Katsu Rintaro

Captain of Kanrin Maru

San Francisco

March 19,1860

Today, was very interesting. Our ship, the beautiful Kanrin Maru, was finally opened up to the public citizens of San Francisco. I am pleased to say that everyone was astonished by our ship. It is a great honor to show the Americans the different and exquisite details of our ship. Many oohed and ahhed at our unique carvings and indifferent features. Overall, I would say we had made a great impression on these American folks.

Powhatan leaves San Francisco for Panama

Oguri Tadamasa;
Censor of the Japanese delegation; third-ranking in authority.
Lord of Bungo
April 7, 1860
Today we all leave on the Powhatan to go to Washington D.C. The end of our time in San Francisco is a sad thought seeing as we've all had such a wonderful time. This beautiful city and the friendly, hospitable people have all been what we had hoped for and more. While I am sad to leave, I am also excited to move on to the capital of the United States. Surely our experience there shall be even more grand than what we have had here. President Teschemacher came on board before we left to bid us farewell and thank the kind people of San Francisco for their hospitality. It has truly been a magnificent adventure.

Morita, Japanese Treasurer, Visits the SF Mint

Oguri Tadamasa;
Censor of the Japanese delegation; third-ranking in authority.
Lord of Bungo
April 6, 1860
Today Morita, the Treasurer of Japan, was able to visit the Mint. He went to exchange some Mexican currency for American dollars. He was very impressed by the process the Americans used to make money and by all the gold laying about. Tomorrow we are to leave San Francisco and head for the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. It will be a shame to leave this beautiful and friendly city behind but coming with us will be our first taste of American soil. So far our experience here has been so enjoyable. I am excited to see what other delights the Americans have in store for us.

Reception for Japanese Embassy at the Academy of Music

Oguri Tadamasa;
Censor of the Japanese delegation; third-ranking in authority. Lord of Bungo
April 1, 1860
Today I and some other high ranking Japanese delegates were served in our rooms when the time came to eat while other Japanese men went to eat at a communal table with what I heard had about a hundred people! The food at the dinner however was said to be unappetizing and many of the Japanese had to eat the dessert for dinner. On the way back to the ship some of our men found some bean curd and we were all overjoyed since we have not been able to eat any since we left Japan! The Americans also supplied us well with some nice quality fish. The people here seem so hospitable.

Japanese tour SF with Teschemacher, and spend night at International Hotel

Oguri Tadamasa;
Censor of the Japanese delegation; third-ranking in authority. Lord of Bungo.
March 31, 1860
International Hotel, San Francisco
Today two of our Japanese officials toured San Francisco and stayed in the International Hotel. Morita and I lodged at the navy yard instead though. We were told that the city was truly magnificent, especially since spring has come. A trading boat leaving for Japan made it possible for us to write home to our friends and families which we haven't been able to do since we got here. There was a grand send off for the trading boat and many American and Japanese officials watched as the boat left. There was the same usual fuss and we all enjoyed it. Its nice to have such grand events so regularly! One of the American officials was shot by the 21 gun salute! It definitely put a damper on the joyous day. That and the rain!

Powhatan Leaves San Francisco Panama

Kimura Yoshitake
Commander of the Kanrin Maru
San Francisco
April 7, 1860

Today, the Powhatan left San Francisco for Panama. Before the trip, President Teschemacher came aboard to wish them well.The crew of the Powhatan also gave a hearty thanks for the great time they had at San Francisco. I think the whole crew had a great time at San Francisco. They all felt grateful for a chance to experience something like what they experienced. They had been the first to experience American life. Muragaki said that he along with the rest of the crew had nothing but great memories of the beautiful San Francisco to treasure for the rest of his life. I know we all hope to come back soon.

Powhatan leaves San Francisco for Panama

Fukuzawa Yukichi (Translator)
San Francisco
March 7th, 1860
Today, people on the USS Powhatan are leaving. As much as they enjoyed their time here in San Francisco; they have to go on to their next destination, Panama. Many Americans escorted the people that are boarding Powhatan to the dock. If it wasn’t for the delay of Kanrin Maru, we would be leaving as well. But for now, our visit here is extended for a few weeks to a month. Although San Francisco is a great place, I can’t wait to see the rest of America. Many American officers told me that New York is a fabulous city, which is perfect because that is one of the places we’re going to.