Manuscripts
Kaei roku kichū nen rokugatsu mikka ikokusen tairyūchū norisuji no zu
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Manuscripts
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Manuscripts
An illustrated manuscript, in two volumes, describing Japan's encounters with Westerners, including Commodore Perry's expedition to Japan in 1853 and the Russian expedition to Japan in the same year. This manuscript was compiled in multiple copies and sent to Japanese daimyo (feudal lords) across Japan to keep them updated on the latest diplomatic situation. This confidential report was sent to and read by Manabe Akikatsu, seventh daimyo of Sabae Domain in Echizen province. The manuscript also includes interviews with Japanese shipwreck survivors, including Nakahama Manjirō, who was one of the first Japanese people to visit the United States in 1841. The first volume contains 112 pages and the second 136 pages; both volumes are filled with fine ink drawings and brush and wash illustrations. The illustrations include depictions of American musical instruments, an American diving suit, Japanese landscapes, buildings, fortifications and forces, American and Japanese representatives, including Commodore Perry.
mssHM 84047
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Manuscripts
Sketch manuscript map shows Commodore Perry's fleet entering Edo bay, probably on the 8th of March, 1854, given that seven vessels are shown. The bay is roughly outlined, showing Perry's fleet in the center, as well as the location of major landmarks including the city of Edo, the towns of Futtsu and Tateyama near to the entrance to the bay, and the three heavily fortified artificial islands which stood in the bay close to the city of Edo. Text beside the second ship indicates this is Perry's vessel, text along the shoreline tells us which clan was defending that section of coastline.
mssHM 83876
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Manuscripts
Harrison informs Clay during the War of 1812 that the available seamen at Fort Meigs will be sent to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry for his expedition to Malden.
mssHM 23027
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Manuscripts
This letter, written from Valparaiso, Chile is dated March 7, 1849. M. Brown wrote it on board the USS Independence to a former shipmate aboard the USS Ohio stationed in San Francisco Bay. In the letter, Brown discusses difficulties in Chile, life aboard Commodore Shubrick's vessel, naval politics and news from the rest of the fleet in the Pacific.
mssHM 81273
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Manuscripts
Scroll documenting Commodore Matthew C. Perry's first expedition to Japan in 1853. The scroll begins with a map showing the Pacific through Uraga Channel to Edo Bay, with the American squadron's route marked out in red. Japanese defense locations are also noted. Detailed notes on the size and types of the foreign ships are given and the number of cannon noted. Following the map are four official reports. "List of fiefdom lords' names who participated in the event of the foreign ships' arrival" is a firsthand account by Matsudaira Ecchu no kami about the first diplomatic encounters with Perry. "Advice to the local commissioners" is dated 12 June 1853 and recounts that four foreign ships were spotted from Otsu village, Miura Ward and Sagami province. The third report is dated 9 June and is written by five of the fiefdom lords reporting their meeting with the Americans. The final report, "A list of fiefdom lords' troop strength" enumerates the number of troops at the disposal of 33 lords, and their responsibilities in the event of an invasion.
mssHM 83968
Visual Materials
Kashnor notes, "This is the war plan of Commodore Saltonstall's attack on Fort Penobscott, who is shown to have retired up the river and destroyed his fleet to prevent capture." Text covers description of battle where British forces prevailed and a large rebel contingent of ships was burned to save them from falling into British hands. Place of publication conjectured. MS note: 97. Relief: hachures. Graphic Scale: Yards. Projection: Plane. Watermark: Crowned fleur-di-lis. Printing Process: Copper engraving. Verso Text: MS note: 97.
093:097 M