Japan and the Japanese

Front matter

W ft *

J A PA s

AND

Contents

CHAP TEE I.

Earliest European Knowledge of Japan. — Japanese Histories. — Marco Polo's Account of the Mongol or Tartar Invasion. — Accounts of the same Event given by the Chinese and Japanese Annalists. — A. d. 1281 or 1283, 13

Chapter II

Portuguese Empire in the East. — Discovery of Japan. — Galvano's Account of it. — Fernam Mendez Pinto's Account of his First Visit to Japan, and Adventures there. — Japanese Account of the Eirst Arrival of Portuguese. — a. d. 1542-5, 20

Chapter III

Pinto's Second Visit to Japan. — Angiro, or Paul of the Holy Faith. — A. D. 1547—1548, . 37

Chapter IV

Religious Faith Three Centuries ago. — Zeal of the Portuguese Conquerors. — Antonio Gal vano. — Missionary Seminaries at Ternate and Goa. — Order of the Jesuits. — Francis Xayier. — His Mission to India. — His Mission to Japan. — His Companion, Cosme De Torres. — The Philippine Islands. — a. d. 1542—1550, 41

Chapter V

Political and Religious Condition of Japan, as found by the Portuguese. — The Jacatas, or Kings, and their Vassals. — Revenues. — Money. — Distinction of Ranks. — The Kubo- Sama. — The Dairi. — Sinto. — Buddhism. — Siuto. — A. d. 1550, 63

Chapter IX

Loui3 Almeida. — The Missionaries establish themselves at Miako. — Louis Froez. — Princea converted in Ximo. — Rise of Nobunanga. — Prosperity of the Missions. — Noble and Princely Converts. — Nagasaki built. — Nobunanga makes himself Emperor. — a. d. 1557

— 1577, '. . 79

Chapter X

Father Valignani. — State of the Missions. — Conversion and Baptism of the King of Bungo.

— Growth of Nagasaki. — Embassy to the Pope. — Documents relating to this Embassy. A. D. 1577— 1586, 84

Chapter XI

Events meanwhile in Japan. — Downfall of Nobunanga. — Accession of Faxiba, afterwards known as Kambakundono, and, finally, as Taiko-Sama. — Edict against the Jesuits. — Return of the Ambassadors. — A. D. 1582—1588, 95

Chapter XII

Recapitulation. — Extent of the Japanese Empire. — Valignani arrives at Nagasaki. — Progress hitherto of the Catholic Faith. The Emperor's Projects against China. — Valignani's Visit to the Emperor at Miako. — Ucondono. — The returned Japanese Ambassadors. — Audience given to Valignani. — The Viceroy's Letter. — The Interpreter Rodriguez. — A. D. 1588— 1593, 100

Chapter XIII

New Troubles of the Missionaries from their own Countrymen. — The Emperor claims Homage of the Governor of the Philippines. — Mutual Jealousies of the Portuguese and Spaniards. — Spanish Adventurers in Japan. — The Emperor's Suspicions excited — His Reply to the Viceroy of Goa.— A. D. 1591— 1592, 108

Chapter XIV

The Expedition against Corea. — The Emperor associates his Nephew. — City of Fusimi.

— Correspondence of the Emperor with the Governor of Manilla. — The Jesuits denounced by the Spanish Envoys. — Consequences thereof. — Departure of Valignani. — a. d. 1592, 112

Chapter XV

Progress of the Corean War. — Success of the Japanese. — Tsukamadono Viceroy of Corea.

— Edict of the Emperor for disarming the Converts in Ximo. — Disgrace and Downfall of the Royal Family of Bungo. — Terazaba, Governor of Nagasaki. — His Conversion and Friendly Acts. — a. d. 1592—1593, 115

Chapter XVI

Jealousy on the part of the Dominicans and Franciscans towards the Jesuits. — This Jeal ousy cooperates with the Mercantile Jealousy of the Spaniards at Manilla. — Franciscan Friars establish themselves at Miako, Osaka and Nagasaki. — Edicts against them. Deposition and Death of the Emperor's Nephew. — A. d. 1593—1595, 117

