YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

MEMOIRS

OF

A CAPTIVITY IN
JAPAN,
DURING THE YEARS 1811, 1812, and 1813,
WITH'
OBSERVATIONS
ON THE COUNTRY AND THE PEOPLE.
BY |
CAPTAIN GOLOWNIN,
> » *
OP THE RUSSIAN NAVY.
SECOND EDITION.
IN THREE VOLUMES.
VOL. II.

LONDON :
PRINTED FOR HENRY COLBURN AND CO.
1824.

LONPON :
PRINTED BY B. CLAllKE, WELL-STREET,

MEMOIRS

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN.

CHAPTER I.
Proceeding in our hazardous enterprise, we
began, at the distance of about five wersts from
the shore, to climb the hills, and endeavoured,
wherever it was possible, to direct our course
towards the north. The stars served to guide
us. Whilst we were ascending the first hill I felt
a violent pain in my knee, which in a short
time swelled prodigiously. When we proceeded
along places which were level, I could, with the
assistance of a stick, walk without much difficulty;
but I experienced severe pain either in ascending
or descending, as I was then obliged to tread heavily
with the leg which had been hurt. Being thus
unable to make an equal use of both feet, I
was quickly overcome with fatigue.' My com
panions were, therefore, under the necessity of
stopping every half hour, in order that I might
recover myself, and ease my knee by resting.
Our object was to reach, before day-break, some
VOL. II. B

MEMOIRS OF A

hills, along which a thick forest extended, in order
to conceal ourselves from the observation of the
enemy ; for we had now reason to regard the Ja
panese as implacably hostile to us. During our
walks in the vicinity of the town, this forest ap
peared to us to be at no considerable distance, but
we soon, found how greatly we had mistaken its
situation. We could trace no footpath leading
directly to the forest, and we therefore advanced
straight forward. Owing to the darkness of the
night, we could see no farther than a few paces
around us, and we sometimes unexpectedly found
ourselves at the foot of a steep precipice, which it
was impossible to climb. We had then to search
for a more practicable road ; which, when found,
we continued to ascend until new obstacles pre
sented themselves.
In this way we spent three anxious hours,
and having at last gained the summit, We pro
ceeded northward along the level height. But
fate had every where thrown interruptions and
difficulties in our way. At the height we had
now reached, the snow lay in some parts ex
tremely thick, and the Japanese might easily have
traced our footsteps across it. We were therefore
obliged to search for such places as were not co
vered with snow ; in doing this we crossed from
one side to the other, and frequently turned back,
by which we were greatly fatigued, and advanced

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 3
but slowly. About an hour before day-break,
however, we unexpectedly1 found ourselves pro
ceeding, in a direct line, for the forest, along a
good road, which the Japanese had made for the
purpose Of conveying wood to the city on pack-
horses. This foad was thickly imprinted with the
tracks of horses arid men : there was no snoW upon
it, and therefore the Japanese could not trace our
footsteps. It led in a straight northerly direction,
and passed over the level summits of the hills;
We Were not a little delighted at the discovery.
and advanced with increased rapidity. I still felt
ftluch pain in my knee, and through the whole of
my leg ; but as We were walking on level ground,
it was nothing to equal that which I experienced
when ascending the side of the hill.
We hoped shortly to reach the forest, in the
heart of which we intended to pass the day ; but
the sailor, WassiljeSfj who accideritly looked be
hind him, suddenly exclaimed, " they are pursu
ing us op horseback with lanterns." With these
words he quickly descended into a hollow on one
side of the road. On looking rounds we perceived
some lights^ which appeared to be at no great dis
tance from us. We immediately followed the ex
ample of Wassiljeff, arid precipitated ourselves into
a deep hblloW. We descerided to a considerable dis
tance, without finding eithet a tree or thicket under
which We could conceal, ourselves, and day Was
B 2

MEMOIRS OF A

already beginning to dawn. Had it been broad
daylight we might easily have been observed from
any of the surrounding hills. We at length reached
the bottom of the holloW, which was on every side
overhung with naked precipices. The hollow it
self was covered with thick snow, but no place of
concealment presented itself, and the sun had now
completely risen.
We stood still for a few moments, not know
ing how^ to proceed ; at last we perceived a small
aperture in a rock, and on approaching it, found
that it was a cavity which might, perhaps, though
with difficulty, contain us all. A waterfall, which
descended from the hill, and passed by the side
of this cavity, had hollowed out a pit about ten
feet deep almost directly under it. We were en
abled to get near the cavity by advancing along
the snow, which was very high on the one side.
This hole, in which we hoped to find shelter, was
situated in the side of a rock, about nine feet from
the bottom of the hollow, but the cataract had
driven away so much of the snow, that it was
with the greatest difficulty we could reach the
aperture, our only assistance in climbing being a
small tree which grew beside it. Had any of us
missed a step, or had the tree failed to support our
weight, we might have been precipitated into the
pit, from which we could not easily have extri
cated ourselves. With my lame leg, it would have

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN.

been next to impossible for me to have got out. We,
however, succeeded in reaching the hole in safety.
When in it, we found that we had not sufficient
room to sit down ; and our grotto was, besides, half
filled with a kind of sand stones, of which the
whole hill was composed. Many of the stones lay
with their sharp points and edges upwards, and we
dared not to stir without the greatest caution, as
there was a considerable slope towards the mouth
of the hole ; and had any of the stones given way
we might have rolled out along with them. We
could neither lie down nor stretch out our feet, but
were obliged to rest ourselves first on one elbow and
then on the other; In other respects our hiding
place was well adapted to our purpose. The Japa
nese could not have traced us to it from any dis
tance, for fortunately a keen frosty morning had so
hardened the snow, that our footsteps were no longer
visible. But there was one circumstance which
excited our apprehension : our companion Schka-
jeSf, as he was descending the hollow, lost his cap,
which he had himself made out of a worsted stock
ing. Had it been picked up by the Japanese, they
would have immediately recognised it as a part of
our wardrobe, and it might perhaps have assisted
them in discovering our asylum. We were, be
sides, afraid that the rays of the sun might melt the
snow at the entrance of the cavity ; and in that case
we. should have found it impossible to get out, as

6 MEMOIRS OF A
even in the morning we could not reach it without
considerable difficulty.
In this situation we remained until sun-set, re
flecting on our fate, and deliberating how we should
proceed. The day was extremely clear, but the
rays of the sun did not penetrate to our retreat, and
the neighbouring waterfall increased the coolness
of the atmosphere, so that we frequently shivered
till our teeth knocked against each other. During
the whole day we distinctly heard the sound of
hatchets in the forest, which was at no great dis
tance from us. At sun-set we peeped out of our
hole, and saw a number of people on the hills. No
other remarkable circumstance occurred, except that
we heard a rustling noise, as if somebody had been
slipping down the hill towards us. The noise be
came louder and louder ; we even fancied that we
beheld soldiers in search pf us, and prepared for our
defence, when we suddenly perceived a wild deer ;
but the animal no sooner smelt us than he darted
off at full speed.
When the stars began to appear we left our hole,
and proceeded northwards to a high hill, which was
here and there overgrown with underwood. My
situation was dreadful. Whilst we were in the cave
I had constantly kept my lame leg in one position,
and therefore experienced bpt little uneasiness ; but
when I attempted to walk, and particularly to ascend
the hill, the pain, which was not confined to my

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 7
knee, but extended from the heel to the hip, was
unbearable. I endured the utmost agony in climb
ing this hill, and we had yet many more to ascend.
The circumstances of our case^ however, required
that we shpuld advance without loss of time. Find
ing that I retarded my companions, and that I might
perhaps occasion them to be overtaken by their pur
suers, I entreated that they would abandon me to
my fate, and proceed without me : but to this sug
gestion they would not listen. I represented that,
from the commencement of our enterprise, fate had
destined me to suffer, by repdering me ipcapable of
following them. I begged that they would not sa
crifice themselves for my sake, as I only occasioned
them to linger ; and from the excruciating pain
which I endured, they must, sooner or later, leave
me behind. But they were not to be prevailed on
by my entreaties. They all protested that so long
as I lived they would not abandon me, and that they
would stop to let me rest at every quarter of a mile;
and that, when they reached a safe place of conceal
ment, they would stop for two or three days, during
which time I might recover the use of my leg.
Makaroff besides offered to assist me in climbing the
hills, if I would go behind him, and hold by the
skirts of his jacket or his girdle. In this manner
I resolved to follow my companions. I was unable
to walk, and was dragged along by the sailors.
Having ascended another hill, we reached a level

8 MEMOIRS OF A
spot, which was covered with bamboo reeds and
grass of the preceding year. Here we rested for a
short time, and then advanced in a northerly direc
tion, taking the stars for pur guides. The night
was calm and clear, and the snow-topt hills, which
we had yet to ascend, shone in the distance. The
level eminence which we were now crossing was
separated from the adjoining hill by a ravine of
extraordinary depth, which we thought it impru
dent to descend during the night, as we might have
experienced considerable difficulty in extricating
ourselves from the abyss. Instead, therefore, of
advancing straight northwards, we turned a little
towards the west, and proceeded along the edge of
the ravine, in the hope of finding some convenient
place for crossing it. Our embarrassment was not
of long duration. We soon discovered a kind of
mound, which appeared to be indebted to art for its
existence, and which connected together the sum
mits of the hills, which were otherwise separated
by the precipitous ravine. It was on account of its
magnitude only that it could be regarded as a pro
duction of nature. As we were proceeding onward,
we discovered, as we supposed, two huts, and at
intervals heard the sound of a pipe, resembling that
which is used in Russia for alluring quails. We
stooped down among the grass, and for a long while
listened attentively, without knowing whether the
sound proceeded from a bird, or from some hunters,

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 9
whom we suspected might be in the huts. We at
length resolved to advance, being well aware that
their number could not be so considerable as to
prevent our resisting them with success in case they
attacked us. On approaching, however, we disco
vered that what we had in the dark taken for huts
were merely two heaps of poles. We armed our
selves with some of these poles, and then pursued
our course.
On reaching the next hill we discovered a wide
road leading to the north, along which coals and
wood are conveyed on pack-horses to the city.
We observed plainly that this road had not beep
trodden during the present spring, though we per
ceived in all directions fires, which were doubtless
kindled for making charcoal. The sides of this
road were overgrown with thickets and high grass,
among which we lay down to rest at midnight, for
owing to the sharp stones with which the cave was
filled, we had not enjoyed a moment's repose during
the day. We slept for two or three hours, and then
resumed our course. From the summit of the hill
we descended, by various turnings and windings,
into a small valley, which was watered by a little
stream, on the surface of which the ice and deep
snow were in many places sufficiently strong to
bear our weight. We now lost sight of the road,
and proceeded over the snow in an oblique direc
tion across the valley, in the hope of finding the

10 MEMOIRS OF A
road again ; but our attempt was unsuccessful :
we, however, discovered a footpath leading to the
summit of a hill, which was higher than any we
had hitherto crossed. As the precipice was ex
tremely difficult to ascend, and we frequently found
it necessary to stop to rest ourselves, we did not
reach the summit until day was about to dawn.
We then found a convenient resting place, where
we resolved to halt for the day. We crept in
among the thickest of the bushes, and for the sake
of a little warmth lay close to each other, as the
morning was extremely cold, and our clothing was
not calculated to protect us from its influence. We
did not, however, lie in this place above two hours ;
and we suffered so severely from the cold, that to
sleep was quite impossible.
When daylight was completely set in, we arose
to take a view of the objects around us. We found
ourselves on a lofty eminence, which was on every
side surrounded by mountains. Those towards the
south were somewhat lower than the one on which
we stood, but those to the north were, on the con
trary, considerably higher. Hills, forests, and snow,
were the only objects which met our eyes ; yet the
prospect was sublime. We observed that the tops
of all the hills were enveloped in mist, and we
consequently concluded, that if we kindled a fire
among the bushes it would not be perceptible from
any of the sprrounding eminences ; we therefore

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 11
resolved to try the experiment, for the double pur
pose of warming ourselves and boiling our kettle ;*
not indeed to make tea, for we had none with us,
but to warm and render more palatable our rice,
which was by this time dry and mouldy. We like-r
wise searched for wild herbs, but in vain, for among
these hills winter still raged with the utmost seve
rity. We collected some dry twigs, kindled a fire,
and warmed some snow-water, which we sucked
up with small bamboo reeds, and ate the rice along
with it.
In the meantime some heavy clouds arose behind
the hills froni the east, and the wind began to howl
among the rocks. The clouds spread in every di
rection, and the wind blew with more and more
violence. A storm appeared to be gathering.. Per
suaded that we should now meet nobody among the
hills, and that our pursuers therefore could npt
discover us, we resolved to proceed without waiting
for night. We were, moreover, induced to adopt
this resolution on account of the extreme cold, from
which, notwithstanding the fire, we suffered most
severely. We proceeded straight northwards, along the
foptpath which had been traced on the ridges of

* We had not forgotten to bring along with us a copper kettle,
which our attendants had, by a lucky chance, on the night of our
escape, left on the hearth in the room where the sailors slept.

12 MEMOIRS OF A
the mountains. This path, however, soon inclined
to one side, and at length turned completely round ;
we therefore abandoned it, and pursued our course
among the thickets. The declivity of the hill,
which was covered with snow, soon conducted us
into a hollow. The pain in my foot had not in the
least abated, and I was dragged along, holding by
the girdle of Makaroff. When we were descend
ing the precipice, the violence of the pain forced me
to sit down on the snow, and slide along. In doing
this I guided my course with the pole to which the
chisel was fixed, which also served to diminish the
velocity of ray motion where the declivity was very
abrupt. Contrary to our expectations the storm
did not arise, the clouds dispersed, and all the sur
rounding hills became perceptible.
This did not, however, induce us to alter our
determination, and we still continued to advance-
On reaching the hollow, we discovered on the
banks of a little rivulet two or three earthen huts,
but there was nobody within them. We waded
through the water, and again ascended a hill,
which, however, had the advantage of being co
vered with trees, against which we frequently
rested, and by which we were at the same time
concealed from observation.
Having ascended to a considerable height, we
suddenly found ourselves at the foot of a steep rock,
which we could not climb without the greatest

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 13
difficulty and danger. I had nearly reached the
top of the rock, when I found myself under the
necessity of loosening my hold of the girdle of Ma
karoff, who otherwise, overburthened as he was,
would not have been able to have gained the sum
mit. I therefore placed the toes of my sound foot
firmly against a stone, and throwing my right arm
round a young tree, which was so much bent down
that it inclined almost to a horizontal direction, I
resolved to wait until Makaroff should reach the
top, and be- able to- release me from my perilous
situation. But, powerful and vigorous as Makaroff
was, his great exertions had so overcome him, that
he no sooner reached the summit, than he fell to
the ground almost in a lifeless state. At this mo
ment, the stone against which I had rested my foot
detached itself, and rolled to the bottom of a deep
hollow which the rock overhung : I was thus left
hanging by one hand, without the possibility of
obtaining any other support, owing to the excessive
smoothness of the rock.
The rest of the sailors were at no great distance,
but fatigue rendered them unable to afford me any
assistance. Makaroff still lay stretched upon the
ground, and Mr. Chlebnikoff was labouring to
climb the rock at another point. Having remained
in this dreadful situation for several minutes, my
hand began to smart severely, and I was on the
point of ending my sufferings by precipitating1 my-

14 MEMOIRS OF A
self into the gulf, more than a hundred fathoms
beneath me, when Makaroff* suddenly recovering,
beheld my situation, and hastened to my assistance.
He rested his foot upott a stone which projected
from the rock under my breast, and with one hand
grasped a branch of the tree. With my hand
which was free I then seized his girdle, and, by a
great effort on his part, I was draWn to the top of
the rock. We were no sooner both safe, thatt
Makaroff again fell down in a state of insensibility.
Had either the stone or the branch of the tree
given way, we must both have been precipitated to
the bottom, and have perished.
In the meanwhile, Mr. Chlebnikoff had climbed
to the middle of the rock, when such obstacles pre
sented themselves that he Could neither move back
wards nor forwards. The sailors immediately tied
together the sashes they wore as girdles, and, hav
ing lowered one end until he Was enabled to take
hold df it, drew him from his perilous situation.
We rested for a short time on the top of this
rock, and then proceeded to ascend the next bill,
on the submit of Which we perceived, in the dis
tance, an earthen hut, or something resembling
ofte, which we supposed would afford a convenient
shelter for the night. Before sUP-set We reached
the summit of this hill, one of the highest in
Matsmai : it was overgrown with reeds, between
Which the sPoW lay very deep, and oriry a few

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 15
scattered trees were to be seen. Contrary to our
expectations, we found no earthen hut; but We
were convinced we were now secure, as the Japa
nese would not look for us in that terrific spot.
We immediately kindled a fire, and prepared a
supper, consisting of wild garlic and sorrel, which
we had gathered on the banks of the river through
which We bad that day (April 25 th) waded. We
likewise dried our clothes, which were completely
soaked, as the Water had in many places been more
than knee deep; Towards night we collected some
reeds and built' a hut.
Having eaten heartily of boiled herbs and a
portion of our store of provisions; we laid our
selves down to rest, as night had already set in.
In consequence of the extreme fatigue we had
undergope, we quickly fell asleep* My repose
was not, howev&r, of long duration : being op
pressed by the excessive heat of our hut, I awoke
and walked out into the open air. I leant myself
against a tree near the hut, and the majestic image
of nature which I then beheld excited all my admi
ration. The sky was clear, arid numerous black
clouds were floating around the nearest hills. It
probabty rained in the plains. The snow glistened
on the tops of the mountains in the distance. I never
saw the stars shine with such brilliancy as on that
night: a deadly stillness prevailed around me.
But this sublime spectacle vanished when I sud^

16 MEMOIRS OF A
denly recollected our situation, which now pre
sented itself to my mind in all its horrors — six
men on the summit of one of the highest mountains
in Matsmai, without clothing, provisions, or even
arms, by the help of which we might have ob
tained something to save us from starvation, and
surrounded by enemies and wild beasts,* wandering
over a strange island, uncertain whether or not we
should succeed in gaining possession , of a vessel ;
and I in a state of lameness which occasioned the
severest agony at every step. To reflect on so
helpless a condition, was indeed to be verging on
despair. In the meanwhile some of my compa
nions also awoke, and their sighs and prayers served
only to increase my distress. I forgot my own
misfortunes, and shed bitter tears for their unhappy
fate. In this situation I remained for upwards of
an hour, when the cold forced me again to take
refuge in the hut. I stretched myself upon the
ground, but to sleep was impossible.
We arose at day-break, (on the 26th of April)
kindled a fire, cooked some wild garlic and sorrel,
ate our breakfast, and then continued our journey.
We now resolved no longer to climb the hills, but
* The forests of Matsmai are inhabited by bears, wolves,
foxes, hares, stags, and wild goats. There are, likewise, some
sables to be found on this island, but their fur is of a reddish
colour, and consequently of little value. The bears are uncom
monly fierce, and attack men as well as other animals.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 17
to pursue our course along the banks of a little
stream, which flowed in a westerly direction, and
then to turn towards the north, to await on the sea
shore an opportunity of getting on board a vessel.
We descended into a deep valley below the hill, and
directed our course towards the west, along the side
of the stream. But the road we had chosen was by
no means an easy one. The stream frequently
flowed with violence between narrow cliffs of rocks,
which we could not pass without the greatest dif
ficulty and danger. The least slip of the foot would
have plunged us into the water, and we should have
been carried down by the current, and dashed to
pieces against some of the projecting masses of rock.
In addition to this, we were compelled at every
quarter of a mile, and even at shorter distances, to
wade across the rivulet, as the banks on one side
were frequently so steep that it was impossible to
walk along them. Whenever we found it necessary
to cross from one side to the other, we, of course,
chose those parts in which the water was shallow,
and flowed with little violence ; but we frequently
found it, even with the assistance of poles, difficult
to resist the force of the current. The depth of the
stream was various, sometimes reaching to our
knees, and at other times above our waists.
Having travelled in this way to some distance, we
discovered on the banks of the rivulet several empty
huts, which during the summer season had been
VOL. ii. c

18 MEMOIRS OF A
inhabited by wood-cutters and coal-burners. We
entered them and searched for provisions, but we
found only an old hatchet and a chisel, both com
pletely covered with rust, and two lackered crips,
which we carried aWay. The day was clear and
excessively warm ; we therefore resolved, though
the sun had not yet set behind the hills, to pass the
night in one of the huts, in which we found a stove
for making charcoal. We were afraid to kindle a
blazing fire, lest it should be perceived by the Ja
panese : we, however, made one sufficiently large to
roast some wild garlic, lysimachia, and sorrel, and
to dry our clothes. We then lay down to rest in the
-hut, of which one half of the roof had fallen in, so
that we slept, as it were, in the open air. The
night was extremely cold ; but from this we did not
suffer much inconvenience, as we lay among straw,
with which we completely covered ourselves.
On the following morning, the 27th of April, we
took our usual breakfast, and pursued our course
along the banks of the river. Having proceeded
about two miles we discovered a hut, from the roof
of which smoke was issuing. To attack the poor
inhabitants Would have been an unprovoked act of
cruelty; and we, besides, thought it imprudent to
shew ourselves, lest they should give our pursuers
information respecting us. We, therefore, ascended
a hill, which was covered with thickets, and pro
ceeded Westward. We then descended by a foot-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 1<
path into a valley, where at noon we seated our
selves by the side of a little brook, and ate somt
beans and rice. On reaching the summit of anothei
hill, we observed various roads leading to the sea-
side. The hills in this part of the island were en-
tirely barren, without either bushes or high grass,
and crossed by paths in various directions. The
weather was so extremely clear, that we observed a
dog running along a footpath on a distant hill. It
seemed imprudent to advance, as owing to our num
ber and size the Japanese might easily have recog
nized us, and yet we were unwilling to lose time.
Our object was to reach the coast by the evening,
and, after having taken a little rest, to proceed
along the shore during the night. We therefore
resolved to advance separately, stooping down, and
keeping a strict watch on every side. We accord
ingly turned back about the distance of a mile, and
reached a hill somewhat lower than the rest ; but
here we were still in danger; for it would have
been easy to see us from the highway which lay
along the shore: we, therefore, sat down among
the grass, and deliberated on the most prudent
mode of proceeding. At that moment we dis
covered a party of soldiers on horseback, who were
galloping along a footpath, in a direction towards
us : we crept immediately into a hollow, and hid
ourselves among the bushes, with which it was
on both sides covered, and the soldiers rode past
c 2

20 MEMOIRS OF A
without perceiving us. We were now convinced of
the danger of proceeding across the hills ; for had
we not been sitting down at the moment the soldiers
were riding up the hill, we should doubtless have
been discovered and taken.
The valley in which we had concealed ourselves
was watered by a small brook, the bed of which
was dirty, and filled with decayed roots and leaves.
We stirred up the mud, and found some small
crabs, about half an inch in length, which were
indeed calculated rather to excite disgust than to
provoke appetite ; but we ate them with as much
pleasure as if they bad been the most exquisite
dainties. Having sat about an hour in the valley,
we resolved to advance in it as long as we should
find bushes capable of concealing us, and to endea
vour to regain the hills by some other road. The
valley led straight towards the sea. We walked on
for upwards of a mile, and came to a spot which
could be seen from various roads. We therefore
seated ourselves amidst shrubs and reeds. There
we found several fine young trees, some of which
we cut down to make pikes, fastening our knife to
one, the chisel to another, and merely cutting the
ends of others into sharp points with the hatchet
which we had found in the hut, and with which
one of the sailors was armed. Whilst we were
busy at this work, we suddenly heard the sound of
voices approaching us. They appeared to proceed

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 21
from some persons on the other side of the valley.
Mr. Chlebnikoff, who at this time was seated the
highest up of any of us, saw a number of working
people pass by, among whom were several women.
When it began to grow dark we resumed our
journey, and at night reached the shore, along
which we proceeded in a northerly direction.* We
had, however, scarcely advanced to the distance of
a werst, when we unexpectedly found ourselves in
front of a village, which was built beside a steep
rock, a circumstance which accounted >for our not
having sooner perceived it. We immediately
halted, fearing to proceed, lest guards might be
stationed in the village; but finding that the rock
was extremely high, and difficult to climb, we re
solved at all hazards to venture onwards. We suc
ceeded in passing unperceived : even the dogs never
once barked at us. We found here two boats, which
were good in their kind, but too small for our pur
pose, and we proceeded, in the hope of falling in
with some larger vessels.
* I cannot state with any precision at what distance from the
city we reached the shore. Whilst we were ascending and
descending the hills, we frequently found it necessary to take a
lateral direction, and even to turn back, by which means we
made but little progress, though we had passed over consider
able spaces *of ground. From the situation of two small unin
habited islands, which we observed on looking towards the
shore, and which we had before seen at Matsmai, we concluded
that we were about twenty-five wersts from the city.

22 MEMOIRS OF A
This occurrence afforded us much satisfaction.
We were convinced that the villages were not all
so strictly guarded as we had supposed. In the
course of the night we passed with equal boldness
through one or two other villages, near which we
saw several boats, but they were all too small;
besides, the road along the shore was not so pass
able and good as we had at first supposed. There
was a large plain between the hills and the beach,
which was frequently intersected by hollows, through
which streams and brooks flowed from the hills into
the sea. When fhe direct course towards the sea
was obstructed by perpendicular rocks, the road
passed along the plain through the hollows, in
which the ascent arid descent* were very steep, and
exceedingly difficult. We frequently lost the foot
paths, particularly in the valleys, where the soil
was usually composed of gravel and sand, and we
sometimes knew not how to get out of them. We
often spent whole hours in searching for the road,
and when we did not succeed in finding it, we were

* Owing to the numerous mountains, the Japanese never
employ carriages, either in Matsmai or any other of the Kurile
Islands, All burdens are either conveyed by water, or on the
backs of horses or oxen. The officers and persons of dis
tinction travel in litters and sedan chairSj and others on horse
back. There are, therefore, no proper roads, but merely foot
paths, which, on the hills, for the convenience of the horses, are
made to wind in various directions.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 2i
compelled to cliipb the heights in the dark, witl
the greatest difficulty and danger. There was ii
general no trace of footsteps left among the sapd ii
the hollowsy and we were obliged to go forward
trusting to chance for finding ap outlet ; but w<
frequently found our progress stopped by rocks
which it was necessary to avoid by making a cir
cuit, or to attempt to surmount at the risk of break
ipg our necks. '
, At day-rbreak, op the- 28th of April, we agair
turned back to the mountains, where we proppsec
to remain during the day. When the sun had full)
risen we found ourselves upop a high hill, which
was totally barren, and consequently afforded us nc
means of concealment. We at length, however.
discovered some bushes in a hollow, and tearing up
others from different places, we fixed them into the
ground, and crept in bepeath them. Unfortunately
there was neither water nor. snow upon this hill,
and we suffered excessively from thirst. On the
other side of the hollow, and opposite to us, was a
path leading to a wood, along whiph we frequently
observed men apd pack-horses going backwards and
forwards, and saw them so plainly, that had the
former, beep our acquaintances, we should have
found no difficulty in recognising them- They did
not observe us, though a glance directed towards
that part of the ^hollow ip which we had taken
refuge would ineyitably have betrayed us.

24 MEMOIRS OF A
We were busily employed during the whole of
this day. We stitched our shirts together for the
purpose of forming two sails, and made all the ne
cessary appurtenances out of the ropes and pieces
of woollen cloth which we had carried off with us.
There was a village at no great distance from our
hiding place ; and, as evening approached, we ob
served that one of the vessels which were sailing
along the coast anchored near it. We resolved,
therefore, in case the wind should prove favourable,
to board the vessel that very night.
At sun-set we descended the hill, and proceeded
towards the shore ; but as we approached the vessel,
we heard a noise and the sound of voices on board.
We, therefore, withdrew, intending to wait until the
dead of the night before we attempted the execution
of our enterprise ; but we soon discovered that the
vessel was weighing anchor, and that the noise was
occasioned by that labour. Our design was there
fore frustrated, and we pursued our course along the
shore. We had this night many more obstacles to con
tend with than on the preceding. The hollows
were more numerous and deeper, and we frequently
found it necessary to wade through streams. To
wards midnight we arrived at a village of consider
able size. We at first wished to pass along the
principal street; but we found it extremely long,
and we, besides, heard the guards striking the hour

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 25
With their boards. We then proposed going round
the outside of the village ; but the kitchen gardens
were so large, that we must have made a very con
siderable circuit : We, therefore, proceeded across
the gardens, and left traces of our footsteps behind
us, which must have been remarkable on account of
their size.* On the shore we observed several large
fires, and at first were at a loss to conjecture what
was meant by them. We imagined they were in
tended as watch-fires for the soldiers ; but we soon
discovered that they were signals for the vessels
which were sailing past the coast, for they were
lighted up immediately upon lanterns being hoisted
on board the ships.
On the 29th of April, the morning dawn drove
us to the adjoining heights. At sun-rise we found
ourselves on the summit of a high and barren hill,
which afforded us no place of refuge. We per
ceived on every side footpaths, along which the in-

* We found it inconvenient to wear the Japanese shoes, and
requested that we might be furnished with leather, as one of the
sailors, who understood the shoe-making business, could make
boots for us. The Japanese gave us sea-dog's skin for the fegs,
and the hide of bear's heads for the soles. Out of these materials
Simanoff made a kind of peasant's boots, called Siberian tor-
basses. They were extremely large, and the traces of our
sailors' footsteps were twice the size of those of the Japanese.
It might, therefore, easily be guessed, who imprinted the marks
we left behind us.

26 MEMOIRS OF A
habitants passed from the villages to the forests.
We, therefore, turned to the ©pposite side, and en
tered a deep woody valley, in which there was a
brook : we seated ourselves in a concealed place,
and kindled a fire to dry our clothes and warm us,
for the weather was extremely cold and wipdy ; and
having gathered some wild garlic and water-angelica,
we cooked and ate it. These herbs were, however,
none_of the most palatable ; and without the addition
of other food, such as a handful of beans or rice,
we could not possibly have eaten them. I lost all
appetite, though I drank considerable quantities of
water wherever it was to be found, We now began
to consider how we should furnish ourselves with
provisions ; and our situation rendered it necessary
that we should search for a convenient place in the
forest, where we might repose and recover our
strength, which, owing to want of sustenance, and
excessive fatigue, was nearly exhausted. Unfor
tunately for us, the hills at a certain distance from
the shore were completely barren ;* and at every

* On the eastern side of Matsmai the coast is covered, to the
very margin of the sea, with wood, and we concluded it would
be the game on the western side. But we found, on the con
trary, that from the shore to the centre of the island, the woods
were almost all cut down for the sake of procuring fire-wood
and coal. The Japanese consume great quantities of wood and
charcoal, as they have no stoves, and keep fires constantly burn
ing on the hearths. As the winter is both severe and of long

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 27
three wersts there were villages, whose inhabitants
were, during the day, continually going backward
and forward to the forest. Iri the day-time it was,
therefore, impossible to conceal ourselves close to
the shore, and we were obliged, before sun-rise, to
hasten across the hills into the forest, and when
night approached again to direct our weary steps
towards the sea. When we reached the beach, we
were usually so overcome with fatigue, that we
were scarcely able to move along. We wished to
procure a supply of provisions ; but we determined
that nothing but the most urgent necessity should
induce us to resort to measures of violence, which
might irritate the Japanese, and give them reason to
guard their coasts more strictly. Our great object
was to obtain, as speedily as possible, possession of
a vessel, confident that it would, according to the
Japanese custom, be plentifully supplied with pro
visions and fresh water. We likewise resolved, when
we should be passing through the villages, to search
for the spot where the Japanese lay out their fish to
dry, or, if possible, to catch two or three horses in

duration, the extensive population renders a great supply of coal
and wood necessary. The scarcity of wood on the hills on the
western side of Matsmai proves that the Japanese must have
first established themselves on that part of the island, and have
afterwards extended themselves to the east. The city of Mats
mai is supposed to be four huridred years old.

28 MEMOIRS OF A
the fields, carry them into the forest, and kill them,
and live upon their flesh.
At sun-set we quitted our hiding-place, and pro
ceeded, as usual, to grope our way to the coast.
The obstacles which we before had to contend with
were now increased ; the valleys were deeper than
any we had hitherto met with, the rivulets flowed
with violence, and in wading through them the
water frequently rose above our waists : in addition
to this the rain poured in torrents, so that we found
it impossible to lie down on the grass to rest.
We this night encountered two adventures. Close
to the shore, at some distance from us, we beheld a
flame, which, however, suddenly vanished at our
approach. On . reaching the spot where we had
seen it, we discovered an extremely high rock, but
neither hole nor hut from which flame could have
issued. It was perhaps merely the effect of illusion.
We now descended into a deep valley, whence
we had to ascend to the level summit of a hill, by
a steep, winding, and well-beaten footpath, when
we met with an accident which not a little distressed
us. Mr. Chlebnikoff slipped his foot and fell into
a hole. We once heard him stop, but he again
rolled further down, and at length we knew not
what had become of him. He returned no answer
to our questions, and we dared not call loudly, as
there were villages within hearing of us. The night
was so extremely dark that no object could be re-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 29
cognized at the distapce of ten paces. We tied
our girdles together, and fastening the one end
about Wassiljeff, let him down into the hole into
,,which Mr. Chlebnikoff had fallen. We lowered
him gradually as far as the length of our united
sashes would admit, and then drew him up again.
Wassiljeff informed us, that, notwithstanding the
depth to which he had descended, he could not
discover the extent of the hole ; and that he called
Mr. Chlebnikoff, but. received no answer. We,
therefore, resolved to remain on the spot until day
light, and then to lower another of our party into
the hole, to ascertain whether Mr. Chlebnikoff was
yet living.
We remained for two hours, in a state of the
most painful uncertainty respecting the fate of our
worthy companion. We at length heard a rustling
among the grass, and, on looking round, to our as-
tonishmentj beheld Mr. Chlebnikoff. He had first
rolled down about two fathoms from the surface,
when something stopped him, and he endeavoured
to climb up again ; he, however, slipped a second
time, and fell perpendicularly into a pit, to the
depth of four fathoms. Fortunately, there were no
stones at the bottom of the pit, but he was, not
withstanding, severely bruised.* He, at length,
* Mr. Chlebnikoff has not yet recovered from the effects of
this fall.

30 MEMOIRS OF A
succeeded in climbing up the side of the hole, and
reached the spot where he surprised us by his un
expected appearance. After having rested for a
short time, he again accompanied us on our jour
ney, although he felt severe pain in every part of
his body.
Even now, I never look back, without horror,
upon the frightful gulfs and huge rocks of Mats
mai ; and millions of money would not tempt me to
travel over them again, even in the open day.
Whilst we were ascending steep eminences, and be
held beneath us on every side nothing but masses of
rock and torrents, we were frequently obliged to hold
by small bushes, without being certain whether they
might not be too weak or decayed. Had any of them
given way, those who were trusting to their feeble
support must have been precipitated into the abyss
below, and dashed to pieces. A loose stone pro
jecting from a rock was frequently our only reliance.
But Heaven watched over us, and, excepting Mr.
Chlebnikoffs fall, no serious accident occurred. Our
desperate situation made us disregard every danger.
We climbed up the steepest rocks without ever
thinking on death, and with as much indifference as
if we had been proceeding along a level road. My
only wish was, in case an accident should occur
to me, that it might be a decisive one, that my
fall might be from such an immense height as
would put a speedy end to my suffering.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 31
Before sun-rise on the 30th of April, we proceeded
towards the hills, and entered a wood, where we
stationed ourselves not far from the road. We dared
not kindle a fire, though we should have found it
extremely acceptable, for the rain, which still con
tinued with violence, had soaked our clothes com
pletely through. We lay down close to each other,
and covered ourselves over with our sails. In the
course of the day, my companions ate some portion
of their store of provisions, but I had lost all ap
petite for food, though I still suffered severely from
thirst. When night set in we again directed our course
towards the "shore. In all the Villages through
which we passed we neither found a good boat nor
saw any fish laid out to dry. Either the fishing
season had not commenced, or the fish had been re
moved into houses during the night. We saw se
veral horses in the fields, and endeavoured to catch
one, but they were all so extremely wild that we
found it impossible. This night we descended down
the side of a steep hill, for the purpose of proceed
ing to the shore; we had, however, scarcely got
half way, when we found we were advancing straight,
upon a village. In the dark we missed the footpath,
and mistook a heap of straw for a part of the decli
vity. We had no sooner set our feet upon it than
we rolled down, and unexpectedly found ourselves
in front of a house and barn. A dog rushed out

32 MEMOIRS OF A
upon us, but we calmly proceeded on our way,
though we were doubtless observed by two men who <
came out with lanterns.
We all suffered severely from thirst, and never
passed a brook without taking hearty draughts of
water. But immediately after I drank water I felt
myself affected with nausea, and the saliva flowed
from my mouth. In the course of half an hour,
however, I was usually so overcome with thirst, that
on hearing the murmuring of a rivulet at a distance
I promised myself a speedy relief, and redoubled '
my pace in order to reach it quickly ; but as soon as
I had taken a draught of water the nausea returned,
and I was thus alternately a martyr to thirst and
sickness, and could eat nothing.
On the first of May we rested on a declivity, by
the side of a rivulet, in a thick wood, near which
there was a village built on a sandy point of land.
We saw several horsemen and foot passengers cross
the stream, on the outside of the wood, and people
passing along a road near us.
We were therefore obliged to remain the whole
day without fire. At night we again departed, but
as we met several men with lanterns, we were
obliged to hide ourselves behind the trees until they
passed by. On approaching close to a village we
heard the hours striking, and, of course, were pretty
certain that the place had a guard of soldiers, who,
as it was not perfectly dark, might discover us : we,

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 33
therefore determined to halt. In the meantime we
observed a mare tied to a tree, in a meadow near the
village. We determined to carry her off, and had
already cut the rope, when a foal suddenly sprang
up, ran about, and neighed loudly. We found it
impossible to catch it, and were obliged to run off
and leave the mare behind, lest the noise should
alarm the Japanese. We returned a short time
afterwards, recollecting that the milk of the mare
would be extremely acceptable to us ; but the sailor
who set about milking her received so severe a kick,
that we thought it prudent to have nothing more to
do with her.
When it grew darker we proceeded along the
strand, and came close to a village, from which the
dogs rushed out upon us. We were afraid lest the
barking of these animals should attract the attention
of the Japanese, who would immediately have per
ceived us, and we, accordingly, sat down behind a
heap of sand. The dogs then stood still and
growled, but no sooner did we attempt to rise than
they flew at us, and by their barking compelled us
to resume our station. We were thus obliged to
remain in the same spot for the space of half an hour,
the dogs having by that time left us ; we started
up, and passed through the village without any fur
ther interruption.
Soon after, as we were passing through another
village, we observed a boat in the water, close to the
VOL. II. D

34 MEMOIRS OF A
shore, and a tent near it. We advanced to inspect
the boat, but Schkajeff, hoping to find something
eatable in the tent, thrust in his hand, and grasped
the head of a man who was sleeping there. The man
roared out loudly, and fearing that the noise might
alarm the inhabitants of the village, and being, be
sides, uncertain whether the boat would contain us
all, we ran off, and concealed ourselves behind some
Stones. After a short time we dispatched two of
our party to take a survey of the boat, but there
was a man seated ip it, who was looking round him
on every side; we, therefore, thought it best to
depart. Before we reached the other extremity of this
village, we observed a large boat which had been
dragged ashore as far as the houses. On examina
tion we found that it was well adapted to our pur
pose, but it was so far from the water that we de
spaired of getting it afloat, and we therefore pro
ceeded onwards. We soon after discovered, under
a shed on the shore, a very large boat : it was with
out sails,* but was furnished with every other ne
cessary appurtenance, and had even small buckets,
in which we might have laid in a supply of fresh
water; the wind and weather were moreover fa
vourable. Unfortunately, however, the boat lay
with one side towards the water, and we must con-
* We had sails along with us.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 35
sequently have turned it in order to get it afloat, but
to accomplish this object we found our strength in
sufficient.. Had either the 'head or the stern been
towards the water we would soon have launched it ;
and after carrying off a supply of provisions from
one of the houses, Would have put to sea. But this
was impossible ; we therefore contented ourselves
with merely- taking a watering pot which we found
in the boat, and which we thought would serve us
to drink out of.
The approach of the morning drove us once more
among the hills. Daylight, however, surprised us
on the side of a barf en mountain, covered only here
and there with a few bushes. We beheld foot
paths on -every side, and villages along the shore, as
far as our eyes could see. A thick forest, in which
we might have concealed ourselves; lay at such a
distance, that it would have taken us a long time to
reach it, we were, therefore, obliged to lie down
under the bushes around us. The day beirig fine,
we dried our clothes, and deliberated on new plans
of escape. We were well aware that we could ob
tain provisions only by forcible means, and that,
after having committed violence, we should no
longer be in safety, as the Japanese would doubtless
redouble their vigilance, and station' guards along
the coast ; ail chance, therefore, of getting ori board
a vessel would have been entirely at an end. We
thought it a more advisable scheme to gain possession
D 2

36 MEMOIRS OF A
of a couple of fishing-boats, which were to be met
with at every point along the shore, and to row to a
small island covered with wood, which lay between
twenty-five and thirty wersts from the coast, and
which, when we were at Matsmai, we had heard was
uninhabited. We might there build a convenient
hut, kindle fire when we pleased, and during the
day gather, without danger of detection, shell-fish
and sea-weeds for our support. It would thus be
very easy for us to wait until an opportunity pre
sented itself, in calm weather, of boarding a loaded
vessel sailing past the island. This was a part of
our plan, which we were of opinion could be ex
ecuted without difficulty, as during the three days
we had been on this part of the coast we had ob
served that all vessels and boats passed between the
island and the coast of Matsmai, and it appeared
always stood near the island; we were besides aware,
that in the summer calms very frequently occur in
those seas. If this project should fail we still
might, during the summer, when the wind is never
violent, and almost always blowing from the east,
trust to the fishing-boats for carrying us to the coast
of Tartary, which is about four hundred and six
wersts distant from Matsmai.
But while we were forming plans for our deliver
ance, an adverse fate was preparing for us. We
saw people walking backwards and forwards on the
foot-paths by which we were surrounded, but it did

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 37
not appear that we were observed by them. At
length, on a hill at some distance, Mr. Chlebnikoff
perceived a woman, who frequently pointed to the
place in which we were, and turned round on every
side, beckoning with her hand, as if calling on per
sons to approach her. We soon understood that
these signs concerned us, and we descended into a
hollow in the hope of escaping through it into the
heart of the forest. Before, however, we reached
the bottom of the hollow, we found it suddenly .sur
rounded by men, who hastened to the spot from
every side, on foot and on horseback. The moment
they discovered us they raised a frightful cry.
Makaroff and I fled to a part covered with bushes,
and soon succeeded in getting out of sight ; but we
could not venture to move farther off, and lay down
to wait for our companions, and observe the number
of our enemies, and how they were armed. Our
first supposition was, that they were country peo
ple ; but to our astonishment we found that they
were soldiers, headed by an officer on horseback.
They were armed with muskets, and bows and ar
rows, in addition to their sabres and daggers'. Our
companions were immediately surrounded, and com
pelled to surrender. From between the bushes we
saw the Japanese bind their hands behind their
backs, and, after inquiring respecting Makaroff and
me, lead them towards the shore.
Meanwhile more Japanese had assembled, and a

38 MEMOIRS Of A
search for us was commenced. Makaroff now asked
how we should proceed. Perhaps* said I, the Ja
panese may not discover us to day ; and, when it is
dark, we may find our way to the shore, get into a
boat, row to the uninhabited island, and from thence
tp the coast of Tartary, But where! were our sails,
our tea-kettle, our tinder-box, and the knife.- Those
things were with our companions, and all had now
fallen into the hands of the Japanese. We had only
two pikes ; mine mounted with the chisel, and
Makaroff s with a small knife. Nevertheless, I pro
posed to my companion, that in case we succeeded
in eluding the search of the Japanese, we should
look out fori a fishing-bpat on the coast, and supply
ourselves, by force, with whatever was ^necessary for
our expedition* This was resolved upon.
From the thicket in- which we sat, we saw sol
diers and peasants, searching about for us on both
sides of the hollow. At length four soldiers ad
vanced iptp the centre, two armed with sabres, and
two with pikes. The rest ranged themselves in
rows on each side ofthe hollow, and held their mus
kets and. bpws and arrows in readiness. Those who
approached, us thrust their pikes into every bush
capable of. hiding a, dog; and, at last, came direct
upon the one in, which we were concealed. When
they had advanced pretty near us, Makaroff, who
observed me seizing my pike, entreated, with tears,
that I would not attempt to defend myself, or kill

' CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 39
any of the Japanese, as such a proceeding might
prove highly injurious to the rest of our companions.
He further observed, that I might, perhaps, be the
means of saving all their lives if I delivered myself
up to the Japanese, and declared that as I, Who was
their commander, had ordered them to attempt their
escape, they were bound to do so, lest they should
ever chance to return to Russia, where they Would
be severely punished for disobedience. These words
made so deep an impression on me, that I imme
diately struck my pike in the ground, rose, and
stepped out of the bush. Makaroff followed me.
The Japanese were filled with amazement at our un
expected appearance. They started back when they
first beheld us, but finding that we were unarmed,
they advanced boldly, seized us, bound our hands
slightly behind our backs, and conducted us tp a vii-*
lage on the shore. Our guards never permitted
themselves to offer us the slightest insult, or ill-
treatment of any kind ; on the contrary, when they
observed that I limped, and walked with pain, two
of the soldiers took me by the arms, and assisted
me in ascending the hill, and passing over slip
pery places. When we arrived at^the village, they
led us into a house, where we found our compa
nions. Here they gave us sagi, boiled rice, salted her
rings, radishes, and finally tea. Our hands were
then tied behind us ; but there was no repetition of

40 MEMOIRS OF A
the severity which we had experienced at Kuna-
shier. Having spent about an hour in the village,
we proceeded along the shore, under a strong escort,
on our return to Matsmai. We observed that the
Japanese had fixed small stakes in the ground, in
every place marked by our footsteps, during our
nightly wanderings. Where we had turned to
ascend the hills they lost all traces of us, but re
cognised our course again among the sand. It was
evident that they had continually followed us,* but
had avoided seizing us lest we might have made a
desperate resistance, and killed some of their party :
perhaps other reasons also induced them to forbear
attacking us.
When we passed through villages, the inhabit
ants Slocked from all sides to look at us : but to the
honour of the Japanese it ought to be observed, that
not one of them treated us with any thing like de
rision or mockery ; they all seemed to commiserate
us, and some of the women even shed tears whilst
they presented us with something to eat or drink.
Such was the expression of feeling among a people
whom enlightened Europe has regarded as barba-
* We were afterwards informed by the Japanese themselves,
that they constantly traced our footsteps, and frequently gained
sight of us. They described accurately enough the places -at
which we had stopped to rest, where we drank water, &c. We
could not, however, learn for what reason they did not endeavour
to arrest us.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 41'
rians. However, the chief of our escort shewed us
none of that benevolent kindness which we had be
fore experienced from other Japanese officers. For
instance, we were obliged to walk, though we might
as well have rode on horseback ; we were not car
ried across the brooks and rivulets as before, but
were desired to wade through them ; apd instead of
being provided with umbrellas, mats were thrown
over us to protect us from the rain. In several of
the villages through which we passed, we expressed
a wish to remain for the whole day ; but we were
hurried away, after having rested only a short time.
We were provided with boiled rice, muscles or her
rings, and tea without sugar. We were all exces
sively fatigued, but I particularly suffered. Owing
to the pain in my foot, I could proceed only at a
very .slow pace ; the chief of the escort, therefore,
directed that two soldiers should support me by the
arms, and that they should be regularly relieved in
performing that duty. This order was executed
with the strictest punctuality. If, during our jour
ney, we complained of thirst, we were permitted to
stop and drink water at the first brook we came to.
During the night, which was extremely dark, we
were led, one behind the other, with the greatest
caution, and a lantern was carried before each of
us, as well as before the Japanese chief. In addi
tion to this, men bearing lanterns preceded and fol
lowed the escort. When we had to ascend or

42 MEMOIRS OF A
descend steep hills, a number of country people who
accompanied us from the neighbouring villages pro
ceeded before us. Each carried a large bundle of
straw ; those bundles were laid down at dangerous
parts of the road, and when ^ we approached set on
fire ; so that we enjoyed, for a moment, a light as
bright as day. Had a European viewed, from a dis
tance, our nocturnal procession, he would, doubt
less, have supposed he beheld the obsequies of a
person of high rank.
On the following day, the 3d of May, as we en
tered a little village, about ten wersts from Matsmai )
we met one of the chief officers of the city, and our
interpreter Teske, accompanied by a detachment of
imperial soldiers. We immediately halted. The1
officer said not a word, and manifested neither anger
nor displeasure. Teske, however, reproached us for
having attempted to escape, and began to search us.
One of the sailors told him that he might spare
himself the trouble since he would find nothing ;
upon which he replied, " I know very well that I
shall find nothing upon you, but the Japanese laws
require that you should be searched." In this vil
lage, the officer and soldiers who had taken us put
on their state uniforms, over which they threW
mantles, because it rained. On coming near the
town, however, they took off their mantles, and the
order of the procession being arranged, we advanced
at a slow pace. The concourse of people was very

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 43
great. Owing to the rain, all the spectators carried
umbrellas over their heads, so that they presented a
most singular spectacle. Our escort proceeded in
the following order : two guides on each side, bear
ing Wooden staves; behind them nine soldiers
strutting along, with their muskets on their shoul
ders ; we followed one after the other, guarded on
each side by soldiers ; behind us were nine Soldiers
with muskets, one after the other ; and last of all
the officer who arrested us, on horseback. He wore
a rich silken dress, and looked down on the multi
tude that lined both sides of the road, like a proud
conqueror who had earned laurels, and laid claim to
the admiration andjgratitude of his countrymen.
We were conducted directly to the castle. For
merly we had been permitted to enter the court
yard with our hats on, but we were now directed to
uncover as soon as we reached: the gate. We sat
down on benches in the . anti-room leading to the
Hall of Justice, where boiled rice, pickled ra
dishes, and tea without sugar, were handed to us.
At length we were conducted into the Hall of Jus
tice, where, in a few moments, Mr. Moor and Alexei
entered, and were directed to station themselves at
some distance from us.
AU the officers having taken their places, the
bunyo entered. , No change was perceptible in his.
countenance : he maintained his. accustomed cheer
fulness, and expressed not the slightest displeasure

44 MEMOIRS OF A
at our conduct. Having taken his seat, he in
quired, in his usual benevolent manner, what had
induced us to try to escape. I requested the inter
preter to state to the bunyo, that, before I answered
his question, I wished to inform him that I alone
was guilty, and had forced the rest to fly with me,
which they were obliged to do, for a refusal to obey
my orders would render them liable to severe
punishment, should they ever return to Russia.
I further declared, that they might put me to death,
but that it would be unjust to injure a hair of the
head of any" of my companions. The bunyo replied,
that if the Japanese thought fit to put me to death,
they would do so without any suggestion on my
part ; but that if, on the contrary, they did not see
the necessity of such a proceeding, all my entreaties
would be of no avail.
The bunyo repeated his question. I declared
that we had fled because we saw no probability of
our being set at liberty, but that every thing tended
to convince us that the Japanese meant to keep us
in perpetual imprisonment. " Who told you that ?"
said the bunyo, " I never gave you reason to sup
pose that your confinement would be eternal."
" The orders," I replied, " which were received
from the capital, directing that all Russian vessels
> should be seized, and the preparations which were
made in consequence of that order, augured nothing
favourable to us." " Who informed you of that ?'*

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 45
" We learned it from Teske." The bunyo then
addressed himself to Teske, but what he said we
could not comprehend ; we, however, observed
that Teske, during his replies, frequently changed
colour. The bunyo had hitherto addressed his questions
to me alone; but he now asked Mr. Chlebnikoff
and the sailors what motives had induced them to
escape. They replied, that they had merely fol
lowed the directions which I, who was their
commander, had given them. On hearing this,
Mr. Moor laughed, and said they were no more
bound to obey my orders than he, and might have
remained behind if they had chosen. He called
the sailors blockheads, and assured the Japanese
that for prisoners to make their escape was a thing
unknown in Europe. The Japanese, however,
seemed to pay but little attention to what Mr. Moor
said, and proceeded to inquire by what means we
had effected our escape. They desired to be in
formed of every particular ; at what hour and in
what manner we had left the house ; what course
we had pursued ;* how far we proceeded each day ;
what articles and provisions we had carried off with
us ; and, finally, whether any of our guards or at-

* We were obliged to trace a plan, representing the situation
of our house, and that part of the town through which we
passed on leaving it.

