American Warships In Edo Bay
Colby Knight
First, the source of the sketch of the U.S.S Columbus and Vincennes in Japan was based on sketches by John Eastly. The sketch is in the format of a filio lithograph, and it portrays a setting from 1846. The sketch was published in 1848 by Wagner & McGuigan, Philadelphia, and the current rights are held by the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massechusetts.
Next, there are both known and inferred aspects of this sketch that can be observed. The sketch seems to have the purpose of offering a better understanding of the novel historical event that it represents. Due to the English description at the bottom of this sketch, it can be assumed that this portrayal was intended for an American audience. Generally, the lithograph depicts the scene of Commodore Biddle’s ships anchored in Edo Bay in 1846. Among the two U.S. ships were a large number of (seemingly) Japanese rowboats. Based on the size of the ships, it is rather clear which ships are American and which ships are Japanese. The background reveals the coastline of east Japan and the coastal mountains near Edo. Ostensibly, Mount Fuji can be found among these mountains. This lithograph provides a good overview of the scene, but it does not necessarily hint toward how the people of the two countries interacted between ships.
Furthermore, the context behind the image delivers a fascinating insight for this particular sketch. In 1846, Japan was operating under a “closed country” policy and had very little interaction with foreign powers. As this was before the construction of the Panama Canal, the Vincennes (one of the most well-traveled American ships) and the U.S.S. Columbus had to travel around the Cape Horn in order to reach Japan. About three miles from the shore of Edo, the two American warships landed in Edo Bay and participated in a preliminary interaction with Japanese officials. The Americans were told to leave immediately and to never return again. Allegedly, after nine days of communication with hundreds of Japanese people, the two ships were finally escorted out by several hundred boats. The Japanese officials were relieved, and they were left rejoicing after the departure of the two American vessels. It is also helpful to understand that in 1852 (six years later), President Fillmore sent his letter regarding his request for alliance in trade, which would highly suggest that there was little to no benevolence established between the two countries during the event in 1846.
Lastly, this sketch primarily raises the question of: how did the interaction between the Japanese and the Americans specifically play out? Stemming from this question: how did the language barrier affect the communication? Also, how were the opposing sides able to converse across waters? As it stands, the matter seemed to be held in a moderately civil manner, as violence was not used. Additional sources that would be helpful in understanding these questions might come in the form of testimonials from either American or Japanese sailors during this time period.
Sources
Based on sketches by John Eastly, “The U.S.S. Columbus and Vincennes in Japan,” Japan's Samurai Revolution, accessed October 1, 2014, http://samurairevolution.omeka.net/items/show/5.
John W. Dower, “Black Ships and Samurai”, Commodore Perry and the opening of Japan (1853-1854). http://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/21f/21f.027/black_ships_and_samurai/bss_essay01.html
Naval History and Heritage, “USS Vincennes (1826-1867)”. http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-v/vincenns.htm
Societies of the World 43: Japan’s Samurai Revolution Coursepack, “Requesting a Japan – U.S. Agreement 1853” Letter from U.S. Pres. Millard Fillmore to the Emperor of Japan.