Chapter XVII

Great Earthquake. — Mission from China. — Arrival of a Spanish Galleon. — Friars on board her. — New Accusations on her Account against the Jesuits. — Connecticn of the Jesuits with the Trade to Japan. — Arrest of Missionaries and Converts. — Firs* Martyrs. — a. D. 1595— 1597, 12u

CONTENTS. VIA

Chapter XVIII

Mew Edict for the Deportation of the Jesuits. — Its Partial Evasion. — New Correspondence between the Philippines and Japan. — Taiko-Sama's Justification of his recent Proceedings. — New Destruction of Churches in Xkno. — Taiko-Sama's Death. — His preceding Efforts to secure his own Deification and the Succession of his infant Son Fide Jori. —Regency. — Ge-Jas its Head, with the Title of Daysu-Sama. — A. d. 1597— 1599, .125

Chapter XIX

Evacuation of Corea. — Return of the converted Princes. — Favorable Disposition of Daysu- Sama. — Third Visit of Father Valignani. — Civil War between Daysu-Sama and his Co-Regents. — His Triumph. — Disgrace and Execution of Tsukamidono. — Daysu-Sama takes the Title of Ogosho-Sama, and still favors the Converts. — Influx of Dominican and Franciscan Friars — Flourishing Condition of the Church. — Local Persecutions. — A. D. 1599—1609, . .' 128

Chapter XX

Attempt of the English and Dutch to discover a New Route to the far East. — Voyages round the World. — Attempted English Voyage to Japan. — English and Dutch Voyages to India. — First Dutch Voyage to Japan. — Adams, the English Pilot. — His Adventures and Detention in Japan. — a. d. 1513 — 1607, 132

CHAPTER XXL

Spanish Friars in Japan. — Extension of Japanese Trade. — Progress of the Dutch in the Eastern Seas. — They open a Trade with Japan. — Emperor's Letter. — Shipwreck of Don Rodrigo De Vivero on the Japanese Coast. — His Reception, Observations and Departure. — Destruction of a Portuguese Carac by the Japanese. — Another Dutch Ship arrives. — Spex's Charter. — Embassies from Macao and New Spain. — Father Louis Sotelo and his Projects.— a. D. 1607—1618, 140

Chapter XXII

Origin and Commencement of English Intercourse with Japan. — Captain Saris' Voyage thither, and Travels and Observations there. — New Spanish Embassy from the Philippines. — Commercial Rivalry of the Dutch and English. — Richard Cocks, Head of the English Factory. — A. D. 1611—1613, 160

Chapter XXIII

Ecclesiastical Retrospect. — New Persecution. — Edict of Banishment against the Mission aries. — Civil War between Fide Jori and Ogosho-Sama. — Triumph of Ogosho-Sama. — His Death. — Persecution more violent than ever. — Mutual Rancor of the Jesuits and the Friars. — Progress of Martyrdom. — The English and Dutch. — A. D. 1613 — 1620, . . 175

CHAPTER XXI V.

Collisions of the Dutch and English in the Eastern Seas — The English retire from Japan. — The Spaniards repelled. — Progress of the Persecution. — Japanese Ports, except Firando and Nagasaki, closed to Foreigners. — Charges in Europe against the Jesuits. — Fathers Sotelo and Collado. — Torment of the Fosse. — Apostasies. — The Portuguese confined to Desima. — Rebellion of Ximabara. — The Portuguese Excluded. — Ambassadors put to Death.— A. d. 1621—1640, 182

CHAPTER- XXV.

Micy of the Dutch. — Affair of Nuyts. — Haganaar's Visits to Japan. — Caron's Account of Japan. — Income of the Emperor and the Nobles. — Military Force. — Social and Political Position of the Nobles. — Justice. — Relation of the Dutch to the Persecution of the Catholics. — The Dutch removed from Firando and confined in Desima. — Attempts of the English, Portuguese and French, at Intercourse with Japan. — Final Extinction of the Catholic Faith. — a. d. 1620— 1707, 193

VIII CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Portuguese Trade to Japan. — Dutch Trade. — Silver, Gold and Copper, the chief Articles of Export. — Export of Silver prohibited. — Chinese Trade. — Its Increase after the Accession of the Mant-chew Dynasty. — Chinese" Temples at Nagasaki. — A Buddhist Doctor from China. — Edict on the Subject of Household Worship. — Restrictions on the Dutch Trade. — Increase in the Number of Chinese Visitors to Nagasaki. . Their Objects. — Restrictions on the Chinese Trade. — The Chinese shut up in a Factory. — Trade with Lew Chew.— A. d. 1542— 1690, . . 206

CHAPTER XXVII.