46 MEMOIRS OF A
tendants had assisted us in our escape, or whether
we had made our intention known to any Japanese
whatever. We answered all these questions by a
faithful relation of the whole affair.
The bunyo then wished to know how long we
had entertained this resolution, and how long we
had imagined it possible to carry it into effect.
Mr. Moor now turned towards the sailors, and ex
horted them to tell the truth as they would before
God, since he had already disclosed every thing to
the Japanese. Independently of this admonition,
we entertained no design to conceal any circum
stance : we however observed^ that, notwithstanding
Mr. Moor's exhortations to the sailors, he had not
adhered very strictly to the truth in giving an
account of our deliberations and plans, nor even in
relating the projects which he had himself formed.
He had represented that his consent to' escape with
us was merely a pretence, in order that he'might
detect our plans, and, by disclosing them- to' the
Japanese, perform a service to the bunyo. He
stated, that,, as far as regarded himself, he would
submit to the will of the Emperor- of Japan : if he
obtained permission to return to his native country,
he would immediately depart ; if not, he was ready
to remain in Japan; When the bunyo afterwards
inquired whq had written a letter, which had been
addressed to him, concerning Alexei, Mr. Moor
replied, that he had written it ; but, immediately

# a

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 47
recollecting himself, he added, that he had merely
done so in conformity to my orders. At this answer
the Japanese themselves smiled. .
The bunyo then asked what had been our object
in escaping. We replied, that we wished to return
to our native country. " But by what means did
you expect to execute this design ?" " We intended
to get on board a large boat, and to sail from Mats
mai to the Russian, Kurile Islands, pr to the coast
of Tartary." " Did you not think it probable, that,
after your escape, orders would be issued for keep
ing a strict watch on all vessels pear the coast ?"
" Yes, that we expeeted would be the case ; but,
after a certain time should have elapsed, we hoped
to execute our enterprise at some point from whence
our escape would be least suspected."
" You must have observed," continued the bunyo,
" during your first conveyance hither, as well as
during the walks which you were permitted to take,
that Matsmai is covered with high hills ; you must
have been aware of the difficulty of crossing these
hills, apd-that the populous villages, which lie almost
close tp each other along the shore, must have pre
cluded the possibility of your escaping : the whole
plan was indeed ilkcontrived and childish." "Not
withstanding this," I replied, " we spent six nights
on the coast, and passed, through several villages
without being perceived. Our enterprise was, in
deed, extremely, desperate, and to the Japanese

48 MEMOIRS OF A
may appear .childish : we, however, thought other
wise. Our situation was an excuse for any ha
zardous attempt ; we saw no other means of re
turning to our homes : to waste our lives in eternal
imprisonment was the only prospect to which we
could look forward ; we therefore resolved to perish,
either at sea or in the forests of Matsmai." " It
was unnecessary to go to the forests or to the sea to
end your lives ; you might, if you pleased, have
terminated them here." " That would have been
self-murder ; but when we risked our lives for the
sake of recovering our liberty, we threw ourselves
on the protection of Heaven, and might hope to
gain our object."
" Suppose you had succeeded, what would you
have said of the Japanese when you returned to
Russia?" " All that we have seen and heard among
them ; without either adding or concealing any cir
cumstances whatever."
" Had you returned to Russia without Mr. Moor,
your emperor surely would not have approved of
your conduct in leaving one of your companions
behind you." " Had Mr. Moor been in a state of
ill-health, which rendered him unable to accompany
us, notwithstanding his inclination to do so, our
conduct would indeed have been most unmanly,
but he wished to remain in Japan of his own free
will." " Did you know that, if you had succeeded in

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 49
your project, the governor and several other officers
must have answered for your escape with thejr
lives ?" te We supposed that the guards might, as
is the custom in Europe, have suffered some punish
ment ; but we never could have imagined that the
Japanese laws were so severe as to condemn inno
cent men to death." Here Mr. Moor assured the
bunyo that we were very well aware of the exist
ence of such a law, since he had himself explained
it to us. We replied, that Moor had indeed men
tioned something of the kind ; but that our Eu
ropean ideas of justice prevented us from giving
credit to what he said, and we looked upon it merely
as a fabrication which he had invented for the pur
pose of dissuading us from our design.*
" Is there," inquired the bunyo, " any European
law by which prisoners are justified in making their
escape ?" " There is no written law to that effect ;
but when a prisoner has not pledged his parole of
* We actually doubted the existence of this law. We had
heard that the Japanese government dismissed a bunyo after the
attack of the company's ships, notwithstanding the great dis
tance between the coast where the depredations were committed
and the place of his residence, and the little reason he had to
suspect such measures on the part of the Russians ; but we
never could have supposed that the governor and several officers
must have forfeited their lives because we made our escape.
We were, however, afterwards convinced that such really was
the law.
VOL. II. E

50 MEMOIRS OF A
honour, he is never considered culpable in making
his escape." Upon this Mr. Moor made some
observations, calculated to render our answer
ridiculous, and he even assured the Japanese that
we had made a false assertion. We called to his
recollection the cases of General Beresford, Colonel
Pack, Sir Sydney Smith, and other individuals, who,
within our own recollection, had escaped from im
prisonment without any disgrace being attached
to them ; but Mr. Moor continued his forced
laughter, and even said that no such examples had
ever existed.
The bunyo then delivered a long speech, the sub
stance of which, according to the translation of our
interpreter, was as follows : " Had you been natives
of Japan, and secretly escaped from your prison,
the consequence might have been fatal to you ; but
as you are foreigners, and ignorant of the Japanese
laws, and more particularly as you did not escape
with a view to injure the Japanese, but for the sake
of returning to your native country, which it is
natural you should prefer to every other, our good
opinion of you remains unaltered. The bunyo
cannot be answerable for the way in which the
government may view your conduct ; but he will
still continue to exert all his endeavours to gain
permission for you to return to Russia. Until your
case be decided, according to the Japanese laws, the

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 51
sailors must be confined in a prison ; but you officers
will be lodged in Inweraris." *
When the bunyo had concluded his speech he
withdrew, and we were conducted into the anti-
chamber. We had hitherto been guarded by im
perial soldiers, whom we did not know, and who
were under the command of the officer who ar
rested us. That officer entered the anti-chamber,
accompanied by a magistrate named Nagakawa-
Matataro, who was the fourth in rank next to the
governor, and whose office was that of a judge in
criminal matters. The officer having delivered us
over to his custody, he immediately ordered the
soldiers who had accompanied us to retire, and our
old acquaintances, the Matsmai soldiers, entered in
their stead. Matataro then directed them to bind
Mr. Chlebnikoff and me as Japanese officers are
bound, and the sailors like common people, j1 This
being done, we were conducted, between five and
six o'clock, to a place of imprisonment, situated abont
a half or three-quarters of a werst from the castle.
It rained, but the multitude of persons, all carrying
umbrellas, who assembled to See us was immense.
* Ro is £he Japanese word signifying prison : what is meant
by an Inwerari I shall soon have occasion to explain.
f The Japanese bind their officers by fastening a rope round
their waists, and tying their hands down by their sides, so that
they cannot move them. They tie4he hands of common people
behind them, as we were bound when in Kunashier.
E 2

52 MEMOIRS OF A

CHAPTER II.
The city prison was situated at the foot of a steep
rock, and was surrounded by two wooden fences,
and an earthen wall surmounted by chevaux-de-
frise. Within the inner fence we beheld a large
gloomy building, similar to that in which we had
been confined when we first arrived at Matsmai,
excepting that there were here four cages, one of
which was tolerably large, and the other three
small. On reaching this prison, the head gaoler,
who was named Keeseeskee,* unbound us one
after the other, and searched us from head to foot,
making us strip to our shirts : having searched me
first, he directed me to enter the smallest ofthe four
cages ;j" Mr. Chlebnikoff was put into the next
cage, which was somewhat larger and lighter than
mine ; the third cage was occupied by a Japanese
* In Japan the gaoler is equal in rank to an imperial soldier.
He is privileged to wear a sword and dagger. Besides his office
of keeper of the prison, he is the executioner, and inflicts all
kinds of punishment on criminals. We observed that his coun
trymen conversed and joked with him ; but that they would
never eat with him, nor smoke tobacco in the same room where
he was ; they even avoided lighting their pipes at the same fire
where he had lighted his.
f It was six paces in length, five in breadth, and about ten
feet high.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 53
prisoner ; and the sailors were all shut up together
in the fourth, which was the largest of all, and from
its situation by far the best.*
We were still unable to guess what the governor
meant, when he told us that the sailors would be
confined in a real prison, but that we should live in
Inweraris ; for we now found that our accommo
dation was considerably worse than their's. We
afterwards learned that the difference consisted in
Mr. Chlebnikoff and myself having separate cells,
whilst the sailors were confined in one ; but this
was a favour on which we were not inclined to set
much value. Our cages, however, stood close to
each other, so that Mr. Chlebnikoff and I could
converse without difficulty. The Japanese prisoner
began to discourse with Mr. Chlebnikoff: he told
him his name, and said that he should be set at li
berty in six days. He handed him a piece of salt-
fish ; in return for which Mr. Chlebnikoff gave him
a white cravat.*]- Mr. Chlebnikoff shared the piece
of fish with me, and we were both so hungry, that
we looked vupon it as a delicacy.
* It was the best, because it was most exposed to the light
and the fresh air ; besides, many external objects were visible
from it, whereas nothing whatever was to be seen from mine.
f Keeseeskee accidentally saw this cravat, and having in
quired from whence it came, carried it . away, and shewed it to
some of his superiors, who ordered it to be deposited along
with the rest of our allies.

54 MEMOIRS OF A
Late in the evening, our old attendant Fok-Masse*
accompanied by two other servants, brought us
our supper, which consisted of thin boiled rice,
two small pieces of pickled radish for each of us,
and warm water to drink. Fok-Masse appeared
out of humour ; he answered our questions roughly,
but never offered to reproach us on the subject of
our escape.* After I had finished my meal, the
Japanese handed an old night-gown through the
railings of my cage ; they likewise gave some things
to my companions. The door of our prison was
now closed, and we were enveloped in total dark
ness, for the spars which formed the front railing,
and divided the whole from the guard-room, were
closed up with boards, so that there was no aper
ture through which the light could penetrate to
our cages. After sunset the guards came every
half hour with lanterns to inspect our cages, and
they even awoke us from our sleep to make us
answer their calls. During the summer the night
hoursf are extremely short with the Japanese, so

* We at first supposed that Fok-Masse was to attend on us as
before, but we soon found that this was not the case, and that
he had merely brought two lads with him in order to shew them
the proper mode of attending on us, and teaching them the
Russian names of the most necessary things. There was, how
ever, no occasion for this, as we could express our wants dis
tinctly enough in Japanese.
t The Japanese divide the day into twelve hours, reckoning

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 55
that they were everlastingly disturbing us, and we
were not allowed to enjoy a moment's repose.
six from sunrise to sunset, and an equal number from sunset to
sunrise ; consequently the hours are not always equal : when
the day is longer than the night, the day hours are the longest,
and when the night is longer than the day, the night hours are
the longest. To measure time, they employ a small beam of
wood, the upper part of which is covered with glue and white
washed ; a narrow groove is made in the glue and filled with a
vegetable powder, which burns very slowly ; on each side of
this groove, at certain distances, there are holes formed for the
purpose of nails being put into them. By these holes, the
length of the day and night hours is determined for the space of
six months, from the spring to the winter equinox. During the
other six months the rule is inverted, the day becoming night
hours, and the night day hours. The Japanese ascertain the
length of a day hour, and mark it off" with nails ; they then fill
the groove with powder, set light to it at noon, and thus measure
their time. The beam is kept in a box, which is laid in a dry
place; but the changes of weather have, notwithstanding, a
great influence on this kind of time-keeper.
The Japanese day begins at midnight, at which time the clock
strikes nine, after having given three strokes, as it were to de
note the being about to strike. These three strokes precede
every hour. One hour after midnight, the clock strikes eight,
the next hour seven, at sunrise six, then five and four, and at
noon again nine. One hour after midday eight, two hours after
midday seven, at sunset six, then five, and finally four. At mid
night the new day commences. The hours are struck in the
following manner : first, one stroke ; in a minute and a half a
second stroke ; and immediately a third. These three warning
strokes announce that the hour is about to fcbe struck. In the
space of a minute and a half after, the striking of the hour

56 MEMOIRS OF A
On the 4th of May, at daybreak, an officer
opened the doors of our cages, and called us all by
our names. At noon we were conducted before
the bunyo, with our hands bound in the same way'
as before. On arriving at the castle, we were or
dered to sit down in the anti-chamber of the Hall
of Justice, and in a few moments Mr. Moor and
Alexei passed by us, and were conducted into the
hall. After a short time, Mr. Chlebnikoff and I were
unbound, though the ropes were left round our
waists ; the sailors had merely their hands and not
their elbows loosened. Mr. Moor and Alexei were
not bound in any way. We were then led into the
Hall of Justice. When the bunyo had taken his
seat, he repeated many of his old questions, re
specting which he now, however, merely required
explanations. He then asked me what I thought
of my conduct, and whether I supposed I had
acted justly or unjustly towards the Japanese. The
Japanese, I replied, have driven us to the course
we adopted : they first of all treacherously seized
us, and then refused to credit the statement we
made, or to hold any communication with . our
ships, in case they should come on the part of our
government to confirm our declarations. What

begins. The strokes succeed each other at intervals of fifteen
seconds, except the two last, which follow more rapidly, as if
to notify that the hour is struck.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 57
were we then to do ? The circumstances of our
case fully justify our conduct. The governor ex
pressed astonishment at what I said. " Your sei
zure," said he, " is an old affair, which ought not to
be spoken of now. I merely ask whether you con
sider yourselves guilty or innocent. If you declare
yourselves not guilty, I can, by no means, repre
sent your case favourably to the emperor." I im
mediately perceived that he wished us all to ac
knowledge that we were guilty ; and, I replied,
that were we in a situation to be fairly tried, I could
urge many circumstances in our justification; but
we were in the power of the Japanese. They
might judge of our conduct as they pleased ; but
I alone should be considered guilty, since my. com
panions had acted in conformity to my orders.
; The bunyo appeared satisfied with this ; declara
tion : he observed, that it was praiseworthy to
take the blame upon myself, for the sake of justi
fying my countrymen ; but that obedience to my
commands could only be urged in exculpation of
the sailors ; that Mr. Chlebnikoff was an officer
himself, and ought to have known that he was
bound to obey my orders only whilst on board our
ship, and not during his imprisonment. Theri,
turning to Mr. Chlebnikoff, he inquired whether
he was ready to acknowledge himself guilty.
Far from making any such, acknowledgment, Mr,
Chlebnikoff began to justify our conduct, and tp
prove that we could not be condemned by, any rule

58 MEMOIRS OF A
either of equity or humanity. At this the Japanese
appeared irritated, and repeated that they could not
make their emperor acquainted with declarations of
that kind. Finally, partly by persuasion, and part
ly by menaces, they induced us to admit that we
had done wrong, and that our conduct would in no
way operate to our advantage. With this confes
sion they seemed perfectly satisfied.
The bunyo then dismissed us, ordering Mr.
Moor and Alexei to remain behind. I must
here observe, that on my complaining that the
severe pain in my foot scarcely permitted me to
stand upright, the bunyo desired a seat to be placed
for me, and permitted me to sit during the whole
of the examination. When we quitted the Hall
of Justice, our hands were again bound, and we
were conducted back to prison in the usual way.
On entering the cell, I found my old Worn-out
night-gown taken away, and the wadded one, which
had been formerly given me, together with my co
verlet, substituted in its stead ; my companions had
likewise been provided for in the same manner
during their absence.
We were now treated in all respects like cri
minals: no distinction was observed between us
and the Japanese prisoner who was in the adjacent
cage. We, indeed, thought this treatment ex
tremely severe ; yet, it must nevertheless be ac
knowledged, that the Japanese laws respecting cri
minals are far more humane than those of most, I

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 59
might perhaps say of all, European nations. We
were now confined in a real prison, in the same
place with a criminal ! I shall describe our treat
ment, leaving to the reader to institute what compa
risons he may think fit.
I have already mentioned the cages in which we
were confined. They were kept extremely clean,
and even the lobby was swept every day by our
attendants. When we were conducted to the castle,
our cages were cleaned out, and our coverlets and
night-dresses aired in the sun during our absence.
Food was brought to us every morning, noon, and
evening. At each meal we received thick boiled
rice instead of bread. It was dealt out to us in
portions which were more than sufficient for Mr.
Chlebnikoff and me ; but the sailors found the al
lowance scanty enough* at the commencement of
their imprisonment, when their appetites were keen,
owing to the great fatigue and privations they had
endured. Iri addition to the rice, we were served
with soup made of sea-cabbage, and other wild
plants, such as, sweet cabbage, wild garlick, and
water angelica ; to which, for the sake of render
ing it savoury, pickled beans (Japanese missd) and
"* Mr. ClebnikofF and I being unable to eat all that was given
us, we sent the remainder of our allowance to the sailors, and
the attendants very willingly conveyed it to them; but Kee
seeskee at length observed what we did, and was cruel enough
to forbid it.

60 MEMOIRS OF A
some pieces of whale fat were added. In the even
ing we occasionally received, instead of spup, two
pieces of salt fish, with pickled wild cabbage. Our
drink consisted of warm water, which was brought
to us as often as we wished. If we happened to
ask for drink during the night, our guards, without
a murmur, called up the servants, and ordered them
to bring us water. At first we were not allowed
to have combs ; and in order that we might have
water to wash ourselves with, we were obliged to
reserve a part of that which was given us to drink.
We were, however, after some time, provided with
a comb, which seemed to have been intended for a
prison, as the teeth were extremely small, probably
to prevent the prisoners from doing themselves any
injury with it.
On many occasions the Japanese shewed particu
lar attention to us in other respects. One night a
violent earthquake took place: our prison shook,
and we heard a great tumult in the yard, and in the
streets. Our guards immediately came to us with
lanterns, and desired us not to be alarmed, in
forming us that it was only an earthquake, which
was a very common occurrence in Japan, but was
seldom attended with danger. They, probably,
did this of their own accord ; for, to the honour
of the Japanese, I must declare, that many of
them treated us with great kindness, and did all
they could to afford us consolation. One in parti-

I

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 61
cular, named Gooiso, frequently brought us re
freshments unperceived by bis comrades : he some
times desired us to ask for water, and to keep the
vessel beside us ; then, having watched for a fa
vourable opportunity, he would throw away the
water, and fill the vessel with tea in its stead. We
experienced similar kindness from two other guards ;
but a soldier, who had been one of the inner
guard on the night of our escape, presented the
most striking example of humanity. He had ac
companied the detachment which was sent in pur
suit of us, but not in the rank of a soldier, as on
account of his neglect he was degraded to that of
a common servant. From the moment of our
arrest, until our arrival in Matsmai, he never quitted
us. His loose hair, unshaven beard, and pale coun
tenance, sufficiently indicated the grief of which
we were the cause ; yet he saluted us kindly the
first moment he beheld us ; and, far from testifying
the least hatred or ill-will, made every exertion to
serve us during the journey, though these attentions
were in no way connected with his duty. The ge
nerosity and nobleness of his conduct often moved
us to tears.
A day or two* after our last conference with
* About this time we were not visited either by the interpre
ter or the physician, although the sailors repeatedly requested
that the latter might attend them: the orderly officers alone
came occasionally to visit us.

62 MEMOIRS OF A
the bunyo, I was conducted alone to the castle,
where the two officers next in rank questioned me
in the presence of several others. Before I entered
the hall, Teske came to me, and said that Mr. Moor
was much exasperated against us, and had said
many things to our disadvantage. He, however,
added, that I need give myself no uneasiness about
it, since the Japanese were not inclined to believe
what Mr. Moor said. He, moreover, informed me
that Mr. Moor had offered to enter the Japanese
service : I, therefore, before the officers began
their interrogatories, requested that they would
permit me to state my sentiments freely, and that
they would direct the interpreter to translate what
I should say as faithfully as possible. The officers
replied, that they were very ready to hear whatever
I might wish to communicate to them. I then
asked them, whether, supposing three Japanese
officers should be made prisoners in any part of
the world, they would be well pleased to find that
one ofthe three had conducted himself as Mr. Moor
had done? They laughed, and said certainly not.
The eldest of the officers at last remarked, that I
had nothing to fear on that ground, for all Russians
were alike to the Japanese, and they only wanted
to be made acquainted with the real circumstances
of the case. According to the Japanese laws,
added he, nothing can be done with precipitation :
though you are now in a prison, when the new

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 63
bunyo comes, a better place of abode, and even a
house will be allotted to you : and I have reason to
believe that the government will send you back to
Russia. They then asked very earnestly whether,
as the Kuriles had assured them, it was true that
Resanoff had participated in the attacks of the
company's ships, by first giving to Chwostoff orders
for that aggression, which, though afterwards with
drawn, were ultimately followed by Chwostoff. It
was easy to conjecture who the Kurile was who
had given this information : it was no other thap
Mr. Moor. I replied, that I did not know precisely
whether or not Resanoff had taken any part in the
affair, but that a report prevailed of his having in
tended to attack the Japanese.
The officers then referred to a manuscript spread
out before them, and asked a great number of
questions concerning our navigation, the object of
the expedition, the situation of Russia, and its po
litical relations with other European states, parti
cularly with France. I perceived that they de
rived all their information from the same source,
and found it frequently , necessary to correct the
erroneous notions they had imbibed.
This unpleasant business being over, the elder
of the officers again assured me, that I had nothing
to fear ; that the Japanese were as just as other
nations, and, therefore, would not act basely with
regard to us. With this consolatory assurance I

64 MEMOIRS OF A
was dismissed. On returning to the prison, I re
lated to Mr. Chlebnikoff all that had passed.
We were shortly afterwards visited by the
officer Nagatawa-Matataro, accompanied by the two
interpreters. They brought along with them
copies of our declarations, in order to read them
over' and verify them. We perceived that our
statements concerning the way in which we had
procured the knife, and obtained information of
the orders given for attacking the Russian vessels,
and for dispatching troops and cannon to Kuna-
shier, were all struck out ; and the officers informed
us that we must say nothing more on those subjects
in the presence of the bunyo.* They, doubtless,
wished to screen the Japanese who were implicated
in the affair. We had been much distressed at the
idea of any evil befalling either Teske or the inno
cent soldiers and attendants, through whose negli
gence we had obtained the knife, and were conse
quently very well pleased with this proposal. But
we could not so readily agree to what they next
required ; and a warm dispute arose, in the course
of which Matataro, according to custom, flew into
a rage, reproached, and even threatened us. They
* These omissions shew that great strictness was not observed
with regard to placing our declaration on record ; but the evi
dence was, in this case, suppressed for the purpose of saving
innocent persons from punishment. — Such garbling is, I am
afraid, never exercised for so good an object with us.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 65
proposed that we should justify Mr. Moor, by
declaring that his consent to escape was a mere
pretence, and that he had never mentioned to
Simanoff and Wassiljeff that he was ready to
join us in the attempt. To this we would not
assent, and even positively refused to Contradict
any of the statements which we had before made
on the subject of Mr. Moor. We observed, that
whatever that officer's real intentions might be,
his declarations certainly bore the appearance of
sincerity, and that we were convinced he would
have escaped along with us, had not cowadice pre
vented him. We had very good reasons for not
assisting him in extricating himself from the affair;
and I think it necessary to state them, lest the
reader should accuse us of revenge, and a wish to
injure him.
I have already mentioned that Mr. Moor en
deavoured to convince the Japanese that he was a
German, and not a Russian. Had we asserted that
he had no participation in our plans, the Japanese
would probably have sent him in a Dutch ship to
Germany, his pretended native country, whence
he might easily have proceeded to Russia. He
might then, without fear of contradiction, have
related a tale of his own contrivance, declared his
conduct tp be the feftect of ill-treatment which he
had received from us, and thus, for ever, have
branded the recollection of our names. This idea
VOL. II. F

66 MEMOIRS OF A
was constantly present to our minds, and we re
solved nof to depart in the slightest degree from
the truth, for the sake of justifying Mr. Moor. If
our testimony could have been the means of pro
curing for him the situation of chief officer in
Japan, instead of bringing about his return to
Europe, we would readily have agreed to any
thing, though he had endeavoured to injure us by
all possible means.* Matataro visited us for three
or, four successive days, and urged us to contradict
what we had before said of Mr. Moor ; but find
ing our resolution unalterable, he at length de
sisted from his useless persuasion. We are ignorant
whether or not any alteration was made in our
testimony in this respect.

* I will merely mention the following circumstance. When
we were searched at Kunashier, the Japanese took from me a
pocket-book. I shortly afterwards recollected that among many
other things, the names of Davydoff and Chwostoff were written
down in this book; and I consulted with Mr. Moor and Mr. Chleb
nikoff on what I should say, if the Japanese demanded an expla
nation of that memorandum. We then regarded each other as
brothers : we were animated by one spirit and one heart! Mr_
Moor had, however, since told the Japanese that the names of
Davydoff and Chwostoff were inserted in my pocket-book, and
that they were, moreover, my friends. Teske informed us of
this circumstance, and observed, that we need be apprehensive
of no ill consequences, since, as he expressed himself, Mr. Moor
had unnecessarily communicated the affair to the Japanese. In
fact, no questions were ever asked on this subject.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 67
I was now afraid that Mr. Moor would, by his
artifice, at last succeed in so far conciliating the
Japanese, as to gain permission to return to Russia,
where his misrepresentations might brand our
names with elernal disgrace. This horrible re
flection filled me with despair, and brought on a
serious indisposition. For the space of a week or
ten days no physician appeared, though the sailors
had long before applied for medical attendance;
but the Japanese at length took compassion on us,
and sent a physician daily. So little did I value
life, that I concealed the real cause of my illness,
and took medicine, which instead of operating bene
ficially, had quite a contrary effect. Notwith
standing the weak state to which I Was reduced, I
insisted that the physician should bleed me.* With
a trembling hand he proceeded to open a vein,
but his courage failed him, and he was unable to
perform the operation. Much as I had suffered,
my constitution, which was naturally vigorous,
and improved by the habits of my life from youth
upwards, successfully resisted the pernicious opera
tion of the medicine. To the honour of the wor
thy bunyo, Arrao-Madsimano-Kami, I must ob
serve, that when he suspected the real cause of
my illness, he sent Nagakawa-Matataro to assure

* He would not consent until he had obtained the governor's
permission.
F 2

(,8 ' MEMOIRS OF A
me that the Japanese would not act with severity
towards us ; that on the arrival of the new bunyo,
we should be removed to a better place of resi
dence, and that both bunyos would then exert all
their influence to obtain our liberation. In inter
preting this message, Kumaddschero was so deeply
moved, that he melted into tears ; and though I
doubted the sincerity of the Japanese, yet this
assurance afforded me some consolation.
We were now supplied with better food : wc
were frequently treated with a kind of pudding,
which the Japanese call tufa : fine beans were boiled
with our rice, forming a dish which is considered a
great delicacy in Japan ; even chicken soup was
given us on one or two occasions ; and for our
drink we had always tea instead of water. This
change was a consequence of an order ofthe bunyo,
and obtained through Teske's intercession.
During our confinement in the city prison, a
circumstance occurred which I cannot pass over in
silence :— r-Our neighbour, the Japanese, who re
mained with us much longer than the six days
which he told us would terminate his imprisonment
underwent the punishment to which he had been;
adjudged, in the court-yard.* We heard his cries.
* The crime which this man had committed was as follows : —
Having visited a public bathing house, he changed his old
clothes, as if by mistake, for a better suit belonging to some
other individual. He was several times conveyed before a

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 69
On the same day an officer, with the criminal
Judge, Matataro, and the interpreter Kumaddschero,
came, by order of the governor, to say that we
must not suppose, in consequence of the execution
of the sentence on this criminal, that a similar fate
awaited us ; for, according to the Japanese laws, no
foreigner could be condemned to suffer corporal pu
nishment. We looked upon this assurance as merely
intended to console us ; but we afterwards learnt,
that a law to this effect really exists ; and that the
only foreigners to whom its protection does not ex
tend are those who attempt to induce Japanese sub
jects to embrace Christianity. The laws are ex
tremely rigorous against teachers of the Christian
rehgion.* In the middle of June we were carried twice
every day before the bunyo, in whose presence, and
Judge, with his hands tied behind his back. At length he re
ceived twenty-five stripes, and the same punishment was re
peated after the lapse of three days. What instrument was used
in the infliction of this chastisement we know not, but we dis
tinctly heard the stripes, and the cries of the offender. He re
turned with his back naked and bloody to prison. The attendants
spat on his shoulders, and rubbed the saliva over the lacerated
parts, and thus cured him. His hands were afterwards marked,
to shew that he had been punished, and he was then sent to the
northern Kurile Islands, in the possession of the Japanese.
* The Japanese are not followers of foreign-religions. They
give, however, full liberty to a variety of sects, besides permit
ting the public profession of even the Kurile religion ; but they

70 MEMOIRS OF A
that of several officers, our depositions were read,
and our opinion asked with respect to their correct
ness. Every circumstance that might have tended
to criminate the Japanese was carefully omitted,
and, in conformity with our promise, we made
no allusion to them. When, however, Mr. Moor's
declaration was read, we made no hesitation to
contradict several of his assertions. He protested
that he was entirely blameless, and declared that he

are quite intolerant to Christianity, on account of the troubles
it has occasioned among them. The Catholic priests, who for
merly lived in Japan, and enjoyed every possible freedom,
preached the Christian faith, and converted a great number of
the natives ; but, at last, the progress of the new religion gave
rise to a dreadful civil war. For this reason, after the complete
extirpation of the Christians, the following inscription was '
placed at the head of the stone tablets of laws, which are fixed
up in all public places, and even in the streets : — " Whoever
knows any individual who taught Christianity, and can convict
him thereof, shall receive a reward of five hundred silver pieces.''
There is, likewise, a law which prohibits masters from hiring
servants, until they receive from them a written assurance of
their not being Christians. In Nangasaky, where Christianity
had made the greatest progress, there is a staircase, on the
Steps of which are laid various ornaments and utensils of the
Catholic church, and on the first step a crucifix. On new-year's
day, all the inhabitants of Nangasaky are obliged to ascend these
steps ; and, as a proof that they are not Christians, trample on
the articles. The interpreter assured us, that many Christians
who live at Nangasaky comply with this regulation from inter
ested motives.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 71
had never persuaded the sailors to attempt their
escape. On hearing this, Schkajeff exclaimed, Think
on Heaven and your conscience, Feodor Feodoro-
witsch! Can you ever hope to return to Russia? Mr.
ChlebnikoSf and I desired him to be silent ; but these
few words made a deep impression on Mr. Moor,
and we paid dearly for them, as will appear in the
sequel. The Japanese, who observed our disagree
ment, took upon themselves the task of correcting
our depositions, and dismissed us.
The new bunyo, Oga-Sawara-Isseno-Kami, ar
rived' at Matsmai on the 29th of June, and on the
2d of July we were conducted to the castle. We
found assembled in the Hall of Justice all the
officers who were usually present at our examina
tions, together with Mr. Moor and Alexei. On my
entering the hall, Mr. Moor addressed me, and said,
that we had no reason to fear, as all was going on
well. When we had waited about half an hour, the
two bunyos appeared, with their suites. They were
each preceded by an officer. The new bunyo was
the oldest man of the two,* and in his suite there
* In Japan the situation of bunyo is always filled by noblemen,
who are called Chadamodo, and are the principal personages in
the empire, next to the princes who govern principalities
(damyo.) The precedence of these noblemen depends on the
services and antiquity of their families, according to which, also,
they are appointed to posts of honour. This arrangement some
what resembles the practice which prevailed in Russia before re-

72 MEMOIRS OF A
were two officers more than in that ofthe late bunyo.
He entered first, and having taken his seat, the old
bunyo seated himself on his right. The Japanese
testified their respect to him in their usual way, and
we bowed after the European fashion. The old bunyo
then pointing to his colleague, observed, that he,
Oga-Sawara-Isseno-Kami, was the new bunyo,
appointed to relieve him, and desired us to tell him
our names and ranks. We did so with a bow, which
he returned by smiling and nodding his head. The
old bunyo then directed an officer to bring in a roll
of paper, which, he said, had been written by Mr.
Moor, who called it a Memoir. He desired us to
read it, and then to say whether we approved of its
contents. The two bunyos then retired, and left us
to deliver our opinion to the officers. Mr. Moor
himself read his paper ; in which, after many com
pliments to both bunyos, he described all the plans

gular troops were introduced. The new governor was several years
older than his predecessor. He was seventy-four, and the other
fifty ; but they both appeared much younger than they really were,
which is generally the case with the Japanese. The new bunyo
looked like a giant among the Japanese ; he was as tall as our
sailors. His countrymen looked upon him as a wonder. Before his
arrival, they often told us that a giant was coming, and that we
should see there were people in Japan as tall as the Russians.
We, besides, saw an officer in the service of the Prince of
Nambu, who would have been considered a tall man even-
in Europe.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 73
we had formed for our escape, such as they really
were. He asserted that his agreeing to escape with
us was a mere pretence ; construed all we had said
in a way calculated to injure us in the opinion of the
Japanese ; explained the object of pur voyage; and
minutely described the situation of eastern Russia,
and the political relations between France and Russia
after the peace of Tilsit. In conclusion, he entreated
that the Japanese would pardon us.
Having heard the paper to an end, we began to
contradict all that was not conformable to truth ;
but of this the Japanese expressed their disapproba
tion, and declared that we had no right to dispute
with Mr. Moor. I replied, that if they were re
solved to give full credit to Mr. Moor's declarations,
it would be of no use for us to say any thing on the
subject, as there were no witnesses to decide be
tween us. Mr. Chlebnikoff, however, still wished
to contradict some statements in the paper, but the
Japanese became irritated, and he desisted. We,
however, resolved not to sign Mr. Moor's declaration
in case the Japanese should require us so to do ; but
no such proposal was made.
The two bunyos now entered, and one of the
officers informed them that the paper had been read
to us ; but what he stated, as our opinion of it, we
could not understand. The new bunyo then drew
from his bosom a letter, folded in the European
manner, which he handed to his predecessor. The

74 MEMOIRS OF A
latter delivered it to one of the officers, who gave it
to the interpreter, and it was at last handed to me.
The Russian superscription was as follows : " To
the Governor of Matsmai." Within the cover
was a paper containing the following words, with a
French translation.
" The proximity of Russia and Japan renders it
" desirable that friendly and commercial relations
" should be established between them, which could
" not fail to operate to the advantage of the inhabi
tants of the latter empire. With this view an
" embassy was dispatched to Nangasaky. But the
" offensive and repulsive answer given by the Japa-
" nese to the proposals made to them, and the ex-
" tension of their trade to the Kurile Islands and
" Sagaleen, which are Russian possessions, render
" it at last necessary for the Emperor of Russia to
fi adopt measures which may prove his power to in
jure the trade of the Japanese, until the Russians
" be informed, by the inhabitants of Ooroop or Sa-
" galeen, that the Japanese are ready to enter into
" commercial relations with them. The Russians
" intend, by resorting to these mild measures against
" Japan, merely to demonstrate that the northern
" parts of that empire are entirely at their mercy,
" and that the obstinacy of the Japanese govern-
" ment in opposing all intercourse, must, if persisted
" in, terminate in the loss of these countries."
This paper had neither date nor signature, and

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 75
contained no indication of the authority under
which it had been sent to Japan. We, therefore,
endeavoured to prove, and in this instance Mr.
Moor supported us, that Chwostoff had been the
author of it ; adding that we were ready to declare
upon oath, that our government had no knowledge
of the affair, though the writer pretended to speak
of measures which the Emperor of Russia was to
adopt Even the anonymous nature of the docu
ment proved that it had never issued from our go
vernment. Mention was, besides, made of the in
habitants of Ooroop, one of the Kurile Islands,
which had long been uninhabited. This circum
stance was well known to our government, and so
glaring an error could, therefore, never have crept
into an official document. The Japanese having
paid attention to our explanations, the new bunyo
observed, that he did not mean to inquire whether
the paper had been forged, or whether it had been
sent tp Japan by order of the Russian government ;
he merely wished to be made acquainted with its
contents, in order that he might communicate them
to his emperor. We immediately gave him a ver
bal translation, and Mr. Moor drew up a written one.
They then shewed us two documents which Chwo
stoff had presented to the inhabitants of Sagaleen
along with the medals. The contents of these two
papers perfectly corresponded with the preceding, so
that we were not required to translate them.

76 MEMOIRS of a
In conclusion, the new bunyo informed us, that
in a short time we should be removed to a new place
of abode; that our condition would be, in all res
pects, ameliorated. The two bunyos then withdrew,
and we were conveyed back to prison.
From this day a visible change took place in the
Japanese who attended us. They became much
more friendly and civil than before. Teske informed
us, that after our escape Mr. Moor and Alexei had
been removed to our first place of confinement in
Matsmai, which was now again preparing for us. A
separate apartment was fitting up* for Mr; Moor
and Alexei, and we could not be. removed until that
was completed. « Teske, besides, assured us that, at
the farewell audience of the new governor, the em
peror ordered him to take the greatest care of our
healths, and after his arrival at Matsmai to do every
thing to render our situation comfortable.
In the meanwhile, a circumstance occurred which
displayed in the strongest light the kind-heartedness
and generosity of our interpreter Teske. When I
landed at Kunashier, I had accidentally in my
pocket the rough copy of a letter, which I had been
preparing with the view of sending it to the Japa-

* We at first supposed that the Japanese intended to confine
us separately, but we afterwards found that they entertained no
such design. Mr. Moor had, however, urgently requested that
a separate place might be assigned to him and Alexei.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 77
nese, in case of their still declining any intercourse
with, us. In this letter I upbraided them with their
cowardly conduct in Siring upon unarmed men, and
even held out several threats to them. I added, that
without the consent of our government, no officer
could adopt measures of hostility even in self-de
fence ; and that this circumstance, and not fear,
made me refrain from resenting their baseness. The
latter observations might be considered as explaining
our sentiments, but the first part could not fail to
wound the pride of the haughty Japanese. Mr.
Moor knew that I had the letter, and informed the
Japanese of is contents. It had been preserved
along with the rest of our things, and being pro
duced, Teske was ordered to translate it. Mr. Moor
explained every syllable to Teske ; but the latter,
observing that many words, and even whole sen
tences were struck out, turned this circumstance to
our advantage, by omitting all expressions which
might give offence to the Japanese government, and
, translating only such as tended to justify us ; the
rest he declared could not be deciphered. It would
not have been in his power to have done this, had
I written out a clean copy of the letter.
On the 9th of July we were again carried be
fore the two bunyos. The new bunyo told us that
since we had escaped merely in the hope of return
ing to our native country, and not with the view of
injuring the Japanese, he had resolved, with the

78 MEMOIRS OF A
consent of his predecessor, to better our situation ;
trusting that we would not make any such attempt
again, but patiently await the decision of the Japa
nese emperor. He added, that they would both
employ all the interest they possessed to obtain our
freedom. He had no sooner uttered these words,
than the ropes with which we were bound were
taken off; the soldiers who were stationed behind us
had, without our knowledge, loosened them, and dis
posed them in such a way that they could remove
them in an instant.
The old bunyo assured us, that his friendship
for us continued unabated, and that he would take
the same interest in our fate as he had hitherto
done. He then wished us good health, and took
his leave, exhorting us to pray to God, and to trust
to his mercy.
The bunyos having withdrawn, we left the castle.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 79

CHAPTER III.
Instead of being conveyed back to the city pri
son, we were carried to our old residence the Ohsio,
which was assigned to us on our first arrival at
Matsmai. Mr. Chlebnikoff, myself, and the sailors,
were confined together; but for Mr. Moor and
Alexei an additional apartment had been built, to
which there was a separate entrance from the court
yard. Our change of residence was accompanied
with an improvement in our diet. The articles of
food, which were brought us, were better than those
which had been formerly given to us at the same
place. We were supplied with a cup of sagi* every
* The oldest of our servants, who acted as our butler, was
called Yeske. This man, who was extremely fond of strong
liquors, laid it down as a maxim, that to drink seldom, but
heartily when at it, was better than to tipple frequently and in
small quantities. Accordingly, instead of giving us one cup of
sagi regularly each day, he supplied us with two cups at once ;
but he never neglected to help himself abundantly at all times,
and was, consequently, intoxicated almost every evening. At
length the guards discovered from what source he derived con
stant supplies for his inebriety, and considered it an occasion
for interposing their authority. After this Yeske no longer made
free with our sagi, but waited till we thought fit to share it
with him.

80 MEMOIRS OF A
day, and furnished with pipes, and tobacco-pouches
filled with very good tobacco. A kettle with tea
was constantly standing on our hearth. We were
allowed to have combs, hand-towels, and even cur
tains to keep off the flies, which are here very nu
merous. In addition to all these favours, the
Japanese sent us our books, and provided us with
ink and paper. We now collected Japanese words,
and wrote them down in the Russian character.
At length it occurred to us that we might learn to
write Japanese. We requested that the interpreter
Kumaddschero would make out an alphabet for us ;
but this he declined doing until he obtained the
permission of his superiors. He afterwards told us
that the Japanese laws prohibited the teaching
Christians to read and write their language ; and
that, consequently, his superiors would not permit
him to write the alphabet for us. We were, there
fore, obliged to content ourselves with making lists
of Japanese words written in the Russian character.
We were separated from Mr. Moor only by a thin
wooden partition. I asked Teske whether we might
speak to him. Certainly, replied he, converse as
much as you please, nobody will hinder you. When
I first spoke to Mr. Moor, I received no answer;
but he soon agreed to our proposal of addressing a
letter of thanks to the old bunyo, previously to his
departure. This letter was written, and in it many
compliments were likewise paid to the new bunyo.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 81
We observed, " that fate, in ordaining we should
become the prisoners of the Japanese, had, to our
good fortune, singled out the period when Arrao-
Madsimano-Kami was invested with the govern
ment of Matsmai." The bunyo, on reading Teske's
translation of the letter, laughed at this passage, and
inquired whether we supposed that any other Ja
panese nobleman, in the like situation, would not
have treated us with equal kindness.
On the 14th of July the old bunyo departed from
Matsmai, taking along with him our friend Teske,
in the quality of secretary. Teske promised to write
from the capital, to inform us in what state our case
stood, requested that we would not fail to reply to
him, and desired us to give our letters to Kumadd
schero to be forwarded. We did not expect for
some time to hear any thing decisive from the
capital, knowing that the governor would not arrive
there in less than twenty-three or twenty-five days,*
- .
* The Japanese cross the Straits of Sangar from Matsmai to
a well-sheltered bay near the city of Mimayu. The length of
the passage is about thirteen Japanese rees (about fifty-two
wersts), and as they never undertake it except with a favourable
wind, they are in general only a few hours at sea. Mimayu is
about two hundred rees, or eight hundred wersts from Yeddo.
Persons of distinction travel in litters or sedan chairs, and the
common people on horseback. A great number cf men are,
therefore, always kept at the post stations. The Japanese
assured us that the litter-bearers, from long experience, proceed
with so much steadiness, that if a glass o water was placed in
VOL. II. G

82 MEMOIRS OF A
but we daily hoped to hear of the arrival of Russian
ships, though we sometimes doubted whether the
Japanese would tell us either when they arrived, or
what was the object of their visit.
Meanwhile we passed our time in smoking to
bacco, reading over again our old books, and collect
ing and recording Japanese words. I began to note
down, on small slips of paper, all our adventures,
interspersed with my own observations. In doing
this, I wrote only half sentences and arbitrary signs,
and mingled Russian, French, and English words
together, in such a way that none but myself could
decipher the manuscript. Fearing lest the Japanese
might some time or other search us, and seize on
these papers, I concealed them beneath my sash, in
a little bag which Simanoff had made me out of
part of an old waistcoat. But the previous conduct
of the Japanese gave us little reason to fear that
they would deprive us of our papers ; for when we
made our escape, Schkajeff had along With him the
rough copy of our first memorial to the governor,
the litter not a drop would be spilt. ."In dry weather, when the
roads are good, the journey from Mimayu to Yeddo may be
completed in twenty-three days. The couriers from Matsmai,
who perform the journey on horseback, arrive in the capital in
seven, and sometimes in six days ; but this is the extreme of
their expedition in travelling. The general post with letters
departs only once every month, and is usually fourteen days in
completing the journey.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 83
and though the Japanese took it from him,
they never afterwards alluded to it in any way.
Mr. Chlebnikoifs compass likewise fell into their
hands, but they never made it the subject of inquiry.
They, probably, did not understand its nature.; Had
they been aware that it was a compass, they would
doubtless have inquired how we had contrived to
make it.*
The conduct of the new bunyo. proved that he
was no less kindly disposed towards us than his
predecessor. According to the Japanese laws he
could not grant us permission to walk out ; but he
gave orders that the doors of our prison should be kept
open all day, in order that we might enjoy the fresh
air. "We likewise received, by his orders, fresh fruit, f
* The manner in which Simanoff concealed his knife from
the notice of the Japanese was singular enough, though I did not
recollect to mention it before. Whilst the gaoler was searching
Mr. Chlebnikoff and me, the eyes of all the Japanese were
turned towards us. In the meantime , Simanoff had sufficient
presence of mind to throw the knife on the ground, close to the
cage which was allotted for the sailors. During the night he
stretched his hand through the palisades, and recovered it.
From that time it remained in our possession, and I still keep it
as a memorial of our adventures.
t The fruits, such as apples, common pears, and bergamots,
were not yet perfectly ripe ; but they suited the taste of the
Japanese, who are extremely fond of acids. In the yard of our
house there was a peach tree loaded with fruit ; but the Japanese
plucked all the peaches before they were ripe, and ate them,
occasionally giving us some. We could eat them only when
G 2

84 MEMOIRS OF A
He once, on a festival day,* sent us a supper
which had been prepared in his own kitchen.
Our guards likewise treated us with much civility.
They sometimes gave us sagi, fruit, &c. and these
acts of kindness were no longer performed by stealth.
An old man, seventy years of age, brought some
fans and lackered spoons for Mr. Chlebnikoff and
me, and an ink-stand, ink, and pencil, for Schkajeff,
who, notwithstanding that he was afflicted with a
painful disorder, "j* entertained an extraordinary de-

they were baked ; but the Japanese devoured them with a
voracious appetite, either raw or baked.
* This happened in the middle of August, on a day which is
a great children's festival. In the evening the male children as
semble in the castle, where, in the presence of the governor and
all the officers of state, they play, sing, dance, wrestle, and
fence with sabres. They afterwards partake of a supper, con
sisting of various kinds of delicacies. Kumaddschero assured
us, that.on this occasion upwards of one thousand five hundred
children were assembled in the castle ; but none are admitted
whose parents cannot afford to dress them well. Those who are
badly dressed are, indeed, ashamed to appear in the assembly.
Girls are never admitted, as the Japanese laws prohibit females
from entering fortified places.
t This man, though arrived at the age of thirty-two in total
ignorance, had, whilst on board the sloop, by extreme appli
cation, learnt to read, and likewise to write a little. To pass
away the time, Mr. Chlebnikoff and I took upon ourselves the
task of instructing the sailors. Schkajeff, Who suffered severely
from indisposition, feared lest the others might advance more
rapidly than he, and, whenever he experienced the least miti-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 85
sire to practise reading and writing. In return for
these civilities, we gave the Japanese some Eu
ropean articles, on which, particularly fine cloth,
they set the highest value. They regard as cu
riosities any rags of European manufacture, and
make them into purses, bags for their letters and
tobacco, and cases for their pipes. We, therefore,

gation. of his illness, never failed to employ himself either in
reading or writing. He applied to both with unremitted assi
duity, whilst his companions regarded the task of learning to
read as too difficult, and abandoned it before they had acquired
the alphabet. Mr. Chlebnikoff gave him instructions every
evening, so that in time he could read and write tolerably well'
He used to read to the rest of the sailors, from a file of Moscow
Journals, and gave them explanations of what he read. —
Schkajeff was a countryman of the Great Lomonossoff. The
disorder with which he became afflicted, and which shewed
itself after we were taken, was an extraordinary swelling of the
legs. The Japanese physician gave^him a decoction to drink,
and burned moxa on the swollen parts; Schkajeff, however,
looked upon these remedies as useless, and begged to have
some radish-juice to rub upon the swellings, which, he said,
had cured him of the same disorder when he was in Russia. At
length the physician reluctantly consented to make a trial of the
radish-juice, which indeed cured the swelling, but reduced his
limbs to mere skin and bone. He was then afflicted with such
severe pains, that he frequently cried like a child, and wished
for death to release him from his sufferings. The Japanese
physician gave him a decoction of herbs, and put him into a
warm bath, in which a bag containing roots and herbs had pre
viously been soaked. These applications, repeated for the space
of seven months, completely cured him.

