The Polynesian Reports: Japanese Embassy and Currency Exchanges

Japanese Embassy and Currency Exchanges

The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, March 10, 1860, Page 3.

The arrival of the U.S. steamer Powhatan with this Embassy, which is destined to produce such an important effect upon the trade of the world with this powerful, industrious and hitherto comparatively unknown nation, has been a topic of conversation in business circles.

The question of currency still continues a vexed one, and more difficult to settle than the five-franc and American half dollar on here. The relation of gold to silver, which existed at first upon the opening of trade, being so much less than that of the European standard, was eagerly seized upon by foreign traders, and large amounts of money were made on the interchange of treasure; but the Japanese have now raised their standard more in unison with that of the Outsiders, and put a stop to the efflux of this precious metal.

We learn that Mexican dollars have been adopted as a medium of currency, and with the aid of a Japanese government “chop” stamped on them, after the fashion of Spanish authorities in Manila pass in trade. On the return of the Embassy we have no doubt but the same preference will be shown to the American dollar.

The Polynesian Reports: The Ball at Dr. Guillou’s

The Polynesian. Honolulu: Saturday, March 10, 1860, Page 2.

Last evening Dr. Guillou gave a ball at his residence in Hotel Street, in honor of Admiral Tattnall and the Officers of the U.S. Steamer Powhatan, now in port. It was a gay and brilliant affair, and will long be remembered.

The decorations of the rooms were exceedingly tasteful and chaste, being festoons of the national American colors studded with silver starts throughout. Three complimentary portraits adorned the principal room; George Washington, within the folds of his country’s flag, His Majesty the King, within the Hawaiian flag, and Her Majesty Queen Emma, within a shield of evergreens and roses. The refreshments were ample, sumptuous and recherches. And there was nothing wanting that the experience, taste and attention of the host and his lady could provide for the enjoyment of their guests.

Their Majesties the King and Queen and H.R.H. Prince Kamehameha honored the ball with their presence. Some of the Japanese dignitaries were also present and appeared to enjoy the gay and novel scene before them with great pleasure.

To judge by the great number who did themselves the honor of attending the ball, Dr. Guillou is the most popular man in town; to judge by the result, it was a great success. Besides the great personages already mentioned, and Admiral Tattnall and the officer of the Powhatan, to whose honor the ball was specially given, it would be easier for us to enumerate those of good society who were absent, than to attempt the faintest outline of those who were present.

The Polynesian Reports: Arrival of the Powhatan

(Picture credit: Asian Art Museum)

The U.S. Steam Frigate Powhatan
The Polynesian: Saturday, March 10, 1860, Page 2.

The above steam frigate, bearing the broad pennant of Flag Officer Josiah Tatnall, arrived here on Monday last from Kanagawa, Japan, having on board the Japanese Embassy to the United States. The Powhatan, we understand, is bound to San Francisco, where she will undergo some repairs at Mare Island, rendered necessary by hard service and bad weather encountered during her cruises in the Chinese and Japanese waters. From San Francisco she will proceed to Panama with the Embassy, which will thence be transferred to Aspinwall and embarked on board of the U.S. Roanoke for some port in the U.S.

On Tuesday salutes were exchanged with the Battery on Punchbowl Hill.

The Powhatan left Japan on the 13^th of February last, and has had much stormy and bad weather on the passage. When north of these islands, she changed her course and run down here, to take in additional supplies of coal, water, etc., to last her to San Francisco. It is thought that she will remain here another week.

We acknowledge the following list of officers on board, kindly furnished us by Mr. B.F. Gallaher, the Purser:

Flag Officer: Josiah Tatnall.

Captain: George F. Pearson.

Lieutenants: James D. Johnston, Stephen D. Trenchard, Wm. W. Roberts, Alexander A. Semmes, Charles E. Thorburn, Robert Boyd, Jr.

Fleet Surgeon: W. A. W. Spotswood.

Passed Asst. Surgeon: Chas. H. Williamson.

Assistant Surgeon: John W. Sanford, Jr.

Purser: B. F. Gallaher.

Chaplain: Henry Wood.

Marine Officer: Captain A.S. Taylor.

Chief Engineer: William H. Shock.

First Asst. Engineers: Wm. W. Rutherford, Richard C. Potts.

Second Asst. Engineer: George W. City.

Third Asst. Engineers: Wm. H. King, E.R. Archer, Wm. W. Dungan, George S. Bright.

Boatswain: Edward Kenney.

Acting Gunner: Henry Fitzosbourne.

Carpenter: Joseph G. Thomas.

Sailmaker: Augustus A. Warren

Commodore’s Secretary: T. A. Nicholson.

Captain’s Clerk: Leonard W. Riley.

Purser’s Clerk: Chas. P. Thompson.

Master’s Mates: Chas. R. Betts, Augustus Stebbins, Gilbert M. L. Cook.

Update: Japanese Suit of Armor and Josiah Tatnall... in Georgia?