EngelbertKampfer. — His Visit to Japan. — Desima and its Inhabitants as described by him.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Particular Statement as to the Dutch Trade as it exisied in Kampfer's Time. — Arrival of the Ships — Unlading. — Passes. — Imports. — Company and Private Goods. — Kambangs, or Public Sales. — Duties — Profits. — Exports. — Departure of the Ships. — Smuggling. — Execution of Smugglers, 241

CHAPTER XXIX.

Nagasaki and its Vicinity as seen by Kampfer. — Imperial Governors. — Their Officers and Palaces. — Municipal System. — Street Government. — Mutual Responsibility. — Administration of Justice. — Taxes. — Government of other Towns. — Adjacent Country. — The God Suwa and his Matsuri. — A. d. 1690— 1692, 256

CHAPTER XXX.

Kampfer's Two Journeys to Court. — Preparations — Presents. — Japanese Attendants. — Packing the Baggage and Riding on Horseback. — Japanese Love of Botany. — Accoutrements. — Road-Books. — Norimons and Kangos. — A. d. 1690— 1692, 277

CHAPTER XXXI.

Highways. — Rivers. — Fords. — Perries. — Bridges. — "Water Part of the Journey. — Coast and Islands. — Frail Structure of Japanese Vessels. — Description of them. — Buildings on the Route. — Dwelling-Houses. — Castles. — Towns. — Villages. — Cottages. — Proclamation Places. — Places of Execution. — Tiras or Buddhist Temples. — Mias or Sinto Temples. — Idols and Amulets, 288

CHAPTER XXXII.

Post-Houses. — Imperial Messengers. — Inns. — Houses. — Their Furniture and Interior Arrangements. — Bathing and Sweating House. — Gardens. — Refreshment Houses. — What they Provide. — Tea, 304

CHAPTER XXXIII.

dumber of People on the Road. — Princely Retinues. — Pilgrims to Isje. — Siunse Pilgrims.

— Naked Devotions. — Religious Beggars. — Begging Order of Nuns. — Jamabo, or Moun

tain Priests. — Buddhist Beggars. — Singular Bell-Chiming. — Hucksters and Pedlers

Courtesans, 314

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Departure from Nagasaki. — Train of the Dutch. — The Day's Journey. — Treatment of the Dutch. — Respect shown them in the Island of Ximo. — Care with which they are Watched. — Inns at which they Lodge. — Their Reception and Treatment there. — Politeness of the Japanese. — Lucky and Unlucky Days. — Seimei, the Astrologer, 32«

CONTENTS. IX

CHAPTER XXXV.

From Nagasaki to Kokura. — Simonoseki. — Water Journey to Osaka. — Description of that City. — Its Castle. — Interview with the Governors. — From Osaka to Miako. — Jodo and its Castle. — Fusimi. — Entrance into Miako. — Visit to the Chief Justice and the Governors. -— Description of Miako. — Palace of the Dairi. — Castle. — Manufactures and Trade.

— Authority of the Chief Justice. — Police. — Crimes, 336

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Lake Oitz. — Mount Jesan. — Japanese Legends. — A Japanese Patent Medicine. — Quano.

— Mia. — Array. — Policy of the Emperors. — Kakegawa. — A Town on Fire. — Seruga.

— Kuno. — Passage of a rapid River. — Fusi-no-jama, or Mount Fusi. — Crossing the Peninsula of Idsu. — Second Searching Place. — Purgatory Lake. — Odawara. — Coast of the Bay of Jedo. — A Live Saint. — Kanagawa. — Sinagawa. — Jedo. — Imperial Castles and Palace, 362

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Personages to be Visited. — Visit to the Emperor. — First Audience. — Second Audience. — Visits to the Houses of the Councillors. — Visits to the Governors of Jedo and the Temple Lords. — Visits to the Houses of the Governors of Nagasaki. — Audience of Leave. — Return. — Visits to Temples in the Vicinity of Miako. — a. d. 1691—1692, 365