86 MEMOIRS OF A
distributed among them the trowsers, stockings, and
handkerchiefs, which were at our own disposal, for
Which they overwhelmed us with thanks. It was
necessary, however, to give to each his portion pri
vately ; for had it been offered in the presence of
others, it would not have been accepted.
Nothing remarkable occurred until September ;
but I cannot omit mentioning a circumstance
which is characteristic of the customs of the Japa
nese. One day; a dinner was sent to us of far bet
ter quality than that to which we bad been accus
tomed, and served in elegant dishes. We remarked
that every person who visited us congratulated us
on receiving this treat, and we concluded that it
came from the bunyo. But we afterwards learnt
that the dinner was sent to us by a rich man, who
was suffering under a dangerous fit of illness, and
that in such cases it was customary for the Japanese
to send presents of that sort to the poor and un
fortunate. On the afternoon of the 6th of September,
Mr. Moor and I Were conducted to the castle,
where we found assembled all the most distin
guished officers, with the exception of the bunyo,
who was confined through illness. They shewed
us two papers which had been sent ashore from
the Diana, and which were dated the 28th of
August.* The first was a letter from Mr. Ri-
* Had the papers been sent from the sloop on the day on which

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 87
kord, the commander of the Diana, to the gevernor
of Kunashier, in ,which he stated that he had, by
command of ithe Emperor pf Russia, conveyed to
their native country certain Japanese who had been
saved on the coasts of Kamtschatka after ship
wreck, and among whom was a Matsmai merchant,
named Leonsaimo. He further informed ithe go
vernor, that the Diana was the same vessel which,
about a year before, had, in copsequence of the
want of wood and water, entered that harbour ; and
the captain of' which, together with two officers,
four sailors, and a Kurile, had been enticed into the
garrison, treacherously detained, and of whose fate
theirxountrymen were ignorant. He, likewise, as
sured the governor , of Kunashier of the friendly
disposition entertained by the Emperor of Russia
towards the Japanese ; requested to know whether
the governor could himself grant us our liberty, and
if<not, to be informed how soon he might expect
from the Japanese government an answer to his
they were dated, they would probably not reach Kunashier until
the evening1 of the 28th. They were received in Matsmai on the
morning of the 6th of Septembessif* They were, consequently,
seven days and a half upon .the road, and owing to. their im
portance, they were, no doubt, conveyed with the greatest pos
sible dispatch. The Japanese reckon the distance from Kuna
shier to Matsmai, by land, to be about two hundred and eighty
rees, that is to say, one thousand two hundred wersts. From
this instance,, some notion' may therefore be formed ofthe speed
with' which couriers travel express in Japan,

88 MEMOIRS OF A
demand for our liberation. He, moreover, wished
to know where we were, and intimated that he
would not quit the harbour until all his inquiries
were answered. In conclusion, he begged per
mission to take on board the vessel a supply of
fresh water.
Mr. Rikord's letter was couched in highly re
spectful and well-chosen terms : at the same time
he manifested that decision, which, in such cases, is
necessary, when he intimated his determination not
to quit the harbour until he should receive satis
factory answers to all his demands.
The second paper was a letter from Mr. Rikord
to me. He informed me of his arrival at Kuna
shier, and stated that he had sent to the governor of
the island an explanation of the object of his voy
age, both in the Russian and Japanese languages.
As he knew not whether I was dead or living, he
requested, in case the Japanese would not permit
me to write an answer, that I would tear out the
line of his letter which contained the word
" living," and return it to him by the Japanese
whom he had sent on shore, to satisfy him re
specting our fate. I experienced a powerful emo
tion on reading this letter from my worthy ship
mate and intimate friend ; it even made an impres
sion on Mr. Moor, who began from that moment
to manifest his former friendship to us.
In conformity with the wish of the Japanese,

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN- 89
we gave them a verbal translation of the letters,
and they desired us to take copies of both, that,
with the help of Kumaddschero, we might make
written translations. They kept the originals in
their own possession.
My companions were overjoyed on hearing of
the arrival of the Diana. It was evident from
Mr. Rikord's letter, that the Russian government
was not disposed to adopt violent measures ; but
wished, by gentle means, to convince the Japa
nese of their error. In the meanwhile, we expe
rienced all the agitation of alternate fear and hope.
We begged permission to write to Mr. Rikord, if
it were only a single line, to inform him that we
were still living. Our attendants undertook to
make this request known to the bimyo ; but we
were informed that this permission could not be
granted without an order from the capital. We
asked the interpreter and the guards whether Pur
countrymen had been well treated by the Japanese
at Kunashier, and Whether their inquiries had been
answered. They replied that they could not give
us any precise information^ but that they believed
all we could wish for had been done.
Meanwhile the papers were translated, and im
mediately sent off to Yeddo ; but we knew no
thing of the orders which were transmitted to the
governor of Kunashier. Kumaddschero inform
ed us that Captain Rikord had come with two

90 MEMOIRS OF A
vessels, the one with two and the other with three
masts,* and that he had sent four Japanese ashore
one after the other. The latter circumstance, as it
augured nothing favourable, gave us some uneasi
ness. From the Japanese being sent ashore one
after the other, we apprehended that Captain Ri
kord had received no answer to his inquiries.
Mr. Moor now endeavoured to renew his friend
ship with us. He sent me a book, in which was
concealed a slip of paper, informing me that there
were eighty men on board one pf our ships, and
forty men and four women on board the other.
This he had learnt from one of the guards.
Two officers (Shrabiyagus) appeared on the 20th
of September, and by order of the governor in
formed us that the Russian ships had, a few days
before, sailed from Kunashier, f without leaving
any letters either for us or the Japanese. After a
short pause the officers added, that our ships had
detained a Japanese vessel bound from Eetooroop
to Kunashier, and had carried off five of the crew.
They inquired what could have been the object of
our countrymen in doing this. We replied that we
knew not, but that they had" probably carried off
the men in the hope of obtaining some positive in
formation respecting our fate ; and that in that case
they would, doubtless, send them back in the fol-
* The latter was the Diana.
t The 10th or 1 1th of September, according to our reckoning.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 91
lowing year. This is our opinion likewise, observed
the officers, and immediately took their leave.
We were much concerned at hearing this news,
particularly as we knew not under what circum
stances the capture of the Japanese had taken
place. We were at a loss to conjecture whether
these five men composed the whole crew of the
Japanese ship,* or whether Captain Rikord had
selected them from among the rest. We were
moreover ignorant in what way our countrymen
had treated the Japanese, and also what had be
come of the vessel ; but we were most of all dis
tressed by ithe answers of our interpreters and
guards, who constantly declared that they knew
nothing of the matter whenever we questioned
them concerning this event. Two of the guards,
at the same time, regarded us with feelings of
hatred, which they could not conceal; and, in an
angry tone, told the sailors that since the Russians
had captured a Japanese ship, we might give up
all hopes of being set at liberty.
¦ Mr. Moor atvlength communicated, by writing on
slips of paper, and sending cthem to me in books,
-information which he had obtained from one of the
t When Chwostoff captured a Japanese ship near Sagaleen>
the crew jumped overboard, in the hope of swimming ashore.
Four men however concealed themselves in the vessel, and were
made prisoners. We feared that an accident of a similar nature
had again occurred.

92 MEMOIRS OF A
guards, who was more talkative than the rest ;* but
he begged that I would not distress my companions
by discovering it completely to them. As our ships
approached Kunashier, the Japanese began to fire
upon them from the garrison : the shot, however,
did not reach them, and, without regarding the
attack of the castle, they proceeded quietly to take
on board a supply of fresh water. In the mean
while a Japanese vessel approached the harbour,
and a boat was dispatched from one of our ships to
board it. On seeing this, several of the crew of the
Japanese vessel, through fear, plunged into the
water, and six were drowned. ~\ When the Russians
took the vessel, they put all the Japanese who were
on board in fetters ; but on being informed that we
were alive, they immediately relieved them from
that situation, gave them presents, and detaining
only five, set all the rest free, and restored the
vessel to them. I moreover learnt from Mr. Moor,
that the Japanese government had condemned
Alexei's companions, the Kuriles, to forfeit their
heads, on discovering that they had been sent by
the Russians as spies to inspect the villages and
fortresses of Japan ; but the generous Arrao-Mad-

* Two guards were stationed near us, and only one with
Mr. Moor : this difference was, perhaps, the reason why our
guards never ventured to communicate any secrets to us.
f We afterwards learned that nine men had been drowned.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 93
simano-Kami represented that the Japanese would
disgrace themselves by putting to death these un
fortunate Kuriles, who, instead of acting from any
will of their own, had been compelled blindly to
obey the orders of the Russians. He, therefore,
proposed that, after giving them presents, they
should be set at liberty ; and the government
adopted his humane advice. This circumstance
did not correspond with the assurance we had for
merly received, namely, that no foreigner could
suffer corporeal punishment in Japan. But we
reflected that the Japanese might have regarded
the Kuriles as their subjects,* though they did not
* I must here observe, that the Japanese always made our
clothes be cut in the European fashion. We likewise saluted
the officers according to the European manner, and sat on
benches, which were provided for us without any solicitation
on our part. But Alexei, though he wore a Russian sailor's
dress at the time he was taken prisoner, was ever afterwards
furnished with Japanese clothes, and was obliged to shew his
respect to the governor and the officers in the Japanese style.
The interpreters frequently told us that it was more than three
hundred years since the Japanese had visited the Kurile islands as
far as Kamtschatka ; that they might easily have retained pos
session of them ; and that the Kuriles and Japanese were ori
ginally the same people. In support of this assertion, they re
ferred to the number of words which are common to both
languages. The conjecture is, indeed, not improbable. I
believe also that they must have visited Kamtschatka frequently,
for they call it by the same name as the Kamtschatdales them
selves do, namely, Kukumyschi. They have, besides, adopted
many other Kamtschatdale names.

94 MEMOIRS OF A
publicly declare them to be such, through dread of
involving themselves in a war with Russia. Be
sides, the information which Mr. Moor received from
the guard might have been false, and we dared not
question the interpreters on the subject, lest an in
vestigation should have immediately followed, to
ascertain how these circumstances came to our
knowledge. When we inquired what had been said by the
Japanese who returned from Russia, our interpreter
Kumaddschero replied, that they confirmed all our
declarations. He, besides, informed us, that one of
them, named Gorodsee, had been carried off by
Chwostoff from the Island of Eetooroop.* In
Captain Rikord's papers this man was stated to be
a Matsmai merchant, named Leonsaimo,f because
he had thought it necessary to deceive the Russians,
and had, under an assumed name, represented him
self to be a merchant. In fact, he had been em
ployed by a merchant as overseer of a fishery at
Eetooroop. One of his companions, who was
carried off along with him, died, after they had
made their escape from Okotzk, in consequence of
eating too great a quantity of whale flesh. Gorodsee
had, however, been taken by the Tongusians, who
* This circumstance was not mentioned in Captain Rikord's
letters. f On reading the papers, the Japanese immediately observed
that there was no merchant of that name in Matsmai, and that
he must belong to some other place.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 95
delivered him up to the Russians. Kumaddsehero's
assurance, that the declarations of the Japanese who
had been sent home perfectly coincided with our's,
was confirmed by the circumstance of the bunyo
sending us new silk dresses, although we by no
means stood in need of a fresh supply of clothes.*
We were convinced, from this circumstance, that
the Japanese must have spoken well of the Rus
sians. Some time after this Mr. Moor informed us
that the bunyo was dead, but that the Japanese
laws required that his death should be kept secret
for a certain time.f Two days afterwards one
of our guards, a man of seventy, likewise informed
us of this event, begging we would not mention it

* The Japanese being informed that one of our sailors had
learned the trade of a tailor, they merely sent us the stuff, in
order that we might have our clothes made in whatever way
we pleased. For the sake of convenience we all wore the
dress of the common sailors, consisting of loose trowsers and
a jacket. t In Japan the law or custom requires that the death of an
officer should not be mentioned until the government has either
filled up the vacancy, or conferred some rank on hi3 eldest son.
If he dies without a son, the rest of his family, or his nearest re~
lations, receive some mark of favour, by way of diminishing the
grief occasioned by his loss. This secrecy is, however, only
publicly observed : the news is generally communicated in a con
fidential way from one to another, until, in a short time, it is
known to every body.

96 MEMOIRS OF A
to any of the Japanese. We were concerned to
hear of the bunyo's death, for the Japanese all as
sured us that he was an excellent man, and was dis-
. posed to shew us every kindness.
About the middle of October, Mr. Moor and
I were conducted to the castle, where the two
senior officers of state,* together with several
others, had assembled. They shewed us a letter
which had been given to one of the Japanese on
leaving the Russian ship; and which, they ob
served, the man had mislaid in consequence of
1 — ?
* One of these officers, named Taka-Hassi-Sampei, had
been but a short time in Matsmai. He was the eldest ofthe two;
and his rank was that of a Ginmiyaku. We found him to be an
extremely humane man. The kindness with which he treated
us may, perhaps, be accounted for, from his having, in his youth,
been visited by a misfortune similar to our own. He had been
in the service of the reigning Prince of Matsmai. As he was
sailing through the Straits of Sangar a storm arose ; the ship lost
her mast and rudder, and was driven on the coast of China,
where the crew were all made prisoners by the Chinese, and kept
in confinement for six years. Their explanations having at last
proved satisfactory, they were set at liberty, and permitted to
return to Japan. The law excluding from the public service
every Japanese who has lived in a foreign country, did not then
exist in the principality of Matsmai, and Sampei was accord
ingly restored to the service of the prince. After ChwostofFs
attacks the principality was converted into an imperial province,
but Taka-Hassi- Sampei did not, on that account, lose his post.
We were, however, assured by some that this law is not enforced
against Japanese who may visit China, but merely against those
who have lived among Christians.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 97
having occasion to dry his clothes ; they had,
therefore, been unable to produce it before,
and now requested that we would translate it.
We immediately perceived the cunning of the Ja
panese ; for the fact was, that they could not shew
us the letter until they received an order to that
effect from the capital. I laughed, and observed
that I knew the real cause which had prevented
the letter from being sooner produced. Upon this
the Japanese laughed likewise, and seemed not
unwilling to acknowledge their readiness at in
venting excuses.
The letter was from Mr. Rudakoff, one of the
Lieutenants of the Diana, to Mr. Moor. It stated,
that, the Japanese commandant at Kunashier had
sent back Mr. Rikord's messenger with the answer
that we had all been put to death. Captain Rikord,
therefore, resolved to commence hostilities, and ac
cordingly captured a Japanese vessel, on board of
which was the commander of ten ships.* Our

* He was not only the commander, but the owner of these
ships. Besides being a rich merchant, he was a man of uncom
mon abilities and upright principles, and his countrymen treated
him with the highest consideration. Even the superior officers
of state shewed him particular marks of respect. He was be
loved by all who knew him. Captain Rikord and his officers
must have immediately recognised him to be a person of dis
tinction, as individuals of his rank have, when abroad, the privi
lege of wearing a sabre and dagger.
VOL. II. H

98 MEMOIRS OF A
countrymen learned, from the crew of this vessel,
that we were all living and in Matsmai ; they,
therefore, looked upon the account of our death as
a fabrication imposed on the Japanese whom
they had sent ashore, and resolved to discontipue
hostilities. They had, however, thought proper to
detain the commander, four Japanese, and a Ku
rile, allowing the rest to depart with the vessel.
They then determined to sail back to Kamtschatka,
and to obtain from the Japanese more circumstan
tial evidence respecting us. Mr Rudakoff con
cluded his letter by intimating that he would re
turn to Matsmai in the following year, wishing us
health, &c.
We were requested to explain this letter to
the Japanese, and then to take a copy of it, in order
to make out a written translation. Its perusal af
forded us at least this satisfaction, that the ill con
duct of the Japanese towards Russia was now
self-evident ; and that if our emperor entertained
any intention of punishing their want of faith, the
justifiable grounds of any attack he might make
upon them could not be disputed.
Whilst Mr. Moor was copying, the letter, I
asked the Japanese officers, with some marks of in
dignation, whether the Governor of Kunashier had
really returned such an answer to Mr. Rikord as
that stated ; and if so, what could have induced
him to resort to a mean falsehood, which might

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN.

99

have been attended with very disagreeable, if , not
dangerous consequences to Japan. " We know
nothing of the matter," was their reply/ On
my inquiry1 whether such conduct was custom
ary among them, they expressed some displea
sure. The translation of the letter was forwarded
to Yeddo without delay. Mr. RudakoSFs letter
having made us better acquainted with the cir
cumstances of the affair between our countrymen
and the Japanese at Kunashier, Kumaddschero
thought fit to inform us that the Japanese, who
had returned from Okotzk, and in particular
Leonsaimo, or Gorodsee, positively asserted that
Russia intended to declare war against Japan, and
that she had, in the meanwhile, assumed a pacific
tone merely with a view to obtain our liberation.
This man, it was true, stated that Chwostoff and
Davydoff were arrested on their arrival at Okotzk ;
but he asserted that they soon made their escape
from prison, and insinuated that they had been
confined merely because they brought back too
few Japanese prisoners, and an insufficient booty.
He observed that they must have acted by order
of the government, because nobody in Okotzk
had told him that they were imprisoned on ac
count of their conduct towards the Japanese. He,
moreover, asserted that all the Japanese property,
though at first placed under sequestration, was
H 2

100 MEMOIRS OF A
ultimately sold in the warehouses of the American
Company. Unfortunately, we were but too certain that
the Japanese spoke truth ; but how could we con
vince them that all this was attributable to the
weakness of the commandant of Okotzk, and the
misconduct of the officers of the company ? How
could we contradict Leonsaimo's statement, and
prove that our government intended no hostilities
towards the Japanese ? We had, also, the morti
fication to learn, that the Japanese, who had
saved themselves from shipwreck on the coast of
Kamtschatka, and had wintered there, gave a very
bad account of the Russians. They had lived for
some time with a priest in Nischny-Kamtschatsk,
and were then very well satisfied with their treat
ment ; but when they were removed to Malka, a
Kamtschatdale village, they were supplied with no
thing but dried fish for their food,* and were
allowed hardly a rag of clothing to cover them.
On the 1st of November, Mr. Moor and I were
again conveyed to the castle, where we were shewn
a certificate which had been delivered to Leon-
saimo by Captain Minitzky, of the Japanese navy,

* We afterwards learned that the civil Governor of Irkutzk
allotted a considerable sum for the maintenance of these men.
As, however, it was pretty certain that their complaints would
never reach Irkutzk, the Toion or chief of the village of Malka
had probably appropriated the money to some other purpose.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 101"
Governor of Okotzk. According to custom, the
Japanese officers apologized for not having pro
duced this paper sooner, and blamed the stupidity
of Leonsaimo for having kept it so long in his
possession without saying a word about it. But
we were not so simple as to put faith in this tale,
as we knew that it would have been impossible for
the Japanese who returned in the Diana to have
concealed any thing they brought ashore with
them, far less an official paper under an imperial
seal, which had evidently been brought from
Okotzk. This certificate stated that Chwostoff
had acted without authority, and that his conduct
had accordingly exposed him to the displeasure of
the government ; and, moreover, that Leonsaimo
with his companion had twice fled froni Okotzk,
without waiting for permission to return to their
native country, which was, however, granted after
their second escape. Finally, Captain Minitzky
expressed his approbation of the good conduct of
Leonsaimo during the time he had lived in Okotzk.
Having verbally explained this document, we
carried away a copy to make a translation, which
was immediately forwarded to the capital along
with the original.
On the 8th of November, the Japanese, whom
Captain Rikord had put ashore at Kunashier, ar
rived at Matsmai, and were quartered in the house
whence we had made our escape. They all under-

102 MEMOIRS OF A
went an examination; and Kumaddschero, who was
present, repeated what he had before told us, namely,
that his countrymen spoke unfavourably ofthe Rus
sians : and that Leonsaimo praised Irkutzk, but re
presented Okotzk, and . the whole eastern part of
Siberia, as being a poor miserable country, where he
saw scarcely any human beings, except beggars
and government officers. These Japanese remained
about a week in Matsmai, and were then sent to
Yeddo. About this time, in one of my meetings with
Mr. Moor, he informed me that our friend,, the old
bunyo, had fallen into disgrace ; and that his pro
perty had been seized. We were much concerned
at hearing this, and had, besides, the mortification
to reflect that Teske, in his letters,* though he did
not state any thing positively, rather hinted that our
business did not stand in -the most favourable state.
In December, however, Kumaddschero informed us,
as a great secret, that he had dreamt we were all li-
* His letters, though written in the Russian language, were
composed in such a way that no Russian could have understood
them . But we were acquainted with the expressions and phrases
he had been accustomed to make use of when in conversation
With us ; and could, therefore, discover his meaning without
much difficulty. We answered his letters likewise in Russian,
making choice of such words as he was familiar with. Mr.
Chlebnikoff once wrote to him a Japanese letter in the Russian
character, whioh Teske perfectly well understood.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 103
berated. He added, that he was sure his dream would
be realized, for he had learned from an officer of dis
tinction, just returned from the capital, that our case
was expected to have a favourable insue ; and that
Mr. Rikord's generous treatment of the Japanese,
whom he had.seized on board the vessel off Kuna
shier, had not only gained him the esteem of the go
vernment, but likewise of all the inhabitants of the
capital.* A note from Mr. Moor confirmed this in-
* Kumaddschero and other Japanese told us that their country
men, who had been seized on board the vessel, spoke in the most
satisfactory way of the conduct of Captain' Rikord. When he
heard that we were still living, he ordered all the Japanese who
had been taken to be unbound, treated them with great atten
tion, and gave them presents. The wife of the rich merchant
whom he conveyed to Russia was on board the captured vessel^
Captain Rikord took her on board the Diana, and desired the
Russian women to give her refreshments, and to shew her over
the ship. But she wept the whole time, seemed greatly terrified,
and paid attention to nothing. When Captain Rikord sent her
back to her husband's vessel, he presented her with an amber
necklace, which the Japanese valued at thirty of their gold pieces
(a coin about the same weight as a Russian imperial.) He then
permitted the merchant to write to his relations, informing them
that he should certainly be brought back in the following year,
and that in the meanwhile he was lodged in the cabin with
Captjain Rikord, with whom he was to reside until his return to
Japan. These marks of attention to their countrymen pleased
the Japanese exceedingly. Kumaddschero assured us that
Captain Rikord at first intended to take only this merchant and a
Kurile as his interpreter ; but four Japanese voluntarily offered
to remain with their master.

104 MEMOIRS OF A
telligence, with the addition, that he had learned
from one of the guards, that our things, which had
been conveyed to Yeddo, were sent back to Mats
mai, and that thoughts were entertained of restoring
us to our native country.
A ray of hope now began to dawn upon usj
and seemed to rescue us from despair. Thus per
plexed between the expectation of liberty and dis
trust of the Japanese, we entered upon the new
year 1813.
During the month of January we received several
letters from Teske, in answer to those which we had
addressed to him. In one of these letters, he
plainly told us that the decision of our affair was
still very doubtful, as various circumstances tended
to prepossess the government against us ; and that
all which had been alleged in our justification had
hitherto been insufficient to remove prejudices that
were of long standing and firmly rooted. Teske
appropriately reminded us of the Japanese proverb:
" A fog cannot he dispelled with a fan."* This
communication from oup best friend was very dis
couraging ; and besides, our guards openly informed
us that Arrao-Madsimano-Kami had been removed
* In all countries people form their proverbs from those ob
jects which are immediately before their eyes. The coasts ol
Japan are frequently enveloped in fog. From the age of five
the Japanese of both sexes carry fans during the summer season.
These circumstances, have of course, given rise to the proverb.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 105
from his office of bunyo of Matsmai, and that ano
ther nobleman was already appointed to fill his
place. To this unlucky circumstance was added another,
which occasioned us no less uneasiness. In the be-
>
ginning of February all the letters which Teske had
addressed to Mr. Moor were seized.* One of our
attendants, whom Teske's brother had intrusted ta
carry a letter to Mr. Moor, was so imprudent as to
deliver it in the presence of the sentinel on duty.
The latter observed it, and instantly raised an alarm.
The servant was discharged, a serjeant or corporal
was sent to superintend our military guard, -j- and we
were treated with some degree of incivility ; but on
our complaining of the conduct of our attendants,
they were ordered to behave as respectfully towards
us as before. But what we most of all feared was
that the correspondence of our friend Teske might
be attended with serious consequences to himself, as

* Mr. Chlebnikoff and I fortunately had time to burn those
which he had written to us.
f Old men are usually appointed to the rank, which corres
ponds with that of a Serjeant or corporal. They are styled
Kumino-Kasshba, or rice-commissaries, because their business
chiefly consists in receiving rice from the magazines, and deal
ing it out among the soldiers ; for in Japan, a portion of the
soldiers' pay is given in rice. In Matsmai, and on the Kurile
Islands, they receive a small sum of money along with the.
rice.

106 MEMOIRS OF A
his letters contained many expressions calculated to
give offence to the Japanese government.* Ku
maddschero and our guards, indeed, assured us that
no notice would be taken of the contents of these
letters ; but we could not place much faith in what
they said.
In the middle of February Kumaddschero in
formed us that our business was settled : but that
nobody, without incurring the risk of a severe pu
nishment, could venture to make known the decision
before the arrival of the new bunyo.j- He, how
ever, assured us that the Japanese government had
decided on nothing to our disadvantage. This piece
of news plunged us into the most perplexing uncer
tainty. What resolution hadbeen adopted we could
not possibly guess, since all that could be collected
from Kumaddschero's information was that it was
neither good nor bad. We anxiously waited for the
appearance of the new governor, on whose arrival
the riddle was to receive its solution.
Mr. Chlebnikoff had been extremely melancholy
ever since the 11th of March. He sometimes
tasted no food for whole days together, and was

*For instance, in one letter he styled his countrymen in
Kunashier " Stupid Japanese." In another he made use of the
following words : " The Russians act with generosity, but our
officers cannot perceive it." He called Gorodsee a dog-, for the
bad account he had given of the Russians, &c.
f His name was Chattori Bingono-Kami.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 107
unable to sleep. In the course of time, however,
his spirits began to revive ; but his health was never
completely restored, until he re-embarked on board
the Diana.

108 MEMOIRS OF A

CHAPTER IV.
On the 1 8th of March the new bunyo arrived,
and entered on his office. His suite included several
officers, our friend Teske, a member of the Japa
nese academy, named Adati-Sannay, and an inter
preter of the Dutch language, named Baba-Sad-
seeroo. Teske was eager to prove that his attach
ment to us was undiminished. He had no sooner
landed than he hastened to visit us, even before he
had seen his father or any of his relations, brought
us sweetmeats,* and consoled us with the informa
tion that the new bunyo had been directed to cor
respond with the Russians ; and that orders were
to be immediately transmitted to all forts and har
bours, to prohibit the firing on the Russian ships.
From the account which Teske gave us, our be
nefactor Arrao-Madsimano-Kami appeared more
noble and generous than ever. He informed us
that the Japanese government had determined not
to listen to any conciliatory proposals on the part of
Russia, as from all that had transpired, and in par-

* He never forgot to send us preserves and other dainties
along with letters from the capital.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 109
ticular the declaration of Leonsaimo, they could
expect nothing but falsehood, fraud, and hostility.
Arrao-Madsimano-Kami, however, questioned
Leonsaimo in the presence of the new bunyo, con
victed him of prevarication in his answers, and
brought him to acknowledge that all he had asserted
respecting the hostile intentions of Russia towards
Japan, and Chwostoff s having acted by order of the
government, had been merely uttered at random.
He moreover sought to overthrow the grounds on
which the members of the government rested their
opinions. He represented to them that they ought
not to judge of the laws and customs of other na
tions by their own, and at length prevailed on them
to resolve to enter into explanations with the nearest
Russian commander. He likewise made strong
representations against the Japanese government
prohibiting Russian ships, even coming with expla
nations, from entering any other port than that of
Nangasaky, and observed that the Russians would
thereby be led to believe that another trap was pre
pared for them ; for how could they be convinced
that the Japanese were inclined to act candidly and
honourably when they required the Russian vessels
to undertake so long a voyage, to settle an affair
which might be decided equally well, and infinitely
more promptly, in any harbour of the Kurile
Islands. The member of the government having, in

110 MEMOIRS OF A
answer to his representations, urged that they could
not, without violating their laws, permit Russian
vessels to enter any other port than that of Nanga
saky, he made the following remarkable reply:
" Since the sun, the moon, and the stars, which'
are the creation of the Almighty, are variable in
their course, the Japanese laws, the work of weak
mortals, cannot be eternal and unchangeable."* —
By these arguments he prevailed on the government
to order the bunyo of Matsmai to correspond with
our ships, without requiring them to sail to Nan
gasaky. Teske, moreover, informed us, that though Arrao-
Madsimano-Kami was no longer one of the bunyos
of Matsmai, he had obtained a more important post,
though the emoluments attached to his present
office were somewhat less considerable, -f because
* Teskfe assured us, that no other individual in Japan would
have dared to give such an answer to the government. But
Arrao-Madsimano-Kami, who, on account of his superior un
derstanding and virtuous principles, was universally known and
beloved by the people, feared not to speak the truth. He was
brother-ift-lavPto the governor-general of the capital, an office
which is filled only by individuals near the imperial person. He
was, besides, brother to one of the emperor's mistresses.— The
importance of the latter -connection will be readily enough un
derstood in Europe.
f His salary in Matsmai was about three thousand large gold
pieces, each of which somewhat exceeds in weight a Russian
imperial ; but I cannot pronounce any judgment on the purity of

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. Ill
every thing was much dearer in Matsmai than in
the capital, where he was, in future, to reside. He
was now appointed governor of all the imperial
palaces in the empire of Japan.
Teske staid so long conversing with us that his
father sent for him twice; he did not, however,
take leave of us until be had completely removed
all our apprehensions.
. A day or two after the arrival of the bunyo, Ku
maddschero informed us that the chief officer, the
Giumiyaku Saihpey, wished us to teach the acade
mician and the Dutch interpreter, who had arrived
from the capital, the Russian language, and to give
them, as far as we were able, any other instruction
they might desire. I expressed my surprise, that
before the new bunyo had given us an audience, or
communicated the decision of the Japanese govern
ment, we should be required to instruct persons who
had been sent from the capital.
I asked Mr. Moor, through the partition which
separated our apartments, what he thought of this
proposal, and he made the following reply : " Un
til the bunyo makes us acquainted with the decision
on our case, nothing shall induce me to comply with
his request ; but whenever he shall make that com-

the gold. He, besides/ received rice to the amount of an equal
and sometimes a greater sum, according as the value of the
article varied.

112 MEMOIRS. OF A
munication, I am ready to work, day and night, in
giving the Japanese instructions." I proposed that
we should devote an hour or two every day to in
structing these men until the Russian ships arrived ;
we should then perceive what were the real views of
the Japanese government respecting us, and be able
to adopt measures accordingly. But Mr. Moor
would listen to nothing of the kind. I was unable
to guess the cause of this obstinacy, but supposed.
that he wished, by his present zeal, to make his
former conduct be forgotten. But the mystery was
soon unravelled in a different way.
Kumaddschero went away without having re
ceived any decisive answer to his message. A few
days afterwards, Mr. Moor and I were conducted to
the castle, where the two principal officers, in the
presence of several others, informed us that they
had been directed to write to the Russians, who
would probably soon approach the coasts of Japan
with their ships, and to request an explanation of
Chwostoff's conduct from the commander of the
nearest Russian government or district. They ac
cordingly intended to send off letters to this effect to
the different harbours of the northern Japanese pos
sessions.* The translations, they observed, mustbe
executed by Teske, Kumaddschero, and us. The

* Kunashier, Eetooroop, Sagaleen, Atkis, and Chakodade.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 113
interpreter then explained the contents of the Ja
panese letter, in order that we might be able to
state our opinion respecting the proposition it con
tained. The letter appeared to me extremely well written.
I thanked the Japanese for having adopted measures
which would probably spare much useless blood
shed, both to Russia and Japan, and stated my
conviction that our government would riot fail to
return a satisfactory answer. They then informed
me, that in case our ships entered the ports of
Matsmai or Chakodade, they proposed sending the
letter on board by one or two pf our sailors. I ex
pressed my approval of this plan,1 as our countrymen
would thereby be convinced that we were still in
existence. I, at the same time, begged that they
would permit me to write a few small notes, which
might be sent along with the copies of their letter
to the other fortified harbours, to intimate to our
friends that we were all weU in health. To this the
Japanese gave their assent ; but observed that these
notes must be as brief as possible ; and, as it would
be necessary to send them to Yeddo, to reeeive the
sanction of the government, they advised us to
write them speedily. This advice I followed with
out delay, on my return to the place of our confine
ment, and then set about the translation of the
Japanese letter, in which Mr. Moor and Alexei
assisted. VOL. II. I

114 MEMOIRS OF A
About this time the two learned Japanese^
namely, the academician and the Dutch interpreter,
paid us their first visit. We merely exchanged com
pliments, and they made no allusion to the object
of their journey. They brought us some sweet
meats, and urgently solicited that we would give
them a French dictionary, and one or two other
French books.
Soon after Mr. Moor addressed me in the follow
ing remarkable way : " You, who are the cause of
our misfortune," said he, " should not be the first
to go on board our ship. Andrey Ilyitsch, mean
ing Mr. Chlebnikoff, is almost at death's door, and
the sailors are too stupid to arrange any thing with
propriety. It will, therefore, be best to send me on
board the ship, accompanied by Alexei, who has
been three-years in imprisonment, whilst our sailors
have lived only two years in Japan. But I cannot
make this request to the Japanese ; you must there
fore do so, for your fate depends upon it. If you
neglect to follow this advice, you are lost." " How
so ?" I inquired. "¦ For reasons which are well
known to me," replied Mr. Moor, in an emphatic
tone. (I observed that the Japanese government
must be consulted before any new arrangement
could be determined on, and as this would neces
sarily occasion loss of time, I could not think of
making the application he wished for. " Then,"
said he, 'c you will repent of your error when it
will be too late."

captivity in japan. 115
I was at a loss to divine the meaning of these
threats. On the following day Mr. Moor again
addressed me through the partition. One of the
soldiers, he said, had informed him, that the
Japanese intended to entrap the commander of a
Russian ship, and a party of officers and sailors,
equal in number to ourselves, and then to let us
free, as it were, in exchange for them. This cir
cumstance, he observed, might occasion bloodshed ;
he therefore advised me to reflect, and to permit
him to go on board first, : as he could, of course,
render the matter more intelligible than the sailors.
He would induce Captain Rikord to take care that
we should all be safely given up to him. No child
could have been imposed on by such a story as this.
What soldier would have ventured to divulge so
important a secret ; and yet Mr. Moor stated a
prudent old man of seventy to be the author of his
information. I coolly replied, that no credit Could
be given to the statement. But Mr. Moor would
not suffer, the affair to rest here. He shortly after
wards told me, that the Japanese intended to cap?
ture our ships, together with the whole of their
crews, and then to send an embassy to Okotzk, on
board of a Japanese vessel. He said he had re
ceived this intelligence from the old man, and like
wise from a young soldier, and insisted on being
sent to Captain Rikord instead of the sailors. This
invention was even more laughable than the former.
i 2

116 MEMOIRS OF A
I merely replied, " Heaven's will be done !" and
said no more on the subject.
We had now finished translating the letter which
was to be sent on board our ships. It was addressed
thus : " From the Ginmiyaks, the two chief com
manders next to the Bunyo of Matsmai, to the
commander of the Russian. ships."
The contents were briefly as follow : — " The Ja
panese, in as far as was consistent with their laws,
maintained intercourse with the Ambassador Resa
noff, in Nangasaky ; but though they offered him
not the least provocation, the Russian ships had,
without the slightest reason, commenced hostilities
on the coasts of Japan. Accordingly, when the
Diana appeared, the commander of Kunashier,
who, of course, regarded the Russians as the ene
mies of his country, took seven of the crew pri
soners. These men have indeed declared, that the
conduct of the comniander of those ships was un
authorised by the government, but as prisoners, the
Japanese cannot give credit to what they say ; they
therefore wish to have their account confirmed by
higher authority, and this Confirmation must be
sent to Chakodade."
The Japanese wished us to translate this docu
ment with the utmost precision, and to adhere as
closely as possible to the literal meaning. They
required that the words in the translation should
follow each other in the same order as in the ori-

' CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 117
ginal, wherever the idiom of both languages would
permit of their doing so, and they directed us to
pay no regard to elegance of style. This trans
lation accordingly occupied us for several days to
gether, from morning to night : even when we had
finished it, the bunyo sent it back several times,
requesting us to make corrections, which he pointed
out. At length, the task being completed, we made
several copies of the letter, which we put up under
covers, in the European style, with Russian super
scriptions. They were then sent off to the different
harbours. On the 27th of March we were introduced to the
new bunyo. He was a young man, about thirty-five
years of age, handsome, and had a very pleasing
expression of countenance. His suite consisted of
eight individuals, as he was superior in rank to the
two former bunyos. After asking our names and
ranks, he addressed us as the other governors had
formerly done, and gave us reason to hope that the
business between the Japanese government and us
would terminate in the way we wished. He ques
tioned us respecting our health, and whether we
were satisfied with the food with which we were
supplied, and then withdrew. We returned home,
accompanied by the interpreters.
We this day overheard a conversation between
Mr. Moor and the interpreters, which filled us with
horror. He asked Teske to obtain for him a private

118 MEMOIRS OF A
interview with the bunyo, as he had something of
great importance to communicate to him. Teske
replied, that the bunyo would not grant an inter
view, unless he were first informed, through the
interpreters, what was the nature of the business
which rendered a private conference necessary.
Mr. Moor then declared, that the object of our
voyage had been to make observations on the south
ern Kurile Islands, which are under the dominion
of the Japanese ; but for what reason the Russian
government had ordered me to make these obser
vations I alone could inform them, as I never com
municated my instructions to the officers. He further
stated, that we had concealed various circumstances
from the Japanese, and in our translations had con
strued many passages in a way different from their
real meaning, &c. On hearing this, Teske asked
him whether he had lost his senses, as such decla
rations would, of course, prove as injurious to him
self as they could be to us. Mr. Moor replied,
that he was perfectly aware of what he was doing,
and that he was resolved to confess the' truth.
Teske now lost all patience, and told him, that, even
allowing he did speak truth, it was now too late, as
a decision had taken place, and if satisfactory ex
planations were received from Russia, we would be
immediately set at liberty. Mr. Moor, however,
insisted on being taken before the bunyo, upon
which Teske became irritated, and left him. He

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 119
then entered our apartment, and told us, that if
Mr. Moor were not mad, he must have a very
black heart. On the following day Mr. Moor, in
deed, discoursed like one who was bereft of reason ;
but whether his derangement was real or counter
feit, Heaven only knows.
Two days afterwards, Mr. Moor having expressed
a wish to be again confined along with us, the Ja
panese conducted him and Alexei to our apartment.
We were now daily visited by the Dutch inter
preter and the man of learning, whom we have
styled the academician, because he was a member
of a learned society, somewhat resembling our
academies. The interpreter began to fill up and
improve the Russian vocabularies ; he used to refer
to a French and Dutch Lexicon, in order to inquire
through the French for such Russian words as he
did not know ; he then searched for these words in
a Russian Lexicon, which he had in his possession.
He was a man about twenty-seven years of age ; and
as he possessed an excellent memory, and consider
able knowledge of grammar, he made a rapid pro
gress in acquiring the Russian language. This in
duced me to attempt to compile a Russian grammar
for him, as well as I could from mere recollection.*

* Having no books by the help of which I could compose a
complete grammar, I was forced to content myself with what I
could put together from memory. I devoted more than four

120 MEMOIRS OF A
The academician employed himself in translating
from the Russian a work on arithmetic, published
at Petersburgh for the use of the public schools, and
which had been brought to Japan by Kodia.* In
explaining the arithmetical rules, we soon observed
that he possessed considerable kndwledge of the
subject, and that he only wished to be made ac
quainted with the Russian demonstrations. I was
curious to know how far his knowledge of mathe
matics extended, and frequently conversed with him
on matters connected with that science. But as our
interpreters entertained not the slightest notion of
the subject, I found it impossible to make all the
months to the completion of this task. In the preface I stated,
that should it ever chance to fall into the hands of a Russian, or
any individual who understood our language, the circumstances
under which it was written must be taken into account. All the
examples which I introduced bore a reference to the relations
between Russia and Japan, and were so contrived as to recom
mend the approximation and friendship of both nations. With
this the Japanese were highly pleased. They eagerly set about
translating my manuscript, and, though it formed a tolerably
large volume, they soon accomplished the task. Teske and
Baba-Sadseeroo, particularly the latter, were extremely quick1
in comprehending the rules of grammar, but they could not find
time to learn them by heart. I besides translated into Russian
some French and Dutch dialogues, which were in a French
grammar, and they proved very useful to the Dutch interpreter
in learning our language.
* A Japanese whom Laxman conveyed back to his native
country in 1792.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 121
inquiries I wished. I will, however, state a few
circumstances, which may enable the reader to
form some idea of the mathematical knowledge of
the Japanese. The academician once asked me,
whether the Russians, like the Dutch, reckoned
according to the new style. When I replied that
the Russians reckoned by the old, style, he requested
me to explain to him the distinction between the
old and new styles, and what occasioned the dif
ference between them, which I- accordingly did.
He then observed, that, the new mode of reckoning
was by no means exact, because after a certain
number of centuries a difference of twenty-four
hours would again arise. I readily perceived that
he questioned me merely to discover how far I was
informed on a subject with which he was perfectly
familiar. The Japanese consider the Copernican
the true system of the universe. The orbit and
satellites of Uranus are known to them, but they
know, nothing of the planets which have been more
recently discovered.
Mr. Chlebnikoff employed himself in the calcu
lation of logarithms, of natural sines and tangents,
and other tables connected with navigation, which
he completed, after incredible labour and application.
When the academician was shewn these tables, he
immediately recognised the logarithms, and drew a
figure to convince us that he was also acquainted
with the nature ofthe sines and tangents. In order

122 MEMOIRS OF A
to ascertain whether the Japanese knew how to de
monstrate geometrical truths, I asked whether they
were perfectly convinced that in a right-angled
triangle the square of the hypothenuse is equal to
the squares of the other two sides ? He answered
in the affirmative. I then asked how they were
certain of this fact, and in reply he demonstrated
it very clearly. Having drawn a figure with a pair
of compasses on paper, he cut out the three squares,
folded the squares of the two short sides into a
number of triangles, and also cut out these triangles ;
then laying the several triangles on the surface of
the large square, he made them exactly cover and
fit it.
, The academician assured us that the Japanese
calculate with great precision the eclipses of the
sun and moon.* This is not improbable, for they
* In August, 1812, an eclipse of the moon was visible in this
quarter of the world. The Japanese, in their calendar, foretold
the period when the eclipse would take place, and wcdetermined
to observe whether they were correct in their reckoning. At
that time we were unacquainted with the degree of knowledge
they possessed, and suspected that the Japanese calculations
¦would resemble those of the Dutch astronomer, who published
in the Almanack of the Cape of Good Hope that an eclipse
would take place on the first night of a new moon. The pool-
Dutchmen gaped and stared the whole night at the sky, but saw
neither the moon nor the eclipse which they expected, A very
different cause prevented our observing the eclipse at Japan,
The heavens were completely obscured by a fog.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 123
have a translation of De Lalande's Astronomy, and,
as I have already observed, a European astronomer
resides in their capital.
Teske and Kumaddschero generally came to
visit us along with the academician and the Dutch
interpreter; They usually staid with us the whole
forenoon, and sometimes all day. This time was
not wholly devoted to scientific investigations ; our
visitors frequently entertained usby relating singular
occurrences and interesting anecdotes. Among
other things, Teske gave us an account of the exa
mination of Leonsaimo or Gorodsee, the Japanese
who had returned from Russia, which took place
in the presence of the new bunyo and Arrao-Mad-
simano- Kauri. On being asked how he had been
treated by the Russians, he spoke with the highest
praise and gratitude of the governor of Irkutzk,*
the Commandant of Jakutzk.f the Commandant
of Okotzk harbour,;}: Mr. Rikord, together with
all the officers of the Diana, and various other
individuals with whom we were acquainted ; but
the rest of the Russians he described as being a
very worthless set.
. On being asked what he knew respecting our
government, he made the following reply : — "The
* His excellency the present Counsellor of State, N. T. Treskin,
f The Court Counsellor, T. G. Kardaschevsky.
I Captain M. J. Minitzky, ofthe Navy.

124 MEMOIRS OF A
Emperor of Russia is extremely kind and conde
scending ; his subjects regard him as their father,
but his officers seek to deceive him ; and in order;
to enrich themselves, carry on trade and provoke
warfare with neighbouring states."* All this, he
said, he had learnt from the Japanese who lived at
Irkutzk. . He characterised, the Russian nation as being
warlike and rapacious. His countrymen in Ir
kutzk had shewn him, on the map, the boundaries
of Russia in former times, and assured him that
the government had not purchased a foot of ground,
but had acquired their present extent of territory by
conquest. He had himself made the, following ob
servations : — In Russia, should a boy find a stick
in the streets, he immediately takes it up and goes
through the military exercise. He had, besides,
frequently seen numbers of boys assemble together
for the purpose of practising military exercises;
and the soldiers, wherever he saw them, were con
stantly under arms. From all the circumstances,
he concluded that Russia was meditating a war
* To prove that these observations which Leonsaimo made
respecting Russia were singularly erroneous, it is only neces
sary to reflect on our relations with China. The rash and of
fensive conduct of the Chinese would a thousand times have
justified Russia in punishing them ; yet our government be
nevolently forebore to do so, reflecting that these people, like
other Asiatic nations, were ignorant of the laws of Europe.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 125
with the Japanese, for she had no neighbours in
that quarter of the world, except China and Japan.
With China she maintained commercial relations,
consequently all her preparations must be directed
against Japan. At this latter observation both the
bunyos laughed, and called him a blockhead ;
adding, that in Japan it was customary for boys to
fence with swords, and soldiers to go through their
exercise, though no war was in contemplation.
Leonsaimo then excused himself by apologising for
his want of consideration in drawing such a con
clusion. The bunyos reproached him for having changed
his name without any motive ; observing, that had
he been a person of distinction, he might have
adopted this mode of insuring his safety, but whe
ther a man in his humble condition of life were
called Leonsaimo or Gorodsee, must be a matter of
indifference to the Russians. He could urge no
thing in his justification, but acknowledged his
error, and begged pardon.
On being asked what had struck him as being
most remarkable in Irkutzk, he replied, that the
market and churches had most engaged his atten
tion. He made a drawing of the market-place, and
described it with tolerable precision ; but with re
spect to the churches, he could only say, that they
contained many beautiful images, and that every
object seemed glittering in gold. Arrao-Madsi-

126 MEMOIRS OF A
mano-Kami wished that he should draw a plan
of Irkutzk, its streets, and public buildings, but
he plainly acknowledged that he had made no ob
servations on the town. " Did not the Russians
suffer you to go out ?" inquired the bunyo. " Oh
yes," replied he, " they even advised us to walk
about for the sake of our health ; the governor him
self frequently desired us to do so." " Why then,''
continued the bunyo, " did you not avail yourself
of this indulgence, and inspect the city with atten
tion, so that on your return home you might have
been able to give an account of what you saw ?"'
Leonsaimo again confessed his negligence, and
begged that they would pardon him.
He was then asked whether he had ever wit
nessed a Russian festival. " Yes." replied he, " and
one of the greatest that is held. On that day all
the soldiers in Irkutzk assembled on the parade,
and a great firing took place,* The governor de
sired me to go out early in the morning to see the
ceremonies, and informed me that in the afternoon
all the people in the streets would wear their festival
dresses. I therefore went out in the morning and
saw the soldiers. But I suddenly heard the firing
of musketry and cannon, which so terrified me
that I hastened back, and did not go out again all
day." In return for this confession the bunyo
* It was the festival of Epiphany.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 127
again called him a blockhead, and reproached him
for having let slip the opportunity of observing the
ceremonies and dresses of the Russians on such an
occasion. On being asked what he did on his return home,
he very coolly replied, " I employed* myself in
writing down my observations." The governor
and all present burst into a fit of laughter^ They
inquired what observations he could possibly make
since he had seen nothing. " I wrote down," re
plied he, " all that I had heard from my country*-
men." He had, indeed, brought home with him
a whole packet of papers filled with observations.
Teske assured us that Leonsaimo's papers con
tained a great deal concerning Siberia, and the
trade with China, by the way of Kiachta, but what
he had written on these subjects. Teske either could
not or would not inform us. The bunyos were not,
however, inclined to give much credit to the re
marks made by Leonsaimo. They told him that
had he related what he had either seen himself, or
heard from the Russians, . his account would have
merited attention ; but that he had, on the con
trary, received all his information from Japanese
who had forsworn their native country and religion,
and on whose assertions the government could place
no reliance.
The bunyos questioned him at considerable
length concerning that part of Siberia through

128 MEMOIRS OF A
which he had travelled. Leonsaimo represented
it as being extremely poor and wretched ; he de
clared that the inhabitants of Okotzk were mere
beggars, and that the population of the whole track
of country from Irkutzk to Okotzk was not more
numerous than that of a small Japanese town. In
short, he constantly overstepped the truth, and re
presented every thing worse than it really was.
In speaking of the trade with China, he accused
our countrymen of fraud in their dealings, and
acquitted the Chinese of all blame, alleging that
the Court of Pekin had frequently threatened to
puta^top to the trade, but that the Russians had
promised to punish the offenders, though this pro
mise was never fulfilled. Such, he said, was the
account given by the Japanese who resided in
Irkutzk. There were farther questions and answers, but
Teske said he could recollect only a few of them :
perhaps he did not wish to let us know all that, had
passed. He made, however, the following addition
to what he had already related of the account which
Leonsaimo gave of his adventures : — Whilst in
Okotzk he observed, in a warehouse belonging to
the American Company, a number of Japanese
books and charts, which were deposited in a corner.
They had been brought from Japan by. Chwostoff.
The attention of the officers of the Company seem
ed much more occupied with the rice than with

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 129
these books and charts. Leonsaimo looked over
the books, and found one containing a description
of Japan, which he conceived it would be improper
to .suffer the Russians to possess : he therefore re
quested permission to read it, and conveyed it to
his lodging, where he burned it. He likewise found
means secretly to remove the charts, one by one,
from the .warehouse, and on taking- them home
consigned them all to the flames. When he arrived
at Irkutzk he related this circumstance to a Ja
panese with whom he lived, and who had pre
viously become a convert to the Russian church.
The latter observed, that he had taken a great deal
of useless trouble, as he had himself brought se
veral books and charts from Japan, which he had
explained to the Russians. On Leonsaimo's re
proaching hirp for his imprudence, he excused him
self by saying that he had become a Russian, and
was no longer a Japanese.
When Leonsaimo ,: attempted to escape along
with his companions,* in the expectation of meet
ing Tongusians, he carried along with him a copper
image of a saint, to enable him to pass for a
* Three individuals on this occasion attempted to effect their
escape : Leonsaimo, another Japanese, and a Russian outlaw.-
The other Japanese died, as has already been stated, in con
sequence of having eaten too great a quantity of whale-flesh; the
outlaw robbed Leonsaimo, and then abandoned him. The latter
accordingly reached the Giliak territory alone,
VOL. II. K

130 MEMOIRS; OF A
Russian. On entering the territory of the, Giliaksr,
however, he passed himself for a Chinese: ambas
sador, and shewed the people the image, which he
said was a likeness of the Chinese emperor. The
Giliaks receiyed him with so much cordiality, that
he formed the design of passing the winter among
them, and resuming his journey in^the spring.
However, on arriving at Udskoy-Ostrog his plans
were frustrated-— he was seized, 'and conveyed, to
Okotzk. Teske, besides, frankly told, us, that the Japa
nese, who was sent ashore with the letters from
Captain Rikord, actuaUy received orders from the
Governor of Kunashier to state that we were dead.
The motive for this falsehood was as follows: the
Japanese assured his countrymen that Russia would
no doubt, declare war against Japan, and that all
her friendly representations were mere artifice.
Captain Rikord had, however, stated in his letter,
that he would not quit the harbour until he received
a satisfactory answer ; and at the. approach of our
ships, all the fishermen and labouring people on
the southern coast of Kunashier had fled into the
garrison, so that_alLbusiness was suspended. It
was, therefore, with a view to put an end to this
state of things, and to induce the Russians to land
and attempt to storm the garrison, thabthe assertion
of our having been put to death was fabricated.
The Schrabiyagu, Otachi-Koeki, at this tiriie Go-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 131
vernor of Kunashier, was the same officer who had
so frequently treated us with so much derision, at
Chakodade, and his personal 'hatred of the Rus
sians had probably dictated the answer he sent to
Captain Rikord. This answer, Teske told us, ex
cited no displeasure on the part of the gdvernment ;
on the contrary, several of the ministers expressed
their approbation of the conduct of Otachi-Koeki,
which, in their opinion, proved him to be an ex
tremely judicious and able man.
Teske, besides, informed us, that his corres
pondence with us had involved him in Considerable
difficulty during his stay in the capital. The let
ters which were taken from Mr. Moor had beeri
sent to Yeddo. The government required Teske
to translate all the letters he had received from us,
and those which he had written to us : , but he was
prudent enough to give a different interpretation
to the passages in which he spoke disrespectfully
of his countrymen. The officers of the govern
ment, to whose perusal these translations were sub
mitted, asked him how he dared to correspond with
foreigners, when he knew that a law existed by
which that kind of intercourse was prohibited.
Teske excused himself by saying, that he was not
aware that such foreigners as had been made pri
soners by the Japanese were included in this law ;
adding, that he had not corresponded with us for
any improper purpose, but merely through motives
k 2

132 MEMOIRS OF A
of compassion. He had never imagined that this
correspondence could be attended by any evil con
sequences, but he was ready to suffer death, should
the government regard his crime 'as sufficiently
enormous to call for such a punishment. He was?
however, merely reprimanded, and admonished to
be more prudent in future. The letters remained
in the hands of the government, and the affair had
luckily no injurious result for Teske. Both he and
Kumaddschero were afterwards promoted for their
labours in -translating, and the zeal they had mani
fested in acquiring the Russian language. Teske
was appointed to fill the office of Shtoyagu ; and
Kumaddschero that of Saydshuj or secretary.
It is with the utmost pain that I again call the
attention of the reader to a circumstance, which, in
the midst pf our sufferings, harassed my feelings,
and the recollection of which is, even now, attended
by the most distressing sensations — I allude to the
conduct of Mr. Moor. If I unfold- his errors,-
it is not that I wish to dwell on the description of
the horrors into whch he plunged me and my un
fortunate companions. No : may his example
prove a warning to all young men whom Fate may
hereafter overwhelm with misfortunes such as we'
were doomed to endure. May it serve to convince
them, that no wretch is visited by remorse so insuf-:
ferable as he who renounces his faith and his;
country. If, like the unhappy Moor, whose history;

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN.

