WHAT'S NEWS更新歴

June 19, 2021: Still revising and correcting in Ch.4.まだまだ修正をやっています。第4章部分他。

June 17, 2021: Postscript add.後書きを付加。

April 20, 2021: Dividing contents into 2 parts and changed appearance to cope with new Google-Sites format.グーグル･サイト新形式に合わ内容を2部に割け表示を改定。

April 14, 2021: Ch.11-4, part of "Memories of Tate and Masato" added. 第11章4節の館潔彦と正戸豹之助の記憶の部分を加筆。

April 12, 2021: I almost completed revision as of April 12, 2021, and now looking for publisher. 改正をほぼ終えたので、出版社を探しております。

Summary

   When the British naval advisors and the HMS Sylvia arrived at Edo in the end of 1867, the Shogunate was about collapse, and the advisors gave up their duties, while the HMS Sylvia kept staying at Japanese sea. A year later, three British engineers for lighthouse construction arrived at Yokohama in July 1868 just after the Imperial government peacefully defeated the shogunate, and took over various nation-strengthening and modernization projects from late government. The young officers of Satsuma and Chosyu who learned western civilization in the Britain took initiative in the new government.

  The lighthouse construction engineers led by H. Brunton, started their duty at Rock Island (Kikomoto-jima) in March 1869, McVean and A.W. Blundel, both assistant engineer clashed with Bruton in term of construction manners. Japanese contractors and artisans were unfamiliar with western masonry at all, and might be give them technical training first. They resigned the lighthouse board in August, and McVean stayed in Japan without appointment accepting advice of William Maxwell, acting commander of the HMS Sylvia that Japan’s new government soon or later would launch out nationwide survey project. McVean started foundry business at Yokohama and accidentally met Yamao Yuzo, a government officer in charge of shipbuilding and ironworks, who was endeavoured to drive industrialization by setting up a specific ministry together with Ito Hirobumi, accepting advice of Edmund Morel, chief engineer of railway construction. McVean became close friends with Yamao soon because they had same friend in Glasgow, and proposed him to make national geodetic survey.

  After Ito and Yamao successfully established ministry of Public Works with 11 departments in September 1871, and Yamao headed department of engineer training/education [Kogaku-ryo] and survey [Sokuryou-shi], and McVean widely supported his duties including building works through his connections. Appointed as surveyor in chief, McVean soon hired 3 British engineers from railway department, and began designing of technical school buildings together with Henry Joyner, assistant surveyor, and arranging of survey school with two teachers, George Eaton and Thomas O. Rymer=Jones. Purchasing basic instruments through Lane & Crawford Co. at Yokohama, McVean wanted to furnish a set of complete instruments for the government institution, and made up mind to get home to buy these articles and appoint suitable architect and surveyors.

  But, due to immediate order by Yamao, McVean had to stay at Japan to prepare Ginza-Nihonbashi redevelopment scheme after the big fire and detailed survey map of former Edo Castle. McVean asked his friend Cosmo Innes, chief engineer for public works in the British India and Campbell Douglas, architect of Glasgow to send competent engineers and architects to Japan’s public works. Thomas Hardy and William MacArthur arrived from the British India in May, Robert Stewart from Scotland in October, and W. Cheesman and James Klasen from the Hydrographic office in November, and Charles A. de Boinvile from Glasgow in December. Although McVean did not invite Henry Scharbau, he asked McVean to work together as his assistant, and came to Japan in June 1874,

  McVean once again asked Yamao to get home in November after Samejima Naonobu, Japanese diplomatic attaché for the Britain and France failed to purchase the instrument, and. Yamao finally allowed that McVean would get home in March 1873 together with Kawano Michinobu, head of the survey office and Kobayashi Hachiro, survey student. The mission in Britain was not only to  purchase instruments from Troughton & Simms, Casella & Co., Luiz Palmieri of the Naples Observatory and etc, but also to make memorandum for cooperation with the Royal Observatory and the Scottish Meteorological Society.

   McVean successfully did all his missions and returned to Japan with big hope in May 1874, 4 months later than original schedule. Before his return to Japan,  the Survey Office underwent drastic change, firstly the office has been absorbed by the newly founded Home Affairs in January 1874, secondly Kawano resigned from the office, thirdly officers of the Civil Works [Doboku-ryo] joined in the office, and fourthly Okubo Toshimichi, minister of Home Affairs was not interested in nationwide geodetic survey, but regional and urgent survey. Okubo did not give up nationwide survey, but limited it into only experimental level.

   Under the confusing circumstances, John Francis Campbell came to Japan and stayed at McVean's residence to superintend the observation of Venus in December 9, 1874, and Charles Wyville Thomson and Thomas Henry Tyzard of the HMS Challenger visited the Home Affairs to advice McVean on his meteorological observation in May -June 1875, since the memorandum with the Scottish Meteorological Society was still valid. McVean made great efforts to introduce geodetic survey and meteorology to Japanese government in the middle of 1870s, but they were not fully bloomed in Japan’s political confusion of those days, and erased almost all when the Home Affairs Headquarter was burned down in July 1875.

McVean’s great achievement could be revealed through reading of his diaries and correspondence as well as English magazine and newspapers.

Chapter 1. Prologue

  “I consider it my duty to lay the matter as it now rests before you. Supposing then that a Geodetic survey is required – the services of a certain number of foreign surveyors will be necessarily required till all staff of young Japanese are trained and have sufficient experience to carry on the work by themselves - this being the case it would be a pity I think to loose two of our best men who have been brought to Japan from England and will have to be sent home again at Govt expense and to loose them in fact before the work for which they have been brought here is even fairly commenced - not to speak of the money spent on valuable insts lying unused – for more than a year back - These two gentlemen must of course return to the country without delay if there is no prospect of further employment for them here - it is the idea of losing them now still the prospect before us of the work yet going on a proper and permanent footing that had induced me to address you again at this time.

