It is an episode most
honourable to Yoshida, and yet more honourable still to the
soldier, and to the capacity and virtue of the common people
of Japan.
(1) Yoshida, when on his way to Nangasaki, met the soldier
and talked with him by the roadside; they then parted, but
the soldier was so much struck by the words he heard, that on
Yoshida's return he sought him out and declared his intention
of devoting his life to the good cause. I venture, in the
absence of the writer, to insert this correction, having been
present when the story was told by Mr. Masaki. - F. J. And
I, there being none to settle the difference, must reproduce
both versions. - R. L. S.
And now, at length, Commodore Perry returned to Simoda.
Friends crowded round Yoshida with help, counsels, and
encouragement. One presented him with a great sword, three
feet long and very heavy, which, in the exultation of the
hour, he swore to carry throughout all his wanderings, and to
bring back - a far-travelled weapon - to Japan. A long
letter was prepared in Chinese for the American officers; it
was revised and corrected by Sakuma, and signed by Yoshida,
under the name of Urinaki-Manji, and by the soldier under
that of Ichigi-Koda. Yoshida had supplied himself with a
profusion of materials for writing; his dress was literally
stuffed with paper which was to come back again enriched with
his observations, and make a great and happy kingdom of
Japan.
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