133

js as instructive as memorable, he has previously
-been a man of rectitude and extreme sensibility,
how dreadful must be his torments when he returns
to the paths of virtue, and looks back upon his past
y conduct. I entreat the reader riot to condemn this
unfortunate officer. — If he accompanies me to the
. end of my Narrative, his indignation will be con
verted into pity, and he will, perhaps, shed a tear
over the sad memory of this poor miserable youth.
. After Mr. Moor was quartered, along with us, he
often discoursed with the guards like a person be
reft of reason.' For instance; he assured them that
he heard the officers of their government calling to
him from the . roof of the house, and reproaching
him with having- drunk the blood of the' Japanese
, and ate their rice ; that the interpreters, moreover,
called to him from the streets, and came during the
night secretly to consult with me and Mr. Chleb
nikoff on the best means of getting rid of him.
He was, however, at certain intervals, perfectly
collected, and. then what he said always indicated
that he had a particular object in view. On one
occasion, he told Teske, that he had many fine
books, charts, pictures, and other objects of curiosity
on board the Diana, and that if the Japanese
would grant him permission to go first on board, he
would send valuable presents to the officers and in
terpreters. Teske replied, that the Japanese were
not desirous of receiving presents, as in fact they

134 MEMOIRS OF A
stood in need of none, and that all they wanted was,
that our government should send them a satisfac
tory explanation respecting the proceedings of the
Company's ships.
Another time Mr. Moor, in the presence of the
interpreters and the academician, said, that his
devotion to the Japanese would pnly tend to ruin
him, since they had refused tp take him into their
service, and he dared not return to Russia. " How
so ?" inquired the interpreters. "Because," replied
he, " I have offered to enter the Japanese service ;
nay, even to become a servant pf the governor ;*
this is known to my companions, and must, of
course, become. known to the Russian.government;
therefore, were I to return home, I should be con
demned to the galljies." The interpreters, and
Teske in particular, endeavoured to set his mind at
ease. They told him, that his wish to enter the
Japanese service was sufficiently excused by his si
tuation. Teske added, that he had never mentioned
to us Mr. Moor's proposal pf entering the service
of the governor, whiph he had now himself dis
closed, but that he trusted we would communicate
nothing to the Russian government which might
tend to injure him.
We, on our part, assured him, that he had no

* This circumstance was not known to us before.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 135
reason to fear returning to Russia : our government
would not judge of his offence, if ever it came to
their knowledge,- with the severity which he antici
pated. But Mr. Moor was far from being satisfied-
Some secrets, of which he had made a written dis
closure to the Japanese, weighed upon his mind.
This was what he alluded to when he spoke of his
devotion to the Japanese. He endeavoured, by va
rious means, to prove his attachment to Japan, and
said, that if the Japanese could see what was pass
ing within his heart, they would place greater con
fidence in him.
At length the interpreterslnformed him that even
a Japanese, who should live for any length of time
in a foreign country, would forfeit the confidence of
his countrymen ; how then, said they, can we ven
ture to take a foreigner into our service, whatever
degree of attachment he may profess towards our
nation ? They further observed, that though a
thousand Russians had been made prisoaers by the
Japanese, their fate would depend on two alterna
tives. If our declarations were confirmed by the
Russian government we should all be liberated;
even such amongst us who might be unwilling to
return, would be forcibly carried on board our
ships :„ but in case the expected confirmation should
not be received, we must remain in confinement
without being permitted to enter into the Japanese
service, or even to follow any kind of employment.

136 MEMOIRS OF A
The interpreters added, that if Mr. Moor had reason
to dread the consequences of returning to Russia,
the Japanese must sympathise in his fate, but that
their laws could not be violated in his favour.
On our informing the interpreters that the ap
prehensions expressed by Mr. Moor were totally
unfounded, they represented to him that his fears
arose merely out of the disordered state of his
mind. But Mr. Moor declared himself to be per
fectly collected, and observed, that the laws of
Japan were severe and barbarous. The interpreters
replied that he might, indeed, think them so, but
that the Japanese considered them extremely lenient
and good.
On this occasion they explained to us the grounds
on which their laws prohibit them from reposing
any trust in Japanese subjects who have lived in fo
reign countries. The great mass of mankind, said
they, resemble children ; they soon become weary
of what they possess, and willingly give up every
thing for the sake of novelty. When they hear of
certain things being better in foreign countries than
in their own, they immediately wish to possess
them, without reflecting that they might, perhaps,
prove useless, or even injurious to them.
With regard to Mr. Moor's conduct, he still con
tinued either to discourse like a madman, or re
mained totally silent. He once told me, in a deter
mined tone, that he saw only two courses, which he

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 137
could take : we must either request that he and
Alexei might first be permitted to go on board the
Russian vessels, when he would take measures to
ensure our safety ;* if not, bur refusal would compel
him to adopt the only remaining alternative, which
might, perhaps, prove fatal to us all, namely, he
would inform the Japanese that the object of our
voyage'was to inspect their coasts, and that there was
even a probability of the Russians declaring war
against them. I replied, that we were not to be inti
midated by threats of this kind. We knew, from
experience, the disposition of the Japanese f they
would, of course, come to no speedy decision on
his representation; and that,, in the meanwhile,
communications might take place, arid all would,
probably, terminate favourably to us. The sailors,
with tears, entreated that he would not act so dis
honourably, assuring him, that, on their return to
Russia, they would never divulge a syllable which
might operate to his disadvantage. " I know well,"
replied he, " what I have to expect. I recollect
that when we were in the presence of the bunyo,
Schkajeff, in a threatening tone, inquired whether
I entertained thoughts of returning to Russia?"
The words which Schkajeff uttered on that occasion
had apparently made a deep impression on his mind ;
he frequently alluded to them.
•'* We were not inclined to give credit to this assurance. The
reason may be easily guessed.

138 MEMOIRS OF A
On my asking him what would be his feelings,
were he to succeed in convincing the Japanese of
the truth of his assertions, and should thereby in
duce them to entrap our countrymen, he made me
various incoherent answers. Evenfallowing, conti
nued I, that the Japanese should capture our vessels,
the truth may sooner 6r later come to light, and we
be sent back to Russia, what then would become of
you ? I should then only undergo the same punish
ment as I must, were I to return now, replied he. I
endeavoured to console him, and observed, that he
was not responsible for his conduct, as he was evi
dently labouring under derangement.
When I asked him what rendered him so impa
tient to go first on board the Russian vessels, he
constantly varied in his answers. Sometimes, he
said, he wished .to be the instrument of reconcilia
tion between two nations, and thus to expiate his
faults ; then he expressed a wish to warn our coun
trymen of the snares which the Japanese had laid
for them, or to persuade them to send from the ships
spme cannon and other things as pledges for the
restoration of the articles of which Chwostoff had
robbed the Japanese.* These singular answers suf
ficiently proved that he was occasionally under the
influence of derangement.
* We afterwards learned from Alexei the real cause which
had induced Mr. Moor so obstinately to insist on our soliciting

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 139
Though Mr. Moor found that his menaces made
no impression on us, he did . not, i on that account,
cease to harass us. He sometimes told the inter
preters what threats he had held out to us : they,
however, paid no regard to this discpurse, which
was directly aimed at our ruin. They called him
a madman; and instead of making replies consist
ent with his applications, referred to a physician.
After some time it was, indeed, found necessary to
place him under the care of a physician ; but no
investigation was ever instituted, in order to ascer
tain whether he had been in his right senses at the
time he uttered these expressions. This circum
stance led Mr. Clebnikoff to believe that the Japa
nese were practising some artifice ; that they pre
tended to believe Mr. Moor insane, in . order to
throw us off our guard, and to deceive the sailors,
who were to be sent as messengers to our country
men ; but that their real design was to capture the
Russian ships by some stratagem, after which they
would probably inquire whether or not Mr. Moor
had spoken truth. This suspicion, groundless as it
appeared, induced me to write five notes, addressed
to Captain Rikord, which the sailors and Alexei
the Japanese to send him and Alexei first on board the Russian
ships. One of the guards had informed him, probably in jest,
that the bunyo really entertained the design of sending him
first on board, but that our entreaties had prevented this inten
tion from being carried into effect. This was, however, untrue.

140 MEMOIRS OF A
stitched within the lining of their jackets ; for, as
it was not known which might be sent off, it was
necessary that each should have one in his posses
sion. : These notes I directed to be delivered to the
commander, whoever he might be; of the Russian
ships, on board of which any of our sailors might
be put by the Japanese. The distrust, which
Mr. Chlebnikoff entertained of the sincerity of the
Japanese was certainly pushed to the extreme of
improbability ; still, however, it was proper to warn
our countrymen, lest, by any imprudent confidence,
they, might have been plunged into a state, of
wretchedness similar to our own.
The five notes I wrote were all to the same pur
port, and contained an exhortation to Captain Ri
kord, or the Russian commanding. officer, to observe
the utmost caution in his communications with the
Japanese, and not to suffer his boats to approach
within gun-shot of the garrison. I, however, re
quested him not to take offence at the tardy pro
ceedings of the Japanese, as their laws prohibited
them from doing any thing with precipitancy, and
obliged them to submit every affair pf importance
to the consideration of their government.. , I, more
over, stated all that Mr. Moor had disclosed to
the Japanese, in order that he might be prepared
to answer all the questions that would, probably,
be put to him in the course of his examination.
In conclusion, I observed that^there was every

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 141
reason fo hope for reconciliation with the Japanese ;
and that, in course of time, commercial relations
might probably be established between them and
Russia. Finding that all his plans proved unsuccessful;
Mr. Moor seemed lost in despair. On two or three
occasions he attempted to put a period to his exist
ence; but his designs were discovered by the
guards, in time to prevent their execution. It
sometimes struck me that these attempts were mere
artifice; for had he really intended to commit
suicide, he might easily have found an opportunity
to carry his horrible design into execution without
being observed. But whatever might be the fact,
the Japanese began to watch him with the utmost
strictness : even whilst he was asleep one always
sat near him, to listen whether he continued to
breathe ; and if, for a moment, his respiration was
not heard, the sentinel would strip down the quilt
of his bed to ascertain that he was still living.'
They likewise watched me with much attention.
This caution may be readily accounted for. Had
any of our party committed suicide, not merely'
the guards who were near us, but likewise our
surviving companions, and the soldiers stationed'
on the outside of the house, who had no com
munication with' us, would have been answerable
for it. Such is the singular severity of the Ja
panese laws !

142 MEMOIRS OF A?
The precautions which the Japanese had adopt
ed having deprived Mr. Moor of all opportunity
of putting an end to his existence, he made every
possible endeavour to prevent any negociation-be-
tween the Russians and the Japanese. He advised
the latter to demand, on the arrival of our ships,
that their cannon, and arms of every kind, should
be sent ashore as pledges, to remain in the hands
of the Japanese until the property which Chwostoff
had robbed them of was restored. They replied;
however, that if the Japanese emperor should be
convinced that the Russian government had no
connection with the proceedings of the Company's
ships, he would regard the robbery as an act of
private aggression; and in that case, how ceuld a
great monarch require that- another should indem
nify his subjects for losses which they may have
sustained by robbery ? — They besides added, that
their emperor had long since compensated the in
dividuals, whose property was carried off by Chwo
stoff, for the loss they sustained. i
Mr. Moor now appeared to be driven to the
last extremity. He frequently refused to taste food
for several days together, and all our endeavours to
encourage and'console him proved unavailing. For
my own part, I now augured no good fronrall that'
was. passing. The indifference with which the in
terpreters listened to the declarations of Mr. Moor
was to me unaccountable. It in no way corres-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 143
ponded with the 'curiosity, natural to the Japanese,
who, were accustomed to make the most minute
and circumstantial inquiries respecting the merest
trifles. I. considered the matter in every point of
view, without being able to come to any fixed
opinion on the subject. Did the Japanese regard
Mr. Moor as a madman, on whose declarations no
reliance could be placed r Did the interpreters,
after the supposed termination of the inquiry into
our case, and after having been rewarded for their
conduct, apprehend disagreeable consequences to
themselves, if difficulties were now created by the
disclosure of new and important circumstances?
Or were Mr. Moor's words only apparently, disre
garded, in order that some more of our countrymen
might be inveigled into a snare f
Though we could not believe Teske capable
of so treacherously deceiving us, yet we recollected -
that he might, perhaps, be only doing what he con
sidered his duty, in fulfilling the orders of his go
vernment, which, according to the representations ;
of the Japanese themselves, was capable of almost
any atrocity. In this state of doubt and perplexity
we were doomed to await -i the : unravelling of the
mystery. On the loth of May, the note which. we had
written, to be dispatched to the different harbours,
and sent on board our vessels, was returned : from .
the capital. The government had approved of its

144 MEMOIRS OF A
contents, and consequently not a single letter could
be altered. Having made five copies; and affixed
our signatures to each, they were dispatched on the
same day to their several destinations. These notes
were, to the following effect : —
" We are all, both officers and seamen, and
" the Kurile Alexei, alive, and reside in Matsmai.;
" WASSILY GoLOWNlN.
" Feodor Moor."
"May.lOth, 1813."
Mr. Chlebnikoff was unable to sign the notes
on account of severe illness.
The season had now returned when we daily'
expected to hear of the arrival of the Russian ves
sels. From Captain Rikord's letter, I concluded
that he would sail straight to Matsmai. Every vio
lent gale of wind made me tremble for the safety of
our ships, on account of the fogs, which, in this
quarter ofthe world, constantly accompany the east
wind. Violent storms, accompanied by fogs and:
rain, frequently arise in these ports during the
months of May, June, and July, which are pre
cisely the periods when the whether is fair and the:
wind moderate in the northern hemisphere. Even
when at sea, I never watched the state of the wea- :
ther with more exactness than I did at this time. I
marked down every variation however slight. The
following memoranda may enable the reader to
form some notion of a Japanese summer :

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 145
During the whole of the 30th and 31st of May,
and 1st of June, a violent east wind blew without
intermission, accompanied by fogs and rain.
On the 15 th, 1.6th, 17 th, and 18 th of June, the
same kind of weather prevailed, and for several
succeeding days it likewise continued exceedingly
stormy, the wind invariably blowing from the
east. In the expectation that we would be sent on
board the Russian ships, the Japanese supplied us
with materials for new suits of clothes, that we
might make a decent appearance in the presence
of our countrymen. Mr. Moor, Mr. Chlebnikoff,
and I, were provided with fine silken stuffs for our
clothes and the lining ; the sailors had the cotton
cloth called momba, of which I have before spoken,
delivered to them. The Japanese made for Alexei
a dress after their own fashion.
At length, on the 19th of June, we were in
formed that a Japanese vessel, lying at anchor off a
promontory in the Island of Kunashier, had ob
served a Russian three-masted ship sail round the
Cape, and enter Kunashier harbour. The Japanese
vessel immediately Weighed anchor, and brought
information of this event to Chakodade. On the
20th of June the arrival of the Diana in Kuna
shier was officially confirmed ; but nothing more
was said on the subject.
On the following day the interpreters, by order
vol. 11. t

146 MEMOIRS OF A
of their superiors, asked me which of the sailors
I wished to send on board. That I might avoid
shewing any preference to one more than another,
I determined that chance should decide the matter;
and the lot happened to fall to Simanoff. I re
quested that the governor would permit Alexei to
accompany him. This he consented to, and they
received orders to prepare for their departure. On
the same day Mr. Moor and I were conducted to
the castle, where the two Ginmiyagus, in the pre
sence of other officers, formally inquired whether
we were perfectly satisfied that Alexei and Simanoff
should be sent on board the Diana. I replied in
the affirmative; but Mr. Moor remained silent.
Sampey then informed us, that he himself intended
to depart for Kunashier, for the purpose of treating
with Captain Rikord; he, at the same time, pro^
mised to bring the affair to a conclusion, and as
sured us that Alexei and Simanoff should experi
ence every accommodation during their voyage.
We were then dismissed.
Mr. Moor and I were again conducted to the
castle on the 22nd of June, when the papers which
had been sent on shore by Captain Rikord were
presented to us. They consisted of two letters, the
one addressed to the commander, of Kunashier,
and the other to me. In the former he acquainted
the Japanese of his arrival and friendly intentions,
together with the return of their countryman, Ta-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 147
chaty-Kachi, and two sailors whom he had carried
off in the preceding year.. Two Japanese and a
Kurile had died in Kamtschatka, though every en
deavour had been made to save their lives.* He,
besides, described Tachaty-Kachi as an intelligent
and: good-principled man, who would, of course,
convince the Japanese of the peaceable disposition'
of Russia, and would prevail on them to liberate
us; but intimated that if they did not set us at
liberty they might apprehend serious consequences.
He concluded by saying that he trusted to the pa
cific character and generosity of the Japanese, and"
waited for an answer to this letter.
—  :  '  ¦—.  ]  ; 
* A few months previous to the arrival of Captain Rikord, the
relations of Tachaty-Kachi, who were much concerned for his
fate, inquired of a priest in Chakodade whether Kachi would
ever return to his native country. This priest pretended to pos
sess the gift of foretelling future events. He accordingly pro
nounced the, following prophecy : ".Kachi will return in the en
suing summer, with, two of his companions, the remaining two
have perished in a foreign land." The Japanese infornied us of
this prediction ; but we laughed, and told them that, in Europe,
such a prophet would be punished for an impostor, and he doubt
less was one. The Japanese, however, thought otherwise, and
assured us that many ofthe former prophecies of this priest had
been fulfilled. Captain Rikord's subsequent arrival of course
inspired them with fresh confidence in the prophetic powers of
their priest, and they triumphantly inquired whether we were
not convinced that he possessed the gift of penetrating into fu
turity. They expressed no little astonishment when we declared
all his successful predictions to be the effect of mere chance.
L 2

148 MEMOIRS OF A
Mr. Rikord, in his letter to me, requested that
I would return an answer, to acquaint him with the
state of our health, and also what was our situation
in other respects. It was, therefore, evident that
Mr. Rikord had written the letter before he received
the papers which had been dispatched to him.
This circumstance surprised us not a little, for the
Japanese had informed us that the orders issued
by the government required that these papers
should be conveyed by Kuriles on board the first
Russian ship which might appear on the coast.,
We were directed to take copies of both letters in
presence of the officers, and in the evening we
made translations of them. On the following day
the originals, together with the translations, were
sent off to the capital.
On the 24th of June, Sampey, Kumaddschero,
Simanoff, and Alexei, sailed for Kunashier. I took
every opportunity of instructing Simanoff what to
communicate to the officers of the Diana respect
ing the fortifications, military power, and tactics of
the Japanese, and what would be the most advan
tageous mode of attacking them, in case such a
proceeding should be found necessary. He seemed
perfectly to understand my directions, and to be
prepared to furnish his countrymen with much
important information.* Previously to his depar-
* I afterwards found I had formed an erroneous opinion of

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 149
ture, Simanoff informed me that Mr. Moor had
directed him to request Captain Rikord to send
ashore the property which he had left on board the
Diana at the time he was made prisoner. I knew not
what could be his object in making this application.
I, however, ordered Simanoff to deliver the message
to Captain Rikord, and at the same time to request
that he would not send the property on shore, as,
in doing so, he might involve us in fresh difficulties.
Mr. Chlebnikoff sent a note by Simanoff, in which
he warned Captain Rikord not to place top much
confidence in the Japanese.
We heard no accounts from Kunashier until the
2d of June, when a short letter was brought to us,
addressed by Mr. Rikord to the governor of that
island. It merely contained his thanks for the re
ceipt of the note we had written, which, he observed,
fully satisfied him with respect to our safety. We
were required to translate this letter, and both ori
ginal and translation were immediately dispatched
to Yeddo.
On the 19th of July Mr. Moor and I were car
ried before the bunyo, and shewn an official letter
from Captain Rikord to Takahassy-Sampey, to
gether with a letter to me, and one to Mr. Moor.
In the first letter Captain Rikord thanked the Ja-
SimanofF; for, before he reached the Diana, he had forgotten
nearly the whole of what I had stated, and could repeat only a
few unconnected fragments of my instructions.

150 MEMOIRS OF A
panese government for their wish to correspond
with the Russians, and promised immediately to
sail back to Okotzk, and to return in September,
provided with the declaration required by the Ja
panese government. As he was unacquainted with
the entrance of the harbour of Chakodade, he
wished to put into Endermo,* which had been
visited by Captain Broughton, and requested that
•a skilful pilot might be sent thither to conduct the
ship to Chakodade. Finally, he thanked Sampey
for having permitted Simanoff to go on board the
Diana. His letter to me commenced with the
words which we had agreed should be the token of
his having received my note ; he congratulated us
on our approaching liberation, and promised to
return without fail in September. He advised
Mr. Moor tp be patient, and not to give way to
despair, observing that his countrymen at home
had had no small share of distress, difficulty, * and
danger, to contend with.
The bunyo withdrew after having heard an ex
planation of these papers: We then took copies
and prepared translations, which were immediately
sent to Yeddo.
The Japanese informed us that the Diana left
Kunashier immediately after these papers were sent
ashore. According to our calculation this must
* Edomo is the name which the Japanese give to this harbour.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 151
have been on the 10th of July. A few days after
wards Sampey, Kumaddschero, and our two com
panions, returned to Matsmai. The reader may
perhaps conjecture what were Pur feelings on again
beholding them. It seemed as if missionaries, sent
out by the dead, had Returned from the land of the
living. For two whole years we had heard no ac
counts from Russia or any other part of the world.
We were even ignorant of the events which were
passing in Japan. Our curiosity, therefore, on the
return of our companions, was unbounded. We
hoped to be circumstantially informed of all that
had taken place in Russia and other parts of Eu
rope; but in this we were sadly disappointed.
Simanoff was one of those men to whom the term
blockhead may be applied in its fullest acceptation.
Turks and French were all one to him. He had
never troubled himself with politics during the
whole course of his life. All the information we
could obtain from him was, that the French, to
gether with the troops of three other nations, the
names of which he did not know, had entered
Russia ; that they had been defeated in an engage
ment which took place about sixty wersts from
Smolensko, where several thousands of their troops
were killed ; that the remainder, under Bonaparte,
had made a precipitate retreat.* But how all this
* When the Diana left Kamtschatka, the particulars of the
battle of Smolensko were not known there.

152 MEMOIRS OF A
had taken place, who commanded the armies, and
what was the actual state of the operations, he
had totally forgotten. We, however, consoled our
selves with the reflection that Simanoff was not
given to romancing, and that none of his news, as
far as he was concerned, could be liable to the sus
picion of fabrication. He had been told, on board
the Diana, that his friend Fonika Mitrofanoff was
married, that Seniuschka Chlebalkin was dead, and
a variety of other events of similar importance, and
he gave as detailed a description of the wedding
and funeral as if he had been present. His com
panions listened with the deepest interest to these
accounts, which did not go beyond the narrow
circle of their ideas.
It is of course unnecessary to detain the reader by
a repetition of what Simanoff stated respecting the
conferences between the Japanese and our country
men. As Captain Rikord's Narrative, which is sub
joined to this volume, contains a full and accurate
account of all that occurred in the negociations, I
shall therefore merely mention what the Japanese
themselves disclosed on the subject. Kumaddschero,
who had been present with Sampei during the ne
gociations, gave us reason to hope for the most
favourable result; the prospect of which he
ascribed entirely to the ability and prudent conduct
of Captain Rikord, who had so won the good-will of
Tachatai-Kachi, and impressed him with so high an
idea of the honour and rectitude of the Russians,

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 153
that this Japanese declared himself willing to make
bath, in the presence of the highest authorities, to
his belief in all our statements. Kachi even ac
cused Gorodsee, the Japanese who had returned
from Russia, of falsehood ; called him a dishonour
able wretch; and protested that he would rather
forfeit his life than recognise the opinion which the
Japanese government had hitherto entertained of
the Russians as well founded. These' words had
such an influence over Sampey, that he refrained
from urging certain conditions which he, at first,
intended to insist on in his negociation with Cap
tain Rikord. Among others, he departed from his
original proposition for a complete restoration of all
the Japanese arms that Chwostoff had carried off,
which he reduced to a demand for such only as
could be collected in Okotzk; and in case none
could be recovered, he observed that the Japanese
would be satisfied with the assurance that the at
tack was not authorised by the Russian government.
Tachatai-Kachi knew not how to bestow sufficient
commendation on Captain Rikord, the officers of
the Diana, and all the individuals he had known in
Kamtschatka. He arrived at Matsmai in company with Sampei;
but he was not permitted to pay us a visit, not-with
standing the infinite gratification which it would
have afforded both to him and ourselves. The Ja
panese laws required that he should have a guard

154 MEMOIRS OF A
set over hini. His relations and friends were, in
deed, allowed to see him, and to remain with him as
long as they pleased, but an imperial soldier was
present the whole time of their visit.
Though Simanoff . could give us so little infor
mation concerning the political situation of Europe,
it furnished a subject for the endless chattering of
the Japanese. They informed us that two large
Dutch ships, laden with East India goods, had ar
rived at Nangasaky, from Batavia.* The Dutch
assured the Japanese, that in consequence of a ma
ritime war between England and Holland, they had
been unable to bring with them any European
goods ; but as the Dutch and English East India
Companies had at that time concluded peace, and
* The Japanese gave us a minute description of these vessels,
in which their length, breadth, depth, burthen in tons, the num
ber of the crew on board each, and to what nation each indi
vidual belonged : in short, every particular was accurately
stated. One of these vessels must have been very large, since
it was upwards of one hundred and thirty feet in length, and
had more than one hundred men on board. An elephant, which
the Dutch had brought from the Island of Sumatra as a present
for the Japanese emperor, was described with the greatest mi
nuteness imaginable. No circumstance was omitted, the place
of his nativity, his age, length, height, thickness, the food he
was accustomed to consume, and how many times in course of
the day, and in what portions he was supplied with the different
articles, were all carefully noted. A native of Sumatra, who was
the keeper of the elephant, was described with corresponding
precision.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 155
traded with each other, they were under the ne
cessity of conveying Bengal goods to Japan. The
Japanese now asked me whether this statement
could, consistently with the practice of European
warfare, be true. I frankly told them that there
was some deception at the bottom of the statement.
The. fact, we told them, was, that the English had
taken Batavia, and that the Dutch, it appeared, had
fabricated this story, as they were apprehensive
that the Japanese would not trade with them if they
knew that their chief possession was in the hands
of foreigners. I proposed that the Japanese should
inform the Dutch who had arrived at Nangasaky,
that they had learned in their negociations with the
Russians that Batavia was taken by the English,
and to demand some explanation from them.* The
Japanese themselves concurred in opinion with me :
at their request I drew up my advice in writing, and
it was dispatched to Yeddo. What I stated in this
instance was the more readily attended to, as I had,

• Two months after this we learned from the interpreter
that the Dutch had confessed their imposition, and acknow
ledged that Batavia had been taken by the English, and that
the Japanese ordinance, by which the Dutch ships were per
mitted annually to enter the harbour of Nangasaky, had fallen
into their hands. They added, that on this occasion they were
compelled to bring English goods to Japan. After this expla
nation, the Japanese laid both the vessels and goods under em
bargo, until further arrangements should be made.

156 MEMOIRS OF A
on a former occasion, communicated an important
fact respecting Holland, which I afterwards had the
opportunity of proving. It was as follows : — The
Dutchmen who lived in Nangasaky had declared to
the Japanese, that their republican government had
been converted into a kingdom, and that a brother
of the French emperor had become their king.
They did not, however, state that Holland had
ceased to be an independent state, and had become
a province of France ; but of this circumstance
they were probably ignorant, as no Dutch vessel
had entered Nangasaky for several years. We fre
quently spoke to the interpreters on this subject-;
but they listened to us with indifference, and would
not conceive it possible that Napoleon should so
soon deprive his brother of the kingdom he had
given him. Nothing appeared to the Japanese
more improbable than this sudden manner in which
kings and kingdoms were represented to be created
and overthrown in Europe. At length, Mr. Mopr
looking over some Russian Gazettes, which had
been sent ashore along with the books from the
Diana, accidentally found Napoleon's manifesto, in
which Amsterdam was raised to the rank of third
city of the French empire. Mr. Moor immediately
shewed this manifesto to the interpreters, who could,
by this time, read Russian with tolerable facility,
and they zealously commenced making a translation
of it, which, when completed, was sent off to Yeddo.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 15?
When the Dutch residing in Nangasaky were ques
tioned respecting this event, they replied, that they
were totally ignorant of it : a circumstance which
was by no means improbable.
I must here observe, that the Japanese do not
entertain so favourable an opinion of the Dutch as
they formerly did. The Dutch interpreter told us
that, during the last five years, no vessel belonging
to Holland had entered Nangasaky, and that the
Dutch, who lived there, had been exposed to the
greatest privations, and even reduced to the neces
sity of selling the glass panes of their windows, in
order to obtain the means of supporting their ex
istence. On our inquiring why the Japanese go
vernment did not provide for their maintenance, as
their expenses would afterwards be repaid, the in
terpreter replied, that the Japanese did not now
think so well of the Dutch as they once had done,
and that, as Holland had now become a French
province, they certainly would break off all inter
course with them.*
The most important intelligence which the Dutch
ships arrived at Nangasaky had brought, was an
account of the taking of Moscow. We were told
that the Russians; in a fit of despair, had abandoned

* Since the old order of things is re-established in Europe,
and Holland is again restored to its former state, the Japanese
will doubtless consent to carry on trade with the Dutch under
the old restrictions.

fe, *;
158 MEMOIRS OF, A
and burnt their capital, and that the whole of
Russia, as far as Moscow, was under the dominion
of the French. We laughed at. this story, and as
sured the Japanese that it could not possibly be
true. We expressed our doubts on this subject,
from real conviction, and not from any feeling of
arrogance; We indeed believed it possible that the
enemy might have concluded a peace on terms ad
vantageous to himself; but as to the loss of Moscow,
we looked upon that statement as an invention of
the Dutch, and it never cost us a moment's un
easiness. On the 21st of August Kumaddschero secretly
informed us, that in about five or six days we should
be removed to a house which w is preparing for our
reception. This turned out to be true. On the
26th we were conducted to the castle, where we
found all the officers ofthe city in the great saloon,
in whieh Arrao-Madsimano-Kami used formerly to
receive us. The academician and the Dutch inter
preter* were likewise there, seated near the officers,
but on seats somewhat lower. The governor en-

* After their- arrival at Matsmai, these two men were always
present during our interviews with., the officers, and . whilst we
were writing^ down our translations. We once asked Teske the
reason of this, and he told us that the governor wished that they
should be witnesses to his conduct, lest some one- might make a
false representation of it to the government, as Mamia-Rinso had
donewith regard to the first bunyo. Thus in Japan, as well as
elsewhere, it is necessary to guard against false accusations.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 159
tered soon after our arrival. Having taken his seat,
he drew a paper from his bosom, and with the as
sistance of the interpreter, intimated that it was an
order relative to us, which had been transmitted to
him from the capital. He read it, and desired the
interpreter to translate it to us. It was to the fol
lowing purport : — That if the Russian vessel, accord
ing to the promise of Captain Rikord, should return
that year to Chakodade, with the explanation re
quired by. the Japanese, .and if. the governor should
look upon that .explanation as satisfactory, the go
vernment authorised him to liberate us without
delay. The governor informed us, that,, in con
formity with these orders, we must, in the course
of a few days, depart for Chakodade, whither he
was likewise about to proceed, and that he would
see us on his arrival there; He then took his leave,
wishing us health and a safe journey.
When he had departed we also quitted the
saloon ; but previously to his retiring, we expressed
our thanks forthe kindness he had shewn to us.
Mr. Moor declared he was unworthy of the fa
vours which the Japanese had conferred upon him ;
but to' what particular acts of favour he alluded, or
what he meant by this statement, we were unable to
guess.

160 MEMOIRS OF A

CHAPTER V.
From the castle, we were conducted to the house
which we had formerly inhabited. It had, however,
undergone a great change during our absence, .and
was now much improved. The palisades, behind
which armed soldiers were constantly stationed,
gave it formerly the appearance of a prison ; but
these were now removed, and our guards had nei
ther muskets nor bows and arrows. A very neat
apartment was assigned to me, a separate one to
Mr. Moor and Mr. Chlebnikoff, and a third to the
sailors and Alexei. Our food was likewise superior
in quality to that which we had before" been accus
tomed to. It was served up to us in beautiful lac
kered vessels, by well-dressed attendants, who
treated us with every mark of respect.
We had no sooner arrived at our new residence,
than several officers, with their children, came to
offer us their congratulations, and to bid us farewell.
Some of these men presented us with farewell cards
in the Russian language, into which the interpreters
had translated them : they merely contained an
adieu, and a wish that we might have a safe voyage.
Last of all came the head of the Merchants' Corn-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 161
pany, or chief magistrate of the city, with his two
assistants, and presented us with a box of comfits.
In the countenances of all the Japanese by whom
we were visited we could read an unfeigned ex
pression of joy for our good fortune, and their
kind behaviour frequently caused us to shed tears.
Mr. Chlebnikoff proposed that we should address a
letter of thanks to the governor, which I readily
agreed to, and begged that he would himself be the
writer of it. The letter was accordingly written,
translated into Japanese, and forwarded to the go-
vernor, who, as our interpreters informed us, re
ceived it with the strongest emotions of sensibility.
The Japanese now began to treat us like guests
rather than prisoners. When our sailors sometimes
shewed an inclination to drink more spirits than was
consistent with temperance, their attendants were
directed riot to serve it out to them without my
consent, and only in such quantities as I should
think fit to order. They were thus taught again to
look upon me as their commander, which the Ja
panese never before required them to do.
As We were now convinced that the Japanese
entertained the design of setting us at liberty, we
wished to testify our gratitude to them as far as lay.
in our power. Mr. Chlebnikoff presented and ex
plained to the academician the tables which he had
prepared. I translated from the work of M. Libes
every thing relative to the latest discoveries in
VOL. II. m

162 MEMOIRS OF A
astronomy, and gave him the extracts, tpgether with
my own observations upon them. We wished to
make presents of all our books and other pro
perty to those Japanese who had been most about
us, and had manifested the greatest interest in oui
fate. They, however, said they could not accept
them without the permission of their government,
for which they promised to apply.
After the bunyo had declared that it was the
intention of the Japanese government to grant us
our liberty, we remained in Matsmai only three
days, during which time we were liberally supplied
with breakfast and dinner from the governor's
kitchen, and the interpreters received orders to give
us entertainments.
We departed on the morning Pf'the 10th oi
August, and were conducted through the city with
great ceremony. The people, who had* assembled
in vast multitudes in the streets, all pressed forward
to bid us farewell. Notwithstanding that Mr. Chleb
nikoff complained of such pain in his feet, that he
could with difficulty stand upright, yet the Japanese
required him to proceed on foot through the streets ;
but when we got out of the city, they left it to our
own choice either to walk or ride, as we pleased.
Our escort consisted of an officer of the rank deno
minated Shtoyagu, our interpreter Teske, and his
brother, eight common soldiers, our servants, to
gether with a number of litter-bearers, grooms for

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 163
the horses, &c. who were occasionally relieved.
The officer, who was a man of very agreeable
manners, treated us with great attention. When
ever we stopped to rest, he seated himself beside
us, gave us part of his own tobacco, and shewed us
many acts of kindness.
On arriving at the place where we passed the
night, I observed to Teske that our departure from
Matsmai, had taken place: on a day which is cele
brated with.' great pomp in Russia; namely, the
anniversary of the Saint whose name our emperor
bears. The Japanese, without any request on our
part, immediately, filled out some of their best sagi,
and we drank several glasses to the health of his
imperial majesty. Our friends the Japanese fol
lowed our example, and repeated the words : Long
live the Emperor Alexander ! the meaning of which
rTeske explained to them.
In returning to Chakodade we took the same road
by which we had travelled from that city to Mats
mai, and we always halted in the same villages ;
but we now enjoyed greater freedom, and our food
was of a superior quality. The Japanese, however,
kept a strict watch over Mr. Moor. They were ap
prehensive that distress of mind might tempt him
to commit suicide, for, as we passed through the
city, his countenance was bathed in tears, and he
was observed to weep on several occasions during
pur journey. When the Japanese inquired the
m 2

164 MEMOIRS OF A
. cause of bis affliction when all were happy around
him, he replied that he was unworthy of the kind
ness which they had shewn him, and that his tears
were occasioned by remorse. To us, however, he.
declared that his uneasiness arose from the deceit
and treachery of the Japanese ; who, he assured us,
were bent on our destruction. But all this was
mere artifice. Though Mr. Moor's assertions were
-ludicrous in the extreme, yet the poor sailors placed
implicit faith in them, and they manifested no slight
degree of apprehension. The singular conduct of
Mr. Moor was, and still remains, an enigma of
which I can give no explanation.
On the 2d of September we entered Chakodade,
amidst a vast throng of spectators. The residence
assigned to us was an imperial building, in the vici
nity of the garrison. Our apartment was separated
by a gallery from a little garden. To the palisades
of the gallery wooden shutters were fastened, which
were close at the bottom, but open about three feet
distant from the top ofthe gallery. The light there
fore penetrated but faintly through these apertures,
and no external objects were visible. In these re
spects our house bore some resemblance to a prison,
though it was extremely clean, and very neatly fur
nished. In the course of a few days, however,
these shutters were at our request removed ; and,
besides enjoying light, we had an unobstructed view
of the garden. In addition to our usual repasts, we

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. J 65
were now treated with desserts, consisting of apples,
pears, and sweetmeats ; and, according to the Japa
nese custom, these desserts were always served up
one hour before*: dinner.
A short time after our arrival in Chakodade, we
were visited by the governor of the city, the Gin-
miyaku Cood-Simoto-Chiogoro. He inquired
after our health, and observed that the house was
much too small for our accommodation; but as a
vast number of officers were at that time in the
city, and as the bunyo was likewise expected, all the
best houses had been engaged for them. He added,
that the Russian vessel would, in all probability,
arrive, and we should be sent back to our native
country ; but that if, contrary to all expectation, it
did not come to Chakodade, another house would
be provided for our winter residence.
In the course of a few days, the Ginmiyaku,
Sampey, the academician, the Dutch interpreter;
and Kumaddschero, arrived at Chakodade by sea.
The interpreter and the academician immediately
paid us a visit ; they afterwards spent the Whole
of their time in our society, remaining with us from
morning till night, and they even gave orders that
their meals should be sent to our house. They
spared no pains to obtain all the information they
could collect from us before the Diana should ar
rive. The Dutch interpreter transcribed several
sheets of Tatischtschew's French and Russian die-

166 MEMOIRS OF A
tionary, and he adopted the plan of translating the
Russian significations of the French words into Ja
panese. He thus made himself acquainted with the
peculiar meaning of each word better than he could
have done by any other method. To us, however,
this occupation proved extremely tedious and trou
blesome. I shall merely state one example, , by
which the reader may form some notion of the dif
ficulties we had to encounter.
Among the Russian words which the Japanese
had set down in the lexicon made at Matsmai was
postoiny (worthy,) which we had translated to
them by. meritorious, respectable, &c. We never
entered into critical illustrations of words, knowing
that it would be no easy task to make Pur pupils
comprehend them. When the Japanese came to
the word digne, which, in the French Russian dic
tionary, was unluckily exemplied by the phrase,
"worthy of the gallows," they immediately con
cluded that the " gallows" must be some high office
or distinguished' reward. Notwithstanding all the
pains we took to elucidate the meaning of the word
gallows, the Japanese could nPt easily extricate
themselves from the confusion of ideas in which
they were involved by the different definitions. —
" A meritorious, respectable man, worthy of the
gallows !" was an association which they had formed
in their minds, and which they repeated with
amazement. We employed all our knowledge of

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 167
the Japanese language, and summoned all our pan
tomimic powers, to facilitate our explanations to the
interpreters ; and we were obliged to quote a num
ber of examples in which the word worthy corres
ponded in signification with the several translations
given of it, and was made to apply to very different
objects. When occurrences of this kind took place
(and they were by no means unfrequent), the Ja
panese would hang their heads on one side,* and ex
claim : Musgassi kodoba ! khanakhanda musgassi
kodobat (a difficult language! an extremely difficult
language !)
The Dutch interpreter also undertook to translate
into Japanese a. small Russian book, on the subject
of vaccine inoculation. The volume was brought to
Japan by Leonsaimo, who had received it as a pre
sent from a Russian physician -J" On the other hand,
the academician laboured to collect all possible in
formation from the Physics of Libes.
But the office which Teske performed was to us
the most interesting and important of any. He told
us, by order of the, bunyo, that his government en
tertained doubts of Laxman and Resanofi* having
fully understood the explanations which had been
given in answer to their inquiries ; for the embassy

v
* A movement which corresponds with the European shrug of
the shoulders.
f The translation was completed before our departure.

168 MEMOIRS OF A
of Resanoff appeared to be altogether inconsistent
with the intimation made to Laxman by the Japa
nese government, that a Russian ship would be ad- ,
mitted into Nangasaky, to treat respecting commer
cial relations. Resanoff had himself, on various
occasions, manifested ill humour, or rather hatred,
towards the Japanese, and they therefore suspected
that he had not received a correct translation ofthe
papers, and consequently could not be acquainted
withvthe nature of their laws. But Teske said, as
his government was fully convinced of the justice
and philanthropy of the Emperor of Russia, who,
besides watching over the welfare of his own sub
jects, ensured the happiness and prosperity of neigh
bouring nations, great anxiety was now manifested
that such a monarch should not, through the misre
presentations of his ambassadors, imbibe an erro^
neous opinion of the Japanese. The government,
therefore, wished, that we, together with the inter
preters, should make new translations into Russian,
of the original rescripts addressed to Laxman and
Resanoff; and that, on our arrival in Russia, we
should transmit the translations to the government,
or, if possible, to the emperor himself. For the
«ame purpose, the Japanese requested that we would
take copies of Chwostoffs two documents to which
I have before alluded.
In translating these papers our interpreters sought
to adhere as closely as possible to the literal sense;

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 169
we likewise were no less desirous of becoming ac
quainted with the peculiar idioms of the Japanese
language, and of obtaining a correct translation of
these interesting and important documents. We
therefore paid no attention to elegance of style,
and deviated as little from the original as the spirit
of our own language would admit. On my re
turn to Russia I laid these papers before the go
vernment. - Our interpreters, moreover, gave us a complete
history of the negociations between the Japanese
and Laxman and Resanoff; but I will not trespass
on the patience of the reader, by detailing the par
ticulars they stated. The rescript delivered to Lax
man evidently proves that the Japanese were not
very well satisfied with his conduct ; nevertheless,
he succeeded in his mission, and obtained an autho
rity for sending an envoy to Nangasaky, for the
purpose of further communications. This permis
sion shews, beyond a doubt, that the Japanese go
vernment was, at that time, willing to enter into a
commercial intercourse with Russia.
With the assistance of the Japanese, we now
proceeded to translate the paper which was to be
delivered with us on board of Captain Rikord's ship.
It was to the following purport -. —

f70 MEMOIRS OF A
" TRANSLATION.

" From the Ginmiyaks, the chief commanders
" next to the bunyo of Matsmai.
" Twenty-two years ago a Russian vessel arrived
" at Matsmai, and eleven years ago another came to
" Nangasaky. Though the laws of our country
" were, on both these occasions, minutely explained,
" yet we are of opinion that we have not been
" clearly understood on your part, owing to the great
" dissimilarity between our language and writing.*
" However, as we have now detained you, it will be
" easy tp give you an explanation of these matters.
"When you return to Russia, communicate to
" the commanders of the coasts of Kamtschatka,
" Okotzk, and others, the declaration of our bunyo, f
" which will acquaint them with the nature of the
" Japanese laws with respect to the arrival of foreign
" ships, and prevent a repetition of similar trans-
" gressions on your part.
* On translating this passage Teske laughed, and candidly
avowed that it was a mere artifice, to furnish the Japanese
government with some pretence for liberating us without a
violation of their laws. There was no ground for supposing
that Laxman and Resanoff had .misunderstood any thing that
was stated to them. Teske assured us, that his countrymen
were complete adepts in managing affairs of this kind, and that
they never scrupled at making any diplomatic equivocation.
t A paper which was to be given to Captain Rikord.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 171
" In our country the Christian religion is strictly
" prohibited, and European vessels are not suffered
" to enter any Japanese harbour except Nangasaky.
" This law does not extend to Russian vessels only.
" It has not this year been enforced in Kunashier,
" because we wished to communicate with your
" countrymen, and orders have been issued to pre-
" vent firing against the vessel which is expected ;
" but all that may henceforth present themselves
" will be driven back by cannon-balls. Bear in
" mind this declaration, and you cannot complain,
" if at any future period you should experience a
" misfortune in consequence of your disregard of it.
"Among, us there exists this law: — ' If any
" European, residing in Japan, shall attempt to
" teach our people the Christian faith, he shall un-
" dergo a severe punishment, and shall not be re-
" stored to his native country.' As you, however,
" have not attempted so to do, you will accord-
" ingly be permitted to return home. Think well
" on this.
" About eight years ago, and three years previous
" to the arrival of the Russian vessel at our Kurile
" Islands, Rashuauers* were repeatedly sent from
" the islands under your dominion to inspect our
" islands. Although we were aware of their real
* Thus the Japanese denominated our Kuriles, because they
came from the Island of Rashaua.

172 MEMOIRS OF A
" intentions, yet we took pity on the Rashuauers,
" who were compelled blindly to obey the com-
" mands of the Russians, and on two occasions we
" suffered them to depart.* But should they again
" return, in defiance of our prohibition, they will be
" seized and condemned to undergo a legal chas-
" tisement. Bear this likewise in recollection.
" Our countrymen wish to carry on no commerce
" with foreign lands ; for we know no want of
" necessary things. Though foreigners are per-
" mitted to trade to Nangasaky, even to that har-
" bour only those are admitted with whom we have
" for a long period maintained relations, and we do
" not trade with them for the sake of gain, but for
" other important objects, f From the repeated
" solicitations which you have hitherto made to us,
" you evidently imagine that the customs of our
" country resemble those of your own ; but you
" are very wrong in thinking so. In future, there-
" fore, it will be better to say no more about a com-
" mercial connexion. "Takahassy-Sampei, (L. S.)
" Cood-Simoto-Chiogoro, (L. S.")
" Bunkwa, the 26th day of the 9th month
" of the 10th year."
* On the first occasion they were even conveyed back.
f To procure various medicinal roots, which do not grow in
Japan, and to be informed of the events passing in other nations,
are two of the important objects here alluded to.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 173
(The seals of both these officers were affixed to
the original document.*)
" Translated by
" Murakami-Teske.
" Wechara-Kumaddschero."
When the translation was completed, Teske, by
order of his superiors, observed to us that we must
not, from the contents of this paper, infer that the
Japanese entertained so great an abhorrence of
the Christian faith as to regard all who acknow
ledged it as wicked and contemptible. On the con
trary, added he, we know there are good and bad
people in every country, and of all religions : the
former are entitled to our love and respect, to what
ever faith they may belong ; but the latter we hate
and despise. Teske, besides, reminded us that the
strict prohibition of Christianity by the Japanese
laws, was solely to be attributed to the mischievous
civil wars which had arisen in Japan after its intro
duction. The Schrabiyagu Otachi-Koeki about this time
•Every Japanese carries a seal about him, which he frequently
substitutes for his signature. .For instance, when a person in
military service reads the orders of his superior officer, which
are usually written on long sheets of paper, he is required to
affix his seal to them, and he cannot afterwards plead ignorance
as his excuse for disobeying them.

174 memoirs of a
arrived at Chakodade. He was governor of Ku
nashier during both the periods at which Captain
Rikord visited that island. On his arrival, he im
mediately came to see us, and we observed a total
change in his behaviour ; for he now treated us
with great civility and politeness, made inquiries
respecting our health, and wished us a speedy and
safe return1 to Russia. We were informed by Teske
that the answer this officer gave to Captain 'Rikord
in the preceding autumn, when he declared that we
were all dead, was really contrived with a hostile
view; but that, on the last arrival of the Russian
vessel j Otachi-Koeki bad endeavoured to make
amends for his former misconduct. It appeared that
the fortress of Kunashier was garrisoned by troops
belonging to the Prince of Nambu. The com
mander of these troops, though a person of dis
tinction, and an older man than Otachi-Koeki, was
his inferior in command, because the latter governed
the island on the part of the emperor. The inten
tion of the Japanese government to treat with the
Russians had been communicated to the Nambu
chief, but he had received no instructions on the
subjeet from his own prince. On the appearance of
the Diana he therefore made preparations for firing
upon her, in conformity with his former orders. This
decree was, however, opposed by Otachi-Koeki,*
* Otachi-Koeki had requested that a colleague of equal rank

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 175
and the officer who was joined with him in the
commission for treating with the Russians. They
placed themselves before the cannon, and declared
that if the Nambu chief had formed a determina
tion to attack the Russians, he must first fire on
them, and all the Japanese in the imperial service ;
for that, as long as they lived, they would, at every
hazard, prevent him from executing his purpose.
The obstinate Nambu leader was thus brought to
comply with the wishes of the imperial government.
We asked Teske how the emperor would regard this
refractory conduct on the part of the commandant
of the garrison. The conduct of the commandant,
replied he, must be decided upon by the prince of
Nambu. The emperor will merely inquire why his
orders were not earlier dispatched.
The two first weeks of September passed away,
and we heard no tidings of the Diana. We feared
that her departure had been delayed ; and that,
during the late season of the year, she had encoun
tered some accident in her dangerous passage. We,
therefore, hoped that Captain Rikord had postponed
his voyage until the following spring, and would
willingly, on that account, have remained eight or

with himself might be joined with him in this negociation, in
order that they might deliberate together on unexpected occur
rences which required a prompt decision, and that the responsi
bility might rest on two persons instead of one. ,

176 memoirs of a
nine months longer in captivity. But Captain Rr
kord's courage and indefatigable activity prompted
him to use the utmost dispatch in a case which
concerned the interests of the state. He was
anxious to conclude, that very year, the corres
pondence which had been so happily begun, and
to prove to the Japanese that the Russians knew
how to keep a promise.
On the night of the l6th of September our inter
preters surprised us with the agreeable tidings that
a large European three-masted ship had been seen
near Cape Ermio, forming the western side of the
bay,* on which is situated the harbour of Endermo
or Edomo, which Captain Rikord wished to enter,
in order to obtain a pilot. No doubt was enter
tained of the vessel being the Diana. We had,
however, to lament that continual western winds
detained her at sea near these dangerous coasts.
The interpreters further informed us, that on the
Diana being observed, a courier had been sent off
to the bunyo, who, it was expected, would imme
diately proceed to Chakodade.
We heard no more of the Diana until the even
ing of the 21st of September, when we were in
formed that she had been seen that day at noon,
near the east side of Vulcan's Bay, endeavouring to
enter the harbour of Edomo.
* Captain Broughton gave to this place the name of Vulcan's
Bay, from the volcano which is in its neighbourhood.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 177
In the meanwhile a vast number of officers and
soldiers arrived from all places in the vicinity of
Chakodade, and curiosity induced them continually
to come and see us. On seeing so many strange
visitors, and recollecting that, during our journey to
Chakodade, we had observed new batteries and
barracks erected along the bay and the coasts, I
began to suspect that the Japanese intended by
some stratagem to capture the Diana, in revenge for
Captain Rikord having seized one of their vessels
and several men, on which occasion nine of their
countrymen were drowned. The Japanese, in the
course of their communication with Captain Rikord,
had never even mentioned this affair : a circum
stance which served to strengthen my suspicions.
I asked Teske for what reason so considerable a
number of soldiers had assembled in Chakodade,
and what was intended by the numerous prepa
rations we had observed. He replied, that one of
the Japanese laws required that measures of the
strictest precaution should be adopted whenever
they were visited by foreign vessels. " When Re
sanoff was at Nangasaky," said he " a far greater
number of soldiers were assembled, and many more
batteries erected: there are fewer troops here on
account of the difficulty experienced in collecting
them." He besides smiled at my suspicions, and
assured me that we had nothing to fear on the part
of the Japanese.
VOL. II. n

178 MEMOIRS of a
On the 24th of September the interpreters in
formed us that the Diana had arrived in Edomo.
They shewed us a letter addressed by Captain Ri
kord to the officers in that town, which had been
written in the Japanese language by an interpreter
named Kisseleff, and the contents of which Teske
explained to us. One of the Japanese sailors, whom
Captain Rikord had conveyed home in the spring,
had been sent to him as a pilot, and he requested
in his letter that a more intelligent man, and, if
possible, Tachatay-Kachi, on whom he could place
reliance, might be put on board the Diana. Cap
tain Rikord moreover informed the Japanese that
he stood in need of a supply of fresh water, and
begged that his letters might be answered in the
common, and not in the high language, as the inter
preter Kisseleff could read only the former.
Teske and Kumaddschero told us that orders had
been immediately issued for supplying the Diana
not only with water, but provisions of every kind,
as far as they could be procured in Edomo. With
regard to Captain Rikord's request, that his letters
might be answered in the common language, they
observed, that papers in that language could be
signed only by inferior officers, and that, if the
answers should contain any thing important, they
would require the signatures of individuals of higher
rank ; for, according to their laws, no person of dis
tinction could sign official papers written in the vul-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 179
gar tongue. Consequently his wish in this respect
could not be complied with. As to his application
for Tachatay-Kachi, he could not be sent on board
the Diana as a pilot without the consent of1 the
bunyo, and some days must therefore elapse before
the regular authorities for that purpose would be
obtained. As, however, the Japanese authorities
were well assured of the competency of the sailor
who had been sent on board the Diana, Captain
Rikord might safely rely on him until his ship came
within -sight of Chakodade, when Tachatay-Kachi
should be immediately sent on beard. For this pur
pose regular signals were prepared, which commu
nicated from a hill to, the boat in which Kachi was
to sail to the Diana. The Japanese wished that I
should clearly explain to Captain Rikord all these
arrangements. I agreed to do so ; and at the con
clusion of my letter, observed, that I wrote to him
in compliance with the request of the Japanese, as
they wished- me to assure him that he had no reason
to apprehend danger on entering Chakodade ; but
this I cquld.not resolve to do, lest I should become,
the instrument of the ruin of my countrymen, if
the Japanese entertained any treacherous design.
When I remarked, that the Japanese might, by
proceeding with candour and sincerity, convince
Captain Rikord that he had nothing to fear, the
interpreters made no observation on that subject;
N 2

180 MEMOIRS OF A
but expressed themselves satisfied with what I had
Written. On the following day the Ginmiyaku Sampey
came to visit us : he merely repeated what we had
already heard from the interpreters, and infornied
us that my letter had been forwarded to Captain
Rikord. On the night of the 27th of September a fire
broke out in a magazine belonging to a merchant,*
at no great distance from the house in which we
lived. A great alarm was excited in the city, the
cause of which our attendants immediately ex-
* During the spring two warehouses filled with goods, and
in the course of the summer a house, all belonging to the same
merchant, were burnt down. There was every reason to sus
pect that they were wilfully set on fire, but the perpetrators of
the crime could not be discovered. The interpreters informed
us that occurrences of this kind were by no means unfrequent,
although incendiaries are, by the laws of Japan, condemned to
a most severe punishment. The offender, on being conducted
to the place of execution, which is usually without the walls of
the city, is stripped and tied to a stake, round which, at a short
distance, piles of lighted wood are placed. The criminal is thus
slowly burnt to death, and endures the most unspeakable tor
ture. On the flames being extinguished, a tablet, on which are
inscribed his name and an account of the crime for which he
suffered, is nailed to the stake,, and his body is abandoned as a
prey to the wild beasts and birds. Wilful setting fire to a build
ing is, according to the laws of Japan, the crime next in enormity
to parricide.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 181
plained to us, and they began to make preparations
in case our removal should have been found ne
cessary. However, the interpreter and Sampey
soon came to assure us that measures had been
adopted to prevent the flames from communicating
to our house. They then left us,* and the fire was
extinguished in the course of a few hours, but the
magazine in which it first broke out was reduced to
ashes. On the morning of the 27th of September the
bunyo arrived, and in the evening the Diana ap-

* In cases of fire, the Japanese, both officers and soldiers,
wear a particular dress, which we had now an opportunity of
seeing. It exactly resembles their military uniform, consisting
of coats of mail, sleeve cases, &c. But the whole is composed
of light varnished leather, so that this armour is not burthen-
some to the wearer, and cannot be injured by the sparks which
issue from the fire. On the coat of mail the rank and office of
the wearer are described. To extinguish a fire is regarded a
most glorious achievement among the Japanese. When a fire
breaks out in the capital, where there are numerous corps of
troops, the commander who first proceeds to extinguish it fixes
his standard near the spot, and it is deemed exceedingly offensive
if another officer lends his assistance without being invited by
him who has by his early arrival obtained possession of the
ground. In former times occurrences of this nature frequently
gave rise to duels between the princes and grandees, and some
times battles, in which their respective adherents engaged.
Even now serious contentions often arise when one officer shews
aa inclination to deprive another of the honour of having extin
guished a fire.