  If on the other hand the carrying out of a Geodetic survey is impossible at the present time – then the non-renewal of the agreement of the Foreign Staff is a very proper measure as in a former letter I have already explained that under the present system our services are next to useless and I do not think”

   Colin Alexander McVean has endeavoured to set up survey office in the new government together with Yamao last 3 years. In January 1874, however, the survey office was taken to Home Affairs by home minister Okuba Toshimichi, who soon gave up national geodetic survey. McVean as surveyor in chief, tried to persuade Okubo several times to keep on training of young Japanese under experienced British surveyors. As Okubo did not change his decision, McVean wrote final letter to Ohkubo to express his mind, and made up his mind to resign a half year earlier than his contract together with his assistants.

1-1. Isle of Iona

   Colin McVean*1 was born in March 6, 1838 as first son of clergy family of Iona. Iona is a small isle, which is located a half kilometer away from west end of the Isle of Mull, one of the major islands in Inner Hebrides, featuring a large number of isles and deeply indented coastalines (Fig.1-1). In the middle of 6th century, St. Columba arrived at this isle and established monastery. Once abandoned by a series of attacks of the Viking, the Benedectine Order established new abbey in the early 13th century, which became a centre for the Celtic Christian community. During the Scottish Reformation starting in the middle of 16th century, the abbey has declined. In 1823, the Parliament decided to build churches for communities without any church buildings in Scotland, and commissioned Thomas Telford*2, well-known civil engineer, to supervise construction of these churches. Among 43 proposed churches, ‘Telford Church’ completed at Iona in 1828. Telford also contributed to the completion of the Crinan Canal, a major shortcut route of ferry serive between Glasgow and Oban. He became first president of the Institution of Civil Engineer, and one of the most respected men.

   His father Donald McVean*3 was also from clergy family at Kenmore, Perthshire. When Donald was studying philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, he was deeply influenced by Thomas Chalmers, founder of the Free Church, and entered into clergy service of the Free Church. He was appointed as minister for Iona and Ross, and two years later, married to Susan McLean of Mull at age of 26. Leasing a piece of land from Duke of Argyl, they built the manse, and lived there with 6 children for 30 years*4(Fig.1-2).

   Oban is a major city in southern Hebrides, and was connected to Glasgow only by ferry before Oban-Glasgow railway was completed in 1880. It took one day to get to Oban from Iona through the Isle of Mull by horse cabin and ferry, and half day from Oban to Glasgow by ferry in the middle of 19th century. Lady Hellen Campbell, a heroine of the Jules Gabriel Verne’s “Green Ray (1882)”*5 travelled in this route through Crinan Canal. Young McVean grown up in this small island surrounded by the great nature of southern Hebrides. However, he was aware that there was a big world over the Atlantic Ocean through correspondences of his relatives and neighbours who migrated to the North America.

  A little McVean opened up his eyes into natural history, after he met Henry Davenport Graham*6, a scholar of that field. Graham was from a rich merchant family of London, and entered the Royal Navy. When servicing at the Mediterranean Station, he got largely interested into natural history, in particular archaeology and ornithology, and resigned the navy to be scholar at age of 26. He came to Hebridges, and was attracted by culture and ecology of the Isle of Iona. Then, hiring little McVean, he started to survey the ruins of the abbey and monasteries, and published a paper entitled ”Antiques in Iona (1850),” which pushed Duke of Argil to restore the abby later. Then, Graham turned his fieldwork toward ornithology. McVean helped him when he was off from the grammar school at Glasgow. Graham passed away in 1880, and his friends including McVean compiled Graham’s life and works, and published “The Birds of Iona and Mull (1890),” which illustrated warm relationship between Graham and McVean’s family (Fig.1-3). Graham’s manner of sketch was somewhat caricaturistic, which was learned by McVean.

1-2. Being Civil Engineer

  In 1851, when Colin entered grammer school at Glasgow, Rev. McVean took his son to London to show him the Great Exposition*7. McVean was so immpressed by tubes and bridges rather than the exhibition itself, and made up mind to be civil engineer. Engineer for people of the 18th century, meant the Royal Engineer, while the Industrial Revolution fostered birth of new type of engineer, who supported enterprenuers to develop new manufacturing system and social infrastructure. Telford and Isambard Brunel*8 established profession of civil engineer in the early 19th century.

   After finished the High School at Edinburgh, McVean entered apprenticeship to M’Callum & Dundas civil engineers’ office*9, one of the most experienced civil engineering offices in Scotland. The apprenticeship was still ordinary way to become artisan and engineer for young boys at the time. The firm was commissioned to survey extensive estates of Scotland as a part of the Ordinance Survey*10 from the 1830s (Fig.1-4), and to prepare railways development scheme. McVean mastered surveying and locomotive engineer, as well as various construction works through the Granton Branch of the Caledonian Railway.

  After 5 years apprenticeship completed*11 in 1861, McVean got a new appointment to the Hydrographic Office of the Admiralty, and worked under the command of Captain Henry Charles Otter*12 for survey and mapping in Hebrides for 4 years (Fig.1-5). Otter was a leading member the Royal Astronomical Society, and he has commanded survey of layouting of Atlantic Cable. He was looking for a young staff familiar with Hebridges and Gaelic, and probably asked the M’Callum & Dundas to recommend the right person. McVean was also familiar with the Admiralty through Graham’s career. Otter welcomed McVean and taught him various knowledges beside work. Under Otter's tutelage and leadership for 4 years, McVean worked together with Frederick William Leopold Thomas (1812-1880)*13 and William Frederick Maxwell (1822-1888)*14, both R.N., Henry Scharbau (Sharbau, 1822-1904)*15, Lubeck-born cartographer and William Edward Cheesman (1840-1918)*16, civil engineer, and formed a close friendship with all of them. Maxwell took care of external staffs, talking about his experiences all over the world probably including service of the China Station (Fig.1-6). 

   After the Hebrides survey finished in 1864, McVean wanted to test his skill and ventured to seek overseas work, then applied to assistant engineer post for railways construction in Bulgaria together with Cheesman. Talented and experienced engineers were highly demanded by all over the world and hired in better condition than domestic appointment. The construction scheme of Varna and Rustchuck Railway, Bulgaria*17 (Fig.1-7) was contracted by Anglo-French consortium, and William McCandlish*18, a leading civil engineer in railways construction in Scotland took part in British side to make survey and plan of the railway line. McVean and Cheesman worked under A. Duprerex, chief engineer of French side, and completed preliminary works. Then they were transferred on McCandlish’s recommendation, to the staff of Morton Peto and Betts*19, contractor for the Varna and Rustchuck Railway to superintend the construction works including harbour facilities. However, due to outbreak of the rebellion, the proposed construction work was suspended, and McVean had to return to Scotland with the promise of employment from Morton Peto’s agent in September 1866. When McVean met with the riat, he illustrated the scene and contributed it to the Illustrated London News (Fig.1-8).

