The book "The History of Japan" by Francis Ottiwell Adams, published in 1875, provides a detailed account of the events and developments in Japan during a crucial period in its history.
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| The History of Japan |
The book covers a wide range of topics, including the negotiations between Japan and foreign powers, internal conflicts within the country, and the changing political landscape.
In the chapters discussing the indemnity in return for concessions, the author describes the challenges faced by Japanese officials in obtaining Imperial sanction for treaties and the opening of ports such as Hiogo and Ozaka. The book highlights the political maneuvering and power struggles that took place during this time, including the dismissal of two Rojiu officials by the Emperor and the ultimate sanctioning of treaties on the condition that Hiogo would not be opened.
The author also delves into the partition of the Shimonoseki indemnity and the operations against the Choshiu clan in 1866. The book details the battles between Bakufu troops and Choshiu forces, as well as the death of Shogun Iyemochi and the appointment of Hitotsubashi as the head of the Tokugawa clan. The conclusion of the war with Choshiu and the agreements reached at the Convention in Yedo are also discussed in depth.
Additionally, the book explores the events of 1865, including the Bakufu's decision to pay indemnity rather than open Shimonoseki, the arrival of Sir H. Parkes and other members of the diplomatic body, and the payment of the first installment of the indemnity.
The author provides insight into the internal conflicts within the Choshiu clan, the actions taken by different factions, and the role of key figures such as Takasugi Shinsaku and Saigo Kichinoske in resolving the disputes.
Overall, "The History of Japan" offers a comprehensive and detailed account of the political, social, and military events that shaped Japan during this period. The book sheds light on the complexities of Japanese history and provides valuable insights into the country's interactions with foreign powers and internal dynamics
Excerpt
The preceding volume ended with the arrest and chap. confession of Shimidzu Seiji for participation in the murder of Major Baldwin and Lieutenant Bird, and brought the History down to the end of 1864.
The assassin was tried and found guilty, and the judgment upon him was that he should be brought to tenced to be Yokohama on a certain day, and, after being led on ^ddecapi~ horseback through the principal streets, should be decapitated at the regular place of execution. He was not, therefore, to be allowed the usual privilege of a samurai , namely, to put an end to his own life by the process of Kara Jciri or seppuhc .
volume 3 . The first two volumes do not exist