182 MEMOIRS OF A
preached the harbour. In fulfilment of the pro
mise made by the Japanese, Tachatay-Kachi was
immediately sent on board, in company with the
commander of the port,* as the latter possessed
a more intimate knowledge of the dangers of that
part of the coast. Night having already set in, the
Diana brought up in safe anchoring ground at the
mouth of the harbour. This we learnt from the
commander of the port, who returned on shore the
same night.
Though the wind was unfavourable, the Diana,
to the astonishment pf the Japanese, came into the
harbour on the following day. From the window
of a little apartment, in which our bath stood, we
saw her working in. The bay was covered with
boats, and every elevated spot in the city was
crowded with spectators, who were filled with
amazement on seeing so large a vessel making
progress on every tack against the wind. The
Japanese who were allowed access to us came
every moment to express their wonder at the great
number of the Diana's sails, and the rapidity with
which she advanced.
A few hours after the Diana had cast. anchor,
Teske and Kumaddsehero,"thei academician, and the
Dutch interpreter, appeared with a large paper,

* An office which- corresponds- with that., of our harbour
master.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 183
which Tachatay-Kachi had received from. Captain
Rikord, and had conveyed ashore. This paper,
which was by the buriyo's order brought to us for
translation, was an answer from the commander of
the Okotzk district to the demand ofthe two officers
next in rank to the bunyo. Mr. Minitzky clearly
explained that the proceedings of Chwostoff were
quite unauthorized by our government, that the
Emperor of Russia had always been favourably dis
posed towards Japan, and that he had never enter
tained a design to injure the subjects of that empire.
He accordingly advised the Japanese to prove, by
our speedy liberation, their friendly disposition to
wards Russia, and their readiness to terminate dif
ferences which had arisen out of their own mistakes,
and the reprehensible conduct of an obscure indi-
vidual. He added, that every delay on their part
must be attended with injurious consequences to
the Japanese commerce and fisheries, as the inha
bitants of the coasts would be severely harassed by
the Russian vessels, in case further visits to Japan
on account of this affair should be necessary.
The Japanese expressed themselves highly pleased
with the contents of this letter, and intimated that
the explanations it contained were sufficient to pro
duce a thorough conviction that Chwostoff had
acted without the sanction of the Russian govern
ment : they, therefore, congratulated us on our
speedy liberation and return to our native country.
With regret I must now recur to a melancholy sub-

184 MEMOIRS OF A
ject. From the day on which the Diana had first
been discovered off the coast of Japan, Mr. Moor
had appeared unusually melancholy and thoughtful.
As he had no longer any hope of remaining in
Japan, he resolved, if possible, to prevent the com
munications which were about to take place. He
began by observing, that Mr. Minitzky's letter was
rude and uncivil, and that it contained an insolent
threat, by declaring that the Russian vessels would
injure the trade of Japan and the people who inha
bited its coasts. He assured the Japanese that these
were merely empty words. The interpreters, with
sorpe degree of dissatisfaction, replied, that the
Japanese were not fools, but were well aware of the
mischief which might be effected by Russian ships
on their coasts, in case of war, and that they, more
over, thought Mr. Minitzky's letter extremely rea
sonable. We were much consoled by this decla
ration, on a subject which was to us of such weighty
importance ; but all our prayers and entreaties made
no impression on Mr. Moor.
I must not omit mentioning another praiseworthy
trait in the Japanese character, which occurred at
this time. Besides the official business to which
Mr. Minitzky alluded to in his letter, he addressed an
intercession to the bunyo in favour of Leonsaimo,
the Japanese who had been in Russia, and who, he,
was informed,* had incurred the displeasure of the
* Captain Rikord had received this information from Tachatay-
Kachi.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 185
government. The interpreters assured us that the
bunyo and all the officers were extremely pleased
with the humane sympathy shewn by Mr. Mi-
nitzkyfor the misfortunes of a foreigper, and the
benevolent anxiety he had manifested for the bet
tering of his condition. Now, said they, the
elders* in the capital will be convinced of their
error, and will learn that the Russians are not bears
and barbarians, but a humane and feeling people.
On the same day the interpreters informed us
that Captain Rikord was the bearer of a letter and ,
several presents from the Civil Governor of Irkutzk
to the Bunyo of Matsmai, and that he had expressed
a wish to deliver them with his own hands.
A day was to be appointed for Captain Rikord's
coming ashore, as it was stated that the Japanese
officers did not dare to meet him in boats, in order
to communicate with him. This circumstance ren
dered some of my companions a little uneasy.
What can the Japanese mean, said they, by wish
ing that another of our commanders should come
ashore, when they have already made one the victim
of their treachery.
We looked forward with anxiety and fear for the
30th of September, the day on which it was deter
mined that Captain Rikord should deliver the letter
and the presents for the bunyo.
* They alluded to those members of the High Council who
opposed all friendly intercourse between Russia and Japan.

186 MEMOIRS OF A
When the day arrived, the Japanese brought us
some wretchedly executed portraits of the Russian
officers and sailors, which had been sketched as
they came ashore. They observed, that the inter
preter had a Japanese countenance, and that he must
certainly be a native of Japan in a Russian dress.
We, on our part, knew nothing, respecting Kisseleff.
When our interpreters explained to us Captain Ri
kord's letter from Edomo, which was written in Ja
panese by Kisseleff, they inquired who he was. We
conjectured that he was a native of Irkutzk, and
that he had learnt the language from the Japanese
who lived there.
When the conference was at an end, the inter
preters came to inform us, that we might, if we
pleased, ascend to the second story of our house, to
see Captain Rikord depart. We saw the governor's
state boat* sailing under three flags j* from the shore
to the Diana ; but owing to the great distance, we
could not recognise the individuals on board of it.
We had no sooner returned to our apartments,
than the Japanese brought a letter which had been
delivered by Captain Rikord, and of which they
wished us to make a translation. This letter had
been written by the Civil Governor of Irkutzk, on

* In size it rather resembled a galley than a boat.
t Three flags were the Japanese standard, the Russian war-
flag and the white flag of peace.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 187,
Captain Rikord's first report, and consequently be
fore he could have been made acquainted with the
contents ofthe Japanese paper, which was afterwards
sent on board the Diana. The governor began by
representing the object of our voyage, and the trea
cherous conduct of the Japanese at Kunashier; he
then declared that Chwostoff had acted without the
sanction of the Russian government, and entreated
the Governor of Matsmai to grant us our immediate
freedom, or to negodate on that subject with Cap
tain Rikord, his plenipotentiary. If, however, nei
ther of these requests could be complied with, with
out the consent of the Japanese government, he
.was requested to state when, and to what place the
vessel should proceed, to obtain an. answer. He
mentioned the presents, consisting of a gold watch
and some red cassimir, which he sent, tto the Go
vernor pf Matsmai, as tokens of his neighbourly
friendship. He, besides, stated that Captain Rikord
was the bearer of a letter of thanks, which, he was
directed to deliver whenever our freedom might be
..granted. Finally, he expressed his hope of obtain
ing an answer corresponding with his demand ; on
failure of which, he should be compelled reluctantly
to conclude that Japan was hostilely disposed to
wards Russia, and must lay before his emperor a
declaration to that effect. His imperial majesty
would then consider hiniself bound to employ a
force corresponding with his power, and to obtain

188 MEMOIRS OF A '
satisfaction by an appeal to arms, though by such
measures the empire of Japan might be shaken to its
very foundation.
This letter was accompanied by translations in
the Mandschur and Japanese languages; the Japa
nese said, however, that they had no Mandschur in
terpreter, and that several passages in the Japanese
translation were quite unintellible. We were, there
fore, obliged to make another translation of it, a task
which kept us employed for more than two days.*
When the translation was finished, the interpreters
carried it to the bunyo ; but in a short time brought
it back, for the purpose of obtaining some explana
tions which were deemed necessary. They praised
the general tenor of the letter, and expressed their
dissatisfaction at two passages only. The Japanese
were astonished the letter should speak of the faith
less conduct practised towards us, and describe it as
an arbitrary measure of the commandant of Ku
nashier, unsanctioned by the Emperor of Japan,
since they had, by their communications, avowed
that we were taken prisoners by order of the govern-

* The Japanese were formerly accustomed to carry away even
the copies of such Russian papers as were translated. However,
the original letter from the governor of Irkutzk, though more
important than any paper sent by the Russians to the Japanese,
was allowed to remain with us two days and a night. Wejre-
garded this as a favourable omen.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 189
ment.* But their pride was chiefly wounded by
the observation that Japan would be shaken to its
foundation. They insisted on being made acquainted
with the precise meaning off this sentence. I first
wished to explain to them by examples what was
meant by the employment of a force corresponding
with a person's power. " Suppose," said I, " that
I were to throw a feather at an individual with whom
I was offended, I should not then use a force corres
ponding with my power, but if I threw a heavy
stone with violence, I should then use a correspond
ing force. In the same manner, the two attacks
made by Chwostoff in no way correspond with the
power of Russia, and his two ships, in comparison
with our empire, are not equal to a feather in my
hand." In order to make them understand the
phrase " shaken to its foundation," I shook Teske
several* times by the shoulders.
At first the Japanese seemed offended at our en
tertaining so mean an opinion of the strength of
their country, and asked, with haughtiness and ill-
humour, how our emperor could hope to shake
Japan in that way. I replied, that the letter al-
* At the commencement of our captivity the Japanese wished
to attach all the blame of their treachery to the governor of
Kunashier. They, however, afterwards admitted that he,, as
well as all other commanders of maritime towns, had received
orders to capture, either by stratagem or force, every Russian
vessel that, might approach thefr coasts.

J 90 MEMOIRS OF A
luded to the people ot Japan, and not the territory ;
and you must surely be convinced, said I, that if
Russia chose to declare war against Japan, and to
fit out a force, she might easily effect the destruc
tion of your empire.
I was well aware, that the interpreters were
merely the organs of the bunyo and the superior
officers, and that often, in the course of *apparently
undesigned conversation, their language was pur
posely so framed as to inform us of all we wished to
know ; I, therefore, followed their example ; and to
set them at ease with regard to the threats which
had so irritated, them, observed, as it were acciden
tally, that the governor of Irkutzk had written his
letter before he knew any think of the papers left
behind by Chwostoff, the false declaration of the
Kuriles, or the wish of the Japanese government to
correspond with Russia. I added, that though their
unaccountable proceedings towards our ship, in the
preceding" year, would have induced any other state
to declare war against them, yet the humanity of
our emperor would not permit him to resort to
measures of violence, until he should receive a deci
sive letter of explanation.
The interpreters agreed with me in maintaining
that the former situation of affairs justified the go-i
vernor of Irkutzk in writing such a letter, though
it was now unnecessary. I admitted the justice of
this observation, and assured them, that the governor.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 191
would not have so expressed himself had he been
convinced ofthe readiness ofthe Japanese to adjust
all their past differences with Russia. They seemed
fully satisfied with this answer.
I am sorry that I am, on this occasion, again
obliged to speak of Mr. Moor's conduct. He de
clared, that the letter of the governor of Irkutzk was
couched in -arrogant and insulting terms, and that
the presents he had sent were almost too insignificant
to be offered to the meanest officer. Fortunately,
however, the Japanese had some time previously
conveyed' these presents bn shore. The watch was
shewn to us: it contained a curious piece of mecha
nism, which excited the astonishment of the Japa
nese, and they were totally unable to comprehend
it. On touching a particular spring, a horse ap
peared drinking in an artificial stream of water, and
occasionally raising and lowering his head. On see
ing it, Mr. Moor himself confessed that the pre
sent was not so trifling as he had supposed. The
Japanese declared, that they had never before heard
of so wonderful a work of art.
When we had explained the governor's letter, the
interpreters proposed that I should write to Captain
Rikord, and request that he would send ashore the
letter of thanks which had been entrusted to him.
I, however, stated, that this could not possibly be
done, as Captain Rikord had been directed not to
deliver the letter until our liberation should take

192 MEMOIRS OF A
place. The interpreters acknowledged the justice
of this objection, and said nothing more on the
subject. In the meanwhile Tachatay-Kachi, who had been
sent to communicate personally with Captain Rikord,
brought to his countrymen the intelligence of the
French having taken Moscow, and burnt it to ashes,
and that they had afterwards precipitately retreated
from Russia with a prodigious loss. This news
greatly astonished us, and we felt very anxious to
know every particular relating to these events. With
the consent ofthe Japanese, I wrote a note to Captain
Rikord, to request that he would send me all the
newspapers that might happen to be on board the
sloop. On the following day the interpreter brought
to me the Military Gazette, and several letters from
my friends and relations in Russia. I immediately
declined breaking open any ofthe letters, which were
addressed to me, and requested Teske to enclose
them in a packet, and send them back to the Diana.
The interpreter praised my determination, and pro
mised to make known my wish to the bunyo. I
was well aware that hacbl broken open these letters,
I must immediately have made copies and transla
tions of them, to be forwarded to the capital. The
interpreter soon after informed me that the letters
could not be sent back to the Diana until we were
set at liberty ; but that they had sealed them up in
a packet, which they would deliver to me, and

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 193
which I might carry on board with me at my de
parture. I readily agreed to this proposal.
We perused the journals with the utmost im
patience. They contained an account of all the
events which had taken place from the enemy's in
vasion of Russia to the death of the Prince of Smo
lensko. The Japanese were almost as anxious as
we to know by what means affairs had taken so sur
prising a turn in so short a period; afld they re
quested that we would give them a translated nar
rative of the most remarkable events of the cam
paign. When we informed them, that the French
had been obliged1 to fight their way out of MoScow,
in which they were blocked up, and that alnibst
their whole army had been destroyed in Russia,
they clapped their hands, and declared that the
Prince of Smolensko had manoeuvred in the true
Japanese style; for one of their principal maxims
of war was to allure the enemy as much as possible
into the interior of their country, and then to sur
round him on every side with'powerful armies. We
smiled art this comparison, and jokingly observed to
each other, that the prestimptiph of the Japanese
might perhaps- induce them to believe that our
immortal Kutosoff had studied tactics in the books
of which Chwostoff had plundered them.
Tachatay-Kachi was permitted to visit, us for
the first time on the 3rd ! of October. He came,
accompanied by the, interpreters, on his return.
VOL. II. o

194 MEMOIRS OF A
from the Diana. This venerable old man Was un
able to express himself in the Russian language ;
but, with the assistance of the interpreters, he suc
ceeded in making us understand him in Japanese.
He spoke in terms of the highest praise and gra
titude of Captain Rikord, the officers and crew of
the Diana, and of all the Russians whom he had
known in Kamtschatka. We asked him many
questions concerning Russia, but he could not sa
tisfy our curiosity, as he was ignorant of the sub
jects which most excited our interest. On taking
leave of us, he requested that I would write to in
form Captain Rikord that we had seen him. I
readily agreed to do so, and he promised that he
would himself forward the letter.
At length the interpreters received orders to in
form us that the bunyo considered the paper
brought by Captain Rikord perfectly satisfactory,
and that he had resolved to set us at liberty. Be
fore my departure, he, however, wished that I
should hold a conference with Captain Rikord on
shore, in order that, as I was acquainted with the
Japanese laws, knew the strictness with which
they were enforced, and was in some measure fa
miliar with the customs of the country, I might
personally make the following communication to
my friend. First, That, though the Japanese did
not cherish the least hatred towards the Russians,
yet the Bunyo of Matsmai could not accept of

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 195
the presents which had been sent to him. If he
accepted them, he would be bound to make some
recompence for them ; but intercourse of that kind
was wholly prohibited by the laws of Japan. The
Japanese, therefore, hoped that we would not take
offence "at the presents being returned. Secondly,
That the letter from the commandant of the circle
of Okotzk was a satisfactory answer to the demand
for explanation transmitted that year by Captain
Rikord, therefore the said letter would be the only
paper mentioned in the written declaration which
the bunyo intended should be delivered to Captain
Rikord. Thirdly, That as affairs, doubtless, stood
in the state in which it was represented in the
letter of the commandant of Okotzk, the bunyo of
Matsmai could not answer the governor of Irkutzk,
as the latter was ignorant of many circumstances.
relative to Chwostoff, and had not been apprised of
the intention of the Japanese government to cor
respond with Russia on that subject. Fourthly,
The Japanese requested that Mr. Rikord would
address a letter to the two officers next. in com
mand to the bunyo, to assure them that the.ge-
vernor of Irkutzk knew nothing of the documents
left behind by Chwostoff, the false statements of
the Kuriles, nor the intentions of the Japanese
government at the time he wrote his letter. Fifthly
and lastly, That Captain Rikord should pledge
himself to a perfect understanding of the Russian .
o 2

196 MEMOIRS OF A
translation of the declaration to be delivered in the
name of the Bunyo of Matsmai, and promise to lay
it before our government on his return ; and, to
enable him to give this pledge, * I was to be fur
nished with a copy of the declaration, which I was
to shew to him on our conference.
The 5th of October was the day appointed for
my interview with Captain Rikord. The Japanese
proposed that Mr. Moor should be present ; but
this, to their astonishment, he declined. Mr. Chleb
nikoff wished to enjoy the satisfaction of seeing his
countrymen and companions, but the Japanese
were of opinion, that, 'considering Mr. Moor's dis
ordered state of mind, it would not be prudent to
leave him alone.
On the morning of the 5th one of the inter
preters brought my hat, and the other my sword,
which they presented to me with demonstrations of
great respect, whilst they, at the same time, sin
cerely congratulated me. In compliance with the
wish of the Japanese, I dressed myself in a rich
silken jacket and loose trowsers, which had been
made in Chakodade for the occasipn.* The sword
t *. When the' Japanese first expressed their intention of making
this sort of state-dress for us, theyv brought' for our inspection
several pieces of rich silk-stuff, resembling damask. The pieces
were of different colours, and each lay in a separate box. They
desired that we should each select the colour we liked best, but
we insisted on leaving the choice to them, and declared that we

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 197
and cocked hat was calculated to add to the singu
larity of this dress in the eyes of Europeans ; but
this was an object of indifference to the Japanese.
As, however, the restoration of our swords indi*
cated that the Japanese no longer looked upon us
as prisoners, I readily acceded to their wishes, and
resolved to appear before my companions in a dress
in which, had they not been prepared for the meet
ing, they might have found it difficult to recognise
me. In addition, my hair was far from being cut
in the -Russian style, and, had I not recently shaved
my long beard, my appearance would have been
altogether extremely ludicrous.
The place fixed upon for my interview with
Captain Rikord was an apartment in the custom
house,- which was situated near the shore. The
three interpreters, the academician, and a few of
the inferior officers, were ordered to be present as
witnesses. At mid-day I was conducted to the
custom-house, round which a number of troops
were quite indifferent as to the colour of our clothes. They,
however, insisted that we should choose for ourselves, since
they had received orders to that effect from the capital. I point
ed to the box which happened to stand nearest to me, and:*my
companions did the same. The Japanese then opened the rest
of the boxes, shewed us every piece of cloth, and observed that
they had received orders from the government to make our
clothes of the best materials, which were only to be procured
in Matsmai.

198 MEMOIRS OF A
were drawn up in parade.* I proceeded along
with the interpreters to the conference chamber.
The Japanese, according to custom, seated them
selves upon the floor, but a seat was handed to me.
Captain Rikord soon arrived in the governor's barge,
accompanied by Mr. Saweljeff, one of his officers,
the interpreter PLisseleff, and a few sailors. The
latter were stationed in an open place in front of
the house, and Captain Rikord, Saweljeff, and Kis
seleff, entered the apartment in which I was waiting
to receive them. — I leave the reader to imagine the
transport of our meeting .
A seat was immediately placed for Captain Ri
kord ; and the interpreters having intimated that we
might converse together as long as we pleased,
they stepped aside, and paid no attention to what
we said. The joy, astonishment, and curiosity with
which our questions and answers succeeded each
other, may easily be conceived. Captain Rikord
wished to know all that* had occurred to us during

* On festival days, or on the unusual occurrence of receiving
foreigners, the Japanese soldiers wear silk, or velvet dresses,
embroidered with gold and silver,, which are like their common
gowns, with full sleeves, only somewhat shorter. These state-
dresses are the property of the government : they are kept in im
perial magazines, and only delivered to the soldiers on the oc
casions above-mentioned. They constitute no particular uni
form, but are all made of different materials, and variously em
broidered.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 199
our imprisonment; and I, in my turn, inquired
after the affairs of Russia, and thus we proceeded
from one subject to another. At length I explained
the object of our interview, and the wish of the Ja
panese ; and he acquainted me with the instructions
he had received from the civil-governor of Irkutzk,
respecting a determination of boundaries, and a
treaty of friendship between the two empires. On
taking into consideration the whole business, it ap
peared to us that the propositions of the Japanese
were reasonable, and that, consequently, we ought
to comply with them ; but that, for the following
reasons, it would not be advisable at that time to
negociate for the fixing of boundaries and an
alliance. From the documents which we had trans
lated, we knew the conditions on which the Ja
panese government had authorized the bunyo to
liberate us, and likewise what declaration he had
to communicate ; consequently, he could have
returned no answer to any new proposal on our
part, without receiving instructions from the ca
pital. The vessel must, besides, have wintered in
Chakodade; and this would have been placing
ourselves completely in the power of the Japanese ;
for though the harbour seldom freezes, yet the
winter is severe, and of long duration. The crew
on board the Diana would also have been exposed
to considerable danger, and the vessel might even

200 MEMOIRS OF A
jhave been rendered unfit to perform the voyage
home; for the violent stprros which occur during
winter, on the coast of Japan, might have parted
her from her anchors, and driven her ashore. To
have requested permission for the seamen to disem
bark and live on shore, and to have the ship un
rigged in a safe place, would have been to subject
ourselves to the same conditions which Resanoff
and his suite had submitted to -at Nangasaky,
namely, to resign the vessel entirely to the Japa
nese ; and this at a time when we ought to have
asserted our claim to three islands, which, in our
opinion, they had unjustly occupied.
Besides, it had, at various times, been intimated
to me by the interpreter, (who always spoke the
sentiments of the bunyo), that notwithstanding the
unfavourable answer of the Japanese government,
they did not entirely despair of seeing a friendly
alliance established between Russia and Japan, but
that to accomplish it would require prudent ma
nagement on our part. The interpreters suggested
one method to us, hut I shall pass it over, in order
that I may not farther interrupt the thread of my
Narrative. When every thing was arranged between Cap
tain Rikord and me, the Japanese produced the
translated declaration of the bunyo of Matsmai.
Captain Rikord, in return, delivered in the docu
ment required by the Japanese, which Teske trans-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 201
lated, shewed to the officers present, and then in
formed us that they were perfectly satisfied with it.
The Japanese did not evince the least sign of im
patience at the length of this interview, and at the
end of our conference presented us with tea and
sweetmeats. At length Captain Rikord departed.
I accompanied him to the boat in which he em
barked to go on board the Diana, and then returned
to our house.
My companions awaited my return with the
utmost anxiety. I acquainted them with all I had
heard from Mr. Rikord respecting the political af
fairs of Europe, the entrance of the French into
Russia, and every particular relative to pur families
and friends. Two circumstances, however, I was
under the necessity of concealing ; namely, that
Tachatay-Kachi had communicated to the Japanese
the instructions given to Mr. Rikord respecting the
settling of the boundaries, and that the interpreter
Kisseleff was a Japanese by birth. These facts I
did not chuse to disclose, in order to avoid giving
uneasiness to my distrustful fellow prisoners, who
to the last moment doubted the sincerity of the
Japanese. It will appear from Captain Rikord's account
of his expedition to Matsmai how much we were in
debted to him, and to his excellency the civil go
vernor of Irkutzk. I must also with a feeling of
gratitude mention that Captain Rikord's bold de-

202 MEMOIRS OF A
cision to land,* and hold A conference in the town,
contributed not a little to the favourable conclusion
of the negociation ; for the interpreters had pre
viously assured us, that if Captain Rikord did not
come on shore great difficulties would arise, the end
of which could not be foreseen.
On the 6th of October, in the morning, the in
terpreters delivered to Messrs. Chlebnikoff and
Moor their sabres and hats in the most respectful
* We had no reason for supposing that the Japanese would
act as treacherously towards Captain Rikord as they had done
to us. Indeed, the formal declaration ofthe bunyo, that he was
authorized to grant us our liberty on receiving a satisfactory an
swer, our new residence, and the good treatment we experi
enced, all tended to convince us of the contrary. But of this
Mr. Rikord was entirely ignorant, as Simanoff had informed him
that we were all confined in one place, and treated without any
distinction. I had, moreover, in my letter to Mr. Rikord re
quested that he would incur no danger, and advised him to com
municate with the Japanese only in boats, at the distance of a
gun-shot from the batteries. His decisive resolution, therefore,
to come on shore in a Japanese boat did notarise from a convic
tion of there being no danger, but from his courage and generous
determination to risk every thing for our deliverance; besides, as
he was the bearer of official papers from the Commandant of the
frontier Russian government to the Bunyo of Matsmai, his sense
of duty was too great to allow him to think of his own safety. In
case of a new act of treachery, the Diana would have conveyed
information back to Russia, and the Japanese would certainly
have received a just chastisement for violating the most sacred
law of nations, since they were bound to respect the person of
Captain Rikord as that of an ambassador.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 203
manner, and stated that we were oh that day -to be
presented to the bunyo, who would in person notify
our liberation. He advised us to put on our best
clothes, and to wear our swords when we appeared
before the bunyo. — To this proposal we gladly
assented. At noon we were conducted to the house
of the governor of the town where the bunyo re
sided. We three officers were shewn into a very
neat apartment, and the sailors and Alexei were
desired to remain in another. In a few hours Mr.
Chlebnikoff, Mr. Moor, and I, were requested to
en,ter a spacious hall, in which the officers, the aca
demician, and the interpreters, were assembled.
They were more than twenty in number, and were
seated in rows on each side of the hall. The bunyo
soon entered with his retinue and took his seat.
The officers made their obedience to him, we bowed
in the European way, and he returned our saluta
tion : — all the old ceremonies were repeated, except
that the sword-bearer, instead of laying the sword
by the side ofthe bunyo as formerly, held it perpen
dicularly in both hands, with the hilt upwards.
The bunyo then drew a large sheet of paper from
his bosom, and holding it up said : " This contains
the orders of the government." — The interpreters-
itnmediately translated these words; while the
officers, however, sat with their eyes cast down,
as if they had been deprived of all animation.
The bunyo then unfolded the paper, and read its<

204 MEMOIRS OF A
contents aloud. It was the document, a copy of
which has already been giving, stating that Chwo
stoff 's misconduct had been the occasion of our im-
m
prisonment ; but that, as the bunyo was convinced
that the said Chwostoff had acted without the sanc
tion of the Russian government, he was authorized
to grant us our liberty, and that we should embark
on the following day.
The interpreters having translated this paper,
and assured the bunyo that we understood it, one
of the senior officers was dispatched in company
with Kumaddschero to communicate its contents^to
the sailors. In the meanwhile, the bunyo produced
another paper, which he likewise read aloud, and
afterwards desired Teske to translate and to hand
it to me. It was a congratulation from the bunyo
to the following effect : —
" You have now lived three years in a Japanese
" frontier town, and in a foreign climate, but you
" are now about to return to your native country.
" This affords me great pleasure. You, Captain
" Golownin, as the chief of your companions, must
" have endured most anxiety of mind, and I sin-
" cerely rejoice that you have attained your happy
" object. You have, in some measure, become
" acquainted with the laws of our country, which
" prohibit us from maintaining any commerce with
" the people of foreign nations, apd require that
" we should drive all foreign vessels from our coasts-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 205
" Explain this to your countrymen on your return
" home. It has been our wish whilst you remained
" in Japan to treat you with all possible kindness ;
" but, before you became acquainted with our cus-
" toms, our behaviour may have appeared to yoU
" the very opposite of what we intended. Each
" nation has its peculiar customs, but good conduct
" will every where be esteemed as such. On your
" return to Russia, inform your countrymen of this
" likewise. I wish you all a safe voyage."
We thanked the bunyo for his condescension.
Having listened to oUr acknowledgments, he with
drew, and we were requested to return to our house#
Throughout the whole of these proceedings, not
the slightest indication of joy was observable on
Mr. Moor's countenance : he merely repeated, that
he was unworthy of the acts of kindness which the
Japanese conferred upon him.
On our return home, a number of officers, sol
diers, and other individuals, came to wish us joy.
The three officers next in rank to the bunyo also
presented to me a written congratulation, which)
they requested I would preserve, as a memorial of
our friendship. The following is a translation of
this paper:— " From the Ginmiyaks.
" You have all lived for a long period in Japan,
" but you are now to return to your native country,
'•' by order of the bunyo. The period of your de-'

206 MEMOIRS OF A
" parture is fast approaching. During your long
" residence here such an intimacy has arisen be-
" tween us, that we cannot help regretting the ne-
" cessity of our separation. The distance between
" the Island of Matsmai and our eastern capital is
xe very considerable, and in this frontier town there
" are many deficiencies. You have, however, been
" accustomed to heat, cold, and other variations of
" weather, and are now prepared for your happy
" voyage home. Your own joy must be extreme ;
" we, on our part, rejoice at the happy issue of the
" affair. May God protect you on your voyage-! —
" for that we pray to him. We write this as a fare-
" well letter."
The joy of the Japanese was, indeed, unfeigned.
We understood from the enterpreters, that in conse
quence of an application from the High Priest of
the city, the bunyo had issued orders that prayers
for our safe voyage should be offered up in all the
temples.for the space of five days.
On the 6th of October, one of the officers, ac
companied by Kumaddschero, was sent on board
the Diana, to inform Captain Rikord that the
orders for our liberation had been officially an
nounced by the bunyo. At their request, I wrote
a letter to this effect to Mr. Rikord. In the even
ing?, hy the governor's order, a supper was laid out
for us in the upper apartment of our house. This
supper consisted of ten different dishes, containing

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 207
fish, game, ducks, and geese, cooked in various
ways. After supper, some of the best Japanese
sagi was served out to us. Several boxes, contain
ing lackered vessels, were afterwards brought in, as
presents from the interpreters, in return for the
books which, with the consent of the government,
they had received from us ; but they had been or
dered to accept of nothing more.* We were, how-,
ever, very well assured that these presents were sent
to us at the expense of the government.
On the following day, the 7th of October, we put
on our best clothes. The servants and guards
packed up our other clothes in boxes, without
omitting the least trifle, and placed them in the
portico of the house. At mid-day we were con-

* The Japanese kept a list of all the things we possessed. A
few days before our departure they looked them over, and missed
a pair of stockings, which we had cut in pieces for the purpose
of distributing among the guards. They immediately inquired
what had become of them. We replied, that we had given the
pieces as presents to the soldiers, but declined naming the indi
viduals who had received them : but the interpreters insisted on
knowing the names of the men, stating, that as the care of our
property had been entrusted solely to them, they would be called
to account in case of any thing being left behind. They assured
us that no punishment would await the guards. We, on the
other hand, represented that there was no difference between
our property and other European articles, and that the govern
ment could not possibly ascertain that the things had not been
brought to Japan by the Dutch. Here the matter rested.

208 MEMOIRS OP A
ducted to the shore. Our clothes, the presents we
had received, and the provisions for our voyage,*
were carried behind us by a number of attendants.
On reaching the harbour, we entered a building near
the custom-house, where Mr. Moor, Mr. Chlebni
koff, and I, were shewn into one apartment, and the
sailors into another. We had been only a few
moments in this place, when Captain Rikord came
ashpre, accompanied by Mr. Saweljeff, the inter
preter, Kisseleff, and some other individuals. He
and his two companions were conducted to the
same apartment in which, a few days before, my
interview with him had taken place, and which
Mr. Chlebnikoff, Mr. Moor, and I, were immedi
ately requested to enter. Sampey and Chiogpro
were among the officers whom we found assembled:
they sat together on the place which had formerly
been occupied by the bunyo. The former desired
one of the inferior officers to present to Captain
Rikord a salver, on which was a box, containing
the declaration of the Bunyo of Matsmai, folded
up in silken cloth. The officer, with much cere
mony and respect, advanced towards Captain Ri
kord, who, at the request pf the Japanese, read
the translation of the document from beginning5 to ¦
end. The next ceremony was the delivery to me
* These provisions consisted of fifty bags of rice, a few casks
of sagi, a quantity of salted and fresh fish, radishes,'&c\

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 209
of the paper, entitled " a Notification from
the two officers next in rank to the GovernPr of
Matsmai." It was inclosed in a box, and wrapt
in silk, but it was not presented on a salver, nor
by the same officer whphad handed the other
document to Captain Rikord.1 Though I knew
perfectly well the contents of the paper, for the
sake of formality, I was requested to read it. The
presents sent by the Governor of Irkutzk were
then returned to us, and we received a list of the
provisions which had been provided for our voyage.
The Japanese having wished us a happy voyage to
Russia, took leave of us, and withdrew.
When every thing was in readiness for our de
parture, we were conducted to the bunyo's barge,
on board of which we embarked, accompanied by
Tachatay-Kachi ; our clothes, provisions, and the
presents, being placed in separate boats. On our
way from the custom-house to the boats, all the
Japanese, not only those with whom we were ac
quainted, but the strangers who were looking on,
bade us adieu, and wished us a safe voyage.
The officers and seamen on board the Diana re
ceived us with a degree of joy, or rather enthusiasm,
which can only be felt by brothers or intimate
friends after a long absence, and a series of similar
adventures. With regard to ourselves, I can only
say, that after an imprisonment of two years, two
months, and twenty-six days, on finding ourselves
VOL. II. p

210 MEMOIRS OF A
again in an imperial Russian ship, surrounded by our
countrymen, with whom we had, for five or six
years, served in remote, . dangerous, and laborious
voyages, we felt what, men are capable of feeling,
but which cannot be described.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 211

CHAPTER VI.
According to the title of this book, my Narrative
should conclude with the preceding chapter ; but
the events which are here related are so closely
interwoven with those which occurred during my
captivity in Japan, that I feel confident the reader
will not regard the addition as superfluous.
On our reaching the Diana, the governors
boat immediately put back, by Captain Rikord's or
ders, with a Japanese,who, on account of illness, had
been left behind at Okotzk.* Mr. Rikord wished
to- have landed him at Edomo, but there, as well
as- at Chakodade, the Japanese officers would not
suffer him to go ashore, and they now, for the' first
time, consented to receive him.
In the afternoon we were visited by our inter
preters, the academician, and several officers, whose
* This man was one of the individuals who, in the year 1811,
suffered shipwreck on the coast of Kamtschatka. One of his legs
had been so severely frozen, tfcat, notwithstanding every remedy
applied by our physician, it was found necessary to amputate it, .
and he walked with a wooden leg. At this the Japanese
were greatly astonished ; for though the Dutch have made some
of their surgeons acquainted with the art of amputating, yet very
few are sufficiently skilful to attempt the operation.
P 2

212 MEMOIRS OF A
rank was three or four degrees beneath that of the ,
bunyo. Teske and Kumaddschero brought pre
sents for Captain Rikord and me, consisting of silk,
Japanese tea, and their best sagi and sweetmeats ;
in return for which, we entertained our guests
with tea, sweet brandy, and cordials. They drank
so copiously that they soon became extremely
cheerful and talkative. Captain Rikord delivered
to the interpreters the letter of thanks from the
Governor of Irkutzk, and, as there was a copy at
hand, they immediately, with our assistance, trans
lated it into their own language. The Japanese
now expressed a wish to see the signature of the
Emperor of Russia. Among my papers on board
the vessel, I happened to have an imperial rescript,
which I had received on being invested with the
order of St. Wladimir. I immediately laid the
paper on the table, and pointed to the signature of
the Emperor, upon which the Japanese all bowed
their heads towards the table, and in that position
remained for several minutes. They then inspected
the signature with demonstrations of the highest
respect, and having kept their eyes fixed upon it
for some time, they again repeated the ceremony
of bowing their. heads to the table.
When our friends, the Japanese,- were prepar
ing to take their leave, we gave to each a present
of more or less value, according to the degree of
friendship which subsisted between us They eo-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 213
deavoured to accept them unobserved by each
other, and concealed whatever we gave them in
their loose sleeves, which occasionally answer the
purpose of pockets. If we offered them any thing
of a large size, they -declined accepting it ; but they
received books, maps, and copper-plate prints,
without the least reserve. . We gave them an atlas
of Captain Krusenstern, several maps from the atlas
of La Perouse, some books, and various other charts.
The prints they accepted of, but returned the
frames and glasses. Mr. Rikord gave them en
graved portraits of Count Kamensky, the Prince
Bagration, and a drawing of Prince Kutusoff, beau
tifully executed in crayons, by a son of the go
vernor of Irkutzk. When we related to the Japa
nese the achievements of Prince Kutusoff, they re
ceived his portrait with enthusiasm and gratitude ;
we could not, however, prevail upon them to take
the frame and glass, though we represented to them
that the former was merely a piece of gilt wood, of
little or no value. We observed that the portrait
of Kutusoff might be injured without a glass; but
they replied, that they would adopt measures for
preserving the gem when they went ashore.
Whilst the Japanese officers were entertained in
the cabin, the. deck of the Diana was covered with
visitors. Soldiers, dnd even females, had come on
board to see the interior of the ship, and when the
officers departed, they all descended into the cabin.

214 MEMOIRS OF A
We readily granted them the satisfaction of viewing
the curiosities and ornaments of the cabin, which
Captain Rikord had fitted up in a very tasteful style. *
As tokens of remembrance, Captain Rikord gave to
each of the Japanese a piece of fine red cloth, for
making a tobacco-bag, and two pieces of cut glass
belonging to a chandelier. They regarded the latter
as great curiosities. To the children we gave pieces
of sugar; but these little presents were immedi
ately taken possession of by their parents, and care
fully .wrapped up in pieces of cloth. Our guests
remained with us till evening, when, for the first
time, we enjoyed tranquillity, and an opportunity of
conversing, together respecting our native country,
and the adventures which we had encountered.
On the following day, the 8th of October, we
opened,, out of curiosity, a box which had been
sent on board in one of the boats : to our great
astonishment this box contained every article be
longing to us, such as clothes, linen, money, &c.
in short, every thing. down to the last. piece of rag.
On every article was marked the name of the in
dividual to whom it belonged. Among the things
which Captain Rikord sent on shore at Kunashier
was a razor-case, containing a looking-glass, an
article, the manufacture of which is totally un
known to the Japanese. On its removal from Ku
nashier to Chakodade, the looking-glass had acci
dentally been broken, and. we now. found the pieces

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. , 215
collected in a box, with a note, apologizing for the
accident, which, it was observed, had arisen in con
sequence of the Japanese not knowing how to con
vey so brittle an article.*
Tachatay-Kachi was this day our first visitor.
He informed us that our request to have a formal
audience of the bunyo, f for the purpose of thanking
him in person, was not approved by the Japanese
officers ; he, therefore, advised us to set sail with
out delay, adding, that the ship would be furnished
with a supply of water. Several boats soon after
came alongside for our Water-casks, which were
speedily filled, and sent on board.
On the following day every thing was in readi
ness for our departure, but the wind proved un
favourable. On the 10th of October we unmoored,
and proceeded to work out of the bay. Teske,
Kumaddschero, and Tachatay-Kachi, accompanied
us in boats destined to give us assistance, if neces
sary. The shore was crowded with spectators to
witness our departure. When we had completely
left the harbour, our Japanese friends warmly re
peated their wishes for our safe return home, and
* The Japanese have no looking-glasses. Their metal mirrors
are, however, so exquisitely polished, that they are scarcely in
ferior to our's ofthe finest glass.
f Captain Rikord had never seen the bunyo, though the latter
saw him during our conference on the shore, where he sat incog
nito behind a screen in the custom-house.

216 MEMOIRS OF A
took their last farewell. ¦¦" With considerable difi-
ficulty we prevailed on them to accept a few pre
sents : they assured us that we had already given
them more than enough. !: As; they left the ship,
our repeated adieps- were accompanied by ardent
wishes that a friendly alliahce might speedily be es
tablished between Russia and Japan. We separated
with reciprocal cheers, and the Japanese continued
their salutes as long as we remained within sight
of each other ; but our sails' were soon filled by a
brisk and favourable breeze, and the Diana rapidly
removed us from a land in which we had endured
much suffering, but had also experienced the gene
rosity of a pacific people, whom spnie Europeans,
perhaps less civilized^ 'regard as barbarians.
And here I must take the liberty of offering a
remark on the opinion'' of those who attribute our
liberation, and the ultimate good conduct ofthe
Japanese, to the cowardice of that people, and their
dread of the vengeance of Russia : for my own
part, I am persuaded that, generally speaking, they
acted from feelings of humanity, not merely be
cause I am always inclined to regard good effects as
springing from good causes, but because I can sup
port my assertion by proof. Had fear operated on
the minds of the Japanese, they would, at an earlier
period, have come to a reconciliation with us ; but,
on the contrary, they had determined to resort to
force, and had ordered Captain Rikord to be in-

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 217
formed that we were dead at a time when they were
using every precaution for the preservation of our
health. Fear might, indeed, be supposed to have
had some effect upon them, were the eastern pro
vinces of Russia in a state corresponding with those
of the west ; but the Japanese were -well aware of
the very important difference between the two
divisions of our empire.- In my Narrative, however,
the motives and the proceedings of both parties are
presented to the consideration of the reader, who is
thus afforded an opportunity of forming a judgment
for himself.
The only circumstance worthy of ' observation,
which occurred during our voyage from Chakodade
to the harbour of Petropaulowska, was a storm of
extraordinary violence, which we encountered one
night off the eastern coast of the island of Matsmai ;
it even exceeded in fury ,and danger the most
dreadful tempest I ever experienced, either in the
autumn off Cape Horn, or during the winter in my
.voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to New Hol
land. It would be superfluous to particularize all
the precautions which we found it necessary to
adopt, in order to save the ship, for they included
all that may be found minutely described in any
book of voyages to which the reader may resort for
an account of a storm.
We cast anchor in Awatscha Bay on the 3d of
November: though at that season scarcely habit-

218 MEMOIRS OF A
able, Kamtschatka, with its snow-topped mountains,
volcanoes, and impenetrable forests, seemed a para
dise, for it was a portion of our dear native land.
The individuals who first came to meet us were
Lieutenant Jakuschkin, who had served with me on
hoard the Diana, and Lieutenant Volkoff, of the
garrison artillery. On beholding me they were as
much astonished as though I had risen from the
dead. Lieutenants Nannanskoy and Poduschkin
next came on board. In company with these
officers I went on shore at Petropaulowska at ten in
the evening.
I turn once more to my unhappy companion
Mr. Moor, whose severe repentance had extin
guished all recollection of his errors. The sad fate
of that officer cannot fail to excite sympathy in every
feeling heart, whilst, at the same time, it will serve
as a dreadful example of the consequences of similar
misconduct. When we embarked on board the Diana at Cha
kodade, the officers eagerly thronged round us :
Mr. Moor, however, stood motionless, and appa
rently insensible to all that was passing. We all
resolved among ourselves never, in his presence, to
converse on the affairs of Japan, or to mention any
circumstance which might remind him of his former
conduct. We made every possible endeavour to
amuse his mind, by discoursing on subjects relative
to Russia ; but all was in vain. He dressed himself

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 219
in a way unbecoming his rank, and seldom spoke,
even to the sailors, among whom he was principally
to be found. When we remonstrated with him on
this mode of proceeding, he usually replied, " I
am unworthy to associate with gentlemen; it is
even "too much if the sailors condescend to keep
company with me." Even when we prevailed on
him to come into the cabin, 'he remained buried in
thought. For some days after we left Chakodade
he joined the rest of the officers at dinner, supper,
and tea ; but this he soon discontinued, and con
fined himself entirely to his own cabin. Sometimes,
after fasting for the space of three days, he would
devour food in great quantities with the utmost
voracity. It appeared as if he wished by this irre
gular mode of living to bring on himself some fatal
disorder. Such was his behaviour until we arrived
at Kamtschatka.
Lieutenant Rudakoff, Mr. Moor's old shipmate
and friend, was now Commandant of the harbour
of Petropaulowska. He had a short time before
married a beautiful and accomplished young lady,*
and resided in a spacious house. We thought that
if they could be prevailed on to receive Mr. Moor
into their house, that the society of a sensible and
sprightly woman might have the effect of removing
the despondency under which he laboured. We
accordingly made the proposal to Mr. Rudakoff, and
4 * The niece of Major-General Petrowsky, formerly the Com
mandant of Kamtschatka.

220 MEMOIRS OF A
he readily acceded to it. But our hopes were quickly
disappointed, for no difference whatever was pro
duced on Mr. Moor. He frequently withdrew to
some retired place, where he wept aloud, and depre
cated his unhappy fate. On one occasion he so
greatly alarmed Madame Rudakoff, that she con
sidered him a madman, with whom it was unsafe to
live under the same rbof. We then removed him
to the house of a priest, with whom he had resided
before our captivity. Religion and spiritual dis
course might indeed have had a beneficial effect
upon Mr. Moor's mind, had the priest been pos
sessed of any conversational talent ; but, unfor
tunately, such was not the case with Father Alex
ander. He could celebrate Mass and repeat the
Litany without blundering ; but his dissertations on
heaven and -religion were not calculated to produce
any deep impression on the mind of our unhappy
friend. After we were made prisoners in Kunashier,
Mr. Moor's effects had been sold by auction, and
he was now entitled to the sum of 8000 roubles.
We advised him' to provide himself with new clothes
and various other articles, but he replied that he
neither wanted money or any thing else. His dress
consisted of an old Kamtschatdale parki, made of
rein-deer skin. He at length said, that his con
science obliged him to address a report to me, in
which he styled himself a traitor and an outcast,
and declared that he felt himself called upon by all

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. , 221
that he regarded as sacred, to make this confession.
This report was so unconnected, and contained so
many extravagant expressions, that not a doubt
could longer remain of, Mr. Moor having lost his
senses. I immediately wrote a letter of consolation
to my unhappy companion, to assure him that his
error was, not so enormous as he himself accounted
it; that we all wished ta. forget whatwas passed,
and that,, as he was yaung, he would have many
opportunities . of making amends for a fault into
which he had been ; driven by despair: I added,
thathis future .good j conduct, would not fail to re
move all the remorse which agitated his mind. I
requested that Lieutenant Rudakoff would be the
bearer of this letter, and that he would use every
endeavour > to tranquillize his distressed friend. I
afterwards visited him myself,, accompanied by
Captain Rikord, on which occasion we, in some
measure, succeeded in cheering his spirits. He
discoursed, reasonably, thanked me for my letter,
and observed, that, he was unworthy; of so much
kindness. , He ,afterwards occasionally conversed
with:. our .officers, and devoted a portion of his
money to the purchase of clothes. In the course
ofj.a few days he expressed a. wish to take up: hisu
abode in a Kamtschatdale village, where, he ob
served, becould live more at his ease, as the sight
of the Russians, whom he daily met with in Petro
paulowska constantly reminded, him of his miscon
duct. It seemed advisable^ that, iii this particular,

222 Memoirs of a
he should follow his own inclination, and we hoped
that time would heal the wounds which, in his pre
sent situation, every circumstance tended to widen.
Mr. Moor having obtained permission to remove, he
began to make preparations for his departure, and
purchased every thing which he thought would be
necessary for his country life. The individuals
whom for his safety it had been judged necessary
to appoint as his guards were as overjoyed as we,- as
they concluded that their duty of watching would,
in a certain degree, be diminished.
Mr. Moor was exceedingly fond of shooting, and
when he went abroad to enjoy that diversion, one
of the guards was directed to carry his musket,
and to hand it to him when he wished to fire, but
never to leave him for a moment. One day, as he
was out shooting on the shore of Awatscha Bay, he
desired the soldier who accompanied him to return
home . to dinner. " You need not fear," said he,
laughing, "for if I wished to put an end to my
life, I could do so at home with a knife or a sword."
The soldier obeyed. As, however, Mr. Moor did
not return at his usual time, the man went in search
of him, and with horror beheld his bloody and life
less corpse on the shore of the bay. His Clothes
were hanging on a post, and the musket lay by his
side, with a stick on the cock. He had apparently
fired it with his foot. His body was opened, and in
the breast were found two pieces of lead, with
which, instead of balls, he had loaded the .musket.