1-3. New Appointment in Japanese Government

   When McVean was waiting for Morton Peto’s call at Iona for a month, Maxwell advised McVean to apply new appointment. It was a post of resident engineer of the Harbour of Aberdeen, which was close to the Admirality. McVean soon prepared the application, and requested letters of reference from Thomas and Maxwell, as well as testimonials from M’Candlish, John Trevor Barkley*20, and Morton Peto. But, they did not issue testimonials by the deadline possibly as they wanted to reseave position of McVean for their project, and so McVean’s application*21 was not accepted by the Commissioners for the Harbour of Aberdeen, and Maxwell’s letter of recommendation remained in McVean’s hand.

           H.M.S. Sylvia

          Woolwich Novemr 5th 1866

I have much pleasure in stating that I have known Mr C.A. McVean for the last six years, three of which he was with me employed in the Survey of the Hebrides, showing himself thoroughly qualified, bit as a Marine and Civil Engineer, and perfect Draughtsman. Subsequently he has been employed on the Railway between Rustchuck and Varna, and the Harbour works at the former place.

Hearing that he is applying for the situation of Resident Engineer of the Harbour works at Aberdeen, I feel confident that no Candidate will be more eligible for that important office, combining as he does so perfect a knowledge of Marine and Civil Engineering

      (Signed) W. F. Maxwell

      Master Royal Navy*22

  In spite of some overstatement, Maxwell highly evaluated McVean”s skill and personality. In the following year, Maxwell was dispatched to the Far East with HMS Sylvia*23, and McVean soon once again received letter from Maxwell, who would offer McVean for a big opportunity for his life.

1. Colin Alexander McVean, 1838-1913. McVean left several autobiographies including ‘Colin Alexander McVean (Celtic Monthly, December 24, 1896)’ and ‘Little Journal: Colin Alexander McVean, F.R.G.S, (Girrifis' Collection, Rutgers University).’

2. Thomas Telford, 1757-1834. Scottish civil engineer, who established a profession of civil engineer and became the first president of the Institute of Civil Engineers. He proposed construction of parish churches all over the Scotland to the Parliament, and Iona church was one of his 18 churches. He also completed the Crinan Canal a major short cut route between Glasgow and Oban.

3. Donald McVean, 1808-80. Minister to Isle of Iona and Ross of Mull Free Church. He was born in the manse of Kenmore, of which place his father was parish minister. He studied in Edinburgh, and was licensed by the Presbytery of Lorn in his 24 year. In 1835 he was presented to Iona; and two years thereafter was married to Miss Susan McCallum, of an old family in Mull. After flitting from one place to another, he got a manse built in Iona, as well as two churches, one there and the other in the Ross of Mull. See “Obituary of Rev. McVean” presented by the Rev.D.C. Ross, Appin, the Free Church of Scotland Monthly Record, June 1, 1880.

4. Rev. McVean leased the site of the Manse from John Douglas Edward Henry Duke of Argyll with “Tack Between The Duke of Argyll And The Revd Donald McVean, 1844, Croft called Ballemore for 19 years after Whitey 1845. James Dalglesih, W.S,” MVA. James Dalglesih was a legal agent of the Duke, and his son got a close friend with McVean, in particular in term of ornithology. The Building Plan and Specification of the Manse is in the MVA.

5. Jules Verne, Green Ray, 1882.

6. Henry Davenport Graham, 1822-1872. Born to rich merchant family at London, and entered admiral service at 1836. He gave up the Royal Navy in 1848, started fieldwork of natural history at Iona. He hired McVean as assistant and published “Antiquites of Iona (1850)” and “The Birds of Iona and Mull (1890).”

7. McVean Archives: Journal of First Visit to London 1851.

8. Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1806-1859.

9. M’Callum & Dundas civil engineers’ office. The firm prepared Reports of the Proposed Line of Railway from Carlisle to Glasgow and Edinburgh, 1837. Queensberry Estate Plans, Map Collection of the National Library of Scotland.

10. Before Ordnance Survey Act (1841) was enacted, the Army’s Board of Ordnance started survey in Scotland to arrage logical strategy to suppress uprights of the Jacobite. William Roy, a civilian surveyor in Edinburgh was appointed as Ordnance surveyor, and established the government survey agent under the Army. The Ordnance Survey was largely carried out in Ireland by Thomas Colby in early 19th century, while large estate owners made survey employing civil engineers as a part of Ordnance Survey to arrage estate development scheme. Scale and drawing manners of Ordnance Survey maps varied through the 19th century. At the same time, Admiralty and the East India Company also carried out more systematic survey. 

11. McVean Archives: Articles of Agreement made between William McCandlish and Colin A. McVean (1856) and Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship (1861).

12. Henry Charles Otter, 1807-76, Captain R.N. Born in Bolsover, Derbyshire, and entered the Navy in 1822. He assumed command of the SPARROW surveying-vessel on the coast of Scotland. In 1858 the first Transatlantic Telegraphy cable was laid and Captain Otter pilots the final stages of the journey into Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. See Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 1876-77, pp. 152-153.

13. Frederick William Leopold Thomas, c.1812–1885, R.N, FSA (Scot). Following his fater, Captin George Thomas, Thomas joined the Royal Navy. Besides hydrographical surveying, he was a member of the Photographic Society of Scotland and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He authored several papers discussing the history of the Northern and Western Isles.

14. William Fredrick Maxwell, 1822-1899, R.N. He was sent to China Station and Newfoundland around 1850s, and joined Captain Otter’s survey team for Hebrides in early 1860s, where he worked together with Thomas, McVean, Henry Scharbau, Cheesman brothers. Maxwell joined HMS Sylvia in 1867 for survey of Japanese sea, then commanded survey for newfoundland in 1871-1890. He was the best friend and advisor for McVean.