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Further Decline of the Dutch Trade. — Degradation of the Japanese Coins. — The Dutch threaten to withdraw from Japan. — Restrictions on the Chinese Trade, — Probable Cause of the Policy adopted by the Japanese. — Drain of the precious Metals. — New Basis upon which future Trade must be arranged, 1696 — 1750, 383

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Thunberg's Visit to Japan. — Searches and Examinations. — Smuggling. — Interpreters. — Desima. — Imports and Exports. — Unicorn's Horn and Ginseng. — Soy. — The Dutch at Desima. — Japanese Mistresses. — Japanese Women. — Studying the Language. — Botanizing. — Clocks. — New-Year's Day. — Trampling on Images. — Departure for Jedo.

— Journey through the Island of Ximo. — Japanese Houses and Furniture. — Manufacture of Paper. — Practice of Bathing. — Simonoseki. — Voyage to Osaka. — Children. — From Osaka to Miako. — Agriculture. — Animals. — A. D. 1775 — 1776, 387

CHAPTER XL.

Japanese Merchants. — Journey from Miako to Jedo. — Botany of the Mountains. — Rainy Weather. — Coverings for the Head and Feet. — Jedo. — Astronomers and Physicians. — Acupuncture. — Moxa. — Other Japanese Remedies. — Method of Wearing the Hair. — Visits to the Emperor and his Chief Officers. — Japanese Dress. — Books and Maps. — Succession of Emperors. — Departure from Jedo. — Gnats. — Fire-Flies. — Threshing. — Vegetables and Fruit. — Condition of the Japanese Farmer. — Casting Copper. — Actors and Dancers. — Thunberg's Opinion of the Japanese. — a. d. 1775 — 1776, 406

CHAPTER XLI.

Isaac Titsingh. — His Residence in Japan. — Translations from the Japanese. — Annals of the Dairi. — Memoirs of the Siogun. — Liberal Ideas in Japan. — Marriage Ceremonies.

— Funeral Ceremonies. — Mourning. — Feast of Lanterns. — a. d. 1779 — 1791, . . . 424

CHAPTER XLII.

Exploration of the Northern Japanese Seas. — First Russian Mission to Japan. — ProCuaorship of Japanese at Irkutsk. — New Restrictions on the Dutch. — Embarrassment* growing out of the War of the French Revolution. — American Flag a/ Nagasaki. —

CONTENTS.

Captain Stewart. — Ingenuity of a Japanese Fisherman. — Heer Doeff, Director at De~ sima. — Suspicious Proceedings- of Captain Stewart. — Russian Embassy. — Klaproth's Knowledge of Japanese. — Doeff's First Journey to Jedo. — Dutch Trade in 1804 and 1806. — An American Ship at Nagasaki. — The British Frigate Phaeton. — No ships from Batavia. — The Dutch on Short Allowance. — English Ships from Batavia. — Communication again Suspended. — Dutch and Japanese Dictionary. — Children at the Factory. — .A. d. 1792—1817, 444

CHAPTER XLIII.

Qolownin's Capture and Imprisonment. — Conveyance to Hakodade. — Reception 'and Im pi-isonment. — Interpreters. — Interviews with the Governor. — Removal to Matsmai. -- A Pupil in Russian. — A Japanese Astronomer. — Escape and Recapture. — Treatment afterwards. — Savans from Jedo. — Japanese Science. — European News. — A Japanese Free-Thinker. — Soldiers. — Their Amusements. — Thoughts on a "Wedding. — Domestic Arrangements. — New Year. — Return of the Diana. — Reprisals. — A Japanese Mer chant and his Female Friend. — Second Return of the Diana. — Third Return of the Diana. — Interview on Shore. — Surrender of the Prisoners. — Japanese Notification. — The Merchant at Home The Mercantile Class in Japan. — A. d. 1811 — 1815, . . . 460

CHAPTER XLIV.

Renewal of the Dutch Trade. — Captain Gordon in the Bay of Jedo. — Fisscher. — Meylan. — Siebold. — British Mutineers. — Voyage of the Morrison. — Japanese Edict. — The Saramang at Nagasaki. — The Mercator in the Bay of Jedo. — Commodore Biddle in the Bay of Jedo. — Shipwrecked Americans. — . French Ships of "War at Nagasaki. — The Prebie at Nagasaki. — Surveying Ship Mariner in the Bays of Jedo and Simoda. — New Notification through the Dutch. — A. d. 1847—1850, 484

CHAPTER XLV.