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 223
He had left on a table in his apartment a paper con
taining the following singular expression: — "That
life had become insupportable to him, and that, at
certain times, he could even fancy he had swallowed
the sun." — It cannot be doubted that he was occa
sionally subject to fits of insanity, and that the fatal
act was committed in one of these paroxysms.
This unfortunate officer terminated his life on the
22nd of November, 1813, in the thirtieth year of his
age. At our own expense we erected a monument
over his grave, on which were inscribed the following
lines :-— HERE REST THE ASHES OF
LIEUTENANT FEODOR MOOR,
WHO TERMINATED HIS CAREER IN THE HARBOUR OF PETROPAULOWSKA,
ON THE 22ND OF NOVEMBER, 1813,
IN THE FLOWER OF HIS AGE.
IN JAPAN
HE WAS ABANDONED- BY THE PROTECTING SPIRIT, WHICH HAD
HITHERTO BEEN HIS GUIDE.
DESPAIR ,
PRECIPITATED HIM INTO ERROR;
BUT HIS FAULTS WERE EXPIATED BY BITTER REPENTANCE AND
DEATH.
FROM THE FEELING HEART .
HIS FATE CLAIMS
A TEAR!

TO HIS MEMORY
THE OFFICERS OF THE DIANA DEDICATE
THIS MONUMENT.

224 MEMOIRS OF A
Mr. Moor was an officer of great merit and ac
complishments. In addition to the knowledge re
quisite for his profession, he was conversant with
several languages,, and Was an admirable draftsman.
He loved the service to which he had devoted his
life, and was zealous and indefatigable in the dis
charge of his duty. In company he was extremely
entertaining.: I had served on board the same ship
with him for five years previous to the unfortunate
catastrophe which befel us at Kunashier. Had not
fate rendered me an eye witness of his faults,. J
never could have believed him capable of such a
change as his eonduct in Japan exhibited.
On the 2d of December Captain Rikord and I
departed from Petropaulowska, drawn by dogs. The
new year, 1814, commenced whilst we were in that
extensive and uninhabitable steep, called the Para-
polsk Valley, which comprehends a space of three
hundred wersts, and where travellers so frequently
fall victims to storms and drifts of snow. After sur
mounting many dangers, we entered the town Inschi-
ginsk, in the middle of February; where the public
service required that we should part; and Captain
Rikord, without hesitation, undertook the task of
retracing his journey. I continued my progress,
and reached Okotzk on the 1 1th of March, having
travelled with dogs a distance of more than 3000
wersts. On quitting Okotzk, I first travelled with
dogs, and afterwards with rein-deer, or horses ; and
when at a distance of 200 wersts from Irkutzk I

CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN. 225
proceeded in post-kibitkes. I arrived at Irkutzk, by
the winter road, at the latter end of April. In the
middle of May I left Irkutzk, and reached St. Peters-
burgh on the 22nd of July.* Seon after my arrival,
I learned that his Imperial Majesty had promoted
me to the rank of Captain of the second guard. I
felt this unexpected favour the more, as I had, about
three years before, been invested with the order of
St. Wladimir, on account of my successful Voyage
from Cronstadt to Kamtschatka, and the attention I
had devoted to the health of the crew placed under
my command. -\ <•¦••¦
His Imperial Majesty afterwards rewarded the
officers of the Diana in the following manner : to
me and Captain Rikord (who had likewise been ap
pointed a Captain of the second rank) he granted an
annual pension of 1500 roubles each, and gave
orders that our narratives should be printed at the
expense of the government. Lieutenants Jakusch-
kin and Filatoff were each invested with the Order
of St. Wladimir of the fourth class. Mr. Chlebni
koff, who was a pilot of the ninth class, Messrs.
Nowitzky and Sredney, pilots of the twelfth class,
and Mr. Popyrin, the master at arms, received pen
sions to the amount of their full yearly pay ; to Mr.

* I left St. Petersburgh on the 22d of July, 1807, and by a
singular accident, after an absence of seven years, I arrived in
that city on the same day of the month, and at the same hour.
vol. ii. a

226 MEMOIRS OF A CAPTIVITY IN JAPAN.
Saweljeff, the clerkof the fourteenth class, was granted
a pension ; to the commissary's assistant, Natsch-
pinsky, the rank ofthe twelfth class ; to the master's
mate, Labutin, the rank of the fourteenth class ; to
the inferior officers, pensions amounting to a full
year's pay; and to the inferior officers,Wwho had
been drafted from Okotzk, a gratuity of one year's
pay. The sailors, who had been prisoners in Japan,
received permission to retire froni the service, and
were allowed annual pensions amounting to their
full yearly pay. The Kurile, Alexei, as a reward
for his good conduct, was presented with a hanger,
and received, instead of a pension, twenty pounds
of powder, and forty pounds of shot.

CONCLUSION OF THE NARRATIVE.

ACCOUNT

VOYAGES TO THE COASTS OF JAPAN;

AND OF

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE,

FOR THE RELEASE OF

CAPTAIN GOLOWNIN AND HIS COMPANIONS.

BY P. RIKORD,
CAPTAIN IN THE IMPERIAL RUSSIAN NAVY.

Q, 2

ACCOUNT

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE.

It was on the 11th of July, in the year 1811, at
eleven o'clock, a. m. and also in the eleventh month
of the year — reckoning its commencement, accord
ing to ancient custom, from September — that the
melancholy event occurred, which has long be^n a
source of painful recollections to all who then served
on board the sloop Diana, and which will never be
erased fiom their memory.
With the circumstances pf the unexpected mis
fortune, which, on that day, befel Captain Golownin,
the reader is already acquainted. That extraordU
nary affair filled us with anxiety and dismay, and
annihilated the hope' of a speedy return to our
country,«with which we had flattered ourselves ori
leaving Kamtschatka, to survey the Kurile Islands :
for as fate had, by that severe stroke, separated us
in so cruel a manner from our worthy and beloved
chief, who had been for five years our constant com
panion in danger, we thought no longer of returning
to pur relatives and friends. Impressed with this

230 ACCOUNT OF
feeling, and relying on the protection of the Al
mighty, the officers and seamen of the Diana una
nimously resolved not to leave the coasts of Japan,
until they had made every possible effprt to deliver
their comrades, if they still lived ; or, if not, to
avenge their death, which it was sometimes feared
they had suffered.
We had followed Captain Golownin and his
escort, with our telescopes, from the ship to the
gates of the fortress. We observed that they were
conducted thither by a great number of men, whom,
from their brilliant and variously coloured dresses,
we supposed to be Japanese officers of distinction.
Implicitly following Captain Golownin's arrange
ments, I entertained not the slightest suspicion of
treachery on the part of the Japanese ; indeed,* so
blindly did I rely on their sincerity, that I even
made festive preparations for the reception of
strangers of, consideration, as I thought it probable
that our captain might invite some of the Japanese
officers to come on board with him. Towards
noon, while these preparations were still in progress,
we suddenly heard on shore the report of muskets
and frightful screams ; we saw a multitude of people
rush out of the gates of the fortress, and run towards
the boat in which Captain Golownin had landed.
We could clearly distinguish, by our telescopes, that
these people hastened forward without any order,
and that they took possession of the mast, the sail,

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 231
the rudder, and all the rigging of the boat. We
could also perceive them dragging one of the boat's
crew and the Kurile into the fortress, through the
gates, which were then shut upon them. Imme
diately a profound stillness prevailed ; the whole of
the buildings, down nearly to the water's edge^ were
hung with striped cotton cloth, so that we were
prevented from seeing what passed behind this cur
tain, and no one appeared in front of it. We were
tortured by the dreadful uncertainty in which we
were suspended respecting the fate of our comrades.
By placing himself in our situation, the reader will
be better able to conceive our feelings than I am
to express them : and if he be acquainted with the
Japanese history, he will readily anticipate what
wfe had to expect from the vindictive character of
that people.
Without a moment's delay, I gave orders for
weighing anchor, and stood in towards the town,
expecting that the Japanese, on perceiving a sloop
of war so near them, would, perhaps, abandon their
intention, enter into negotiations, and deliver up
our friends. But as the depth of the water sud
denly diminished to two fathoms and a half, we
were compelled to cast anchor at a tolerable dis
tance from the land, near enough, indeed, to make
our shot reach the works, but too far off to permit
us to do them any serious injury. Whilst we were
preparing for action, the Japanese opened their bat-

232 ACCOUNT OF
Series on the heights, but their shot passed over us.
;The honour of my country and our flag, which,
though resp.eeted: hyiall civilized powers, was thus
grossly insulted, determined me to fire upon the
plafce. We fired about one hundred and seventy
guns, and observed that our shot reached the bat
teries, but without producing any important effect,
as the whole works towards the sea were surrounded
. by a very . thick earthen wall. We experienced,
rhowevery as little inconvenience !from the enemy's
fire. Considering it, therefore,^unnecessary to re
main longer in this situation^ we. eeasied firing, and
rweighed anchor. The Japanese then became bolder,
and fired away more spiritedly, in .proportion as we
receded from the town. As I had: not a sufficient
number of men to venture a landing,- 1 could under?
take nothing decisive for the deliverance of our
companions. , We were only .fifty-one men, includ
ing officers; we, hadlost-our beloved and honoured
captain, who, in traversing the ocean,/ had watched
• over us ; with an anxious care, under many dif
ferent climates ; and treachery had snatched some
of our bravest companions from among us, who
had, probably, experienced the most' cruel of
deaths:- — these reflections exasperated the whole
crew in the highest degree. They all desired to
avenge the perfidy of the Japanese, and were all
ready to storm the fortress, and execute a dreadful
retaliation, though at the risk of all their lives.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAI'ANESE. 233
With such men, animated wjth such feelings, it
would not have been difficult to have made the
enemy experience serious consequences from their
conduct; but the ship must have been left unpro
tected, and might have been easily set on fire, and
then the bad or good success of our attempt could
not be known in Russia, and all the observations
which we had collected during our voyage in the
Kurile Islands would have ;been lost. We, there
fore, cast anchor without the range^of the gurts of
the fortress, arid determined on writing to our cap
tain. In our letter we expressed our grief for his
loss, and our indignation at the conduct ofthe com
mander of Kunashier, whose aggression was a direct
infringement of the laws of nations. We informed
him that we would return immediately: to Okotzk,
to make known what had happened, but that we
were at the same time all prepared to risk our lives
for his deliverance. All the officers signed this
letter, and it was deposited in the cask which had
been placed near the harbour. Towards evening
we moved farther from the shore, and held our
selves in readiness the whole of the night, in case
of an attack from the enemy ^
Next morning we perceived by our telescopes
that the Japanese were removing their property of
every kind on packhorses, probably from an idea
that we intended to set fire to the town. At eight
o'clock in the morning, as senior officer, I assumed,
though with the most painful feelings, the command

234 ACCOUNT OF
of the ship, and requested all the officers to state in
, writing what they considered the best means to
which we could resort for the deliverance of our
countrymen. They all concurred in opinion that
it would be advisable to discontinue hostilities,
which could have no useful result, but might ren
der the fate of the prisoners worse, or, perhaps, oc
casion the sacrifice of their lives, if the enemy were
otherwise inclined to preserve them ; and that it
would be advisable to return to Okotzk, and to ob-
taia from our government sufficient means either
for delivering our unfortunate comrades, or for
avenging their death.
When it was daylight, I sent the second pilot,
Srednago, in a boat to the cask, for the purpose of
seeing whether the letter we had placed in it the
day before was removed ; but before he reached the
cask, he heard drums beating within the fortress, •-
and returned for fear of beirig taken by the Japanese
baidars. In fact, we soon perceived a baidar put
off from the shore, and at a short distance from it
throw out a new cask with a black pennant. We
weighed anchor, stood into the harbour, and manned
a boat for the purpose of examining whether the
cask contained a letter, or any thing by which we
might obtain some idea of the fate that had befallen
our companions. We ascertained, however, that
the cask was attached to a rope, the other end of
which extended to the shore, and by which it was
imperceptibly drawn back, with the view of en-

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 235
ticing our boat nearer the land, and thus getting
possession of her. We once more cast anchor, and
were again plunged into all the torments of incer
titude. Had our comrades fallen victims to the
sanguinary spirit of Asiatic vengeance ? Or had
the boasted prudence of the Japanese restrained
them from sacrificing seven helpless prisoners ?
The only thing left for us now to do was to make it
appear that we did not doubt the existence of our
unfortunate companions, and that we considered the
Japanese incapable of acting towards prisoners in a
manner inconsistent with the practice of civilized
powers. With this view I dispatched Midshipman
Filatoff in a boat to the promontory", with the linen,
the razors, and some books, belonging to the officers,
all well packed up, also the clothes of the sailors,
each packet having a particular superscription, with
orders to leave these things in one of the deserted
villages. On the 14th with painful feelings we left this
bay, which the officers of the Diana appropriately
named the Bay of Deceit, and steered direct to
Okotzk, almost always surrounded by a thick fogi
This, however, was the only unpleasant circumstance
of which we had to complain during our voyage, as
the wind, was favourable and moderate; but the
storm in my soul raged with unbounded fury, while
we were becalmed a whole day in sight of the de^
tested Island of Kunashier.

236 ACCOUNT OF
A feeble ray of hope, however, sometimes flat
tered me that I was not for ever separated from my
friends. From morning to night I observed the
coast through a telescope, in the expectation of per
ceiving at least one who might have made his escape
in a boat ; but when we reached the Eastern Ocean,
where the fogi scarcely permitted us to see a few
fathoms around.us, theimost gloomy; reflections tor
mented me, and allowed me no repose either day or
night. I inhabited the same cabin which I had for
five years shared with my friend. Golownin; and in
which most of the things remained as he left them
on that unfortunate day : this tended constantly to
remind me of his presence. The officers, oncoming
tome with reports, frequently addressed me from
habit in his name, and whenever this mistake oc
curred the tears started into, our eyes. How often
had. I here conversed with him on the possibility of
re-establishing that good understanding with the
Japanese which had been interrupted by the cul
pable actions of some imprudent men ! How de
lighted were we at "the idea of thus being serviceable
to our country! and now, Golownin, with two dis
tinguished officers and four sailors, were snatched
from among us by people who were notorious in
Europe for their cruel persecution of Christians,
while their fate was to us wrapped in impenetrable
obscurity !
On the sixteenth day of a fortunate voyage, the

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 237^
town of Okotzk began to rise to our view from the
sea. The new church was particularly distinguish
able and attractive to us, who had for a long time
been deprived of the consolation of seeing a church.
The sight of a Christian building is at all times en
livening to the eyes of a sailor ; but how much
more so to those who are struggling with misfortune.
Favourable ideas of the inhabitants of the new
laiiding-place are awakened by it. Here the view
is the more remarkable, as the low promontory, or
rather the sand-bank, on which Okotzk is built; is
not descried* in approaching it from the sea until
the' Whole -town is seen at once.
In order todose no time, I ordered a signal to be
made, by hoisting a flag and firing a gun, and we
lay-to for a pilot. The commandant of the port soon
sent out Lieuteria"ntSchaehpff, with ' instructions to
conduct us to the best anchoring ground. I imme
diately reported to the commandant of the port,
Captain Minitzky, the misfortune which had be
fallen Golownin, who was bound to him as well as
to me by the ties of friendship, ever since we had
served together in the JEnglish fleet. Minitzky
participated most sincerely in our feelings, and to
his prudent advice and active eo>operatiorrin all that
depended on him I am indebted for much conso
lation. ^'Indeed, bad it not been for him, the high
est authorities might, from the unstudied manner
in which I had drawn up my report, have concluded-

238 ACCOUNT OF
that I had not made every possible effort which duty
required for the delivery of Golownin.
, As my stay in Okotzk during the winter could be
of no advantage to the public service, I proceeded
in September, with the consent of Captain Minitzky,
to Irkutzk, with the intention of going to Peters
burgh, in order to inform the Minister of Marine
circumstantially of every particular that had occurred,
and to receive his orders respecting a fresh voyage
to the Japanese coasts for the liberation of our coun
trymen. Thus terminated a voyage which had cost us
many sacrifices, and which we had undertaken
under the consoling persuasion, that, after fulfilling
the orders of our government, and collecting in
formation respecting remote countries, we should
return again into the bosom of our families ; but
the hard fate which had befallen our companions
annihilated this hope.
It was necessary that I should accomplish the
journey to Petersburgh, and back again to Okotzk,
in the course of the same winter. I could not,
therefore, wait to go by the sledge-road from
Jakutzk, where I arrived about the end of Sep
tember, but was obliged to proceed on horseback to
Irkutzk, which journey I completed in fifty-six days.
I rode the whole of the distance, which is three
thousand wersts. I must observe, that this single
journey by land was more fatiguing to me than all

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 239
my sea voyages. To a sailor, who has only been
accustomed to the motion of the waves, the vertical
jolting of a horse is a real torment. In order to
gain time, I sometimes ventured to ride, in twenty-
four hours, two long stages, each of forty-five
wersts ; but I felt afterwards as if I had been broken
on a wheel, and even my jaws refused to perform
their usual office. Besides, the autumn road from
Jakutzk to Irkutzk, which is travelled on horseback
only, is very dangerous, as it consists chiefly of
narrow paths, passing along steep declivities, that
form the banks of the Lena. In many places the
streams were vaulted over with pieces of ice, called
by the inhabitants nakips ;* and, as the Jakutzkan
horses are in general unshod, they often fall on the
ice. Once, as I was riding tolerably fast, without
perceiving a dangerous nakip of this kind, I fell,
top suddenly to extricate my foot from the stirrup,
and rolling down the precipice along with my horse,
paid for my carelessness by a sprained ankle, and
have reason to thank God that I escaped without"
breaking my neck. I would, therefore, advise those
who have to travel such roads, not to allow them
selves to be occupied in thought, as the horses have
a bad habit of climbing up the precipices, and when
they meet with a nakip on an abrupt declivity, the.
fall of the rider is almost inevitable.
* This word signifies, properly, the stoney covering of in-
crusted bodies, or what is formed by the sediment in vessels.

240 ACCOUNT OF
. In Irkutzk I was very kindly received by the civil
governor, Treskin, to whom I was obliged to apply,
in the absence of the Governor-General of Siberia.
He had already received my account from the Com
mandant of Okotzk, and had long since forwarded
it to the superior authorities in Petersburgh, accom
panied with a request that a new expedition should
be dispatched to the Japanese coasts, for the libe
ration of the prisoners. This was to me an unex
pected but very gratifying circumstance (since it
was solely on that account that I had undertaken
the dangerous journey from Okotzk to Petersburgh)
and induced me, with the approbation of the go
vernor, to await in Irkutzk the final decision on the
subject. Governor Treskin displayed great sorrow
for Golownin's misfortune, and assisted me in draw
ing up the plan of the expedition, which was imme
diately forwarded to the Governor- General Pestel
for his inspection. However, amidst the pressure
of. political affairs at that period, the sanction ofthe
Emperor could not be obtained, and I was ordered to
return to Okotzk ; and, with the permission of the
proper authorities, to proceed to complete our still
unfinished survey, in the sloop Diana, and also to
visit thelsland of Kunashier, in order to ascertain
what had been the fate of our companions.
During the winter, the Japanese, Leonsaimo,
with whom the reader has already become ac
quainted, through Captain Golownin's narrative,

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 241
"Xvas, by the express command of the civil governor,
brought to Irkutzk, where, he experienced a very
good reception. Great pains were, taken to con
vince him of the amicable intentions of our govern
ment towards his, in which, as he understood Rus
sian tolerably well, we apparently succeeded ; and
he assured us that the Russians would be taken
care of in Japan, and that the investigation of their
case would soon be brought by his government to
a happy conclusion. In company with this Japa
nese I returned to Okotzk, not as before, on horse
back, but travelling in a convenient winter car
riage along the frozen Lena, as far as Jakutzk,
from which we took our departure at the end of
March. At this season of the year, the blossoms of
spring begin to appear in countries which are
blessed with the smiles of nature; but here so se
vere a winter prevailed that pieces of ice still seryed •
the poor inhabitants instead of panes of glass for
their windows, and were not yet exchanged, as
happens when the thaw sets in, for Muscovy glass ;
the road to Q^kotzk was alsp So deeply covered with
snow as to be rendered impassible to horses.
Neither I nor my Japanese companion had pa
tience to wait till the snow should melt ; we, there
fore, seated ourselves on rein-deers, and their mas
ters, hardy Tongusians, were our conductors. I
must do the justice to this beautiful and useful ani-
VOL. II. R

242 ACCOUNT OF
mal to say, that it is much more convenient for
riding in these countries than a horse ; for the rein-
deer has an equal motion, does not plunge, and is
so tame, that in case of the rider falling, it remains
as it were fixed ta the spot. This we experienced
frequently during the first days of our journey, as
we had many falls, occasioned by the nature of the
saddles, and the manner in which they are placed.
These saddles are very small and unsteady, owing
to their having no stirrups, and being placed upon
the shoulders of the animal, as the back of the
rein-deer is too weak to bear any weight in the
middle. On my arrival in Okotzk, I found that the
Diana had already received the most necessary
supplies. It had, however, as yet been impossible
to procure every thing requisite for fitting her put,
in consequence of the great inconveniences which
the river Ochota presents in many respects. But
in spite of these obstacles, we finally succeeded,
through the activity of Captain Minitzky, in
pjacing the ship in as good a state pf equipment as
could have been accomplished in the best Russian
port. I, therefore, with pleasure, publicly return
him the thanks to which he is justly entitled, for
having so greatly contributed to the success of my
voyage. To increase the number of the DiancCs
crew, he gave me a non-commissioned officer and
ten men of the Okotzk corps of marines ; and, to

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 243
diminish the dangers of the voyage, he placed at
my disposal an. Okotzk transport brig, named the
$otik, to the command of which I appointed Lieu
tenant Filatoff, one of my officers. I likewise se
lected from the number of my officers Lieutenant
Jakuschkin, to command another trapsport, called
the Paul, which was bound to Kamtschatka with
provisions. On the 18th of July, 1812, when everything
was prepared for pur departure, I received into the
ship six Japanese, who had been shipwrecked on
the coasts of Kamtschatka, and whom I wished to
convey back to their country. Some circumstances
attending the shipwreck of these men deserve to
be mentioned. It happened during the same year
in which our comrades were made prisoners on the
Japanese coast ; and, as Providence seemed to have
purposely so' ordained it, out of the whole crew
there remained only a number equal to that of our
countrymen in Japan. According to European
views, it will, therefore, be supposed that an ex
change might now easily have been made, but the
sequel will show how different the Japanese laws
are, in this respect, from ours.
About three o'clock in the afternoon, on the
22d of July, we set sail, in company with the Sotih
brig. My intention was to take the shortest course
to Kunashier, by the Pikoff Channel, or, at least,
by the Straits of Defries. r 2

244 ACCOUNT OF
Nothing occurred ori this voyage .worthy of rei
mark, excepting that we were at one time in very
great danger. On the 27th of July, about mid
day, the clouded sky had so cleared up that we
were enabled, with considerable accuracy, to de
termine our situation, which was found to be thirty-
seven rniles northward of the Island of St. John.
This island was discovered by Billings, on a voyage,
in the ship called Russia's Glory, from Okotzk to
Kamtschatka. Its geographical situation, according
to astronomical observation, is very correctly deter
mined by Captain Krusenstern. In general, all
places, whose, situations this able mariner has de
termined, may serve for the regulation of the chro
nometer, with as much accuracy as the Observatory
at Greenwich. We, therefore, did not entertain
the least doubt cPncerning our situation with respect
to this island, particularly as we had, on the same
day, taken the meridian altitude of the sun pretty
correctly. We, therefore, determined to steer in
such a direction as to pass the island at the distance
often miles, and I made signal to the Sofik to keep
within about half a mile astern of the Diana. I
wished, if the weather should permit, to make ob
servations on the Island of St. John, as it is very sel
dom seen either by the Company's ships or the
Okotzk transports, in consequence of its lying out
of the usual course from Okotzk to Kamtschatka.
On the 28th of July, at midnight, we had a

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 245
;breeze, accompanied by thick fog, through which,
about two o'clock in the morning, we suddenly per
ceived a high rock straight a-head of the ship, and
scarcely twenty fathoms distant. How dreadful
was our situation ! We were in the midst of the
ocean, with a perpendicular rock so near, that we
every moment expected the ship would be shattered
to pieces— who could conceive our deliverance pos
sible ? Providence, however, preserved us. We
instantly endeavoured to put about, and to check
the rapid course of the vessel, in order that, if we
could not entirely avoid the dapger, we might, at
least, diminish the damage that must ensue from
our coming in contact with the rock. We thus re
ceived only some slight shocks on the bows, and
perceiving, an open passage towards the south— for
there were rocks on every side — we directed our
course through it, and in this manner cleared the
rock which had threatened us with destruction, and
others which we descried through the mist. After
effecting this passage we followed the current, and
succeeded in getting through another strait, formed
by rocks of frightful magnitude. We now made
sail, and distanced these threatening rocks. We.
had warned the Sotik, by a fog-signal, of the ap
proaching danger, which she also happily avoided.
The fog dispersed about four o'clock, when we
perceived the whole extent of the danger through
which we had passed. The Island of St. John

246 ACCOUNT OF
was scarcely to be seen for the rocks by which it
was 'surrounded. It is about a mile in circum
ference, and has less the appearance pf an island
than of a rock of a conical form projecting from
the sea, and inaccessible on all sides. Near it, to
the eastward, are four large rocks, but between
which of them the current had conveyed us we
could not in consequence of the thickness of the fog
ascertain. The terror which the view of these rocks
now excited was greater than that which we expe
rienced on the preceding dreadful night, for we
were then so eagerly employed in working the ship,
that we had no time to reflect on the death which
seemed to await us. When, however, we passed the
rock so near that we might have leaped upon it, and
the sloop struck three tinies^ every shock pierced my
very soul. Our voices were so completely, drowned
by the noise of the waves dashing against the rock,
that none of my orders could be heard, ; Despair
rendered my heart torpid, and the last feeling that
remained with me was regret at the idea that the
six Japanese, on whom we had depended for the
liberation of our comrades, were now destined to
perish. Besides the Island of St. John we also saw,
to our great joy, when the weather cleared up, our
companion the Sotik, at a short distance from us.
But the atmosphere soon became more foggy than
ever, and prevented us from seeing farther around
us than to the distance of a few fathoms.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 247
Nothing remarkable happened u after this; for
contrary winds, and impediments of that kind, are
ordinary difficulties in, voyages. About three o'clock
in the afternoon pf the 12th of August we saw
the first land, which was the north end of the
Island Oorpopa, but, owing to thefog, and unfavour
able wind, we could not pass Defries Straits until
the 15th of August; and the same obstacles detained
us thirteen days on the coasts of. Eetooroopa,
Tshikotana, and Kunashier, so that we did not
arrive in the roadstead,. which we had the year be
fore named the Bay of Deceit, until the 28th of
August. As we passed, a gun-shot distance, the works
for the defence of the harbour, we observed that a
new battery of fourteen cannons was erected in two
tiers, one above the other. As soon as we appeared
in the bay, the Japanese concealed themselves :
they did ,not fire, nor could we perceive any move
ment whatever in the place. The whole of the
buildings towards the shore were hung with striped
cotton cloth, so that we could only see the roofs of
the large barracks. All their boats were drawn on
shore. From their not firing, we began to hope
that the Japanese now entertained a more favourable
opinion of us than before, and we cast anchor at
two miles from the works.
It has been already mentioned, that the native
of Japan, called Leonsaimo, whom we had with us.

248 ACCPUNT OF
understood something of the Russian language.
He had been carried away six years before by Lieu
tenant Chwostoff. With his assistance, we pro
posed to draw up a short letter to the governor of
the island, consisting of an extract from a memo
randum which the civil governor of Irkutzk had
written. It stated the reason which had induced
our gpvernment to send the Diana to the Japanese
coasts ; and after describing the treachery practisjad
against Capt. Golownin, concluded in the following
terms : " Notwithstanding these unexpected' hostile
" proceedings, we are bound to fulfil the commands
" of our monarch, and to bring back all the Japa-
" nese who have suffered shipwreck on the coasts
" of Kamtschatka ; whereby it will be evident that
u we do not entertain any kind of hostile intention,
" and we persuade ourselves that the Russian pri-
" sobers will also be restored to us, as innocent per-
" sons, who have done injury to no one. But if,
" contrary to our expectations, such liberation can-
" riot take place, in consequence of its being ne-
'" cessary to await the decision of the Japanese go-
" vernment, or on account of other circumstances,
" we will return next year with the same request."
In the translation of this letter, Leonsaimo, in
whom we had placed all our hopes, betrayed an
evident design to practise some deception. A few
days before our arrival at Kunashier, I had requested
him to set about the translation, but he constantly

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 249
:pretended that the letter was so diffuse he could
-not translate it. " I translate," said he, in his broken
Russian, "I translate what you say, and will write
'¦". short letter. With us letter must not belong:
" we do not love the compliment, but the thing.
" Chinese write so to us and lose all the sense." In
consequence of this Japanese maxim, I was obliged
to let him have his way.
On the day of our arrival at Kunashier, I called
him irito the cabin and requested the letter. He
gave it to me on half a sheet of paper, which was
entirely written over. As in his hieroglyphic mode
of writing a single character sometimes expressed a
sentence, the half sheet probably contained a very
circumstantial description of all that he considered
necessary to communicate to his government, but
which' might prove very disadvantageous tp the set
tlement of our business. I told him that the letter
appeared much too long for my object, and that lie
had, without doubt, introduced a great deal which
related solely to his own affairs. I requested, him,
if he had no objection, to read it to me in Russian.
He. did not seem in the least offended at this re
quest, -but told me that the paper contained in fact
three letters; the first, which was. short, explained
our business ; the second contained an account of
the shipwreck* i of the Japanese; and the third
gave a description ofthe misfortunes, he had himself
experienced in Russia. I told him that it was only.

250 Account op
necessary at present to send the first letter, and that
the others must be deferred until another opportu
nity ; but if he was desirous that they should be
all sent together, that he must give me a copy of
them. He immediately copied the first without
hesitation, but stopped at the others, saying they
were too difficult. " How can they be too diffi-
" cult," said I, " since you wrote them yourself?"
He answered me angrily, " I will sooner destroy
them." He immediately took up a penknife, cut
off the part of the paper on which they were
written, put it in his mouth, and after chewing it
with a cunning and spiteful expression of counte
nance, in a few moments swallowed it in my pre
sence. The contents of the paper thus remained
to Us a mystery ; but what we had, above all, to
regret, was that we had to rely on this malignant
and artful wretch. I now wished to ascertain whe
ther he had actually spoken of our business on the
remaining piece of paper. , During our voyage, I
had frequently conversed with him on many cir
cumstances respecting Japan, and had noted down
the Japanese of a great number of Russian words :
I had also, out of mere curiosity, made him try; to
pronounce and write several Russian family names,
and of course that of my unfortunate friend, Was-
sili Michailowitsch Golownin, which was -always
present to my memory, was not omitted. I now
requested him to shew me the place in the letter

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 251
where this name stood. He did so : I compared
the characters with those I already possessed, and
thus convinced myself that the letter really treated
of Golownin. I now commissioned one of our
Japanese to deliver the letter, in person, to the go
vernor of the island. We put him ashore, opposite
our, anchoring-place. He was immediately sur
rounded by hairy Kuriles, who had probably con
cealed themselves under the thick high grass, in
order to watch our motions. He accompanied them
to the fortress ; and scarcely had he approached the
gate when the batteries began to fire upon the bay.
These were the first shots discharged since our ar
rival. I asked Leonsaimo why they fired, when
they saw that only a single man from the Russian
ship was, in confidence, approaching the town. He
answered : " In Japan it is so, such law : theyido
not kill man but shoot." This unexpected pro
ceeding on the part of the Japanese annihilated
every hope I had formed of being able to negotiate
with them. At first, when we approached the
fortress, they did not fire; but they had now begun
to fire upon our flag of truce in a manner which
was not easy to- explain, but which indicated no
thing favourable. No movement was made on
board the ship; and the boat which had conveyed
the Japanese4 ashore had returned, and lay along
side. At the gate of the fortress he was surrounded
by a multitude of people, and we seon lost sight of

252 ACCOUNT OF
him. Three days passed away in vain expectation
of his return.
'During the whole of this time we were constantly
occupied, from morning to night, in viewing the
shore through telescopes, so that not even the
smallest objects from the place where the Japanese
bad landed to the fortress could escape our notice.
-We often imagined we saw him, and cried out with
joy, " here comes our messenger!" The decep
tions of this kind were, sometimes, of long dura
tion, particularly after sun-set, and in foggy weather,
when the refraction of the rays of light so wonder
fully increased the size of objects, that we often
mistopk a crow, with extended wings, for a Japa
nese in his loose night-gown. Leonsaimo, himself,
frequently stood several hours together with the
telescope in hjs hand, and seemed much: surprised
that nobody came to us. The fortress remained as
closely shut as a tomb.
On the approach of night we always prepared
the ship for action, in case of attack. The deep
silence which prevailed was disturbed only by the
echo of the watch-word of our sentinels, . which
resounded through the bay, and informed our enemy
that we were not slumbering. As we were in want
of. fresh water, I ordered a boat to put ashore, with
armed men, for the purpose of filling our jiwater
casks ; and a second Japanese was also, at the same
time, dispatched on the, same mission as. the former,

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 253
to explain to the governor why the Russian ships
had come to these coasts. I requested Leonsaimo
to send with him a short note ; but he declined,
saying, " As no answer is made to the first letter,
" I fear to write again, in contradiction to our laws."
He, however, advised me to draw up a memorandum
in the Russian language, which the Japanese who
bore it might translate. I did so. In the course
of a few hours this second messenger returned, say
ing that he had been admitted to the governor, and
had presented the paper I had written; which,
however, he would not receive. He then told the
governor that the Russians had sent Some men on
shore to get water. " Very Well," answered he,
" let them take water; and as for you, go back
where you came from." He said no more, and de
parted. Our Japanese had spent some time among
a number of hairy Kuriles ; but as he did not un
derstand their language, he Could learn nothing
from them. He told Us that the Japanese remained
at a distance, and did not venture to approach him;
and. that, finally, the Kuriles had turned him out"
of the gate of the fortress by force. The honest
fellow told me that he wished to have remaiiied on
land, and that he had begged the governor, with tears
in his eyes, to allow him to stay at least for one
night; but was refused. We, therefore, Concluded'
that bur first messenger had met with the same re-;
ception, and that, from the fear of experiencing no

254 ACCOUNT OF
better treatment from us, in consequence pf his
bringing no news of our comrades, he had conceal
ed himself among the hills, or had, perhaps, gone
to some other town on the island. I wished, on
a subsequent day, to provide myself with more
water,, and for , that purpose sent the remaining
empty casks on shore, about four o'clock in the
afternoon. The Japanese, who attentively watched
all Pur motions, began to fire at random, though
our boats were already near the shore. In order
to avoid the least motive for hostilities, I recalled
the boats by a signal, which being observed by the
Japanese,, the firing immediately ceased.
We had now been seven days in the Bay of
Deceit, and it was but too evident that a decided
distrust of our intentions prevailed, for the com
mandant, either from reluctance on his own part,
or by order of his government, refused to hold
any communication with us. How then could we
hope to hear any tidings of our comrades ?
We recollected that we had, in the precedirig
year, left several articles belonging to our unhappy
friends in a fishing village, and we wished to as
certain whether they had been carried away. I
accordingly directed Lieutenant Filatoff, who com
manded the brig, to land and visit the village, ac
companied by a party of armed men. As the brig
approached the shore, a firing commenced from the
batteries, whichj however, owing to the great dis-

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 255
tance, proved ineffectual. After, a few hours had
elapsed, Mr. Filatoff sent to inform me that the
house Jn the fishing village,; where the articles had
been deposited, was quite empty. This seemed a
favourable omen, and we were revived by the hope
that our comrades were still in existence. On the
following day I again sent the same Japanese ashore,
to. inform the commandant why a landing had been
made by the brig. With considerable difficulty I
prevailed on Leonsaimo to translate into the Japa
nese language a short note, in which I requested
that the governor would grant me an interview.
I wished likewise to state my reason for sending
the brig to the fishing village, but the obstinate
Leonsaimo refused to make this explanation. The
Japanese returned at an early hour on the following
morning. The governor had received the letter,
but instead of returning a written answer, he
merely said : " Well, well, the Russian captain
" may hold an interview with me in the city."
This amounted to a decided refusal ; at least, it
would have been absurd in me to have accepted the
invitation. On being informed of our reason for
landing at the fishing village, the governor ob
served ;¦ — " What things ? They were taken away;
immediately." This equivocal answer gave us
once more reason to fear that our unfortunate
friends were no longer in existence. Besides, our
Japanese messenger was not suffered to pass the

256 account of
night in the city, and was* obliged to lie down
among the grass, near the shore, opposite to the
Diana. To carry on any further correspondence
by means of Japanese, who understood not a word
of Russian, appeared perfectly useless. We had
hitherto received no written answer to any of our
letters^ and we were therefore reduced to the alter
native of again quitting the shores of Japan, ha
rassed by the most tormenting uncertainty. Le
onsaimo, indeed, understood Russian ; but, as he
was our only interpreter, we did not wish to dis
patch hirri to the commandant, except in a case of
the most urgent necessity, lest he should be forcibly
detained; or, on his own part, feel reluctant to
return, I, therefore, thought of another scheme. It ap
peared to me, that without any violation of our pa
cific conduct towards the Japanese, we might stop
one of the vessels which we had frequently observed
sailing near us, and thus endeavour to communicate
with some Japanese of distinction, from whom we
might obtain certain information respecting the fate
of our comrades. In this way we expected to re
lease ourselves from our difficulties, and to render un
necessary another voyage to Kunashier, from which
we could hope for no better results than had already
taken place. We anxipusly watched for the space
of three days, but no ship appeared within sight,
and we concluded, that, as the autumn had set in,

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 257
the Japanese had, for the meanwhile, suspended
their navigation.
Our only hope rested now on Leonsaimo, but I
wished, if possible, to ascertain his real sentiments
before I should send him ashore, and fo^ this pur
pose told him, that, as I intended to put to sea on
the following morning, it would be advisable for him
to write a letter to his friends. Ori hearing this his
countenance suddenly changed, and with evident
embarrassment he thanked me for the information,
saying : — " Well, I will merely write to tell them
«' that they never need expect to see me again."
Then with the most violent agitation he exclaimed :
i — " I will put an end to my days ; will go no more
to sea ; must die among the Russians." To detain
a man in such a state of mind could be of little use
to us ; and it was impossible not to recognise a just
ground for the feeling he manifested, when the suf
ferings which he had endured, during his six years
captivity in Russia, were considered. There was,
indeed, reason to fear, that as he was bereft of every
hope of returning to his native country, he would
not fail, in a fit of despair, to commit suicide ; I ac
cordingly resolved to employ him to lay our propo
sitions once more before the gcvernor, and, if pos
sible, to prevail on him to grant me an interview.
On being made acquainted with my deterriiination,
he immediately swore, that if he were not forcibly
detained he would return and bring me all the infer-
VOL. II. s

258 ACCOUNT OF
¦nation he could collect. As there was at least a
probability that the Japanese might not allow him
to return, I thought it advisable to adopt the fol
lowing precautions : — I directed that he should be
accompanied by his countryman, who had already
been sent on shore, and I provided Leonsaimo with
three cards. On the firjst of these cards were writ
ten the words " Captain Golownin, and the rest
of the Russians, are in Kunashier ;" on the second,
" they have been removed to Matsmai, Nangasaky,
or Yeddo ; and, on the third, " they are dead." It
was agreed that in case of Leonsaimo being detained,
he should give one of these cards to the Japanese
who accompanied him, cancelling or adding such
words as the information he should obtain might
require. We landed them on the 4th of September, and
to our great joy we saw them both quit the fortress
on the following day. We immediately sent the
boat on shore for them ; we were cheered by the
hope of hearing some welcome tidings of our friends.
Meanwhile we watched them closely with our teles
copes, and to our astonishment perceived that the
other Japanese quitted Leonsaimo, and turning in a
lateral direction, concealed himself among the
thick grass: Leonsaimo came on board the ship
alone. On my inquiring where his companion was,
he replied, that he knew nothing of him. With
eager anxiety we all thronged to hear his message^

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 259
but he requested to have an interview with me in the
cabin. He then, in the presence of Lieutenant
Rudakoff, stated all the difficulties he had experi
enced in gaining access to the governor, iwho,-with-'
out hearing a word he had to say, inquired " Why
the Captain had not come on shore himself." Leon
saimo replied, that he knew nothing of my reason
for not doing so ; but that the object of his errand
was to learn what had become of Captain Golownin
and the other Russian prisoners. Harassed- between
hope and fear, we waited to hear the answer of the
governor, but Leonsaimo wished first to be assured
that no harm would befall himself on disclbsing
the truth. I assured him that he had nothing to
fear, and he at length pronounced the dreadful
words : — " They are all dead '."-
This information plunged us into the deepest
affliction, and we could not, without horror, cast our
eyes towards the shPre where the bipod of our
friends had been shed. As I had received no in
structions- how-to act in such a case, it appeared to
me that I should be justified in taking verigeance
on the faithless Japanese, being well convinced that
our government would never suffer their atrocities
to pass unpunished.' I wished, however, to obtain
more certain evidence than the mere words of
Leonsaimo, and accordingly sent -him once more to
thefortressy with orders to obtain from the comman
dant a written confirmation of his message. We/
s 2

260 ACCOUNT OF
moreover, promised immediately to liberate him*
and the other Japanese we still had on board, in
case we should resolve to adopt hostile measures ;
at the same time I gave orders for preparing both
vessels for action.
Leonsaimo was to have returned that day, but we
saw nothing of him. The following day likewise
elapsed, and he did not appear ; the expectation of
his return was, therefore, very uncertain ; while, at
the same time, his absence left still subject to a
shade of doubt the sad tidings we had received. I,
therefore, resolved not to quit the bay until we should
fall in with a vessel, or some individual, from whom
we could ascertain the truth.
On the morning of the 6th of September we
descried a Japanese baidare. I immediately dis
patched Lieutenant Rudakoff to capture it, placing
under his command Messrs. Srednago and Sawe-
lieff, two officers who had both volunteered their
services on this first hostile proceeding. Our boat
quickly overtook the baidare, and captured it near
the land. The crew immediately jumped over
board, and escaped ; two Japanese, and a hairy
Kurile were, however, found by Mr. Sawelieff con
cealed among the bushes on the shore, but from
them we could obtain no information. When I
began to interrogate them, they fell on their knees,
and answered every question with the hissing ex
clamation— sche ! sche ! No pains were spared to

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 261
manifest kindness to them, but all our endeavours
to extract information from them proved fruitless.
Heavens ! thought I, what method can now be de
vised to obtain an explanation from these unac
countable people.
On the following morning we saw a large Japa
nese ship steering towards the harbour. I imme
diately dispatched Lieutenant Rudakoff with express
orders not to resort to violence, but merely to terrify
the crew ; and, when they surrendered, to conduct
the captain to me. After a few hours had elapsed?
during which no resistance appeared to be made,
we observed that Lieutenant Filatoff had obtained
possession of the sloop, and was towing her to our
anchoring ground.
On his return, Lieutenant Filatoff reported to me
as follows :— When our boats approached the Ja
panese ship, she seemed to have a great number
of armed men on board ; as she took no notice of
being hailed, but continued her course, some shots
were fired towards her, but in the air. The Japa
nese immediately slackened sail, and lay too ; and as
the ship was close in shore, several of the crew
jumped overboard, in the hope of saving themselves
by swimming. Those who were near our boats
were picked up, the rest either swam ashore or were
drowned. The whole crew of the Japanese vessel amounted
tp about sixty individuals, but only the captain was

262 ACCOUNT OF
brought to me, His rich yellow dress, his sabre,
and other circumstances, indicated that he was a
person of . distinction. I immediately conducted
him to the cabin. He. saluted me according to the
Japanese fashion, with demonstrations of high re
spect. I assured him that he had no cause for ap
prehension,, and with great frankness of manner he
seated himself on a chair in the cabin. I then in
terrogated him in the Japanese language, of which,
I had learned a little from Leonsaimo. Heinformed
me that his name was Tachatay-Kachi, and thathe
enjoyed the rank of a Sindosnamotsh, a term which
intimated that he was the commander, and owner of
several ships; ten he stated belonged .entirely to
himself. He had come from the island of Eetooroop,
and was proceeding to the. harbour of Chakodade in
the Island of Matsmai, with a cargo of- dried fish,
but, contrary winds had obliged him to put into the
Bay. of Kunashier.
>. Iri order ta .make him more readily acquainted
with every thing relative ; to our proceedings, I
shewed him the letter which Leonsaimo had written
to the commandant ofthe island. Having read it,
he suddenly: exclaimed, " Captain Moor and five
" Russians are now in the city of Matsmai." He
then informed me when they had been brought from
Kunashier, through what towns they had been con
veyed, and how long they had remained in each
place, at the same time giving me a description of

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 263
Mr. Moor's person. One circumstance alone tended
to dispirit us : he did not mention a word of Captain
Golownin. We reflected, that in his situation, he
might naturally wish to persuade us that our coun
trymen were still living : yet, how could he invent
so many circumstances in the space of a few mi
nutes. On the other hand, we could in no way
account for Leonsaimo' s conduct. What could
induce him to fabricate a tale so distressing to our
feelings? Perhaps revenge, for the atrocities com
mitted by Chwostoff on the Japanese coasts ; or
was he afraid of being detained on board the
Diana, had he informed us that our comrades were
still living ? But might he not have sent back one
of the cards, without returning himself? It was
possible, after all, such a message had really been
sent by the governor of the island, in order that he
might rid himself of all further trouble ; and fear
might, on "the second occasion," have prevented
Leonsaimo from returning.
Although we were in a state of complete uncer
tainty, there seemed to be a probability that our
comrades were still living, and I accordingly aban
doned all thoughts of hostilities. Our seamen,
however, whose minds had been thrown into a state
of fermentation by the distressing news, were not to
be so easily calmed. Some of them declared to the
officer of the watch that they recognised in the com
mander of the Japanese ship the same chief whom

264 ACCOUNT OF
they had seen on the island of Eetooroop, in the pre
ceding summer, when we held our first conference
with the Japanese. Messrs. Moor and Novitzky were
present at this conference; and the latter likewise de
clared that he perceived a striking resemblance be
tween our prisoner and the officer who was on that
island ; and, besides, recollected perfectly well that the
Eetooroop chief had written down Mr. Moor's name.
The seamen, who by my orders had assembled on
the main deck, then exclaimed : " It is not surpris-
" ing that he should know Mr. Moor's person ; but
" he can give us no tidings of our beloved captain.
"Our comrades have certainly perished, and we
" are all ready to shed our blood to avenge their
" treacherous murder." Although I secretly che
rished the same feelings, I represented to them that
the hope of our companions being still in existence
was revived; but that if, unfortunately, they should
be dead, our government would doubtless soon give
us an opportunity of manifesting our zeal in aveng
ing so foul a crime.
From that moment I relinquished every hostile
demonstration, and resolved to convey Tachatay-
Kachi to Kamtschatka, hoping, that in the course
of the winter we might, through his means, obtain
some positive information respecting the fate of our
companions, and the views of the Japanese govern
ment. He seemed to be far superior in rank to any
of the Japanese with whom we had hitherto com-

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 265
municated, and we consequently supposed that he
was better acquainted with the affairs of his coun
try. We afterwards learnt that he was a very rich
merchant ; and that, being commander of his own
ships, he enjoyed, according to the Japanese laws,
privileges corresponding with those of an officer of
state. We, therefore, called him Natschalnik,
(commander or chief.)
I informed him, that he must hold himself in
readiness to accompany me to Russia, and explained
the circumstances which compelled me to make
such an arrangement. He understood me perfectly
well ; and when I proceeded to state my belief that
Captain Golownin, Mr. Moor, and the rest of the
Russian prisoners, had been put to death, he sud
denly interrupted me, exclaiming, " That is not
" true. Captain Moor and five Russians are living
" in Matsmai, where they are well treated, and enjoy
" the freedom of walking about the city, accom-
" panied by two officers." When I intimated that
we intended to take him with us, he replied with
astonishing coolness, " Well, well, I am ready ;"
and merely requested, that on our arrival in Russia
he might continue to live with me. This I pro
mised he should do, and likewise that I would
convey him back to Japan in the ensuing year. He
then seemed perfectly reconciled to his unlooked-for
-destiny. The four Japanese who still remained on board
the ship understood not a word of Russian, and

266 ACCOUNT OF
were besides so afflicted with the scurvy, that they
would, in all probability, have perished, had they
wintered in Kamtschatka. I, therefore, thought it
advisable to set them at liberty ; and having fur
nished them with every necessary, I ordered them
to be put on shore, hoping, that they would, in gra
titude, give a good account of the Russians to their
countrymen. In their stead, I determined to take
four seamen from the Japanese vessel, who might
be useful in attending on Tachatay-Kachi, to whom
I left the choice of the individuals. But he earr
nestly entreated that none of the seamen might be
removed from his ship, observing, that they were
extremely stupid, and that he feared they would die
of grief, owing to the dread they entertained of the
Russians. The earnestness of his solicitations on
this subject, led me, in some measure, to doubt that
our comrades were really living in Matsmai, and I
repeated, in a decided manner, my determination to
take four of the seamen on board the Diana. He
then begged that I would accompany him to his ship.
When we went on board he assembled the whole of
his crew in the cabin ; and having seated himself
cross-legged on a long cushion, which was placed
on a fine mat, requested that I would take my place
beside him. The sailors all knelt down before us,
and he delivered a long speech, in which he stated
that it would be necessary for some of them to ac
company us to Russia.
Hera a very affecting scene was exhibited. A

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 267
number of the seamen approached him, with their
heads bent downwards, and with ,great eagerness
whispered something to him : their countenances
were all bathed in tears ; even Tachatay-Kachi, who
had hitherto evinced calmness and resolution, seemed
now to be deeply distressed, and began to weep.
I, for some time, hesitated to carry my resolution
into effect, and was only induced to adhere to it by
the consideration that I would hereafter have the
opportunity of interrogating each individual sepa
rately, and, probably,; thereby ascertaining whether
or not our comrades really existed in Matsmai. I
had, however, in other respects, no reason to repent
of this determination ; for the Natschalnik, who
was a man of rank, and accustomed to live in a
style of Asiatic luxury, would have experienced
serious inconvenience on board our vessel, without
his Japanese attendants. Two of the seamen were
always, by turns, near his person. As he knew the
reasons which obliged me to convey him to Russia,
and the message which Leonsaimo had received
from the commandant of the island, I begged that
he would write to the latter a minute explanation of
all that had taken place. He immediately drew up
a letter, ^having, previously inquired the name of
our ship, at what period we had set sail for Ku
nashier, who Leonsainio was, &c.
Tachatay-Kachi, and the sailors he selected, soon
behaved as though our ship had been their own;

268 ACCOUNT OF
and we, on our side, employed every means to con
vince them that we considered the Japanese not as
a hostile, but as a friendly-disposed nation, with
whom our good understanding was only accidentally
interrupted. The same day we received on board,
at my invitation, from the captured vessel, a Japanese
lady, who had been the inseparable companion of
Tachatay-Kachi, on his voyage from Chakodade, his
place of residence, to Eetooroop. She was extremely
desirous of seeing our ship, and the strange people
and polite enemies, as she styled us, and to witness
our friendly intercourse with her countrymen. A
Japanese lady was also, to us, no slight object of
curiosity. When she came on board she appeared
very timid and embarrassed. I requested Tachatay™
Kachi to conduct her into my cabin, and as she ad
vanced I took her by the other hand. On reaching
the cabin-door she wished to take off her straw
shoes ; but, as there were neither mats nor carpets
in my cabin, I explained to her, by signs, that this
singular mark of politeness might be dispensed with
among us. On entering the cabin she placed both
hands on her head, with thepalms outwards, and
saluted us by bending her body very low. I con
ducted her to a chair, and Kachi requested her to sit
down. Fortunately for this unexpected visitor, there
was on board our vessel a young and handsome
woman, the wife of our surgeon's mate. The Ja
panese lady seemed highly pleased on being- intrp-,

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 269
duced to hety and they quickly formed an intimacy.
Our countrywoman endeavoured to entertain the
foreigner with what the women of all countries de
light in : she shewed her her trinkets. Our visitor
behaved with all the ease of a woman of fashion ;
she examined the ornaments with great curiosity,
and expressed her admiration by an agreeable smile.
But the fair complexion of our countrywoman
seemed most of all to attract her attention. She
passed her hands over her face, as though she sus
pected it had been painted, and with a smile ex
claimed, " yoee ! yoee /" which signifies good. I
observed that our visitor was somewhat vain of her
new ornaments, and I held a looking-glass before
her, that she might see how they became her. The
Russian lady placed herself immediately behind
her, in order to shew her the difference of their
complexions. She immediately pushed the glass
aside, and good humouredly said, " varee ! varee /"
(not good.) She herself might have been called
handsome ; her face was of the oval form, her fea
tures regular, and her little mouth, when open, dis
closed a set of shining black lackered teeth. Her
black eyebrows, which had the appearance of having
been penciled, over-arched a pair of sparkling dark
eyes, which were by no means deeply seated. Her
hair was black, and rolled up in the form of a tur
ban, without any ornament, except a few small tor
toise-shell combs. She was about the middle size,.