15. Henry Scharbau (Sharbau), 1822-1909. Lübeck born surveyor and cartographer, joined British Hydraulic Office in 1855, and engaged in surveying along the Hebrides coastal lines under direction of Henry C. Otter and F.W.L. Thomas together with C.A. McVean and W.E. Cheesman during early 1860s. After completed contract with Japanese government, he returned to the Britain, and became the chief cartographer of the Royal Geographical Society, London. His name was inscribed in his tomb as “Henry Scharbau.” See, Obituary of H. Scharbau, Geographical Journal, July 1904, pp.106-107.

16. William Edward Cheesman, 1840-1918, C.E. He worked for the Hydrographic Office together with McVean in 1861-65, and appointed as assistant surveyor for Japan’s Survey Office by McVean’s recommendation. Worked for 3 years in Japan, he settled down at Adelaide as city surveyor.

17. William McCandlish, 1828-1889. Well known Scottish civil engineer, who successfully constructed Ballochmyle Viaduct, the largest masonry arch in 1848 as the resident engineer. See Articles of Agreement made between William McCandlish and Colin A. McVean, in McVean Archives.

18. J.H. Jensen and Gerhard Rosegger, British Railway Builders along the Lower Danube, 1856-1869, The Slavonic and East European Review, Vol. 46, No. 106 (Jan., 1968), pp.105-128.

19. Sir Samuel Morton Peto, 1st Baronet, 1809–1889. English entrepreneur and civil engineer in the middle of the 19th century.

20. John Trevor Barkley、1826-1882

21. McVean Archives: Application Letter to the Honorable the Commissioners for the Harbour of Aberdeen, Iona, 22nd Oct, 1866.

22. McVean Archives: Maxwell’s Recommendation dated November 5, 1866.

23. H.M.S. Sylvia was wooden gun vessel, 865 tons Cormorant, built in Woolwich dockyard, and launched in March 20. After converted as survey vessel, she was dispatched to China station under command of Edward Wolfe Brooker in Oct. 12 1866. When Brooker fell sick in middle of 1869, William Frederick Maxwell took commander position until Henry Craven St.John succeeded the position in middle of 1870. At this time, Maxwell negotiated for joint survey with Japan’s Admiralty, but failed due to political struggle of Japanese government. Instead, St. John made suceesful joint survey with officers of hydrographic office for 5 years. In April 9, 1873, the Sylvia returned to Sheerness, and after 6 moths she left for the Far East, mainly to make survey coastal line of Japan. For further information on the Hydrographic Office, see Commander L.S. Dawson, Memoirs of Hydrography including Biographies of the Principal Officers who have Surveyed in H.M.Naval Surveying Service between the years 1750 and 1885, 1885, p.145-181.

Chapter 2. At the Twilight of Shogunate Government

  After Britain defeated Qing China over the Opion War in 1841, it procured Hong Kong as colony, and open foreign settlement at 5 ports, Canton (Guanzhou), Amoy (Xiamen), Ninpo (Ninjutsu), Fuchow (Fuzhow) and Shanghai by the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. Then, in order to protect British subjects and their commercial interest within these area, Britain set naval base, called “East India and China Station” at Hong Kong*1. Japan also open to foregn country in 1858 by the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with 5 foreign nations, and would arrange foreign settlements at Nagasaki, Hyogo, Kanagawa, Hakodate and Niigata. As British naval force had to cover Japanese sea area, China Station was separated from former station, and the HMS Sylvia took responsibility of survey over Chinese coast and Japanese sea.

2-1. Shogunate Navy

  The shogunate was repeatedly requested to open the nation by Russia and the United States of America, which needed ports of call and trade. In 1853, Commander Matthew Perry representing the US president, Millard Fullmore visited Japan with the fleet and negotiated a treaty with the shogunate government. Following year, through the use of gunboat diplomacy, the Shogunate government reluctantly entered into the Treaty of Peace and Amity wih the USA, followed by same treaty with the British, Rusia and Dutch. The Shogunate government rushed to protect the nation by casting large canon and constructing batteries referring the Dutch science and engineering books.

  The shogunate realized these initial passive attempts were not effective, and dicided to set up naval school at Nagasaki to train young Japanese as naval leader with assistance of Dutch government. Katsu Kaisyu, Yadabori Keizo, Ono Tomogoro*2, Enomoto Takeaki, Koeda Hamagoro, etc, from shogunate government, and Sano Tsunetami*3 and Yanagi Narayoshi*4 and etc, from leading domains, took the course. Additionally, several Dutch language translators including Kawakami Togai joined in the school, and quit many fellows attended at individual lectuer, such as Sato Masayasu, a personal fellow of Katsu. Ono was one of the smartest mathematicians of shogunate school but was already 38 years old. They learned gunnery, fortification, steam engine, shipbuilding, survey, and etc, for 16 months through Dutch instructors. The school created more than 60 junior naval officersy within 3 graduates, and expected to lead not only shogunate navy, but also various nation-strengthening projects.

  The shogunate moved naval center to Yedo, shogunate capital in 1857, and established training center of for naval cadits at Tsukiji. These who were familiar with the Rangaku joined the centre as instructor, including Arai Ikunosuke*5 and Kobayashi Bunjiro*6. The shogunate also set up the navy as soon as several warships arrived from the Netherlands, “Kanko-maru,” “Choyo-maru,” and “Kanrin-maru” in 1859. Needing much more vessels, the navy bought secondhand ships from British merchants*7. “Lyemoon,’ vessel of the Dent Co. was bought by the navy and renamed as “Taihei-maru.” McVean would meet some of these Japanese naval officers and “Lyemoon.”

  The leading foreign nations soon requested trading from Japan, and successfully signed in 1858 the Treaty of Commerce and Amity with the shogunate government, which following year, dispatched the mission with “Kanrin-maru” operated by Katsu Kaisyu, Ono Tomogoro, etc. to the USA to ratify the treaty. The mission members saw real western civilization there, and soon beame innovative officers.

2-2. Royalist and Exclusionist

  According to the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with 5 foreign nations, the shogunate government had to establish foreign settlement at Nagasaki, Hyogo, Kanagawa, Hakodate and Niigata, and provide diplomatic facilities for the nations at Yedo. However, some local lords were not contented to the Shogunate attitude toward to the foreign nations, and inclined to set up new government together with imperial authority with a motto of “Respect Emperor and Beat Barbarians.”

