Escort Officers
Photograph
Escort Officers
From the album Photographic Views and Costumes of Japan
ca. 1868
Albumen silver print with applied color
21.5 x 26.7 cm.
Purchase
1979.0059.0008
Inscriptions (applied label, printed, opposite page):
ESCORT OFFICERS.
THE photograph represents a group of corps of guards, selected for their courage and reliability as an escort for foreigners. In Japan, the opposition offered by many of the leading princes to the admission of foreigners had the effect of creating among the retainers of these daimios a hostile feeling that was always dreaded by the government; and which exhibited itself on several occasions in the murder of individuals, and in attacks upon various legations in Yedo. From the first opening of the ports, therefore, cavalry officers were appointed to escort foreigners not only in Yedo, but in any part of the interior to which they were permitted to go, and in which special precautions were thought to be necessary.
The government, loyal to its engagements with foreigners, were careful in the selection of the guard; and as it was considered a hazardous duty, extra pay was allowed them whenever engaged in accompanying foreigners. Every man received from five to seven boos from the government, but no charge was made on the foreigner; so, in days when the guards between Yokohama and Yedo were numerous, it was no uncommon thing for the escort of a mere visitor of a minister in Yedo, to cost from one hundred and fifty to three hundred boos--or, at the current exchange of those days, about fifteen or thirty pounds sterling.
The guard waited on their charge from his starting point, accompanied him closely the whole distance, and did not leave him until he was safely lodged at his destination. They then reported his safety, and received their pay.
Many foreigners used to speak slightingly of the aid to be expected from the guard in case of attack; but it is certain that their presence prevented many an assassination.
Guards are still supplied to foreigners who visit Yedo or the interior; but only in small numbers, rarely exceeding ten men, and usually only from two to five.
ESCORT OFFICERS.
THE photograph represents a group of corps of guards, selected for their courage and reliability as an escort for foreigners. In Japan, the opposition offered by many of the leading princes to the admission of foreigners had the effect of creating among the retainers of these daimios a hostile feeling that was always dreaded by the government; and which exhibited itself on several occasions in the murder of individuals, and in attacks upon various legations in Yedo. From the first opening of the ports, therefore, cavalry officers were appointed to escort foreigners not only in Yedo, but in any part of the interior to which they were permitted to go, and in which special precautions were thought to be necessary.
The government, loyal to its engagements with foreigners, were careful in the selection of the guard; and as it was considered a hazardous duty, extra pay was allowed them whenever engaged in accompanying foreigners. Every man received from five to seven boos from the government, but no charge was made on the foreigner; so, in days when the guards between Yokohama and Yedo were numerous, it was no uncommon thing for the escort of a mere visitor of a minister in Yedo, to cost from one hundred and fifty to three hundred boos--or, at the current exchange of those days, about fifteen or thirty pounds sterling.
The guard waited on their charge from his starting point, accompanied him closely the whole distance, and did not leave him until he was safely lodged at his destination. They then reported his safety, and received their pay.
Many foreigners used to speak slightingly of the aid to be expected from the guard in case of attack; but it is certain that their presence prevented many an assassination.
Guards are still supplied to foreigners who visit Yedo or the interior; but only in small numbers, rarely exceeding ten men, and usually only from two to five.
