Muragaki Norimasa ; Lord of Awaji, Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, and Governor of Kanagawa. Edo Castle, Edo. February 5, 1860.
As I was doing my usual daily chores around the castle, I was
suddenly asked by Naosuki Ii, the Chief Minister, to come
at once and meet him wearing formal dress.My collegue,
Masaoki Shinmi, had similar orders.We quickly
presented ourselves in front of the Chief Minister and the
Council of Elders. Masaoki Shinmi and I were told that
a treaty of amity and commerce with America was
signed and that radicalization is to take place in a
city called Washington. Lord Ii told us that he wished that
Shinmi, Oguri, and I go to Washington. He appointed Shinmi to be
Ambassador, Oguri is to serve as the censor, and I am to serve as
Shinmi's deputy. This is a great honor and a big responsibility. A
Japanese leaving Japan is something that everyone here wants to do.
I have alot of weight to carry since Shinmi is young and has no idea
what to do. He also doesn't know alot about the foreigners either.
My family is sad though. They know that I won't be home for a
very long time. Luckily they understand it is for a good reason.
America.This trip will be very interesting.
Very descriptive! Nice job.
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