  The Britain was assigned Tozen-ji, an old Buddhist temple at Shinagawa for the use of legation, and soon first Consul-Genral Rutherford Alcock occupied it. But, the temple was soon attacked by extreme-exclusionists, and Alcock requested the shogunate to build new legation building much safer and more comfortable for British officers. Gotenyama*8, a hill west side of Shinagawa post-town, once very popular place for sakura blussom watch was selected for that site, and building was constructed by the shogunate building section following Alcock’s sketch design (Fig.2-1). It was large 2 storied building with a large central courtyard and 3 side outer verandahs, from which British officers could observe busy traffic of Tokai-do postway and sea of the Edo Bay.

  Along with Alcock left Japan for home taking official leave in 1862, the Shogunate government dispatched mission to negotiate revision of the Treaty of Commerce and Amity with Britain, France, Dutch, Prussia and Portugal. Although the mission could not achieve their goal, the members watched western civilization including London International Exposition. Matsuki Koan*9 (later Terashima Munenori) originally from Satsuma domain joined into this mission as medical doctor as well as interpreter, and realized limits of Shogunate government and Rangaku, then played essential role of diplomat scene including commissioner of lighthouse department after the Meiji Restoration.

   When Alcock returned to Japan together with the shogunate mission in January 1863, new legation building has completed. Just before moved in, the legation building was set fire by extreme-exclusionists. They were samurai group from Chosyu domain led by Takasugi Shisaku, followed by Ito Hirobumi, Inoue Monta, Inoue Masaru, Endo Kinsuke, Yamao Yozo*10 and so on. But suddenly, the perpetrators changed their mind from anti-western to pro-western when they talked with ex-mission members. Ito, two Inoue, Endo and Yamao deeply got interested in western civilization and dicided to learn it in the Britain. By assistance of William Keswick of Jardin, Matheson Co., they departed Yokohama for the Britain in June 1863. Arriving at London, Hugh Matheson*11, a director of Matheson & Co., took care of them, introducing them to Alexander Williamson, professor of chemistry of University College.

   Chosyu domain itself was royalist and exclusionist, and challenged the shogunate and the foreign power, then blockaded the Shimonoseki Strait from foreign vessels in May 1863. The Britain took military action against the Choshu together with Frence and USA in April 1864, and Ito and Inoue Tamon dicided to get home to arrange peace agreement. On the other hand, Satsuma domain was pro-shogunate, but clashed with the Britain in term of settlement of the Namamugi Incident*12. The Britain bombed Kogoshima city and their batteries in August 1864. In the process of negotiation of peace agreement, Kagoshima got close to the Britain, and dicided to dispatch young officers to the Britain for study of western civilization*13. These young officers of Chosyu and Satsuma domains who studied at the Britain became leaders of new government.

2-3. End of Shogunate Navy

   Clashed with Satsuma and Chosyu domains, the Britain came to close with bothdomains, while France represented by Consul-General Michel Léon Roches approached to the shogunate and suggested to construct naval arsenal. He soon invited talented engineer François Léonce Verny*14, who just completed naval arsenal at Fuzhou, Qing China.Verny visited Japan in 1865 and furnished extensive construction scheme at Yokosuka, then started construction with French construction team (Fig.2-2) 

   To revive good terms with the shogunate, the Britain appointed Harry Parks as consul-general in succession to Alcock, who proposed various cooperation projects to the shogunate, and agreed to dispatch advisors and instructor to the shogunate naval school, hydrographic surveying team, and engineers for lighthouse construction when disccussing the amendment of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce*15 in 1866. French engineers at Yokosuka Arsenal soon took part in lighthouse construction at Kannonzaki and Nojimazaki nearby. Britain would assume the responsibility of other works, and dicided to send hydrographic survey team and civil engineers of lighthouse to Japan. The lighthouses in Britain were controlled by Board of Trade, and managed by the Trinity House for England and Wales, and Northern Lighthouse Board*16 for Scotland and Ireland. The Board of Trade asked Northern Lighthouse Board to select these engineers, probably because Scotaland had similar geomorphological condition with Japan.

   For hydrographic survey, the Admiralty dicided to send newly furnished HMS Sylvia (Fig.2-3) with commander of Edward Brooker*17 and acting-commander William Maxwell. The HMS Sylvia left for China Station in the end of 1866 not only to survey costal line of China and Japan, but also observe the Japan current and typhoon*18. The Admiralty also dispatched 17 naval officers led by Richard Tracey*19 to train Japanese cadits, and they arrived at Edo in October 1867.

  At that time, the shogunate government was about collapse as the shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu returned sovereignty to Emperor in Kyoto in November 9, 1867 in order to form new government together with Emperor and local domains. Satsuma and Cyosyu domains immediately took action to found own imperial government excepting former shogun, and proclaimed restoration of imperial sovereignty at January 1868. The imperial force clashed several times at Kyoto and Osaka with the former shogunate force, and Japan entered into state of civil war called Boshin war. The former shogunate force withdrew to Edo together with Yoshinobu, although they had enough military strength. Tracey Advisory team had to give up cooperation with shogunate navy and returned to the Britain, when military general Katsu Kaisyuin and last shogun Yoshinobu decided to withdraw from Edo May 30, 1868.

   Most of former shogunate officers and forces followed Yoshinobu and moved to Shizuoka domain, but some resisted and fighted against imperial alliance force. Former military force led by Ohtori Keisuke*20 and former naval force led by Enomoto sought cooperation with local lords of northern part of Japan, and moved toward north, last stronghold Hakodate (Fig.2-9). Unfortunately, Kanrinmaru operated by Captain Kobayashi Bunji was hit by strong storm after it left the Bay of Edo, and drifted ashore at Shimoda Bay. Captain Kobayashi surrenderd to the imperial force and obeyed new government under new name of Kobasyhi Kazutomo after showing some repentance. On the other hand, leaders of the rebel forece who resisted at Hakodate was severely punished, Enomono, Ohtori and Arai were 2 years’ imprisonment. Other officers including Miura Shogo*21, Murota Hideo*22 and Hayashi Tosaburo*23 were given light punishment, and entered into government service, in particular Hokkaido Development Agency and Public Works. Kobayashi likely tried to restore glory of his colleagues in new government with their knowledge and skill, and confronted McVean at surveying field.