Foreign Relations. — New Siogun. — Dutch Trade. — Chinese Trade. — American Embassy.

— Its Object. — Letter to the Emperor. — Perry's First Visit to the Bay of Jedo. — Death of the Siogun. — Perry's Second Visit to the Bay of Jedo. — Negotiation of a Treaty. — The Treaty as agreed to. — Simoda. — Hakodade. — Additional Regulations. — Japanese Currency. — Burrow's Visit to the Bay of Jedo. — Third Visit of the American Steamers,

— Russian and English Negotiations. — Exchange of Ratifications. — Earthquake, . . 506

CHAPTER XLVI.

New Dutch Treaty. — Mr. Harris, American Consul at^imoda. — His convention with the Japanese. — His journey to Jedo. — Second visit to Jedo. — Conditional Treaty. — British Treaty. — French and Russian Treaties. — Japanese Embassy to the United States, 543

Note A.

B.

C.

u

D.

u

E.

F.

G.

H.

u

Appendix

-The Japanese Language and Literature, 553

-Japanese Names, 560

-Use of Fire-Arms in the East, 562

- Earliest English and Dutch Adventures in the East. — Goa, . . . ~. ... . 565 -Japanese Daring and Adventure Exterior to the Limits of Japan, 566

- Products of Japan. — Probable Effect of Opening Japan to Foreign Trade,

by S. Wells Williams, 568

-Account of Japan, Chiefly Extracted from Japanese Works, 572

Omitted Documents, 679

JAPAN AND THE JAPANESE

Chapter I

EARLIEST EUROPEAN KNOWLEDGE OF JAPAN. JAPANESE HISTORIES. MARCO'

POLO'S ACCOUNT OP THE MONGOL OR TARTAR INVASION. ACCOUNTS OF

THE SAME EVENT GIVEN BY THE CHINESE AND JAPANESE ANNALISTS, A. D 1281 OR 1283.

The name Japan, pronounced in the country itself Nipon or Nifon, is of Chinese origin — in the Mandarin dialect Jik-pun, that is, sun-source, or Eastern Country.

The first account of Japan, or allusion to its existence, to be found in any European writer, is contained in the Oriental Travels of the Venetian, Marco Polo, first reduced to writing in the Latin tongue, about a. d. 1298, while the author was detained a prisoner of war at Genoa. Zipangu, Zipangri, Cyampagu, Cimpagu, as (liferent editions of his work have it, is his method of representing the Chinese Jik-pun-quo, sun-source kingdom, or kingdom of the source of the sun. The Japanese chronicles go back for many centuries previous ; but these chronicles seem to be little more than a bare list of names and dates, with some legendary statements interwoven, of which the authority does not appear very weighty, nor the historical value very considerable.

Marco Polo resided for seventeen years (a. d. 1275 — 1292) at the court of Kublai Khan (grandson of the celebrated Ghingis Khan), and ruler, from a. d. 1260 to a. d. 1294, over the most extensive empire which the world has ever seen. This empire Ktretehed across the breadth of the old continent, from the Japanese. 2 the Yellow, the Blue and the China Seas (embosoming the Caspian and the Black Seas), to the Levant, the Archipelago, the River Dniester, and beyond it. Not content with having added Anatolia and Russia to the western extremity of this vast kingdom, — the Greek empire being reduced, at this moment, to the vicinage of Constantinople and the western coasts of the Archipelago, — Kublai Khan, after completing the conquest of Southern China, sent an expedition against Japan ; in which, however, the Mongols were no more successful than they had been in their attempts, a few years before, to penetrate through Hungary and Poland (which they overran and ravaged, to the terror of all Europe) into Germany, whence Teutonic valor repelled them.

The accounts given by Marco Polo, and by the Chinese and Japanese annalists, of this expedition, though somewhat contradictory as to the details, agree well enough as to the general result. As Marco Polo's account is shoH, as well as curious, we insert it at length, from the English translation of his travels by Marsden, subjoining to it the statements which we have of the same event derived from Chinese and Japanese sources. We may add . that Columbus was grea+ly stimulated to undertake his western voyages of discovery by the constant study of Marco Polo's travels, confidently expecting to reach by that route the Cathay and Zipangu of that author — countries for which he sedulously inquired throughout the Archipelago of the West Indies, and along the southern and western shores of the Caribbean Sea.