270 ACCOUNT OF
and elegantly formed. Her dress consisted of six
wadded silk garments*, similar to our night-gowns,
each fastened round the lower part of the waist by
a separate band, and drawn close together from the
girdle downwards. They were all of different
colours^' and the upper one was black. Her arti
culation was slow) and her voice soft. Her coun
tenance was expressive and interesting, and she was
altogether calculated to make a very agreeable im
pression. She could not be » older than eighteen.
We entertairied her with 'fine green tea and sweet
meats, of which she ate. and drank moderately. On
her taking leave I made her some presents, with
which she appeared to be very much pleased.' ^
hinted to our countrywoman that she should em
brace her. When the Japanese observed: what was
intended, she ran into her arms, and kissed her with
a smile. Finally, she was landed on Kunashier, by
the same baidare which carried Tachatay-Kachi's
letter* I now confidently expected that the governor of
the island would send a written communication on
board, if not to me, at least to TachatayiKachiy and
also hoped that he. would order Leonsaimo, whom
Kachi had expressly mentioned, to return and serve
as our interpreter; but instead of «' receiving, any
answer, four'guns were a few days after fired at our
boats,: when they went on shore for water. We
could, therefore; only conclude, that the governor.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 271
had received orders from his government to hold no
communication with us. I despised this inefficient
firing ; and wishing to examine all my prisoners
thoroughly, I determined not to engage in any rash
enterprise which might injure our main object.
As the weather continued fine, I ordered the
anchor to be weighed ; but Tachatay-Kachi re
quested that I would previously allow the sailors of
his vessel the gratification of viewing the Diana'.
They were accordingly conducted over the ship by
turns, and were very curious to be made acquainted
with the use of every thing that was new to them ;
they particularly admired the mechanism of out
running rigging, the bold climbing of our sailors
up the futtock shrouds, and the still more daring
manner in which they ran from the tops out upon
the yards, or ascended to the mast-head. I gave
orders that they should be taken into my cabin,
where they made the same demonstrations of re
spect as if I had been present. Some Russian
brandy was presented to them in silver cups, the
influence of which soon rendered them more lively
and unreserved in their manners. They contrived
to make themselves understood by our sailors, arid
seemed much pleased with our cloth-dresses, shining
buttons, and coloured cravats, which they prevailed
on the seamen to exchange for some of their Ja
panese trifles. Tachatay-Kachi observed some empty
casks pn the deck, and proposed that they should

272 ACCOUNT PF
be sent on board his ship to be filled. His seamen
immediately carried off all our empty casks, and
brought them back filled with excellent fresh water.
The good-natured Japanese then took leave of us,
and returned to their vessel, singing as they rowed
back. We were much gratified at finding our
selves on so friendly a footing with men whom
we had, a short time before, looked upon as our
enemies. In the evening we got under weigh, and imme
diately all the batteries opened their fire. It was
probably suspected that we intended to approach
the fortress with hostile intentions ; but we were at
so great a distance from the batteries, that the
manner in which the Japanese threw away their
shot was to us truly laughable. Our guest likewise
laughed, observing, " Kunashier is a bad place for
the Russians ; Nangasaky is better."
On the following day adverse winds obliged us
to cast anchor in the bay, at a distance of more
than seven leagues from the town : we anxiously
watched, with our telescopes, for the return of the
baidare which had been sent on shore. Kachi,
however, assured us that the baidare would not be
allowed to come out while our vessel remained in
sight of the island.
On the 11th of- September we made sail, direct
ing our course towards Kamtschatka. During our
passage we encountered several violent storms,.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 273
which towards this season of the year are to be
dreaded in all the seas under these latitudes. On
the day of our departure we were for the space of
twelve hours in a state of peril, from which only
the hand of Providence could have released us.
Towards noon a smart gale arose, which soon in
creased to a violent hurricane. The low islands,
between Matsmai and Tschikotana, lie to leeward.-
The Diana could work well to windward, but it
appeared that there was a current, which, in spite
of all our efforts, carried us towards these islands.
The sea was running so high that we could not
hope to bring up : we were, therefore, driven from
the open sea into the straits between Kunashier and
Tschikotana, and were in the greatest danger of
being wrecked. Every time the lead was cast we
observed that we were drawing nearer to the
dreadful islands. At half-past three in the morn
ing we found the depth of water decrease from
nineteen to eighteen fathoms, and that we were
driving, broadside to, upon an island. In this
desperate situation we resorted to the last means by
which we could hope to save ourselves. We threw
out an anchor, but it would not hold, and the lead
shewed that we were in two fathoms less of water,
with a bottom of sand and gravel. We threw out
another anchor; it dragged; and the ship lay
almost on her beam ends, with the waves breaking
over her. At length, having got all our yards and
VOL. II. T

274 ACCOUNT OF
top-masts down, the ship- fortunately righted, and
the anchor held. Thus were we, a second time,
delivered from apparently unavoidable destruction.
As Tachatay-Kachi occupied the same cabin with
me, I had every opportunity of communicating with
him. For a long time I strove in vain to collect
from him some information respecting Golownin.
He listened very attentively to the description I
gave of his rank and name, and constantly repeated,
" I know nothing of himv" I was aware that our
Russian family names must have a singular sound in
the ear of a Japanese. I endeavoured to pronounce
the name " Golownin" in all the different ways I
could think of, and at length, to my indescribable
joy, Kachi exclaimed, " Choworin! I have heard
of him ; he is likewise in Matsmai. The Japanese
suppose him to be a Russian Danmio" (that is to
say, an officer of the first rank.) He then pro
ceeded to inform me what he had heard respecting
Captain Golownin from persons who had seen him :
" He is," said he, " tall, of stately deportment,
more reserved in his manners than Mr. Moor, and
is not fond of smoking tobacco, though the Ja
panese have given him the best that can be pro
cured. Mr. Moor, on the contrary, loves to smoke
a pipe, and understands our language tolerably well."
This minute description bariished all our doubts,
and we thanked Providence for having sent us a
guest capable of communicating such welcome

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 275
intelligence. I . was now doubly overjoyed op re
flecting that I had doubted the truth of the answer
brought by Leonsaimo, and had not proceeded to
hostilities, as I at first interided* I learrit from our
prisoner, that he sailed every year from Niphon to
Eetooroop, with goods pf various kinds,, and re
turned with cargoes of fish ; hut I was much asto
nished at his not knowing Leonsaimo. I suspected
that I did not pronounce the name rightly, and
shewed him my memorandum book, in which Le
onsaimo had himself written his own name, and
that of his native city, Matsmai. Kachi read the
signature, and declared that no merchant of that
name had ever lived at Eetooroop ;i he added, that
he knew every one on the island, and even told me
their names. I now repeated all, the names which
Leonsaimo had attributed to himself, viz. Nagat-
shema, Tomogero, and Chorodsee. On hearing the
latter name, he laughed, and. exclaimed with asto
nishment, " What, Chorodsee ! I kripw him ; and
so he has represented himself in Russia as an
QyagodoF (a chief over the Kuriles,). "Yes,"
answered I, " and he stated that he was a wealthy
man." "He never possessed a single baidare,"
replied Kachi : " he was a banin (an overseer of a
fishery), and had also the charge of the corres
pondence, as he was a good penman. He is not a
native of Matsmai, but of the principality of
Nambu, and is married to the daughter of a hairy
t 2

276 account of
Kurile." Kachi uttered these last words with a
contemptuous expression, and drew his hand across
his throat, as if to signify that Leonsaimo would
forfeit his head were it known in Japan that he as
sumed a rank to which he had no claim.
This unexpected discovery induced me to believe
that the Japanese whom I had dispatched to the
governor of the island might have yielded to
wicked instigations, or acted treacherously, in order
to gratify a base revenge. It besides appeared, that
I was wrong in attributing the escape of the Ja
panese, who had left Leonsaimo near the fortress, to
the fear of coming back to us ; for I learnt from
Tachatay-Kachi that Japanese subjects who have
lived more than one year in a foreign country, are,
on their return home, prohibited from repairing,
under any pretence, to their own families, but are
sent to Yeddo to undergo an examination, where
they are generally detained for the remainder of
their lives, without the hope of ever seeing their
friends again. Our Japanese had lived about a year
in Kamtschatka, and consequently that circumstance
accounted for their non-appearance.
On leaving the Stormy coasts of Japan, we soon
found ourselves among the Kurile Islands, off La
Bussole Straits, so named by the celebrated La
Perouse. ¦ The weather was sufficiently clear to
enable us to make astronomical observations. We
purposely sailed through these wide straits' into the

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 277
sea of Okotzk, and observed the western coasts of
some of the islands, situated towards the north.
We then passed into the eastern ocean, through an
unexplored strait, between the islands of Roikoke
and Matau. As this strait had, as yet, received
no designation on any chart, I gave it the name of
Golownin, as a mark of respect to our unfortunate
captain, who has contributed so much to give cele-^
brity to the object of our voyages in these seas.
On the 2 2d of September we discpvered the top
of the extinguished volcano of Kamtschatka, which
was covered with snow. The valleys were, how
ever, beautifully verdant, and the temperature of
the atmosphere was mild. Kachi observed, that in
the course of his voyages to Eetooroop and Ooroopy
in the same season of the year, he had seen more
snow on the coasts of these islands, and had expe
rienced a degree of cold far more severe. We ap
proached the Bay of Awatscha with favourable
winds, and hoped to enter the harbour of Petro-
paulowskoi on the following day. But the wind
changed, and we were driven twice out to sea. On
working up to it with great difficulty for the third
time, we were again, during a dark night, in great
danger of shipwreck. We entered the harbour on
the 3d of October, where we found three ships?
one laden with provisions, from Okotzk ; and the
other two, bearing the American flag, belonged to
Mr. Dobell, a citizen of the United States. They

278 ACCOUNT OF
had taken in their cargoes partly in Canton and
partly in Manilla. Mr. Dobell himself commanded
one of these vessels, and had formed an excellent
plan for establishing commercial relations between
Kamtschatka and Chiria, or other neighbouring
countries possessing valuable productions.
My first object was to send our good Japanese
on shore. He appeared extremely disconsolate, but
this I attributed to the protracted hardships which
he' had endured on the voyage. His distress, how
ever, arose from a very different .cause. Our friends
came from the shore to congratulate us on our safe
arrival, and Kachi now began to lament his fate.
Judging from the laws of his own country, he sup
posed that he would be kept as close a prisoner as
our comrades in Japan, and was much astonished at
being allowed to reside not merely in the same
house, but in the same apartment with me.
On the 1 2th of October we went ashore together,
after having given an entertainment on board the
ship, to celebrate our triple escape from ship
wreck. Thus terminated our first voyage to Japan,
the result of which was the satisfaction of knowing
that our comrades were still in existence, and that
proved an ample reward for all the hardships we
had undergone.

As Tachatay-Kachi had, during twenty years,
been in the habit of visiting all the harbours of his

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 27i)
native country, had considerable knowledge of na
vigation, and carried on an extensive trade, it was
obvious that he must be a person known'to the Ja
panese goyernment. His polished manners proved
that he belonged to the superior class of society.
I had been reluctantly the author of his misfortune,
and it afforded me no little consolation to find that
he did not give way to despondency. On the con
trary, he cheered himself with the patriotic reflec
tion, that he should be able, on his return home, to
prove that our government entertained no hostile
designs against Japan, and he pledged his existence,
that if an embassy were dispatched to Nangasaky,
our countrymen would be immediately liberated.
Whilst we enjoyed the society of a man so well in
formed, and so entirely devoted to our interests, I
was mortified that the Japanese interpreter of Ir
kutzk was not with us, and that he could not pos
sibly visit Kamtschatka until the following year.
However, our mutual anxiety to become intelligible
to each other, induced Kachi to learn Russian in
the course of the winter, and we were soon able to
converse together, even on abstract subjects. I re
lated to him all the imprudent transactions which
had excited the displeasure of the Japanese, our
abortive embassy to Nangasaky, &c. He said, that
when the arrival of the Russian ships was known
at Nangasaky, all the Japanese earnestly wished for
the adoption of a commercial treaty with Russia ;

280 ACCOUNT OF
and that when certain events (a cruel breach was
his expression) led to the dismissal of the ambas
sador, all Japan was displeased with the governriient.
Whilst communicating information respecting his
country, and expressing his wish to see a trading in
tercourse opened between Russia and Japan, he
would often say : — " I perceive in my misfortune the
" finger of God, who hath chosen me for his instru-
" ment. I had no important reason for putting into
" the Bay of Kunashier ; it happened accidentally.
" I had not been there for five years before, and I
" came in time to prevent your hostile attack,
" whereby I have .saved the lives of some dozens
" of Russians, and perhaps hundreds of Japanese.
" This idea animates me, and I hope, notwithstand-
" ing my weak state of health, to be able to with-
" stand the severe climate of Kamtschatka."
The attention and sympathy which all the Rus
sians manifested toward Kachi made so deep an im
pression in the heart of this worthy man, that he
meditated day and night on drawing up a report to
his government, which he intended should give a
very different account of the Russians from any yet
presented 4)y a Japanese. Far superior in education
and understanding to any of the Japanese who had
formerly been among us, he clearly perceived that
the good of his country, on which he never reflected
without emotion, required an amicable adjustment
of the differences which had arisen, and in the

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 281
course of which our government had taken no part.
He was convinced, that if these differences conti
nued, his country would be the principal sufferer.
He, therefore, strove to represent the singular con
duct of the Japanese, as well as their laws and cus
toms, which are calculated to excite prejudice in
the minds of foreigners, in as favourable a point of
view as possible. He observed, that they never en
tertained the design of carrying on a useless contest
with a powerful neighbouring empire, though the
transgression of some of our countrymen had obliged
them to take up arms in their own defence, and had
raised in their minds an idea that Russia enter
tained hostile designs against them ; a notion which
would easily have been removed, had Japan, like
other powers, maintained communications with her
neighbours. This was, however, prohibited by their
laws ; and it was, consequently, impossible to ascer
tain whether or not those atrocities had been com
mitted by order of our government. Warlike pre
parations were then made throughout the whole of
Japan, but the object of the Japanese was merely
to obtain an explanation from the Russian govern
ment. " I am confident," said he, " that a message
" from the Governor of Irkutzk, declaring that
" ChwostofFs proceedings were totally unautho-
" rised, would be sufficient to obtain the liberation
" of your comrades." These were not merely empty
words, nor were they uttered by Kachi with the

282 ACCOUNT OF
view of accelerating his liberation. We had, sub
sequently, full experience of their truth ; and he
actually became the instrument, whereby the dif
ferences between the two. powers were adjusted, the
deliverance of our countrymen was accomplished,
and some points, which, if not very important, are
yet opposed to the laws of the Japanese empire,
were firmly established for the future.
I briefly reported to the Commandant of Okotzk
all that had taken place, and requested that he
would furnish me with an official letter from the
Governor of Irkutzk to the Bunyo of Matsmai,
adding, that I was myself ready to proceed to
Okotzk to obtain this letter, and that Tachatay-
Kachi had undertaken to deliver it personally to
the bunyo. We were to land Kachi at Kunashier,
whither he proposed to transmit decisive answers
and information respecting our comrades. Such
was the plan we laid down for our future expedition.
Kaohi continued tranquil and in good health until
the middle of winter, when the death of two of his
attendants greatly affected him. He then became me
lancholy and peevish ; he constantly complained of
indisposition, and asserted that he had the scurvy in
his feet, of which, he told the surgeon, he was cer
tain he would die. Our surgeon was, however, well
aware, that his real disorder was nostalgia, or an
anxiety for home. He feared that he would be de
tained in Okotzk, whither I intended to take him,

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 283
and he finally disclosed this apprehension to me.
As the whole success of our plan depended upon
his safe return to his country, I immediately deter
mined to convey him direct to Japan, without waitr
ing for an answer from Irkutzk. When I informed
him of this resolution, he called for his two remain
ing seamen, and communicated the joyful intelli
gence to them. He then requested that I would
allow - him a few moments privacy with his two
attendants. I withdrew into the next room, be
lieving that they wished to pray without any wit
ness being present ; but. he soon came to me in his
state dress, with his sabre by his side, and his two
attendants behind him, and made a speech strongly
expressive of his gratitude. I was surprised and
moved, and again vowed to him the fulfilment of
my promise.
In April, when we began to prepare for our
voyage, I received from the Governor of Irkutzk
orders, as Naval Commander at Kamtschatka, to
carry into execution our new plan, which now had
received the sanction of Superior authority; and, in
case I should, agairi sail for the Japanese coast, to
leave Lieutenarit Rudakoff as my substitute in the
Command of the station. In consequence of these
orders, I took Lieutenant Filatoff, who had com
manded the Sotik brig, on board of the Diana, tp
supply the place of Lieutenant Rudakoff. The Sotik,
which had been separated from the Diana in the

284 ACCOUNT OF
storm off Kunashier, in the preceding autumn, was
afterwards wrecked on the coast of Kamtschatka,
but the crew and part of the stores were saved by
the activity of Lieutenant Filatoff.
On the 6th of May we cut through the ice, and
got the Diana into the roads in the Bay of Avatscha,
whence we sailed on the 23rd of May. After a fa
vourable voyage of twenty days, we cast anchor in
the Bay of Deceit, at about the same distance from
the Japanese fortifications as on the former year.
In pursuance of the advice of Tachatay-Kachi, his
two sailors were desired to prepare themselves for
going on shore. The buildings were, as formerly^
concealed by striped cotton cloth. No guns were
fired, but not a living being was to be seen along
the whole of the coast. Before their departure the
two Japanese sailors came into the cabin to thank
me, and to receive the message which their Nats-
chalnik wished to send to the Natchalnik of the
Island. I took this opportunity of asking Tachatay-
Kachi whether he had commissioned his sailors to
bring back circumstantial information respecting
my countrymen, and whether he pledged himself
for their return. He answered in the negative. I
was startled at his refusal.-r-" You are surprised,"
said he, " because you do not know our laws." — " I
do not, indeed, know them all," I replied ; " but
since it is so (turning to the Japanese sailors,) tell
the Governor of Kunashier from me, that if he pre-

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 285
vents you from returning, and permits me to receive
no information, I will carry your Natschalnik back
to Okotzk, where some ships of war will this very
year be fitted out, and armed men put on board of
them, to demand the liberation of the Russian pri
soners. I will wait only three days for his answer."
At these words Tachatay-Kachi changed coun
tenance, hut said, with niuch calmness,—r" Com
mander of the Imperial Ship (he always addressed
me thus on important occasions,) thou counselest
rashly. Thy orders to the Governor of Kunashier
seem to contain much, but, according to our laws,
they contain little. In vain dost thou threaten to
carry me to Okotzk. My men may be detained on
shore ; but neither two, nor yet two thousand sailors
can answer for me: Wherefore, I give thee previous
notice, that it will not be in thy power to take me
to Okotzk: — but of that, hereafter. But,' tell me,
whether it be under these conditions only that my
sailors are to be sent on shore ?"
" Yes," said I ; " as commander of a ship of
war I cannot, under these circumstances, act other
wise." " Well," replied he ; " allow me to give to my
sailors my last and most urgent instructions as to
what they must communicate from me to the Go
vernor of Kunashier, for now I will neither send the
promised letter, nor any other written document."
After this conversation, during which he sat, ac-

286 ACCOUNT OF
cording to the Japanese custom, with his legs under
him, he rose up, and addressed me very earnestly
in the following terms :-**" Thou knowest enough of
Japanese to understand all that I may say, in plain
and simple words, to my sailors. I would not wish
that thou shouldst have any ground to suspect me
of hatching base designs." He then sat down
again, when his sailors approached him on their
knees, and, hanging down their heads, listened with
deep attention to his words. He then reminded
them, circumstantially, of the day on which they
were carried on board of the Diana; of the man
ner in which they had been treated on board the
ship and in Kamtschatka ; of their having inha
bited the same house with me, and being carefully
provided for ; of the death of their two countrymen
and the Kurile, notwithstanding all the attention
bestowed on them by the Russian physician ; and,
finally, that the ship had hastily returned to Japan
on account of his health. All this he directed them
faithfully to relate, and concluded with the warmest
commendations of me, and earnest expressions of
gratitude for the care which I had taken of him at
sea and on land. He then sunk into a deep silerice
and prayed. Hereupon, he delivered to the sailor
whom he most esteemed his picture, to be conveyed
to his wife; and his large sabre, which he called
his paternal sword, to be presented to his only son
and heir. After the whole of this solemn ceremony

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 287
was finished, he stood up, and with a frank, and, in
deed, a very cheerful expression of countenance,
asked me for some brandy to treat his sailors at
parting. He drank with them, and accompanied;
them on deck without giving them any further
charge. — We then landed them, and they proceeded,
without interruption, towards the fortress.
All that passed between Kachi and the sailors who
were separated from him, together with the signi
ficant words — " It will not be in thy power to take
me to Okotzk," gave me much anxiety. The return
of the sailors appeared to me very uncertain. I
could retain their sick master as a hostage, but I
could not prevent his rash speech from being
realised. Whether I should put him ashore was a
matter of difficult deliberation, and yet, all circum
stances considered, that appeared to me the course
likely to prove most beneficial tp our imprisoned
comrades. In case he should not return, I resolved
to proceed immediately to the fortress. I knew
enough of Japanese to make myself understood, and
I thought if our companions were still alive, such a
proceeding could, not render their fate worse; while,
in case they were dead,, the whole affair, together
with all my anxieties, would be speedily brought to
a decision. I communicated my ideas to the senior
of my officers, as it was necessary for the service to
give him early information, in consequence of the
execution of some duties remaining yet incomplete.

288 ACCOUNT OF
As he concurred with me in opinion, I told Kachi
that he might go on shore as soon as he pleased, and
that I would trust to his honour for his'return. If he
did not come again it would cost me my life.
"I understand," answered he. " Thou darest not
return to Okotzk without a written testimonial of
the fate of thy countrymen ; and, for my part, the
slightest stain on my honour will be at the expense
of my life. I thank thee for the confidence placed
in me. I had before resolved not to go on shore ori
the same day with my sailors : that would not be
come me, according to our customs ; but now,
since thou hast no objection, I will go ashore early
to-morrow." " I will convey you thither myself," answered I.
" Then," he exclaimed, with transport, " we are
friends again ! I will now tell thee what I meant
by sending away my portrait and- my paternal
sword. But I must first confess, with that candour
which I have invariably observed towards thee for
the space of three hundred'days, that I was much
offended by thy message to the Governor of Kuna
shier. The menace of sending ships of war here '
during the present year did not concern me, but on
hearing thy threat to convey me to Okotzk, I be
lieved that thou didst regard me to be as great an
impostor as Gorodsee (Leonsaimo) : I could, indeed,
scarcely persuade myself that thy lips had uttered
such an injury to my honour. For three hundred

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 289
days thou hadst. never spoken an unkind word to
me; whilst I, owing to my fiery temperament, had
frequeptly yielded to fits of passion without any
cause. But, on this important occasion, anger
overcame thy reason, and in a moment didst thou
dispose me ,to become a , criminal and a suicide.
That a man of my rank should remain a prisoner in
a foreign country, is repugnant to our national ho
nour ; yet thou wouldst reduce me to that condition.
I willingly accompanied thee ,to Kamtschatka ; and
my government was informed of that circumstance,
for I sent a message to Kunashier, explaining thy
reasons for visiting my ship. The sailors alpne were
compelled to accompany thee against their incli
nation. Thou wert the strongest party ; but though
my person was in thy" power, my life was not at thy
disposal. I will now disclose to thee my secret
design : I had resolved to commit suicide in case
thy purpose. remained unchanged: I therefore cut
the central tuft of hair from the crown of my head,
(he shewed me the bald part from which the hair
had been removed,) and laid it in the box which
contained the portrait. This, according to our Ja
panese customs, signifies that he who sends his hair
in this manner to. his friends has died, an honourable
death ; that is to say, has ripped open his bowels.
His hair is then buried, with all the ceremonies
which would be observed at the interment of his
body. Thou caUest me friend, and therefore I con-
vol. n. u

2L!0 ACCOUNT OF
ceal nothing from thee. So great Was my irritation
that I would have killed both thee and the senior
officer, for the mere satisfaction of afterwards com
municating what I had dprie to thy ship's crew."
What a strange sense of honour according to
European ideas! But the- Japanese consider such
conduct mpst magnanimous. The memory of the
hero is preserved with respect, and the honour of the
deed descends to his posterity. If, on the contrary,
he should fail' to act in this manner, his children are
bariished from the place of their birth. Yet I had
lived in the same cabin with a man possessing these
terrible ideas ; and had slept tranquilly near him, in
the confidence of perfect security. While shocked
by the discovery of the danger from which I had
escaped, I could not help askihghim why he would
have so limited his vengeance, as it was in his power,
by setting 'fire to the magazine, to destroy us all.
" No," said he, " what bravery would there have
been in that ? A coward alone would satiate his
revenge in such a manner. Dost thou imagine
that I would have killed thee in thy sleep, while I
honoured thee as a valiant Natschalnik? No, I
would have gone more openly to Work."
Extraordinary man ! after all, I could not avoid
esteeming him more highly than before.
The next day I embarked, with my reconciled
friend, for the shore. On approaching it we saw
two Japanese coming out of the fortress, and, to

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 291
our great joy, we recognised them1 to be Tachatay-
Kachi 's sailors.' We" larided,^ arid 'waif ed for1 therri
beside the stream opposite !tb which 'bur- ship" lay. ¦
They informed us that the Governor of KUriashier
had received1 f hern kindly, arid had granted my" re
quest respecting the supply of wafer/ bn conditiori1
that I' should not allow my men to land 6n that
side of the rivulet nearest the fortress. ' They added,
that three officers of distinction had come, on our
account, to Kunashier,' and, on mentioning their
names, Tachatay-Kachi 'recognised the 'two eldest
as his intimate friends. Further than ; this the
sailors' knew nothing^ except that the gbvernor had
expressed a desire to speak with their master as
soon as possible. : He noticed some trifles which I
had given thepi, and would not permit them to
retain any thing; They accordingly brought back
every article, even pins and needles, all tied up in a
parceL This I thought indicated no very friendly
disposition ;' but Kachi removed my apprehensions,
by iriformiri^ riie that the Japanese laws prohibited
his countrymen from receiving pfeseritsf
One of the ; sailors delivered me a box full of
papers, which hadbeen sent by the Governor of
Matsmai. I eagerly proceeded "to open it, in the
expectation of finding letters from our comrades ;
but Tachatay-Kachi prevented me. " Repress:your
curiosity," said he t " that box probably contains im^
portant papers froitfbur government to your's/' He
u 2

292 ACCOUNT OF
then took it from me, observed his usual demon
strations of respect, and having raised the box three
times above, his, head, said,, ".All is favourable to us I
I say to us, for I now feel, myself half a Russian.
All will be well, if you permit me to convey the
bpx back tp the governor. To-morrow morning,
I will, not fail to restore it. to you. Such are the
forms which the customs of our country render ne
cessary."* I hesitated for a few moments ; but suddenly
recollecting myself, and , without manifesting the-
slightest distrust, I declared that I would follow his
advice. We parted. I tore one of my handker
chiefs through the middle, and gave him one ofthe
piepes, saying, " I will regard as a friend whoever
brings back this half of my ^handkerchief within
two or three days at furthest. He replied, in a firm
tone of voice, that death alone should prevent him
from fulfilling that duty. Next morning he would
return pn board the ship ; in the meantime he
wished me to allow his seamen to accompany him.
To this I readily acceded, went on board, and made
the ship be kept ready for action during the night.
On the following day our sentinels informed me
that they had observed two men quit the. garrison,
* Probably, because it would have been considered, by the
Japanese, a want of respect to suffer a common sailor to pre-'
sent the box to the commander of a ship of war.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 293
and that One of them carried something white in
his hand, which he was constantly waving about.
This proved to be Kachi. I immediately sent out
the boat, and he soon arrived, accompanied by one
of his sailors. To our great joy, he informed us
that, according to letters from Matsmai, all our
comrades were well, except the pilot, who had been'
so dangerously ill that he had tasted nothing for the
space of ten days, and, moreover, refused to follow'
the^ prescriptions of the Japanese physicians: the
latest account, however, stated that he had, iri some
measure, recovered. He then delivered to me, in
the cabin, the official paper which, had' been in the
before-mentioned box, and which was a letter from
the Bunyo of Matsmai to the Commandant of Ku
nashier, written in the Japanese language, with a
Russian translation. Igave'Kachi a riote, acknow-'
ledging the receipt of this paper, to be taken back
with him to Kunashier ; and by his advice I also
declared my readiness to sail straight to Chakodade/
Pn condition that two Japanese should be allowed'
to accompany me, by whose means T might be en
abled to'commence regular communications. Kachi
undertook to explain to the' commandant the con
tents of this letter, and in the evening we put him'
ashore. Kachi returned next day, notwithstanding the
rainy state of the weather, and stated that, though
ithe governor considered my proposal extremely rea
sonable, yet he was not authorized to'act ori his own

294 ACCOUNT OF
opinion in such a case* He had, therefore, sent an
express to, Matsmai with my last letter, and the one
which I had written when I first airived at Kuna
shier. "There are Russian interpreters in Mats
mai,"' said Kachi. He assured me that the post
would return in twenty days. Taking into consi
deration all these favourable circumstances, I re
solved to wait for the answer of the Bunyo of Mats
mai. I wished to employ the intermediate time in
drawing up a correct survey of the Bay of Deceit.
For this purpose I requested that the Commandant
of Kunashier would permit the boats to sail about
in various directions. He, however, sent me a -very,
polite answer, stating that his ipstructipns, obliged
him to decline granting this permission,; we could,
therefore, only land at the. rivulet already; mentioned,
and on the condition before stated. .The very civil
terms in which this answer was , couched afforded
us at least sonie consolation. In the meanwhile,
Kachi, on every third day, brought us information
of all that .took place. In his name his sailors fre
quently brought us presents of fish, which I dis
tributed in, equal portions among the crew. He
gave strict or^s, that they should receive no pay
ment in return for, these; presents^ and : always ex
pressed his regret that the unproductive state of the
fishery prevented him fromj .^eing more liberal in
his gifts. Indeed we did, not, during the whole
time, receive more than seventeen fish.
Whenever Kachi came on board our ship the day

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 295
was always observed as a holiday. His first visit
took place on the 14th of July. In the course pf
our confidential conversation, I observed that I had
read the letter from Matsmai several times over, and
that; I was astonished to , find that it pontained no
mention of the very important circumstances
through which he had become our prisoner. At
first he himself seemed surprised at this, and fre
quently made use of the emphatic Japanese excla
mation, " Fissingi /" But after a little reflection,
he said, " No ! it is easily accounted for. Accord
ing to our laws, you were justified in proceeding to
hostilities, after having been infornied that your
countrymen were dead. Had you even put me and
all my crew to the sword, pur government, under
the present circumstances, when inclined to friend
ship, would still have taken no notice of the event.
I have ascertained that Gprodsee did not deceive
you, but that the answer which he delivered to you
was such as he really received from the command
ant, who was greatly irritated by the attack pf
Chwostpff. He burned with desire to measure his
strength with your's, and anxiously awaited the
moment when you should attack the fortress. The
whole garrison, consisting of about three hundred
Japanese, had sworn to perish sword in hand.
They, therefore, according to the custom of war,
prepared for their funerals while living ; for every
man cut the, tuft of hair from the crown of his

296 ACCOUNT OF
head, and these locks were all deposited in one box,
each wrapped in a separate piece of paper, on
which was written the name of the individual to
whom it belonged. On your first hostile movement,
this box was to be forwarded to Matsmai. As I
know your spirit, I am well aware that a horrible
carnage would have ensued. The superiority of
your artillery might have ensured you the victory,
but it would have been only of short duration. Few
of your people could have escaped death, for the
Japanese had learnt, from the conduct of Chwostoffs
crew, that your countrymen are passionately fond of
strong liquors, and they were therefore prepared to
poison all the spirits/'
He also stated that the commandant regretted he
could not supply us with fresh provisions ; but that,
though the fishing season had not yet commenced,
boats had been sent out for the purpose of catching
fish." Kachi himself promised to bring us sortie on
the first draught, and on our requesting that he
would riot give himself so much trouble, he replied:
"It cannot be too much: the first fruits of our
labours should always be preserited to our fri'erids."
We landed him again at the rivulet, whence he had
to walk at least the distance of two wersts to the
fortress. Bad weather prevented him from visiting us
next day. On the l6th, ' however, he came so
early that our sentinels did not perceive him until

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 297
he had reached the rivulet, and was waiting for
our boat. I was vexed at this accident, and on his
arrival I made an apology ; observing that we could
not have expected him to sacrifice his rest in such
a way. He frankly acknowledged that he had felt
Offended at the delay. " From the moment I
quitted the garrison," said he, " I continued to
wave the white handkerchief; and had the boat
been a few moments longer arriving, I should
certainly have returned." I thought it proper to
reprimand the sentiriels in the presence of this
punctilious old man. " You seem surprised,"
added he, " at my early visit. The governor en
deavoured to dissuade me from coming ; but it is
impossible to break one's word. Yesterday I spent
a miserable day. I waited for the return of the
fishermen, until it was too late to come to you. I
could not enjoy a moiherit's sleep in consequence
of not havirig fulfilled my promise. At break of
day I arose ; and having drunk a Cup of tea, hast
ened hither with all the fish which were caught
yesterday. They are, as you see, but fourteen iri
number. I shall to-day enjoy the satisfaction 'of
partaking of the first fresh fish, in company with
you ; for I have as yet ate none on shore." What
cordiality! I did riot attempt to thank him, but
merely said, " You are my friend, arid friends un'-'
derstand each other."
Our dinner was served ; up before the usual

298 ACCOUNT OF
hour, as Kachi frequently mentioned the keenness
of his appetite. The fish, • cooked with common
Japanese grits, was our first and last dish. Kachi
ate an uncommonly hearty dinner; and I thought
I had never tasted fish of finer flavour, for the
meal was seasoned by friendship. After dinner
we drank to the health of the worthy Kachi, and
in the evening we put him on shore.
On the 18th he entered again into a friendly
conversation; in the course of which he com
plained of the tedious life he lived on shore, and
of the conduct of the person with whom he had
resided, and who was the agent of the merchants
by whom the island was fanned. He had differed
with , this man, and- had therefore, with the go
vernor's consent, procured thirty Kuriles and tim
ber for fitting up a wooden house ; in which, he
said with an air of triumph, he could now live
quietly with his two sailors. He spoke with , great
contempt of this agent and of the company of
merchants ; and finally applied to them, the pithy
Japanese proverb — " Proud, but pennyless."
On the 20th I was informed that the sentinels
had again observed our taisho; for by this title
Kachi was known among the sailors. In Japanese
taisho signifies commander. He used the word
when he first addressed me, and I returned the
compliment ; and since that time the seamen had
constantly called him the taisho. I conjectured

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 299
that the languor he experienced on shore had in
duced him to pay us this visit, before., the- stipu
lated term ; I therefore shewed no suspicion when
he cama on board, but conducted him straight to
the cabin. He sat down beside me, and, without
any rernarkable expression of countenance, said,
" This unsealed letter, written, as appears, in
Russian, has this moment arrived from Mats
mai." Lieutenant Filatoff, who was present, cast
a look at the superscription, and in ecstasy ex
claimed, "It is the hand-writing of our Wassili
Michailovitsch !" My joy knew no bounds: I
snatched the letter from the hand of nay friend
Kachi, recognised Gplpwnin's writing, and ima
gined, from the size of the paper, that it contained
an account of the events of his captivity ; but when
I unfolded the letter I found merely the following
lines : —
" We are all, both officers and seamen, and the
Kurile Alexei, alive, and reside in Matsmai.
" Wassili Golownin,
May 10, .1.813. " Feodor Moor."

I took these gratifying . lines, by which every
doubt. of the existence of our countrymen was re
moved, and read, them on deck to the, crew. Ma^
ny pf the men, who knew the writing of their

300 ACCOUNT OF
adored captain, perused the letter themselves, and
greeted Tachatay-Kachi with cheers. Grog was
distributed to the whole ship's company, that they
might drink to the health of their officers and
friends, for whom they had all been willing, in the
preceding year, to sacrifice their lives on this coast.
On this occasion the taisho informed me of a
happy incident which had occurred to him. He
had received a letter from his son, at Chakodade,
which the governor had conveyed to him, in the
following singular manner :— According to the Ja
panese laws, a person immediately returned from a
foreign country is allowed no correspondence or in
tercourse with others : the governor therefore or
dered him to be called, as if merely for the purpose
of giving him Captain Golownin's letter to take on
board the Diana. He said not a word, however,
of any letter from Kachi's son, but, while walking
up and down the room, he threw it towards him,
as if it had been a piece of useless paper, taken
out of his pocket with the other letter, and then
turned his back, to give time for its being picked
up. Kachi perfectly well understood what he
meant, and, without any embarrassment, took up
the letter, and put it in his pocket.
His son informed him that his commercial busi
ness had been carried on in the most advantageous
manner. The number of his ships were increased
by some which had just been launched. His mo-

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 301
ther, and the beloved wife of Kachi, for whose lives
he had entertairied fears while in Kanitschatka,
were both in good health ; but the latter had, in
her grief, made a. vow to go on a pilgrimage through
the whole of Japan, and visit the most celebrated
shrines ; and she was still engaged in that act of
devotion. A rich man, his bosom friend, had,:
on learning Kachi's fate, divided his property
ariiorig the poor, and taken up his residence in the
mountains as a hermit. What an example ! among
a people whom the Europeans regard as crafty,
base, vengeful, and incapable of the delicate feel
ings of friendship ! There are, indeed, in Japan,
men who deserve that name in the highest sense
of the word, and a national virtue which would
not be unworthy of our imitation. " How rich
you are," said I to Kachi, " in having such a
friend !" " I am indeed rich, for I have two such
friends." " What ! two friends !" exclaimed I :
" what a number!" This idea seemed to please
him mightily.
He was farther informed, that his friends had,
for several days, been preparing festivals in differ
ent temples, in order to be ready to celebrate his
return. He had been the subject . of conversation'
throughout all Japan, and the general opinion
was that God would preserve him in Russia, and
infallibly restore him to his country, and that
happy consequences for Japan wculd arise out of

302 ACCOUNT OF
his voyage. His son had' embraced this opinion
with so much confidence, that he had, in due time,
prepared this letter to be serit to Kunashier, for
the consolation of his father on his return thither,
which he had a perfect conviction would soon take'
place. This day was one of the most joyful of my life.
When Tachatay-Kachi left us, he intimated a wish
that the sailors might again salute him with cheers :
this was most heartily complied with by the whole
ship's company .*
On the 26th he came on board with the infor
mation that the post had arrived at Matsmai, and
that the first assessor or counsellor of the Buriyo
of Matsmai, who was to communicate the answer
to my letter, had embarked on board an imperial
Japanese ship. The Kurile," Alexei, and one of our
Russian prisoners, were to accompany this mission.
We all supposed that the Russian must be an offi
cer, but our friend understood that he was one of
the sailors.
On reference to the time at which the Japanese
ship had 'sailed' from Matsmai, if appeared probable
that she would arrive on this or the following day!
In fact, in a few hours after we saw1 a vessel 'stand
ing into the bay. TaChatay- Kachi knew "her to be
an imperial ship by a red' mark in the form of a
globe ori her sails. The sides were covered with
red stripes, arid the gangway was hung round with
striped cloth. Three flags, each of" variegated cb-

NEGOTIATIONS WlTH THE JAPANESE. 303
lours, waved on the stern. There were planted
also, on the same part of the ship, four long pikes,
from which floated streamers, each black at the ex
tremity. The number of these pikes indicates the
rank of the person on whose account they are fixed
up. On the approach of the vessel, baidares, bear
ing flags, left the shore, and proceeded out to meet
her. Each supplied a particular boat, destined for
towing, and they altogether towed the ship towards
the fortress. It was now dark, arid 'we could not
perceive what preparations were made on shore for
the reception of the deputy of the bunyo; but
Kachi promised to return next day with an account
of all that occurred.
Faithful to his appointment, we saw him in the
morning coming down to the shore, in company
with another man. Kachi was instaritly recognised
by the white handkerchief which he always waved
at the end of his sabre, and with respect to the other
we did not remain long in uncertainty, for as they,
advanced, our worthy little friend occasionally va
nished from our view, in consequence of falling be
hind his more bulky companion. We all exclaim
ed, " That is one of our Russians."
It is impossible for me to describe the moving
scene which followed, when our sailors beheld their
comrade returned from captivity. A part of the
crew were filling their water casks at the rivulet.
When the prisoner saw Russians on the other side

304 ACCOUNT OF
of the stream, and probably, recognised among
them some of his old messmates, he made but one
step to its banks, leaving Kachi at least nine paces
behind him. Surprise and joy made our sailors
forget that they were prohibited from crossing the
rivulet. They waded through it, and embraced the
welcome visitor in the most affectionate manner.
The officer who had the command of the party on
shore, informed me, that, at first, he did not know
the stranger, he was so altered by the sufferings he
had undergone. At last, all the men cried out with
one voice, Simanoff! for that was his name. He
then threw off his hat, l knelt down, and could not
utter a word, but the tears rolled fast down his
cheeks. This affecting spectacle was renewed when
he came on board the ship— I saluted him first, and
asked whether our friends in Matsmai were well.
" God be praised," he replied, " they are in life,
though not all quite well : Mr. Chlebnikoff, in
particular, is dangerously ill." I repressed my de
sire to ask further questions, as I observed the great
impatience with which the seamen were waiting to
embrace him.
I went down to the cabin with Kachi, who in
formed me that the first officer of the Bunyo of
Matsmai, named Takahassy-Sampey, who had just
arrived, had commissioned him to communicate,
several circumstances to me. He took out his
pocket-book and read as follows : —

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 305
" Takahassy-Sampey testifies his respect to the
" Commandant of Kamtschatka, and informs him,
" that in consequence of the letter written to Mats-
" mai, the Bunyo-Sama (the chief governor) has
" sent him to Kunashier, in order to pay that re-
" spect which is due to a man of so high a rank,
" and to communicate certain preliminary points
" regarding the liberation of all Russians. Taka-
" hassy-Sampey regrets exceedingly that the laws
" of Japan do not permit him to confer personally
" with the commandant. He sensibly feels for the
" hardships which the officers and crew of the
" Russian ship have undergone in their repeated
" voyages to Kunashier, laments the hostilities
" which have occurred, and has, with the permis-
" sion of the Obunyo of Matsmai, brought one of
" the Russian prisoners with him. This prisoner
" will be permitted to go on board the Russian ship
" every day, to converse with his countrymen, on
" condition that he always returns at night to the
" fortress. Takahassy-Sampey requests, that the
" Commandant of Kamtschatka will place full con-
" fidence in Tachatay-Kachi, who has been chosen
" for the negotiation, and who has stated that he
" can converse freely with the commandant."
The official communication of the preliminary
points was in the following terms : —
" 1. There must be conveyed to the Japanese
government a document, signed and sealed by two
VOL. II. x

306 ACCOUNT OF
Russian commanders of districts, certifying, in
conformity with the official papers already trans
mitted, that Chwostoff, without the, consent or
knowledge of the Russian government, had unlaw
fully committed depredations on the island of the
hairy Kuriles and on Sagaleen.
" 2. It is known that Chwostoff disturbed the
tranquillity of the inhabitants of our settlements,
and; presumed to carry away the millet, and other
commodities, which belonged to private indivi
duals, and, in general, whatever he found, to
Okotzk. Among the property thus removed was
our ammunition of war, including armour, bows
and arrows, muskets, and some cannon. With re
spect to the former description, of articles plundered
by Chwostoff, the Japanese government is of opin
ion that they must now, in consequence of the lapse
of time, be totally unfit for use ; the latter, how
ever, are not liable to spoil by keeping, and ought,
therefore, to be restored, lest they should hereafter
be regarded as trophies taken from the Japanese in
war. But though they cannot be decayed or in
jured by use, they may not, perhaps, be now in
Okotzk. It is true they could be collected together
from different places, but such a collection might,
on account of the distance of such places, be now
very difficult : the Japanese government, therefore,
considering the urgency of the present circum
stances, will be satisfied, if the commandant of

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 307
Okotzk certifies, that after the strictest investiga
tion, no more of the plundered property, brought
by Chwostoff from the Kurile Islands and Sagaleen,
are to be found in that place.
[It will be remarked by the reader, that the
Japanese contrived, with much ingenuity and po
liteness, to make it be clearly understood, that it
was well' known to them, through Leonsaimo, what
had been done with Chwostoff's booty. Only the
strict purport of the passage has been given in the
translation, but the whole was Very delicately ex
pressed in Japanese.]
" 3: Respecting the hostilities in the preceding
year, to which the Commandant of Kamtschatka
has alluded in his letter, the Japariese government,
in consideration of the then existing circumstances,
recognise such conduct on the part of the Com
mander of a Russian imperial ship as justifiable ac
cording to their laws, and have, therefore, passed
it over in silence in their official note. B lit that
Tachatay-Kachi, the commander of a Japanese
ship, had been carried to Kamtschatka against, his
incliriation, is riot consistent with the information of
the Japanese- government, as the letter received at
the time from the FeamotsH Tachatay-Kachi
stated, that he had, according to his own wish, pro
ceeded to that place, and that only four of his
sailors had been taken by force.
" 4. In order that the negotiations may be
X 2

308 ACCOUNT OF
brought to a pacific and satisfactory conclusion,
Takahassy-Sampey hopes that the Russian ship
of war will, in the present year, return with the re
quired certificate from Okotzk to Chakodade,
where the undersigned, with the Commander
Cood-Simoto-Chiogoro, will be in waiting for the
Commandant of Kamtschatka, to receive from him
the said certificate, and, according to the lawful
customs of Japan, personally to advise and jointly
co-operate with him, in effecting the promised libe
ration of the Russian prisoners : in the meantime,
he adds herewith the wish, that the Russian ship
may, after a favourable voyage, speedily return to
Chakodade." Thus ended Kachi's commission ; and I, full of
impatience to speak with Simanoff, desired him to
be called into a separate cabin. Finding himself
alone with me, he ripped up the seam of his jacket,
and drew out a sheet of fine Japanese paper, folded
up in a singular form. , The paper was entirely
filled with writing. " This," said he, " is a letter
to you from Wassili Michailovitsch. I have suc
ceeded in concealing it from the notice of the sus
picious Japanese. It contains an account of our
sufferings, and some good advice respecting the
mode in which you are to proceed." I eagerly
took the letter, which appeared to come to me by
miracle. I several times glanced my eyes over it ;
but, partly through the dread that it might contain

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 309
some unwelcome news, and partly through joy at
the unexpected manner in which it had reached
me, I was so agitated that I could not distinguish
one word from another. Within the letter I ob
served two slips of paper, which contained some
lines, very closely written by Mr. Chlebnikoff. I
recovered myself, and to my indescribable joy, read
that our unhappy friends still cherished some hope
of returning to their native country. Captain Go-
lownin's letter was as follows : —
, " Dearest Friend,
" At length the Japanese seem to be convinced
" of the truth of our declarations, respecting the
" pacific intentions of Russia, and the unauthorised
" conduct of Chwostoff ; but they require a formal
" attestation thereof from some Natschalnik of our
" government, to which the imperial seal must be
" affixed. It is to be hoped, that when fully per-
" suaded of the friendly intentions of Russia, they
" will enter into commercial relations with us ; for
" they seem already aware of the knavery of the
" Dutch. We have informed them of the letter
" which fell into the hands of the English, in which
" the Dutch interpreters of Nangasaky boasted
" of having produced a decided rupture between
" Resanoff and the Japanese. Nevertheless, when
" you have any intercourse with them, be extremely
'* cautious : carry on your conferences only in

310 ACCOUNT OF
"boats, and always keep at the distance of a gun-
" shot from the shore. Be not ©ftended, however,
" at the tardiness of their proceedings. We have
" known them to deliberate for months on an un-
" important affair, which in Europe would have
" been decided in a day or two. In general, I
" would recommend, as the four principal requi-
" sites to be observed in treating with them, pru-
" dence, patience, civility, and candour. On your
" discretion depends, not merely our ' liberation,
" but the iqterests of our country. May our pre-
" sent misfortune be the means of restoring to
"Russia those advantages which she .has lost
" through the misconduct of one individuail' — but
" the sailor who is the bearer of this will acquaint
" you more circumstantially with my opinion on
" these subjects. It is not cpnveniept to load him
" with papers, and therefore I dp pot myself write
" to the minister.
" Where the honour of my sovereign and the in-
" terest of my country are concerned, I dp not set
" the value of a copeck on my life ; do not, there-
" fore, take my safety into consideration. Re it
" now, pr ten or twenty years, hence, sooner or
" later, we must all pay the debt of nature. It is
" immaterial to me whether I die in battle pr by the
" hand of treachery — whether I perish amidst the
" waves of the sea, or yield my last breath on a
" bed of down. — Death is always death, though he

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 311
" may present himself under a variety of forms. I
" beg, my dearest friend, that you will write, in
" my stead, to my brother and my friends. Pro-
" vidence may have ordained that I shall see them
" again, and perhaps not. In the latter case tell
" them not to be distressed on account of my fate,
" and that I wish them health and every happiness.
" I entreat you in the name of Heaven to suffer
" no one to write to me, or send any thing
" which may occasion me to be tormented by
" translations and questions ; but state your own
" determination in a few lines. I request that yoU
" will give the sailor who is the bearer of this five
" hundred roubles from my effects.* Present my
" sincere respects to our comrades, the officers of
" the Diana, and remember me to all the seamen.
" With the deepest gratitude, I return you thanks
" for the many dangers you have encountered for
" the sake of obtaining our freedom. Adieu, dear
" friend ! and all dear friends, adieu ! This letter
" is probably the last you will ever receive from
" me. May you enjoy health, content, and hap-
" piness! April 10th, 1813. In the City of Mats-
" mai, in Japanese imprisonment.
" Your most faithful
" Wassili Golownin."
* Captain Golownin supposed that Simanoff was completely
released by the Japanese, and would return with us to Russia.