**Ch.2.Footnote**

1. Jonathan Parkinson, the Royal Navy, China Station: 1864 - 1941: As seen through the lives of the Commanders in Chief, 2018, Matador.

2. Ono Tomogoro (Kohan), 1817-1898.

3. Sano Tsunetami, 1823-1902.

4. Yanagi Narayoshi、1832-1891.

5. Arai Ikunosuke, 1836-1909.

6. Kobayashi Kazutomo, former Kobayashi Bunjiro, 1835-1906. Born to Samurai class family at the Saga Domain, and entered into service of the Shogunate Navy after studied western science. He joined resistant group of the Shogunate officers against the Imperial government led by Takeaki Enomoto, and eventually surrendered at Hakodate, Hokkaido in 1868. After punished somewhat, he entered into government service for civil engineering & survey divion of Civil Affairs and Tresuary, then for survey office of the Hime Office in 1874 together with Miura Shogo, and probably Miura Kiyotoshi and Miyayori Masakane.

7. Sakamoto Kenzo, 坂本賢三、幕末期輸入船とその主機、日本舶用機関学会誌、第18巻第6号、1983年

8. Izumida Hideo泉田英雄、19世紀後半東アジアのイギリス公館施設建築の営繕その２，建築史学、1993年

9. Matsui Koan (later Terashima Munenori), 1832-1893. Politician in the early Meiji period. Born as a son of samurai family of Satsuma Domain, and was adopted by Muneyasu Matsuki, a medical doctor of Rangaku at age of 5 years. Learning Dutch science at Nagasaki and Edo, he became Dutch language instructor at Bansyo-torishirabesyo (Institute of Foreign Studies). He started learning English by himself after being aware of the importance of English language during working at the Yokohama Foreign Settlement, and joined Shogunate Mission to Europe in 1862 and Satsuma Mission to Britain in 1865. He changed his family name into Terashima in 1866, and began his political careers in the Imperial government as Vice-Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture in charge of lighthouse.

10. Yozo Yamao, 1837-1917. Born in Suo, now a part of Yamaguchi city, as son of Tadajiro Yamao, village officer, and promoted to Chosyu Domain officer after finished private school. Dispatched to Edo, he joined the investigation voyage to Japan’s northern coastal lines after he learned navigation. The he stayed sometimes at Hakodate to learn fortification under Hishisaburo Takeda. After setting fire on the newly completed British Legation buildings at Gotenyama in 1862 together with Chosyu colleagues, he left Japan for Britain to learn Western idea and technology. He contributed to found Ministry of the Public Works together with Hirobumi Ito in 1871, and a school for the deaf and dumb in 1880. For his biography, see Masanori Kanekiyo: Biography of Yozo Yamao – Father of Japan’s Industrialization, 2003 (Japanese language).

11. Hugh Mackay Matheson, 1821-98. Born at Edinburgh as son of Duncan Matheson, an advocate in Scottish Bar and Deputy Sherriff of City. Educated at Royal High School of Edinburgh, he served apprenticeship under James Ewing & Co., Glasgow. He made religious volunteer service at schools including Andersonian University, and acquainted with Colin Brown, Euing music lectureship instructor there. He succeeded his uncle’s business, Matheson & Co., as well as Jardine, Matheson & Co., while he was a leader of religious and social-academic circles in the Britain. It was so lucky for young Japanese students that Matheson was acquainted with Alexander William Williamson, a chemist in University College, London, Lewis Dunbar Brodie Gordon, the first Regius professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Glasgow, and Colin Brown. For more details, see James Oswald Dykes: Memorials of Hugh M Matheson, 1899.

12. Namamugi Incident. Several British subjects on horse obstructed a procession of Satsuma domain headed by Shimazu Hisamitsu at Namamugi village along the Tokaigo highway in September 1862. Charles Lennex Richardson was killed by the armded fretinue of Hisamitsu. British demanded for compensation to the Shogunate and Satsuma domain, but Satsuma rejected it.

13. Anderson Cobbing, the Satsuma Students in Britain Japan’s Early Search for the ‘Essence of the West,’ 2013.

14. François Léonce Verny, 1837-1908.

15. 1866 Amendment of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and 5 foreign nations (1858).

16. The Commissioners of Northern Lighthouse Board。1786

17. Edward Wolfe Brooker, 1827-1870.

18. Commander L.S. Dawson (1885): Memories of Hydrography Part II, 1830-1885, p.157.

19. Richard Tracey, 1837年〜1907

20. Ohtori Keisuke, 1833-1911,

21. Miura Shogo, birth and death date unknow. Born to the Samurai family of the Matsushiro Domain, entered into the Shogunate Navy under Kaisyu Katsu, Minister of Navy, after studied western knowledge at Sakuma private school. He followed Enomoto’s resistance group together with Kobayashi and Arai.

22. Murota Hideo, 1840-1900. His early career is not known. He was a shogunate officer, and learned

23. Hayashi Tadasu (Tosaburo), 1850-1913. He was a son of Sato Masayasu, and adopted by Sato, medical doctor of Shizuoka domain. He learned English under William Hepburn at Yakohama, he was dispatched to the Britain by Shogunate together with 8 samurai officers in 1866, and 1 year later returned to Japan. As his brother in law Enomoto became commander of the rebel force against imperial authority, he joined in the rebel force. He was preferred by imperial government leaders of pro-Britain group, and worked for Ito Hirobumi as private secretary during the Iwakura Mission period and Yamao Yozo as officer of the Engineering Institution (Kogaku-ryo). After several positions, he became ambassador for the Britain 1892.

Chapter 3. Appointment in Japan 

The HMS Sylvia arrived at Yokohama foreign settlement via Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taiwan in October 1867 a month after the Tracey naval advisory team, and welcomed by Consul-general Harry Parks. Acting commander William Maxwell heared from Parks that several British engineers would be hired by Japanese government for lighthouse construction, and soon wrote letter to McVean to tell this information.