After I posted my blog post yesterday about the Japanese suit of armor Commodore Josiah Tatnall brought with him on the U.S. Steamer Powhatan I decided to contact the Georgia Historical Society.

Nora Lewis, director of Library and Archives of the Georgia Historical Society, responded with the following:

Dear Mr. Mead:

Thank you for your interest in the collections of the Georgia Historical Society. Unfortunately, the Japanese suit of armor was lent, in the 1960s, to a museum that ultimately went out of business and it was never returned to the Georgia Historical Society. As far as I know, no one has ever been able to track it down and it is considered lost from our collection.

I'm sorry I don't have better news. If you ever hear anything about it's current location, please pass that information on to us.

Best,
Nora Lewis

I sincerely appreciate the prompt attention Ms. Lewis provided. Though locating this historical artifact will be difficult at best I hope to find it.

I also found this direct reference to the armor suit and its donation to the Georgia Historical Society at this link. The date of the report is February, 1861.

The Polynesian Reports: Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma Hold Court

Past Week: The Court

The Polynesian (Honolulu): Saturday, March 10, 1860, Page 2.

On Friday last, the 9^th inst., it pleased His Majesty the King to hold a Court at the Palace for the reception of the distinguished visitors lately arrived from Japan, on board the U.S. steamer Powhatan.

At 1 ½ P.M., His Majesty’s carriages having been places at their disposal, Flag Officer Josiah Tatnall, commanding the United States East India Squadron, accompanied by the Commissioner of the United States near this Court, Hon. J.W. Borden, and Captain Pierson and Officers of the steam frigate Powhatan, arrived at the Palace grounds, and were received at the lower gate by the Companies of His Majesty’s Household Troops on duty, and at the stairs of the palace by the Honolulu Rifles, under command of Capt. J.H. Brown. The Admiral and suite were then introduced by Mr. Wyllie, the Minister of Foreign Relations, and presented by Mr. Borden to His Majesty, who was pleased to offer them a welcome and express his gratification at meeting with the gallant Admiral.

As soon as the reception of the Admiral and the officers of the Powhatan was ended, His Majesty’s carriages and the Guard of Honor were sent to the Japanese Ambassadors, who arrived at the Palace with their suite a little under 2 P.M., and were received with the same military honors as the Admiral; and the four principal gentlemen of the embassy, occupying distinguished ranks in the Japanese Empire, were presented by Admiral Tatnall and Mr. Borden to His Majesty, who welcomed them to his Court, and expressed his desire to make their stay in this place agreeable. In reply, the Ambassadors expressed their acknowledgments for the courteous attentions paid them by His Majesty. The conversation being held in Dutch, Mr. Banning, of this town, acted as interpreter of His Majesty, who spoke in English.

His Majesty was attended by all the high dignitaries and Chiefs of the Kingdom, and by all prominent officers under the Government present in Honolulu, as well as by many private gentlemen who had been permitted to witness the presentation.

The King having retired, Her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by her ladies, entered the throne room and was pleased to receive Admiral Tatnall, Captain Pierson and officers, the Japanese Ambassadors, who were presented in the same order and formality as before.

Her Majesty having enquired how the Ambassadors liked the country, they expressed their perfect satisfaction with whatever they had seen, and their gratitude to both the King and Queen for their kind attentions to their wants and also for the honor of this audience.

The reception over, the Ambassadors were conveyed back to their residence with the same honor as when they arrived, as were also the Admiral and his suite.

To-day, at noon, His Majesty’s Minister of Foreign Relations, R.C. Wyllie, Esq., will return the visit of the Ambassadors, on behalf of His Majesty, at their residence.

Japanese Suit of Armor and Josiah Tatnall... in Georgia?

This morning I was at the Hawaii State Library reading through the March 1860 editions of The Polynesian, a Honolulu-based business oriented newspaper. As was the case with other news sources of the time, The Polynesian featured news of the arrival of the Powhatan with Josiah Tatnall, his crew and the Japanese ambassadorial delegation.

A transcript of an article I found caught my eye. It references an article quoted from the North China Herald about a Japanese suit of armor. The Polynesian reported that the suit described here was in the possession of Commodore Tatnall of the Powhatan, and it was his intention to donate it to the "Historical Society of Georgia." The commodore was a native Georgian.

I've contacted the Georgia Historical Society in the hopes that it may have this suit among it's collections:

Japan Armor. The Polynesian: Honolulu. Saturday, March 10, 1860, Page 2.

