When London Became An Island
Soochong, Shoguns and the Saracen’s surveys
This letter appeared on the Second Sheet of the Hereford Times of Saturday 27th October 1855. Given the time it would have taken a letter to reach England it was possible it was written whilst the Saracen was working in Hakodadi. It is not clear who wrote the letter but it gives an interesting insight into the view the officer took of contemporary Japanese and American attitudes.
Manners of the Japanese
The Japanese are quite a different race from the Chinese, and have made a considerable greater advance in civilization than the latter people. Indeed, it may be said, I think, that the Japanese are a highly civilized people. They are, it is true, unique in their customs and habits, many of which are absurd and revolting. For instance, baths are common to both sexes and all ages. I have myself visited their bathing houses and seen men, women, and children bathing together without any sense of shame. The women, in most cases, scamper off directly our officers enter; some, however, do not, but remain washing away with perfect unconcern. They are a lascivious people, and having said this, I think I have said the worst of them.
The gentlemen of Japan we have had to communicate with have invariably been most gentlemanly in their bearing; they would not disgrace the highest bred European. They scarcely speak above their breaths, and their manner is singularly graceful and unaffected. They do not exhibit any surprise, no matter how great a cause they may have for doing so, but are always calm and collected, wear a perpetual smile on their countenances, and reply to your questions and remarks with dignity and ease. Threats, which I have heard the Americans hold out to them, produce in them no apparent effect; and, no matter what their feelings may be, they remain the same calm gentlemanly men, and reply to all such offensive remarks in a manner that might be copied with advantage by us enlightened Europeans. They are social in their habits and their women enjoy an equality with their lords and masters in most cases, I believe. They visit and have tea parties, as in England, though I can’t help thinking, from what I have seen of the gentlemen of Japan, that, while their social enjoyments are equal to ours, they are conducted in a style that it would be a mercy for the guests of such entertainments in England were their hosts compelled to adhere to…
America and this country (England) are both trying very hard to open trade with Japan; the Americans have ratified a treaty, and we shall ratify one in October. The Americans have endeavoured to overreach the Japanese, but have as yet failed. The American officers appear to think it is quite certain they will go to war. A number of people from San Francisco have arrived at Hakodadi to settle and they wished to make this port a rendezvous for the whale ships from the Sea of Ockhotsk. They were induced to come by that part of the American treaty where it says, “American citizens may be permitted temporarily to reside,” and that in cases of necessity refreshments shall be supplied, and (where they have no money) goods given in exchange, to signify that persons might live as long as they pleased and open trade. The Japanese evidently intended “temporary residents” to signify a certain short time, and, as the Americans refused to acknowledge this restricted signification, and would not name any time (say a month, or two, or three, or 12 months), the Japanese refused them permission to land at all, and they have returned to America to seek redress and indemnification for loss at the hands of the United States’ Government. It is clearly a trick of Jonathan’s, and the real intention is evidently seen through by the Japanese. Our treaty is made on more advantageous terms, and they are evidently better disposed towards our countrymen. I hope no inconsiderate acts of ours may destroy this feeling.
Letter of an Officer of H.M.S. Saracen
A letter from Japan
Commanders and clippers