3-1. Stevensons office in Edinburgh

   The Northern Lighthouse Board was technically managed by David and Thomas Stevenson Civil Engineers office*1 in Edinburgh, which McVean has visited to seek new appointment when he returned from Bulgaria 1866. McVean had to support his younger brother Dugald, who just entered medical school of Edinburgh University in 1867. Receiving letter from Maxwell, McVean immediately prepared simple application as follows,

Application to D. & T. Stevenson Civil Engineers, Edinburgh on appt. to Japan. 1868.

Gentlemen

Having heard that Civil Engineers are required to go out to […..] in Japan and as you were kind enough to say, when I waited upon you a year ago – shortly after my return from Turkey – that you would bear me in mind for a future appointment - I now beg leave to offer myself as a candidate for service there.

During my apprenticeship of 5 years with Messrs M’Callum & Dundas, I was engaged upon the Granton branch of the Caledonian Railway and also upon extensive surveys and other works, the last 6 months of my apprenticeship I served in the Engine works of Messrs Nusti & Coy Leith in order to make myself acquainted with the erecting and working of the steam engine. I then recd an appointment in the Admiralty survey of Scotland under the command of Capt H.C. Otter C.B. R.N. and on the completion of the Survey I went out to Turkey on the engineering staff of the Varna and Rustchuch Railway under W. McCandlish Esq engineer in chief and when the preliminary survey and plans were finished, I was transferred to the staff of Sir Morton Peto Bart & other contractors for the lines – in whose employment I remained till the completion of the works about a year and a half ago.

I have been six years in practice as a Civil engineer exclusive of an apprenticeship of 5 years. I regret to say that my testimonials are at my home on the Isle of Mull but I will have copies of them forwarded to you as soon as possible.

I have the honour to rem.…. gentle*2.

  McVean soon collected documents necessary for application; recommendation letters from Captain Thomas and Captain Maxwell, but testimonials from M’Candlish, John Trevor Barkley, and Morton Peto. Allthough the application was accepted, McVean was not candidate for chief engineer, but for assistant engineer probably due to lack of the testimonials. Another candidate of assistant engineer was Arthur Woodward Blundell*3 (Fig.3-3), while chief engineer was Richard Henry Brunton*4 (Fig.3-4), 2 years younger than McVean. McVean and Brunton had very similar careers, receiving technical training, mainly of railway construction. However, from viewpoint of prospective duties in Japan, McVean’s was superior to Brunton’s as chief engineer, because McVean was much familiar with marine engineering and working abroad. Brunton was displeased of McVean’s ability, and eventually they would clash in Japan.

  McVean started writing diary as soon as he received this appointment in March 10, 1868, surely because it was so significant for his life. McVean kept writing it sometimes sharing same diaries with his wife just before his death. The training for lighthouse construction started in March 18 at the Stevensons’ office by Allan Brebner*5, and McVean received first allowance in April 30, and formal appointment notice and when it terminated.

                                  Board of Trade, Whitehall, S.W.

                                  30th April 1868

Sir

I am directed by the Board of Trade to transmit the enclosed authority for you to draw upon Her Majesty’s Paymaster General for the sum of Fifteen Pounds thirteen shillings & 10d –£ - s – d16 1 10Inc Tax 8 £15 13 10 being the amount of one month’s salary as Assistant Engineer for Japanese Lighthouses.

The draft being crossed should, upon being completed, be presented for payment through a banker.

A Declaration to be filled up & returned to the Board of Trade is herewith enclosed.

                                  I am

Sir

Your obedient Servant

Hugh Owen. pr Accountant

To Colin A McVean 84 George Street, Edinburgh*6

  McVean’s salary during training period was £15 per month, which might be average wage for assistant engineer in the Britain at the time. According to Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Memories and Adventures (1930)”*7, his father was an Assistant Surveyor in the City of Edinburgh in the 1860s with salary £240 per year, that is £20 per month. However, McVean would be given \300 per month, equivalent to £60month, which was 4 times bigger than domestic salary. Without paying high salary, it was hard to hire the talented engineers for tropical colonies. In particular, the Public Works of the British India was paying high, £100-200 per month for Chief Engineers and £50-100 for Assistant Engineers in 1869*8. So, Meiji government fixed salary of foreign engineers referring to the British India probably through advice of Parkes.

  Before the training completed, McVean sent the testimonials to the Stevensons, which arranged final recommendation for the Board of Trade. Then McVean received the following letter from the Board of Trade in June 10.

                                      Board of Trade. Harbour Dept.

                                      White Hall S.W. 10th June /68

Sir,

I am directed by the Board of Trade to inform you that Messrs Stevenson have forwarded to this Office with a favourable recommendation your application (with accompanying testimonials) for the appnt of one of the Assistant Engineers to assist the chief Engineers in superintending for the Japanese Govt the construction of Light Houses in Japan and I am to state that the Board of Trade have much pleasure in approving the selection made of Messrs Stevenson.

I am Sir

Yr obt  servt

Signed         Cecil Trevor

C. A. McVean Esq*9

3-2. Marriage with Mary Wood Cowan

   As soon as the training of lighthouse construction finished, McVean married Mary Wood Cowan (1837-1925) (Fig.3-5), the youngest daughter of Alexander Cowan*10, a papermaker in Penicuik, near Edinburgh. Alexander succeeded this business from his father, and developed it with his sons under the name of Alex. Cowan & Sons, and eager for social work under the influence of Robert Owen*11. He was also one of big contributors to the Free Church of Iona*12, and was acquainted with Rev. McVean. Her siblings took an essential part not only in economic and political scens, but also academic scenes of Scotland. Her eldest brother, Charles succeeded family business and was a member of parliament, while second brother, James became Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1872-74. Her eldest sister, Helen Brodie, married Allan Menzies, professor of law in the University of Edinburgh, and their daughter married Archibald Campbell Douglas*13, a prominent architect in Glasgow. The second elder sister, Lucia Anne married Thomas Constable*14, a great publisher in Edinburgh and leading figure of Scotland academic circle. The fourth elder sister, Janet married Robert Boog Watson*15, minister of Free Church as well as malacologist, who would be a scientific member of the Challenger Expedition.

  Archibald Constable, son of Thomas Constable, and Campbell Douglas took the witness for their marriage*16. Although McVean’s prospect brightened and widened as a member of Cowan family, he never relied on Cowan family connection for stepping up of his life.