312 ACCOUNT OF
In this letter Captain Golownin warned me
against relying too confidently on the apparent sin
cerity of the Japanese, and hinted that I might
obtain through the bearer his advice respecting
the conduct I should adopt in case affairs took an
unfavourable turn. But Simanoff was so overjoyed
at the liberty he had obtained, and the opportunity
of mixing with his shipmates, that he behaved
throughout like one that had lost his wits. When
ever I sought to be. made acquainted with his in
structions, he constantly replied : " Why do you
question me, Sir ? The letter contains all the in
formation you can stand in need of." He fre
quently wept like a child, and exclaimed : " I
alone have, for a moment, been set at liberty ; but
six of our countrymen are still lingering in confine
ment. I fear that if I do not return speedily they
will be ill-treated by the Japanese." — So much for
our kind-hearted but stupid messenger.
I relied, however, on Kachi's honesty as on a
rock, and regarded all further precaution as super
fluous. Golownin's letter served merely, more com
pletely, to inform us of what was required by the
Japanese government, and this was, at all events,
highly important.
Having satisfied our curiosity concerning the
situation of our comrades, by a thousand various
questions, we again put our friends Kachi and Si
manoff ashore. I requested that Kachi would in-

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 313
form Takahassy-Sampey that, should the wind
prove favourable, I intended to set sail for Okotzk
on the following day, and that I would, with-
•out fail, return to Chakodade in the present year,
provided with all the documents he required ; I,
moreover, begged that he would offer him our sin
cere thanks for the friendly dispositions he had
manifested, and particularly for permitting us to
have an interview with our countryman.
Finally, on the 29th of July, we took farewell
of Tachatay-Kachi. On this occasion, he brought
three hundred fish on board for the sailors. I was
somewhat mortified at his having constantly re
fused to accept of any present, except a little sugar,
tea, and French brandy ; he even proposed that his
clothes, and other articles of property, which he had
on board the Diana, and which were apparently
of considerable value, should remain in my cus
tody, observing : " That we should soon meet
again in Chakodade." " There," said he, " I can,
without any obstruction, receive the tokens of
your friendship, but here it would be extremely
troublesome to me to be made accountable, ac
cording to our laws, for every trifle." — " At least,"
said I, " take back your own property ; you know
the dangers to which a sea life is every moment
exposed." — " How !" exclaimed he, " can you
apprehend danger after the evident protection of
Heaven which you have experienced ? Zeesei,

314 ACCOUNT OF
Zeesei, Taisho ! (that is to say, timid, timid
commander !) That you have sufficient time before
you for accomplishing a safe voyage, a wise man
like you who knows how to observe the heavens
(alluding to astronomical observations) cannot de
ny. I do not like your look ; I see that you are
concerned about my trifles, though it was my in
tention to request permission to distribute them
among your seamen : but I perceive your un
easiness of mind, which probably proceeds from
your doubt of the business being finally adjusted
this year ; I must, consequently, conclude that your
sailors, several of whom still distrust me, would
imagine that I had given them presents under the
conviction that I should never see them more. I,
therefore, beg that the trifles may remain in your
keeping until you return to Chakodade. Ten
Taisho !" — Ten signifies, place confidence in God.
The penetrating and grateful Tachatay-Kachi
was, indeed, not wrong in his conjecture. But
the reader may himself judge how great was our
cause for uneasiness. As soon as he departed we
weighed anchor, notwithstanding the unfavourable
state of the weather, with the intention of putting
to sea : but the wind soon became fair, and after a
pleasant voyage of fifteen days, we again cast an
chor in Okotzk harbour.
I immediately addressed a report to the Com
mandant of Okotzk, containing an account of all

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 315
that had taken place ; and he, in return, furnished
me with the document required by the Japanese
government, together with a letter of friendly ex
planation from the Governor of Irkutzk to the
Bunyo of Matsmai, which supplied every thing
necessary to be stated.
A Japanese, named Kisseleff, who had been
sent from Irkutzk to serve as our interpreter, now
came on board the Diana. We remained in
Okotzk Roads eighteen days, which time* we em
ployed in taking on board a supply of every thing
we stood in need of, and in repairing the vessel,
which had suffered considerable injury. On the
Hth of August we were ready to sail, for the third
time, to the coasts of Japan, withra full reliance
on the assistance of Heaven in the attainment of
our wished-for object. Before our departure we
held solemn worship on board the vessel, and fired
all our guns in honour of the Emperor. Our au
gust monarch, though at that moment occupied
with the important affairs of Europe, had not for
gotten his few unfortunate subjects; but had or
dered an expedition to be fitted out for the libe
ration of Golownin at this port, ten thousand wersts
distant from his capital.
Among the visitors who this day came on board
the Diana were the Commandant of the Har
bour, Minitzky, and his amiable wife, Eugenia
Nikolanona. The warm wishes which this lady

316 ACCOUNT OF
entertained for our success induced her to venture
on those stormy roads, where, at the same season
in the preceding year, her husband had nearly lost
his life. She was the only Russian lady who ho
noured the Diana with a visit, and she is there
fore entitled to the sincere thanks which I, toge
ther with the rest of the officers, take this oppor
tunity of presenting to her. During the worship
the motion of the ship was so violent that all our
guests from the shore, with the exception of this
youthful heroine, were seized with sickness. She
devoutly joined us in prayer for the liberation of
our comrades.
Owing, to adverse southerly winds, which pre
vailed along the Peninsula of Sagaleen, twenty
days elapsed before we reached the coast of Mats
mai. On the 10th of September we entered Vul-
cano Bay, in which is situated the safe harbour
of Edomo, whither I had resolved to repair. As
we approached the promontory we could plainly
discern the buildings, and even the inhabitants of
the place. With six hours of favourable wind, we
calculated on reaching the harbour; but there is
no certainty at sea. During the night the wind
became more adverse than before, and a storm at
length arose, which, on the following morning,
drove us from the coast. It was at the period of
the equinox, when, in this part of the world, vio
lent storms prevail, even more frequently than

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 317
elsewhere. It appeared now doubtful whether it
would be possible to reach the Japanese coasts this
autumn. In that case I determined, instead of re
turning to Kamtschatka, which, owing to the long
winter, would have been attended with great loss of
time, to proceed to the Sandwich Islands, lie there
three months, and return by the month of April,
when the navigation on the northern coasts of Japan
would again be open. I communicated this plan to
the rest of the officers, though I did not wish to
carry it into effect until the 1 st of October. In fur
therance of the plan, it was necessary to shorten
the allowance of water, a regulation to which the
crew submitted without a murmur ; but, to our great
joy, the storm abated on the twelfth day, and, as is
usual with seamen, mild and favourable breezes soon
made us forget all our past sufferings.
One melancholy circumstance, however, occurred
to interrupt our happiness. We had the misfortune
to lose one of our bravest and most experienced
sailors. This poor man met with a severe accident
among the rigging, and on being brought down all
surgical aid proved ineffectual. At such a moment
it would, perhaps, have been of advantage if our
surgeon could have gone aloft ; but, unfortunately,
he had hitherto served only in the army, and was
unaccustomed to climbing the shrouds, though he
was, in other respects, an extremely active and
courageous man. He was not the same surgeon

318 ACCOUNT OF
whom we had brought with us from Croristadt ;
that officer was, on account of ill health, under the
necessity of returning to Petersburgh.
In our situation we felt, with double severity,
the loss of this valuable seaman. As we committed
his body to the waves with due religious solemnity,
the whole crew melted into tears — a spontaneous
tribute paid to his six years faithful service! t.And
what a service ! The reader must be aware that
our path was not strewed with roses, Few who
have not been in a similar situation can conceive
how close the knot of friendship is drawn when it
unites together a little band, who have for a long
period been separated from their friends and re
latives. We entered Vulcano Bay on the 22nd, and, at
nine in the morning, three baidares were observed
steering towards our vessel. I dispatched Lieutenant
Filatoff to meet them, and he soon conducted them
alongside. There were eighteen Japanese on board
these baidares, who, at our invitation, boldly as
cended the deck of the Diana. We enquired
where we could find a harbour, and they informed
us that there was one called San garo^ about two
wersts distant, in a southerly direction, near the
promontory, which had about twenty fathoms depth
of water. We soon found that they had come on
board merely from curiosity, to see the foreign ship.
As we wished to put into Edomo, which had been

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 319
visited by Captain Broughton in 1796, we requested
them to conduct us to that port; but they declined
to do so, probably because they dared not without
permission, and left us. From Captain Broughton's
description, we were, however, pretty certain of
being able to enter the harbour without their assist
ance, and we accordingly stood into it with an
easterly wind. At noon we discovered a tolerably
large town, and on the heights batteries, which were
overhung with cloth. A baidare was sent out to
meet us, on board of which were thirteen hairy
Kuriles, whom the Japanese call Ainos. These
Kuriles were accompanied by a native of Japan,
named Leso, one of those who had been in Kamt
schatka with Tachatay-Kachi, and whom we had
put ashore on our return to Kunashier. He in
formed me, that, in consequence of the agreement
concluded at Kunashier, he had been sent by the
Bunyo of Matsmai, as a pilot, to conduct us to the
harbour of Chakodade* He enquired whether we
wanted- any thing, as the authorities of that place
had been directed to furnish us with whatever we
might require. We stood . in need of nothing ex
cept fresh water, and I availed myself of the op
portunity to send on shore fifty empty casks ; we
then cast anchor in eleven fathoms, with a muddy
bottom. On the following day the same baidare, manned
by the same Kuriles, brought back our casks filled

320 ACCOUNT OF
with fresh water from Edomo, and likewise some
fresh fish and radishes, as presents from the governor.
We returned him our thanks, and again sent twenty
empty casks, which were brought back in the even
ing. We took advantage of the fine weather to
repair our rigging, which had been considerably
damaged during the storm, and every thing was
soon restored to a state of good order. For several
days the Japanese continued to fill our casks, and to
send presents of fresh fish and vegetables in such
abundance as enabled us to deal out plentiful sup
plies to the crew ; but, in spite of all our per
suasions, they obstinately refused to accept of any
return. On the morning of the 26th the baidare brought
me a letter from Captain Golownin, written in Cha
kodade. He informed me, that when the Diana
should come within sight of the harbour a white
flag would be displayed on the hill ; and that Ta
chatay-Kachi would be sent out to us : as, however,
the latter could not depart without an order from
the Bunyo of Matsmai, he advised us, in the mean
while, to trust to the sailor Leso, who was^ a skilful
pilot. This letter was a reply to one which I had
addressed to the Japanese authorities, on our first
arrival at Edomo, and in which I expressed my
doubts of the sincerity of the Japanese, since they
sent a common sailor to meet us, instead of dis
patching Tachatay-Kachi or some individual of rank.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 321
Now, however, I was very willing to accept of Leso
as a pilot.
Having, without any trouble, got all our empty
casks filled with fresh water, and every other neces
sary supplied, we set sail at ten o'clock. At eight
o'clock on the following evening we discovered fires
on various parts of the coast of Matsmai, one of
which was particularly large and blazing. We were
soon met by a baidare, bearing a white flag and
two lanterns, and on board of which was our faith
ful friend Tachatay-Kachi. This proved a joyful
meeting to both parties, for there was now every
probability of our mutual wishes being fulfilled.
He came by order of the Japanese government to
conduct us into the harbour of Chakodade. He
was himself accompanied by a distinguished officer
ofthe port. By their mutual direction we cast
anchor, at half-past eight in the evening, in a place
which is called by the Japanese Yamasee-Tomuree,
and which is the common anchoring-place for vessels
when easterly winds prevent them. from entering
the harbour. When every necessary arrangement
was made, we eagerly sat down to converse with the
good Kachi, with whom we communicated with
more facility than before, as we had the assistance
of the interpreter Kisseleff.
Our first question, of course, related to our coun
trymen. Kachi informed us that they were in Cha
kodade, and that the Bunyo of Matsmai, Chattori-
vol. II. y

322 ACCOUNT OF
Bingono-Kami, had already arrived in person for
the purpose of concluding the negotiation, and libe
rating the prisoners. We conversed together for a
considerable time, and I gave an account of the total
overthrow of the French, to which he listened with
unfeigned interest. He then took his leave, pro
mising that he would return next day to conduct the
ship into the harbour. During the night we ob
served fires burning on various parts of the coast,
and a watch-boat rowed up to us, and lay near the
vessel as long as we remained there.
Kachi fulfilled his promise of returning early on
the following morning. We sailed into the Bay of
Chakodade, and, after a few hours, we cast anchor
in a place which he pointed out, and which was
scarcely the distance of a gun-shot from the city.
He then acquainted me with the laws concerning
European vessels ; he stated that we could not be
permitted to sail about the harbour in boats ; that,
as long as we remained there, a watch-boat would,
day and night, be stationed near the vessel ; that
every thing we stood in need of would be conveyed
to us by government vessels ; and that all persons
were strictly prohibited from visiting us.
In the evening he went on shore, in order to draw
up a circumstantial report of his proceedings.
The city of Chakodade, the second in magnitude
on the island, is situated on its southern coast, on
the declivity of a high circular hill, which rises

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE, 323
above the peninsula there formed : it is washed on
the south by the Bay of Sangar, and on the north
and west by the Bay of Chakodade, which is very
convenient for receiving a large fleet. The penin
sula forms its junction on the east by a narrow strip
of land, so that there is at once a view of both the
open sea and the low grounds.
On the northern side of the bay a spacious
valley extends over a circuit of fifteen or twenty
miles, bounded on three of its sides by hills. In
the centre of this valley lies the village of Onno,
the inhabitants of which are chiefly occupied in
agriculture. The other villages, which are situated
on the coast, are, for the most part, inhabited by
fishermen. We learned these particulars from our
friends on their return, for they had been conducted
about the city, and in their walks observed that this
valley was better cultivated than any other district
they had seen. The hill, at the foot of which the
city is built, serves as an excellent land-mark for
ships entering the bay, as it is easily recognised at
a distance by its circular form, and is detached from
every other elevated object. On the western side
this hill is formed of huge masses of rock, in one of
which there is a cavity perceptible from the sea.
The depth of water, close in land, is very consider
able on the southern and western sides of the pe
ninsula; but as there are neither sand-banks nor
rocks to be apprehended, the coast may be ap-
y 2

324 ACCOUNT OF
proached without danger. There are, however, nu
merous sand-banks on the northern side, and con
sequently only small vessels can get up to the town.
From the projecting cape opposite the town, a sand
bank of unequal depth extends one-third of the
breadth of the bay. On the northern and eastern
sides of the bay- the depth of the water gradually
diminishes towards the shore.
As we approached the town, we observed tha|
cloth was hung out only at a few places on the hill,
or near it, and not over the whole buildings, as at
Kunashier. With the assistance of our telescopes,
we observed six of these skreens of cloth, probably
destined to conceal fortifications, which our coun
trymen had an opportunity of seeing on their way
from Matsmai to Chakodade. There were, besides,
five new fortifications erected along the coast, and
provided with garrisons of suitable strength ; they
were at short distances from each other, and about
from two to three hundred fathoms from the shore.
We no sooner entered the roads than we were
surrounded by a number of boats of all descriptions
and sizes, filled with the curious of. both sexes. A
European ship must, indeed, have been to them an
object of uncommon interest ; for, as far as I could
ascertain, they had seen none since they were visited
twenty-two years before by Laxman and Lowzoff,
the commander of the Okotzk transport ship Ca-
tharina. Many of the inhabitants, therefore, never

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 325
beheld a European vessel of any kind, and still less
a ship of war ; they accordingly thronged around
us in vast numbers ; and their curiosity frequently
gave rise to disputes among themselves. The Do-
seenee (Japanese soldiers), who were stationed in
the watch-boats, continually called to them to keep
at a farther distance; but so great was the con
fusion, that, though {he people generally shew great
respect to the soldiers, their orders were, on this
occasion, disregarded. The military were, there
fore, under the necessity of using the iron batons,
which they wear fastened to . their girdles by long
silken strings. They neither spared rank nor sex :
old persons alone .experienced their indulgence, and
we had various opportunities of observing that the
Japanese, in all situations, pay particular respect to
old age. In this case blows were freely dealt out
to the young of every description who ventured to
disobey the commands of the soldiers, and we were
at length delivered from a multitude of visitors, who
would have subjected us to no small degree of in
convenience. We should have been unable to move
had they all been permitted to come on board the
vessel ; and to keep them out by force* was a mea
sure which we could not have adopted without re
luctance, considering the favourable turn which bur
intercourse with the Japanese had taken. They
were at last, however, compelled to withdraw to a
certain distance, indicated by the guards, and no

326 ACCOUNT OF
boat dared to pass the boundary. In this way
they covered a considerable portion of the bay, and
when those who were most a-head had gratified
their curiosity, their places were immediately occu
pied by the next in succession. They did not all
depart until twilight ; after which only those in
dividuals who were sent by the government were
allowed to approach our ship, and even they were
subject to the examination of the watch-boat.
Next morning, we observed a boat with white
flags* standing towards us from the town. Tacha
tay-Kachi, with the sailor who had been our pilot,
came on board in this boat, and brought presents of
fish, vegetables, and water-melons. The sailor car
ried a bundle, which I perceived contained clothes.
Kachi begged that I would permit him to retire to his
old cabin to dress, informing me that the Bunyo of
Matsmai, who was highly satisfied with his services
in Kunashier, had appointed him negotiator in this
important affair, on which occasion he had, accord
ing to the customs of Japan, been invested with
certain privileges. In fulfilment of this duty, it
was necessary that, during his communications with
me, he should appear in the robes appropriate to
his official situation. He accordingly withdrew to
attire himself, and in the meanwhile I put on my

ifft
* I ought to have mentioned that the white flag was con
stantly displayed along with the flag of war.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 327
state uniform, and hung my sword by my side.
After a polite salutation, Kachi intimated, through
our interpreter Kisseleff, that he did not now speak
in the name of the bunyo, but in the names of the
two chief officers, who requested that I would de"
liver the official paper which I had engaged to bring
from Okotzk. I replied that I was prepared to
present it to the officers themselves, but that no
time might be lost, I would deliver it to Kachi. I
assembled my officers in full uniform in the cabin,
to witness this proceeding, and with all due solem
nity I presented to Kachi the official document from
the Commandant of Okotzk, which was wrapped
up in blue cloth. I, at the same time, stated, that
I had in my possession another important official
letter, from his Excellency the Governor of Irkutzk
to the most powerful Bunyo of Matsmai, but which
I could deliver only in my own person, either to the
bunyo, or to some distinguished officer who might
be sent to receive it. Tachatay-Kachi urgently so
licited that I would give him this letter also, as it
would procure him high honour in Japan when it
should be known that he was thought worthy of
delivering into the hands of the Obunyo an official
document from a Russian Governor ^But this I
resolutely declined, observing that, though I loved
him as a friend, yet I could not consent to any thing
which might be thought derogatory to the dignity

328 ACCOUNT OF
of the Governor of Irkutzk, nor betray the trust
which had been reposed in me.
I now proposed that my interview with the Ja
panese authorities should take place on shore, but
close to the sea, as I found it was impracticable to
communicate with them in boats. According to
Kachi's account, the people in the streets fell upon
their knees whenever the two chief officers appeared
in their norimons (sedan chairs) ; how then could
we hope that they would consent to lay aside all
their ceremonies, and hold a conference in boats
with the commander of a foreign ship ? Besides, I
had credentials from the Governor of Irkutzk. I
was invested with full powers in conformity with the
pleasure of my sovereign, and consequently appear
ed in the character of an ambassador. If, therefore,
the Japanese dared to act treacherously, I might be
certain that my treatment would not be looked upon
with indifference, but would be considered as a na
tional concern. I had also the less reason to hesi
tate in fulfilling my mission in the usual manner, as
I knew that the dignity of an ambassador was much
respected in Japan.
Tachatay.Kachi begged that I would think no
more about his indiscreet request, and then went
ashore. He returned next day, dressed himself as
before, and, in the name of the two principal
officers, inquired whether the crew of the Diana

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 329
stood in need of any thing, or whether the ship
itself required repairs, as she had probably suffered
damage during her long voyage, at that late season
of the year. I returned my thanks, and observed that
we had a good supply of every thing, except fresh
water, fish, and vegetables (all of which abounded
in Chakodade,) and that the ship was in a state of
perfect repair. Kachi then informed me that he had
delivered the official document from the Com
mandant of Okotzk, with all due ceremony; that
its contents were deemed satisfactory, and that my
proposal to hold an interview with the commandant,
in order to present the letter from the Governor of
Irkutzk, had been assented to. He added that the
object of his present visit was to arrange the cere
monies which it would be necessary to observe
during this conference; and, in the first place, to
settle respecting the guard of honour. I observed
that I would bring on shore with me ten men,
armed with muskets ; that two petty officers should
precede me, carrying the war-flag and the white
fla^ of truce ; and that I should be accompanied by
two commissioned officers and the interpreter. I
besides consented to be rowed ashore in the gover
nor's barge. After a mutual salutation, which on
my side was to be made in the European manner,
by a bow, an arm chair was to be placed for me,
and behind it two common chairs for my officers.
During the introductory address, whether proceed-

330 ACCOUNT OF
ing from the Japanese or myself, I was, as a mark
of respect, to stand, and then immediately to take
my seat. With the exception of the muskets,
Kachi observed, that all these regulations would be
readily agreed to ; " But," said he, " we know of
no instance in which a foreign ambassador, what
ever might be J;he object of his mission to Japan,
has been suffered to present himself at a ceremonial
conference with a retinue bearing fire-arms. Be
satisfied with the same mark of respect which has
been shewn to' other European ambassadors in
Nangasaky ; namely, that the men composing your
suite shall be permitted to wear their swords, but
let them leave their muskets behind them ; to
allow your ship to sail into our innermost harbour,
armed and provided with powder, and thus to leave
you the means of injuring us if you pleased, though
the first is by no means a slight departure from our
laws." As I was well convinced that favours had been
conceded to us which no other European ship had
ever enjoyed, I was prepared to yield the point with
respect to the muskets : and I merely observed to
Kachi that a guard without muskets was not a
guard of war, and was consequently beneath my
rank as commander of a Russian imperial ship.
" With us," said I, " only men in the military and
naval service are permitted to carry muskets, in
the same manner as such persons wear two sabres

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 331
in Japan ;. our muskets therefore correspond exactly
with your two sabres." But I added, that if this
proposition were objected to, he need not insist
upon it, and that I would go on shore upon the
other conditions being agreed to. Having made
memorandums of all that passed between us, he
took his leave. On the following day he came with
a joyful countenance, to inform me that every thing
was settled, even the point respecting the muskets.
" At first,'" said he, " our officers were all silent ;
but after they had considered the matter for some
time, I repeated all your arguments, one after the
other ; and I am now directed to inform you that
the two first officers will expect you to-morrow, at
the place appointed on the shore, to receive from
your hands the letter from the Governor of Irkutzk.
At twelve o'clock the governor's state barge will be
read,y to receive you. One thing only remains to be
arranged: you can on no account whatever appear
in boots in the audience-chamber, which has been
covered with fine carpets, on which the high
officers will sit down cross-legged. To appear there
in boots would be quite repugnant to our customs,
and would be a most unwarrantable indecorum.
You must consequently leave your boots in the
anti-chamber, and enter only in your stockings."
I was somewhat embarrassed by this singular pro
posal, which was so opposite to every* European
notion of propriety. In making arrangements for

332 ACCOUNT OF
the ceremonies, I had never once thought of men
tioning my boots. The Japanese, on the other
hand, likewise thought it surperfluous to say a word
on the subject ; for, as Captain Golownin afterwards
informed me, their demand referred merely to a
common act of politeness. I replied, with some
degree of warmth, that I would never consent to
appear in full uniform, with a sword by my side,
and without either boots or shoes. I observed to
Kachi that I was well aware it was customary with
the Japanese to take off their shoes even before they
entered a common apartment; " but," said I, " you,
who are an intelligent man, cannot but know how
widely your customs differ from those of European
nations. Your countrymen, for instance, instead of
trowsers, wear a loose dress resembling our night
gowns, and in which no European gentleman would
suffer himself to be seen, except in his bed-chamber.
You never enter a strange house with your shoes
on ; whereas to go barefooted would, with us, be
esteemed rude, and even disgraceful, and only be
fitting the lowest of criminals. How then can you
expect that a man of my rank should comply with
such a custom ?'*
Tachatay-Kachi could make no reply; he had
never for a moment bestowed a thought on this im
portant point. I reflected for a few moments, and
then declared that I would endeavour to comply
with all that was required, in order that no ob-

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 333 ^
stacle might stand in the way of the proposed con
ference. " In Russia," continued I, " it is cus
tomary, when we wish to shew particular respect to
any person of distinction, to exchange our boots
for shoes in the anti-chamber" "That is suffi
cient," exclaimed Kachi, joyfully : " no violation
of the rules of politeness need to be made by either
party. Your shoes may easily be compared to our
Japanese half-stockings ; and I will say that you
agree to take off your boots, and to appear in the
audience- chamber in leather stockings." He im
mediately went ashore, and to my astonishment
returned in the evening, to inform me that the
officers were highly satisfied with my arrangement
respecting the leather stockings. He added that
if, however, I absolutely insisted on appearing in
boots I might do so ; though in that case, the
officers, instead of receiving me on their knees, must
sit on chairs after the European manner ; which, in
Japan, is regarded as a great mark of disrespect and
even rudeness.
He then produced a drawing of the building, in
which it was proposed the interview should take
place. In front of the edifice, a number of soldiers
were sketched, sitting cross-legged. In the first
apartment were the officers of inferior rank. Here
I was to draw off my boots, and then pass by a row
of officers likewise sitting cross-legged. At the
upper end of the hall of audience, the places for

334 ACCOUNT OF
the two chief officers were marked out ; on the left
the interpreter, on the right an academician, who
had arrived for the express purpose of making ob
servations on the Russian ship of war, and collect
ing particulars respecting European science. My
place was marked out in the centre of the hall,
facirig the high authorities, and behind me were
chairs for my two officers. The guards, with mus
kets and flags, were sketched in front of the open
doors of the building.
Every thing being thus arranged, Kachi took his
leave, promising, if the weather should prove fa
vourable, to return at twelve o'clock next day to
escort me in the state barge.
I now turned my thoughts to our interpreter
Kisseleff, whom it was necessary I should take
ashore along with me. I was well aware of the se
verity of the laws of Japan towards subjects who
have become christians, and lived in foreign coun
tries. Kisseleff, in the letter which he translated,
had described himself to be a native of Russia,
though the son of a Japanese woman ; yet it ap
peared probable that his perfect knowledge of the
Japanese language would immediately betray him,
and in that case, the consequences might have been
fatal. I left it to his own free choice whether or not
he would incur the danger, and he replied : " What
have I to fear? If they detain you, they detain us
all. They will not seize me alone. I am no Ja--

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 335
panese, and intreat that you will take me with you,
in order that I may have an opportunity of fulfilling
my duty. The conference will be of the highest
importance; but I can be of no service to you by
remaining on board the ship. To what purpose did
I encounter the dangers of this long voyage, if I am
now to be left behind ?" I gladly consented to take
him with me ; and I gave orders that the two officers
who, of their own accord, had offered to accompany
me, should hold themselves in readiness.
Next day, at twelve o'clock, the state barge was
sent out with a number of flags waving on board.
Tachatay-Kachi appeared in full costume, and in
formed me that we should depart whenever the flag
was displayed from the building^in which the con
ference was to take place. The flag was unfurled
precisely at twelve o'clock, and we went on board
the barge. The barge was rowed by sixteen chosen
Japanese^ most of whom, as Kachi informed me,
were eminent and wealthy merchants, who had
seized that opportunity of gratifying their curiosity.
Their manner pf rowing differs from the European,
in this, that they do not throw the blade of the oar
forward, but keep merely turning it about ; and yet
the boat is moved with as much velocity as would
be produced by our method. We had fixed our
war flag along with the Japanese flags in the stern ;
at the prow, however, we hoisted- the white flag of
truce, and in this manner we rowed towards the

336 ACCOUNT OF
town, accompanied by several hundred boats filled
with spectators. The building in which the con
ference was to take place was situated close to the
shore, near a stone landing place. In the front of
the house we observed a number of Japanese sol
diers sitting according to custom on the ground.
Tachatay-Kachi was the first who stepped out of
the barge : he proceeded immediately to the house,
to inform the high officers of our arrival, and soon
returned to intimate that every thing was prepared
for our reception. To have enquired why no Japa
nese officer had been dispatched to meet me, seemed
then an untimely and useless question ; I therefore
ordered the petty officer, who was the bearer of the
white flag, to land next to the ten marines under
arms, and the other petty officer to follow with the
war flag 3 I then stepped out of the barge, followed
by two commissioned officers. The marines ranged
themselves in front of the open doors, and saluted
me in the military style as I passed. In the en
trance hall my shoes were put on by the Japanese
attendants, one of whom carried a chair behind me.
I then entered the audience-chamber, which was
filled with officers of various ranks, all wearing
their military dress and two sabres. I was some
what surprised at the dead silence which prevailed
throughout the apartment. On observing the two
chief officers, who were sitting near each other
crossed legged, I advanced towards them and bowed.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 337
They returned my salutation by an inclination of
the head. I then bowed to the right and left, and
took my seat in the chair which had been placed for
me. Uninterrupted silence prevailed for the space
of some minutes. I was the first to break it, by ob
serving, through the interpreter Kisseleff, that I con
sidered myself in the presence of friends. Instead
of making any reply, the two chief officers laughed ;
but the elder of the two, who had come from Ku
nashier, opened the conference, by turning to an
officer who sat on his left, and who, while addressed,
inclined his head towards the ground ; but the su
perior spoke in so low a tone of voice, that Kissaleff
could not collect a word he said. The officer who
had listened in the manner I have described having
resumed his former attitude, after a respectful salu
tation, to my great astonishment addressed me in
tolerably good Russian. He was, as I afterwards
learnt, the interpreter Murakami-Teske, who had
been taught Russian by Captain Golownin. " The
Russians," said he, " some time ago occasioned
great disturbances on the coasts of Japan, but all is
now happily settled. The certificate of the Nats-
chalnik of Okotzk is very, very satisfactory." I an
swered through himself as interpreter, that by the
happy settlement of which he spoke the liberation
of our prisoners was doubtless to be understood,
which, for our part, would repay all the hardships
we had endured by a day of joy.
VOLi II. z

338 ACCOUNT PF
After some interchange of compliments, I pro
ceeded to call the attention of the superior officers
to the letter of the Governor of Irkutzk, which
Savelieff handed to me in a box covered with a
purple cloth. I took it out, read the address aloud,
and returned it. Savelieff having replaced the letter,
handed the box to the interpreter, who elevated it
above his head, and then placed it in the hands
of the junior of the two great officers. The latter
raised it to the height of his breast, and delivered
it to the senior officer, who stated that he would
immediately present it to the bunyo, and that, in
consideration of the importance ofthe document,
two days would be necessary for preparing the an
swer. The presents which were handed by Savelieff
to the Japanese interpreter were laid before the
officers. They both requested that I would accept
of some refreshments, which were prepared in the
house, stood up, bowed towards me, and withdrew
with the presents. The interpreter Murakami-Teske
then welcomed us in a friendly manner, addressed
me by my Russian name, and said : " God be
" thanked ! that I can now congratulate you on a
"happy settlement. Captain Golownin and the
" other Russians will soon be sent on board to you :
" our laws do not permit that you should yet meet—
"but they are all well." The academician also
congratulated us and our worthy friend Tachatay-
Kachi ; who, during the ceremony, had stood at the

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 339
extremity of the chamber, now approached. We
were treated with tea and sweetmeats served on
lackered trays. I was distinguished by having an
officer of subaltern rank placed by my side, who
received whatever was destined forme, and presented
it. After having been onshore two hours, we took
leave, and returned on board with Kachi. I had or
dered Lieutenant Filatoff to decorate the ship with
flags as soon as he saw us land, but not to fire, as I
knew that the Japanese would not be pleased with
that compliment ; for they say it is very absurd in
the Europeans to make the firing of cannon, which
are engines of destruction, a mark of honour and
respect. There arer however, instances of the prac
tice among themselves ; for the Prince of Sindaisk
is saluted with rounds of artillery on leaving or en
tering his principality.
The day was fine, and the decoration of the ship
with flags afforded a delightful spectacle to the
curious of both sexes, who crowded out in boats to
view it. Thus ended, to the satisfaction of both
parties, our conference with the JaparieSe authori
ties, during which the Russian imperial Slag, which
then waved, in consequence of national negotiations,
for the first time, on the territory of this haughty
people, received due honours. The Select escort
which accompanied me had sworn not to allow the
sacred imperial standard to pass from their hands
while one of them remained alive.
z 2 ,

340 ACCOUNT OF
We must again gratefully acknowledge that the
enlightened and generous Tachatay-Kachi was on
this occasion of great use to us. Two days passed
away without any communication from the high au
thorities ; but Kachi visited us twice a-day, accom
panied by some of his friends, whom the govern
ment gave him permission to bring on board.
These visits were extremely agreeable to us, as they
afforded us opportunities of testifying to Kachi how
much we considered ourselves obliged to him. We
offered his friends presents, but they would accept
only of some trifles, and not even of them without
the permission of Kachi.
On the third day in the morning Kachi came on
board, with his countenance sparkling with joy, to
inform me that I might have a conference with
Captain Golownin and the other Russian prisoners.
What a joyful message! Though we had been
permitted to write to Captain Golownin, yet we
received only short notes in return, or acknow
ledgments of the receipt of our letters. This
plainly proved that the Japanese inspected what
he wrote"; and thus obliged him to observe great
caution in his correspondence. Towards evening,
Tachatay-Kachi brought us an irrefragable proof of
his having seen our friends ; namely, a letter, in
which Captain Golownin expressed satisfaction at
being introduced to his acquaintance. On the fol
lowing day, Kachi overjoyed me by the intimation

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 341
that I might go on shore that day, and would find
my friend Golownin and two of his sailors in the
same edifice in which the solemri conference with
the Japanese authorities had been held. The inter
preter Murakami-Teske, the academician, and some
officers of inferior rank, were to be present at this
meeting. The governor's barge was to convey me
on shore, and I was at liberty to take with me the
same number of armed men as on the first occasion
With regard to the last suggestion, I answered : As
this is to be merely a private interview, I will leave
the two flags in the boat, and only take on shore
with me the ship's clerk and five unarmed sailors, in
order that they may enjoy the pleasure of seeing
two of their pld shipmates. Next morning, at ten
o'clock, Kachi came for me, and I went on shore
with him and the men I had promised to take, in
the governor's barge.
As we approached the shore, I saw Golownin at
the door of the edifice, in a rich yellow dress, with
his sword by his side. I instantly forgot all at
tention to ceremony, did not allow Tachatay-Kachi
to precede me, but leaped first on shore myself.
Had I not served so long with Golownin, and lived
in friendly intercourse with him, I certainly should
not have recognised him iii his habiliments ; but I
knew him among a crowd of Japanese ; and the joy
of our first embrace may be imagined, but cannot
be described. He had almost ceased to hope to

342 ACCOUNT OF
see his country again, and I had scarcely ventured
to hope that it would fall to my lot to deliver hinn
Now, however, we were locked in each other's arms.
The delicacy of the Japanese made, them desirous
not to disturb the transport of our feelings; they
accordingly drew back, and Chatted to each other.
At first we could only express ourselves in uncon
nected questions and answers ; but when we became
somewhat tranquil, we spoke on the main object of
our meeting, for which sufficient time was allowed
us. , Golownin, in a few words, related what he had
suffered ; and, in return, required from me an ac
count of the situation of his country, his friends,
and his relatives. He then shewed me that I had
formed an erroneous opinion on a very important
point. The bad state of the ship had induced me
to cherish the idea of wintering in Chakodade, as it
appeared hazardous to return at that late period of
the year to Kamtschatka. Golownin, however
observed, that, according to the Japanese laws, we
would be considered prisoners, and that it was there
fore necessary to hasten our departure ; and on his
advice I wrote to that effect to the Japanese autho
rities. We took leave of each other, full of the
hope of speedily meeting, never to be again so
separated. In the evening I had the pleasure of a visit from
Kachi. Pie had been present at my interview with
Golownin ; but in the midst of it he came up to

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 343
me and said, " I am not well, excuse me," and
went away. The sailors who accompanied me, and
who neyer could place any faith in the Japanese,
were alarmed at Kachi' s withdrawing, particularly
as in passing he had bid them, as they thought, in a
very serious manner, farewell : they firmly believed
that the Japanese were going to arrest me.
On this occasion Kachi brought a youth on board
with him, and intimated that he had something
wonderful to tell me. On returning home yesterday,
he said, he very unexpectedly found — he would
leave me tp guess whom— his son ! " Look at him,"
said Kachi, " is he not like me ? Through him I
have obtained the most joyful tidings pf my wife.
She returned, -in good health, from her pilgrimage,
and she had scarcely entered her apartment, scarcely
laid aside her travelling dress, when she received, by
post, the letter I wrote to her on our arrival at
Kunashier." I expressed a sincere wish for the
future happiness of my friend and his affectionate
wife. These events confirmed him still more in his
belief of predestination, to which he was much de
voted. I paid particular attention to his son ; or
dered that he should be shewn every part of the
ship, and introduced him to my officers, who, with
the assistance of Kisseleff, carried on a friendly con
versation with him. Kachi, in the mean time, gave
me an account of his friend the hermit, v
" Taisho !" said he, " men are to be found in

344 ACCOUNT OF
Japan without the help of a lantern.* How do
you think I can make a return to my friend ? He
despises riches ; I must do something worthy of his
greatness of soul. You know I have a daughter,
but owing to her misconduct I have forbidden her
to bear my name. To me she has long since been
numbered with the dead. You have taken a great
interest in her fate : I have always been deeply
moved whenever you entreated that I would become
reconciled to her : perhaps you thought your friend
ship slighted because I remained inexorable; but
you knew not the customs of our country, nor were
you aware that you required a sacrifice of my ho
nour. -j-
" Now," continued he, " since I possess so inva
luable a treasure in my friend, who has withdrawn
himself from the world, I will make a sacrifice as

* He alluded to the story of Diogenes, which I had related
to him in Kamtschatka, and with which he was highly pleased.
In general he was deeply interested by examples of virtue and
greatness of soul, such as. the conduct of the celebrated Dol-
gorukij when he tore the ukase of Peter the Great. Whenever
he listened to that anecdote, he would place his hand on his
head in token of veneration, and exclaim, with emotion, " Okee,
okee!" (Great, great !) Then pressing his hand to his heart, he
would say, " Kusuri," (medicine:) a term by which he was
accustomed to designate any dish that particularly pleased him,
and of which he wished to express his admiration.
t I had, indeed, frequently so moved him that he shed tears j
but his resolution remained unaltered.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 345
rare as his friendship — a Sacrifice which, according
to our ideas of honour, is the severest wound that
the heart of a father can endure. I have resolved
to call my daughter into life, and to forgive her. I
peed only communicate this, determination to my
friend, and he will understand me."
He then requested I would permit him to distri
bute the property he had on board the ship among
the seamen. This he did in person, giving those
articles which were of highest value to such of the
crew as he was best acquainted with, particularly
our cook, whom he used to call his friend : for,
though he honoured my dishes of morality with
the title of kusuri, yet he was not insensible that
he needed food for the body as well as the mind,
and that the former was also kusuri to him. The
articles he gave away consisted of silk and cotton
dresses, large wadded quilts, and night-gowns ; and
they were so numerous, that every man on board
received a present of some kind or other. He then
requested that the sailors might be allowed to make
merry that evening. " Taisho," said he, " sailors
are all alike, whether Russian or Japanese : they
are all fond of a glass ; and there is no danger in
the harbour of Chakodade." Though I had, on
that joyful day, already ordered a double allowance
of grog to be served out to the crew, yet I could
not decline complying with the request of the good
Kachi. He immediately sent his sailors on shore

346 ACCOUNT OF
to procure saki ; and, according to the Japanese
custom, ordered them to bring pipes and a paper of
tobacco for each of our seamen. I conducted him
to the cabin, where I had previously laid out the
presents which had been sent with the embassy.
They consisted of painted porcelain, marble slabs,
and crystal vessels of various descriptions. " Now,'
said I, "fulfil the promise which you made in
Kunashier. Take whatever you like best ; or^ since
your officers despise our presents, take them all to
yourself." "To what purpose should I accept of
the costly things," he said, with all the sincerity of
friendship, " since, according to our laws, they
must all be taken from me, and the government will
merely indemnify me with money."
With considerable difficulty I at length prevailed
on him to accept of a few trifles. He chose what
pleased him best, namely, a pair of silver spoons,
two knives, and other articles for the table ; but he
was particularly delighted on my presenting him
with a tea-service. " I can now," said he, " enter
tain my friends after the Russian fashion, in re
membrance pf the hospitality I have experienced
among you." In general he expressed himself
pleased with our mode of living, and though he
could not always sit at table with us, because the
Japanese do not eat butchers' meat,' yet he had his
meals served up at the same time, and always took
tea with us. He generally drank his tea without

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 347
sugar, but he ate large quantities of the latter sepa
rately. We remained together until midnight. When
about to withdraw, he expressed his regret that the
Japanese laws did not allow him to invite and en
tertain us at his own house ; since we might also
wish to possess some chasees and sagasukees,* as
memorials of Japanese hospitality.
On the following day we were much concerned
to hear that Tachatay-Ka,chiL had caught a severe
cold^ in consequence of his frequent communications
with the Diana having obliged him to be so much
on the water. We were: therefore visited by the
young interpreter,, who i was sent by the high of-.
ficers to inform us, that on the following morning
Golownin and the rest of the prisoners would be
sent on board. In confirmation of this message, he
brought a letter from Golownin, by which it ap
peared that they had all been carried before the
bunyo, who, in the presence of a numerous assem
bly, had formally announced their liberation. The
high officers requested that I would, next, morning,
go once more on shore, to hold a conference with
them, to take charge of my liberated countrymen,
and to receive the papers which had been prepared
for me.

* Lackered cups and small pieces of wood, which the Japanese
use instead of knives and forks.

348 ACCOUNT OF
As a proof that I implicitly relied on the honour
of the Japanese government, I informed our wel
come messenger that I would go ashore without
guards, and merely in a boat bearing white flags, in
order to convince the people that the liberation of
our countrymen had been effected without any kind
of force whatever. The interpreter, with some
other visitors, who had been attracted by curiosity,
remained with us until night, and we now, for the
first time, succeeded in persuading our guests to
receive a few tokens of friendship. Our presents,
on this occasion, consisted of pieces of Spanish
leather, which the Japanese prized beyond any
thing else we could have offered them.
The 7th of October was the happy day on which
all our difficulties were to be amply requited. Ta
chatay-Kachi arrived very early, in the governor's
barge. Owing to indisposition he appeared in his
ordinary dress. On my expressing some appre
hensions on account of his health, he replied,
" Never fear ! Joy has already made me better ; and
when I see you and Golownin rowing towards the
ship, I shall be quite well again."
He assured- us that the bunyo was much
pleased with the frank confidence which I had
placed in the honour of the Japanese. At twelve
o'clock I went on board the barge, accompanied
only by Savelieff and Kisseleff, and rowed, under
white flags, to the well-known edifice, where the

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 349
Japanese were in waiting to receive us, ' Our pri
soners immediately appeared at the door. They
all wore yellow dresses of a uniform cut, with sea
men's trowsers and waistcoats of various colours.
The officers' dresses were made of a material re
sembling our figured silk stuffs, those of the sailors
consisted of taffety. The Kurile Alexei wore a
dress of dark-coloured silk, made in the Japanese
form. To complete this whimsical costume, the
officers wore their swords and uniform hats. On
any other occasion we should have been highly
diverted by the singularity of their; appearance,
but now it did not even excite a smile. Friend
gazed at friend with emotion and joy, and our
thoughts were expressed more by our looks than
by words. Tears of gratitude to Providence glist
ened in the eyes of our liberated countrymen.
The Japanese retired and left us for some time
alone, in order that we might give vent to our
feelings. My countrymen were then formally de
livered over to me by the two Ginmiyaks, Taka-
hassi-Sampey and Cood-Simoto-Chiogoro. The
papers of the Japanese government, which I was
to lay before the authorities on my arrival in
Russia, were, presented to me with the ceremonies
which have already been described by Captain
Golownin. Refreshments were then handed to
us in the usual manner.
Having once nipre expressed our sincere thanks,

350 ACCOUNT OF
we rowed from the shore at two o'clock^ ac
companied by a countless number of boats, crowd
ed with Japanese of both sexes. Notwithstand
ing a violent adverse wind, none of the nume
rous boats by which we were surrounded put
back. The Diana was decorated with flags, and
all the yards were manned by the crew, who sa
luted US with three cheers. The enthusiasm of the
seamen, on once more beholding their beloved
commander and his companions in misfortune,
after ' a separation of two years and three months,
was indeed boundless.' Many melted into tears.
This scene, so highly honourable to the whole
crew,, can never be effaced from my recollection.
Golownin and his companions, who Were moved
to their inmost souls, knelt down before the sacred
image ofthe ship t (the miracle-working Saint
Nicolas), and returned thanks to heaven.
A number of boats now came along-side, bring
ing fresh water, Wood, one thousand large radishes,
fifty boxes filled with grits, thirty with salt, and,
in short, provisions of every description, though
none had been asked1 on our part. When we de
clared that we stood iri no need of these sup
plies, the Japanese replied that > they had been
ordered to provide the prisoners with provisions
sufficient to last themr until they reached Kamt
schatka, To avoid any thing like dispute, I
accepted of all that was sent. A considerable

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 351
time was spent in unloading the boats. Many pf
the Japanese, whom the Doseenee now per
mitted to come on board the vessel, set to werk
so zealously, that it was difficult to say which most
deserved admiration— the pleasure with which our
seamen worked, or the obliging manner in which
the Japanese assisted them. They appeared as one
people ; and no spectator could have supposed that
between tlieir native homes' half the circumference
of the globe intervened ! Civility, kindness, good
humour, arid activity, animated all. They recipro
cally treated each other with brandy and saki ;
and, in the midst of their labours,, they enjoyed a
holiday. Some Japanese officers, of the rank of ShAoyagu,
came on board to visit us. Among them were the
interpreters, the Shtoyagu Murakami-Teske, and
the Saidshu Kumaddschero. The former spoke
Russian much better than the latter, and also pos
sessed more general information. They were accom
panied by the academician and an interpreter of the
Dutch language, the latter of whom had been in
Nangasaky when Resanpff and Krusenstern
visited that port in the Nadeschda. He recollected
several of the Russian officers' names, and also
spoke some Russian, and understood French, We
entertained them in the European style, in the
cabin, and they examined every part of the ship
with the greatest attention. Towards evening a

352 Account of
multitude of Japanese came on board, but all men
for now, to our mortification, the women were not
permitted to enter the ship. The deck was so
crowded, that our seamen could not move a step
without difficulty, and the Doseenee were, at last,
obliged to employ their iron batons in driving their
countrymen into the boats, whence the women
looked anxiously up as if they wished to have a
share in the bustle. To console them, we handed
some trifles down to them, for which they returned
thanks, by very expressive gestures.
On the 10th of October, when all was ready for
our departure, the government sent us a quantity of
vegetables, and fresh and salt fish. I had just given
orders for weighing the anchor, when Tachatay-
Kachi appeared, with a number of boats, which he
brought to tow us from the harbour into the bay.
The old interpreter, and several of Golownin's ac
quaintances, also came out in a large boat, and ac
companied us to the mouth of the bay. The ship's
company took farewell of our Japanese friends, by
cheering them ; and, as a mark of sincere gratitude
to Kachi, they gave — The Taisho ! Hurrah ! in
three separate and additional cheers. Kachi and
his sailors stood up in their boat, and returned the
cheers, calling as loud as they were able — The
Diana ! Hurrah !
We had to encounter a heavy storm, of six hours
duration, on the Japanese coast. Our situation was

NEGOTIATIONS with THE JAPANESE. 353
extremely dangerous ; the night was dark, and the
rain fell in a torrent. The water in the hold rose
to forty inches, notwithstanding that we kept the
pumps constantly at work. At last the storm mo
derated, and, in the midst of a shower of snow, we
happily entered the harbour of Petropaulowskoi on
the 3rd of September,
On the 6th of November we held our last thanks
giving on board the ship, and proceeded to the bar
racks which we had occupied in the preceding win
ter, with the consoling reflection, that having now
completed our labours, we should soon return to
our friends and relatives, from whom we had been
separated during seven years, that time having
elapsed since we took our departure from Peters
burgh. Thus ended our first communication with a people
who, through unfortunate circumstances, and the
misrepresentations of the selfish Dutch, had been
impressed with so unfavourable an opinion of the
Russians, that we even entertained apprehensions
lest our prisoners should be put to death. Pro
vidence, however, watched over their safety, and
their misfortune has effected what human wisdom
deemed impracticable. Two great empires, hitherto
almost unknown to each other, have made a vast
step towards future intercourse; and there, is even
ground to hope, that a further approximation, ad-
yoL, ii. a a

354 ACCOUNT OF
vantageous for both nations, may take place between
them. As I had reason to fear that our worn-out vessel
might founder in the harbour of Petropaulowskoi,
like the ship which had served in the expedition of
Captain Billings, we run her right ashore on the
beach. The Diana, no longer able to contend with
the waves of the ocean, now serves as a magazine,
and will be a memorial of former times. It seems
probable that these shores, celebrated by the voy
ages of Cook and La Perouse, and the geographical
situation of which is so advantageous for trade, will
become better known to the neighbouring Asiatic
nations, and be visited by navigators from the most
distant corners of the world. Then will the Diana
perhaps often engage the attention of those who
love to reflect on the wonderful course of human
events. On the day of our arrival at Petropaulowskoi
all was cheerfulness in our little circle, with one ex
ception — the unfortunate Moor alone presented a
different aspect. His conduct arose from error, not
from turpitude of heart, or any settled design of
treason to his country. Being bereft of all hope of
returning to Russia, and flattered with the idea of
obtaining freedem among the Japanese, he was in
duced to depart from the path of honour. When
circumstances unexpectedly changed, he became

NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE JAPANESE. 355
every day more and more depressed in spirits, and
finally yielded to despair. A man of ordinary mind
might easily have been brought to forget his own
errors ; but a heart, in which every honourable
sentiment had been deeply rooted, was for ever
poisoned by a single offence. When he first came
on board the ship, after his liberation, I eagerly ad
vanced to embrace him ; but he shrunk back, and,
reaching his sword out to me, exclaimed, in a fal
tering voice, " I am unworthy of your notice ! I
am only fit to be confined with criminals !" What
a blow to a heart which, like mine, had just been so
completely transported with joy! I feared lest the sea
men might observe what was passing, and suddenly
collecting myself, took the sword, and said, " I re
ceive it as a memorial of this happy day." I then
conducted him to the cabin, where Captain Golownin
and Mr. Chlebnikoff were expressing their gratitude
to the officers of the vessel. Golownin presented
to me his sword ; the same which, during his cap
tivity, the Emperor of Japan had expressed a wish
to see, and I now preserve it as the most valuable
reward of my enterprise. To the officers he gave
his telescopes, pistols, and astronomical instruments.
He gave to the senior non-commissioned officer
one hundred roubles ; to the juniors seventy-five ;
to each seaman twenty-five ; and to the sailors who
had been his companions in captivity five hundred
roubles each. But to Makaroff, who, as the reader
a a 2 '

356 ACCOUNT OF, &c,
knows, was of particular use to him, he besides
granted a pension, amounting to a seaman's annual
pay, from his estate in the government of Casan.
To the Kurile Alexei he gave a set of carpenter's
tools, a rifle, powder, shot, tobacco, and two hun
dred and fifty roubles in money. Even Moor took
occasion to express his gratitude ; -but he constantly
turned to me with the words " I am unworthy !"
Golownin frequently entreated him to forget what
had passed, as he had himself blotted it all from
his recollection ; but Mr. Moor was overwhelmed
with remorse. The exhortations of friendship pro
duced no effect upon him ; and he generally main-
tained a gloomy silence. The rest is known to the
reader. Moor was a young man of extraordinary
talent, and always distinguished himself in the
performance of his duty. To all the qualifications
of a seaman, in their fullest extent, he joined the
possession of other sciences ; was familiar with
several foreign languages, and spoke two fluently.
With such a character and such accomplishments
it was impossible not to love him, and I am confi
dent that all who knew him will participate in the
sorrow of his old shipmates for the unhappy termi
nation of his career.

EXPLANATION
Of Words and Terms, chiefly Russian, which occur in
the preceding Work.

Baidar or Baidare — a kind of boat used in the Kurile
Islands, and oh the Coasts of Japan.
Copec — the hundreth part of a rouble, in value about a
halfpenny. Eessaul—a. chief or officer.
Hairy Kuriles — A race of men who inhabit the Kurile
Islands, and whose bodies are covered with short hairs,
Isprawmk — the captain or chief of a district.
Kibitka — a kind of travelling carriage.
Kwass—^a, strong liquor.
Natschalnik — chief commander.
Parkis — large cloaks made of the skins of quadrupeds
or birds.
Pood— one pood contains 40 Russian or 36 English lbs.
Rouble-^a. rouble is in general worth about 4s. 2d. but
the value varies according to the course of exchange.
Step or steppe — a desert or extensive heath.
Tschetwerik — the 8th part of a tschetwert, which is
equal to b~ Winchester bushels.

Werst or verst — a measure, of length containing 500
sazsheens or fathoms, each 7 feet English — Two English
miles, are equal to about 3 Russian wersts.
N. B. — When the depth of water is expressed in fathoms,
the measure is 6 feet, the same as the English fathom.
The Russians frequently use patronymics in the names
of persons, forming the patronymic, in the case of per
sons of quality, by the addition of vitsch or itsch to the
Christian name of the father. Thus Captain Golownin
is sometimes called WassiliTMichaelovitsch, and so with
others. The Japanese words are all explained as they occur.

END OF VOL. II.

LONDON :
PRINTED BY B. CLARKE, WELL-STREET.

VER3ITY LIBRARY

3 9002 08854 4169