" Zipangu," says Marco Polo. " is an island in the eastern ocean, situated at the distance of about fifteen hundred miles from the main land, or coast of Manj v* It is of considerable size ; its inhabitants have fair complexions, are well made, and are civilized in their manners. Their religion is the worship of idols. They are independent of every foreign power, and governed only by their own kings. They have gold in the greatest abundance, its sources eing inexhaustible ; but as the king does not allow of its being xported, few merchants visit the country, nor is it frequented by much shipping from other parts. To this circumstance we are to

* The true distance is about five hundred miles ; but, possibly, by miles Marco Polo may have intended Chinese li, of which there are nearly three in Dur mile.

MARCO POLO'S ACCOUNT OF IT. 15

attribute the extraordinary richness of the sovereign's palace, according "to what we are told by those who have access to the place. The entire roof is covered with a plating of gold, in the same manner as we cover houses, or, more properly, churches, with lead. The ceilings of the halls are of the same precious metal ; many of the apartments have small tables of pure gold, considerably thick ; and the windows, also, have golden ornaments. So vast, indeed, are the riches of the palace, that it is impossible to convey an idea of them. In this island there are pearls, also, in large quantities, of a pink color, round in shape, and of great size, equal in value to white pearls, or even exceeding them. It is customary with one part of the inhabitants to bury their dead, and with another part to burn them. The former have a practice of putting one of these pearls into the mouth of the corpse. There are also found there a number of precious stones.

" Of so great celebrity was the wealth of this island, that a desire was excited in the breast o'f the grand Khan Kublai, now reigning, to make the conquest of it, and to annex it to his dominions. In order to effect this, he fitted out a numerous fleet, and embarked a large body of troops under the command of two of his principal officers, one of whom was named Abbacatan, and the other Vonsancin. The expedition sailed from the ports of Zaitun and Kinsai* and crossing the intermediate sea, reached the island in safety ; but, in consequence of a jealousy that arose between the two commanders, one of whom treated the plans of the other with contempt, and resisted the execution of his orders, they were unable to gain possession of any city or fortified place, with the exception of one only, which was carried by assault, the garrison having refused to surrender. Directions were given for putting the whole to the sword, and, in obedience thereto, the heads of all were cut off except of eight persons, who, by the efficacy of a diabolical charm, consisting

* Marsden, the English translator and annotator of Marco Polo, supposes that Zaitun was the modern Amoy, and Kinsai either Ning-po or Chusan. The Chinese annalists, on the other hand, seem to make the expedition start from Corea, which is much more probable, as that province is separated from Japan by a strait of only about a hundred miles in breadth. It was by this Cbrean strait, that, three hundred years later, the Japanese retorted this invasion.

of a jewel or amulet introduced into the right arm, between the skin and the flesh, were rendered secure from the effects of iron either to kill or to wound. Upon this discovery feeing made, they were beaten with a heavy wooden club, and presently died.

11 It happened, after some time, that a north wind began to blow with great force, and the ships of the Tartars, which lay near the shore of the island, were driven foul of each other. It was determined thereupon, in a council of the officers on board, that they ought to disengage themselves from the land ; and accordingly, as soon as the troops were disembarked, they stood out to sea. The gale, however, increased to so violent a degree, that a number of the vessels foundered. The people belonging to them, by floating upon pieces of the wreck, saved themselves upon an island, about four miles from the coast of Zipangu. The other ships, which, not being so near to the land, did not suffer from the storm, and on which the two chiefs were embarked, together with the principal officers, or those whose rank entitled them to command an hundred thousand or ten thousand men, directed their course homeward, and returned to the grand Khan. Those of the Tartars who remained upon the island where they were wrecked, and who amounted to about thirty thousand men, finding themselves without shipping, abandoned by their leaders, and having neither arms nor provision, expected nothing less than to become captives or to perish ; especially as the island afforded no habitations where they could take shelter and refresh themselves. As soon as the gale ceased, and the sea became smooth and calm, the people from the main island of Zipangu came over with a large force, in numerous boats, in order to make prisoners of these shipwrecked Tartars ; and, having landed, proceeded in search of them, but in a straggling, disorderly manner. The Tartars, on their part, acted with prudent circumspection ; and, being concealed from view by some high land in the centre of the island, whilst the enemy were hurrying in pursuit of them by one road, made a circuit of the coast by another, which brought them to the place where the fleet of boats was at anchor. Finding these all abandoned, but with their colors flying, they instantly seized them ; and, pushing off from the island, stood for the principal city of Zipangu, into which, from the appearance of the colors, they were suffered to enter unmolested. Here they

