the execution of the officer who had given the order.
All this was conceded, and eventually carried out.
* * * * *
Mr. Mitford of the Legation, whose duty it was to attend the ceremony
of Hara-Kari, sent me a description of it, which is inserted later.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: Feb. 22.]
Complimented Americans by firing Royal Salute, anniversary of General
Washington’s birth. Flag in _Rodney_.
[Sidenote: Mar. 12.]
_Tamar_ arrived with 10th Regiment for Yokohama.
[Sidenote: Mar. 18.]
French frigate _La Place_ arrived with Admiral Ohier.
[Sidenote: Mar. 21.]
United States S.S. _Hartford_, Commodore Gouldisborough, sailed;
cheered him on quitting the station.
[Sidenote: Mar. 25.]
Weighed under plain sail and ran through the Lyemoon Pass.