Of the many beautiful productions of art in which Japan abounds, none has excited greater or more deserved admiration than a complete suit of armor purchased upon his late visit to that country by His Excellency Mr. Ward, U.S. Minister to China. This curious and magnificent suit is of mixed chain and lacquered copper plate, and although evidently of great antiquity is yet in a complete state of preservation. The helmet is of polished steel, engraved and richly inlaid with gold. Upon the summit is an aperture for the insertion of a small staff with a Japanese flag. The mask and gorget are of fine elastic plates of steel. The armlets, anklets and gauntlets are likewise of steel with concentric hoops in front for the purpose of entangling and breaking a sword or lance. The cuirass (or body armor) is of copper, covered and ornamented beautifully with silk. The designs and chasings are of the most exquisite workmanship, and the entire panoply has been pronounced by those familiar with the armories of Malta and the Tower of London, the most perfect and unique specimen extant. It is said to have belonged to the grandfather of the present Emperor of Japan, and is therefore invested with an historical as well as artistic interest. Accompanying the armor are two handsome Japanese swords, and a pair of heavy silver stirrups inlaid with gold. We learn that is it the intention of His Excellency to present it entire to the Historical Society of Georgia, his native State. It is the only suit of armor ever obtained from Japan. –North China Herald.

We are informed by a person who has seen it, and is most eulogistic in his praises of its beauties and merits as a chef d’oeuvre, that the armor above described was presented by His Excellency Mr. Ward to Admiral Tattnall and is now on board the Powhatan, where the Admiral showed it to our informant. So fine a specimen of Japanese skill could fall into no better hands than the gallant Admiral’s, who has endeared himself to men of every nation by the kindness of the heart conjoined with true bravery exhibited by him towards the unfortunate Englishmen who were exposed to such ruthless slaughter at the Peiho forts.

The Polynesian Reports: Arrival of the Japanese Embassy to Honolulu

The Polynesian: Saturday, March 10, 1860, Page 2.

The arrival of the Japanese Embassy to the President of the United States, on board of the American steam frigate Powhatan, on Monday last, has imparted animation and topics of talk to the social circles of Honolulu. The Embassy, in conformity with the principle of political organization of that country, consists of two principal Ambassadors, Princes of the highest rank among the nobility of the Empire, and their Associates, nobles of nearly equal rank with themselves; these four, accompanied by a suite of sixteen officers and fifty-two of lower grade, landed on Monday and proceeded to the French Hotel, where they spent their first night in a foreign land. The following morning the Embassy removed its quarters to the Dudoit House, which had been engaged and refurbished by his Majesty, and his carriages placed at their disposal, an act of courtesy as well to the Sovereign from whom the Ambassadors are coming, as to the President to whom they are going.

Quick, intelligent and inquisitive, the curiosity of these visitors is constant and vivacious. Every object that is new to them is inspected, inquired into, described and sketched –for a draughtsman of very superior ability accompanies the Embassy for the purpose of furnishing the Official Report with the necessary illustrations; a curious counterpart, no doubt, if ever made public, to the splendid official edition of Commodore Perry’s expedition to Japan. Polite, affable and patient with the curiosity of our people in their regard, they draw freely on the same good qualities in others.

That the Japanese Empire has rescinded its policy of seclusion and entered once more into the family of nations, is one of those peaceful achievements that will redound more lasting glory, more solid profit to the United States, more wide-spread benefits to the world in general, than any other public acts beyond the borders of the Union, since the Declaration of Independence. And the confidence as well as the preference shown by the Emperor of Japan, in selecting the United States as the first country with which, and through which, to introduce his Ambassadors to that unknown world which clamored for his acquaintance, will not be lost upon a people so sensible to their own interests, so sensitive to the point of honor as the Americans.

The following is the list of the personnel of the Japanese Embassy:

Simme-bujen-no-kami, First Ambassador

Muragake-Awage-no-kami, Second Ambassador

Ogure-Bungo-no-kami, 1^st Associate and Remembrancer

Morita Okataro, Vice-Governor of Yeddo, 2^nd Associate and Treasurer

Naruse Gensiro, Skahara Jhugoro, Officers of the 1^st rank belonging to the Ambassadors

Hetaka Keisaburo, Osakabe Tetstaro, Officers of the 1^st rank belonging to the 1^st Associate and Remembrancer

Matsmoto Sannojiro, Yosida Sagosaimou, Under Officers belonging to the Ambassadors

Masuda Sunjuro, Tuge Hosingoro, Under Officers of the Vice-Governor

Kuri-sima-hico-hatsiro, Sewosawa-Scogero, Under officers of the 1^st Associate, etc.

Namura Gohatsiro, Tateish Tokujiro, Tateish Onagero, Interpreters

Meodake, Morayama, Cowasaki, Doctors

On Thursday last Admiral Tatnall and suite, and the Japanese Ambassadors and their suite, accompanied by the U.S. Commissioner Hon. J.W. Borden, made a call if etiquette on His Majesty’s residence of H.R.H. Prince Kamehameha, adjoining the Palace grounds. The Admiral and the Ambassadors were severally introduced to H.R.H. the Prince, to the Chancellor and Chief Justice Mr. Allen, the Minister of Foreign Relations, Mr. Wyllie, and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Gregg. On retiring the Ambassadors, according to the custom of their country, made presents to the Ministers of several articles of value.