MONGOL INVASION. 11 found few of the inhabitants besides women, whom they retained for their own use, and drove out all others. When the king was apprised of what had taken place, he was much afflicted, and immediately gave directions for a strict blockade of the city, which was so effectual that not any person was suffered to enter or to escape from it during six months that the siege continued. At the expiration of this time, the Tartars, despairing of succor, surrendered upon the condition of their lives being spared. This event took place in the course of the year 1264." *

The above account Marco Polo no doubt derived from the Mongols, who endeavored, as far as possible, to gloss over with romantic and improbable incidents a* repulse that could not be denied. The Chinese annalists, who have no # partiality for their Mongol conquerors, tell a much less nattering story. According to their account, as given by Pere Amiot, in his Memoir es concernant les Ckinois, the fleet consisted of six hundred ships, fitted out in the provinces of Kiang-nan, Fou-kien, Ho-nan and Chan-tong. The army, sailing from Corea, landed first on the island of Kiu-tchi, whence they proceeded to that of Tousima, where they learned that the Japanese had long been expecting them with a great army. On approaching the coast of Japan, they encountered a furious tempest, which sunk their vessels ; so that of the whole army scarcely one or two in every ten persons escaped.

In the Histoire General de la China, compiled by Father Malela, from Chinese sources, the story is thus told : " The sixth month (1281) Alahan set out on the expedition against Japan ; but scarcely had he reached the port of embarkation when he died. Atahai, appointed to succeed him, did not arrive till the fleet had already set sail. In the latitude of the isle of Pinghou [Firando] it

* Marsden remarks upon this date as evidently wrong. Indeed, it is given quite differently in different early editions of the travels. Marsden thinks it should be 1281. That is the date assigned to the invasion by the Chinese books. The older Japanese annals place it in 1284. In the chapter of Marco Polo which follows the one above quoted, and which is mainly devoted to the islands of south-eastern Asia, he seems to ascribe to the Japanese the custom of eating their prisoners of war — a mistake which, as his English translator and commentator observes, might easily arise from transferring tc them what he had heard of the savage inhabitants of some of the more southern islands.

2* encountered a violent tempest, by which most of the vessels were driven on shore. The officers, selecting those least damaged, themselves returned, leaving behind them in that island more than a hundred thousand men. The soldiers, finding themselves thus abandoned, chose a leader, and set themselves to work to cut down trees to build new vessels, in which to escape. But the Japanese, apprised of their shipwreck, made a descent upon the island with a powerful army, and put them to the sword. They spared only ten or twelve thousand Chinese soldiers, of whom they made slaves ; and, of the whole formidable invading army, hardly three persons returned to China."

Father Gaubil, in his Histoire de la Dynastie des Mongoux, compiled also from Chinese sources, states the number of Chinese and Corean prisoners at eighty thousand, and of the Mongols who were slain at thirty thousand.

Kampfer, in his elaborate work on Japan, gives the following as from the Japanese chronicles, Nipon Odaiki, and Nipon Okaitzu : "Gronda succeeded his father in the year of Syn-mu 1935, of Christ 1275." " In the ninth year of his reign, the Tartar general, Mooko, appeared on the coasts of Japan, with a fleet of four thousand sail, and two hundred and forty thousand men. The then reigning Tartarian emperor, Lifsu [Kublai Khan], after he had conquered the empire of China, sent this general to subdue also the empire of Japan. But this expedition proved unsuccessful. The Kami, that is, the gods of the country, and' protectors of the Japanese empire, were so incensed at the insult offered them by the Tartars, that, on the first day of the seventh month, they excited a violent and dreadful storm, which destroyed all this reputed invincible armada. Mooko himself perished in the waves, and but few of his men escaped."