  McVean received many letters of celebration from remote friends, and kept two of them in his archives.

My dear McVean                              June 3 1868

Allow me to congratulate you most sincerely. I am not sure that I have ever met Miss Mary Cowan but I think I know several of her sisters.

   I hope you will not forget to let me know where you are to be found in London when you pass through as I should like much to see you. Of course I shall take the greatest interest in your success in Japan as I was so near going with you

Yours sincerely.  Cosmo Innes [jn] *17

   Cosmo Innes*18 has got close friend with McVean when they were working together for the construction of Caredonian Railways. His father of same name was a professor of history at the University of Edinburgh, where Allan Menzies, brother in law of Mary was.

 and has met Mary through his family connection. Innes also soon would leave for the British India to take post of civil engineer of Bombay Public Works. The British India always demanded a large unmber of civil engineers, in particular of railway construction and sanitary improvement. Innes’ nephew, William Kinninmond Burton*19 became sanitary engineer and was invited by Japan’s Imperial University in 1887. Scharbau was still working at the Hydrographic Office, and congratulated McVean on his marriage.

                                      Hydrographic Office, Admiralty Whitehall

                                     May. 29. 68

My dear McVean

   I had a few lines from Cheesman, in which he told me of your approaching marriage with Miss Mary Cowan, and I need not tell you, how glad I am to hear of it.

   Accept my, as well as Mrs Scharbau’s sincerest congratulations and the best wishes for your happiness. Your kind hearted and amiable – I was going to say wife, deserves indeed every fondness and attention, you can bestow upon her. Please remember me very kindly to Miss Cowan, as well as to Mrs Thompson.

   If I can be of any use to you here, I shall gladly do so. I forward with this […..] of the Admiralty [Patirtuquis] you will see from it what charts we have published of the Coast of Japan, and may therefore be useful to you.

   How is Capt. Thomas? Remember me very kindly to him, as well as Mrs Thomas.

  Believe me Dear McVean

  Ever yours sincerely. Henry Scharbau

P.S. Are you likely to pass through London – and when?*20

   McVean was going to work to Japan where Maxwell was already engaged in hydrographic survey, and hoped to work together with Shcarbau and Cheeseman introducing them to certain post of appointment in Japanese government. McVean and Mary left Edinburgh in June 16, 1868, and arrived at Southampton without stopover at London, then left for Japan via the Mediterranean with the Bruntons and Blundell. When McVean call on at Alexsandria, Ceylon, Penang and Hong Kong, he wrote illustrated letters to his father, all of letters are now preserved in the McVean Achieves. 

3-3. Samurais in Scotland

   Among 5 young Samurais from Chosyu, Ito Hirobumi and Inoue Kaoru left the Britain in early 1874 as soon as they had news of British attack to Shimonoseki. Yamao Yozo (Fig.3-7) stayed at London to attain basic knowledge of science, and moved to Glasgow to take practical training at Napier Dockyard Co. Yamao has had strong interest into science and engineering since his early time, and learned science and engineering theory under Egawa Tarouzaemon*21 and Takeda Ayasaburo*22, both well known scientists in the end of Edo period, then sought chance of practical training of industrial production in the Britain. However, Yamao became 28 years old when he started training in Glagow. Probably Napier Dockyard provided Yamao for special progamme, different from ordinary apprentice. This experience served Yamao in good stead for foundation of technical college 3 years later.

   When McVean first met Yamao at Yokohama in middle of 1870, he could not believe Yamao’s words that he spent 2 years in Glasgow, and ccould not help asking his father, Rev. McVean to detect what Yamao has done in Glasgow. Rev. McVean visited Colin Brown*23 (Fig.3-8), who has taken care of Yamao in 1866-68. He was a friend of Matheson and music instructor at Andersonian College Glasgow, who was compiling new version of “Songs of Scotland” together with James Pitman. Yamao is widely belived that he brought a Scottish song “Auld Lang Syne” into Japan, and it is so likely. Browan talked to Rev. McVean about Yamao as follows,

                                    FCM - R.M. 15th Nov. 1870

My dear Colin & Mary,

[Former part omitted]

   He had studied the Bible intently & became convinced of the truth of Christianity which he seemed to have embraced very cordially & conscientiously but Brown had some fear this might have compromised him in the eyes of the Governing Powers of Japan, & he advised me to say nothing about it - nor did I till now. But his friends in Glasgow were quite confident if he kept on good terms with the authorities he must have got into some important office. His own chief desire in coming to this Country was to acquire knowledge - which he might turn to account for the good of his own country. He had completely mastered the English language, as you ought to do theirs for your own interest.

[later part omitted]

Love to you all big & little  Your affe  Papa*24

   According to Brown, Yamao left home everyday early in the morning for dockyard, and took some subjects at evening class of Andersonian College*25, then did volunteer work together with Brown at weekend. He was definitely given best opportunity by pious Scottish Christians to archieve his purpose, and inclined to believe Christianity. Brown suggested McVean not to ask him about his believe under state of Chistianity Ban in Japan. After Yamao successfully founded ministry of public works in new government, he devoted himsef into education for the deaf and dumb, probably because his experience of volunteer work during Glasgow time.

   There was another several Samurais at Scotland around 1867. They were Ishimaru Yasuyo and Mawatari Hachiro from the Saga domain, and Fumio Murata (Fig.3-9)*26 from the Hiroshima Domain, who left Japan illegaly to study western civilization with help of Thomas Glover*27. They stayed at Aberdeenshire, Glover’s hometown for a year, and acquired wide range of knowledge through reading and sight-seeting. After hearing the news of the Meiji Restoration, they returned to Japan in June 1868, and Ishimaru and Mawatari joined into the Imperial government soon, while Murata became a teacher at Hiroshima Domain’s school. Since he had a large sum of debt from Glover, he had to make extra business, publishing several introductory books of western civilication including Seiyou Bunkenroku or “Introduction to Western Civilization (1869)” (Fig.3-10). He described geography and social-politics of European countries, highlighting Scotland. He was probably the first Japanese who introduced Staffa Island to Japan.

   After the Meiji Restoration, responding recruitment of new officers by new government, Murata was recommended by Hiroshima domains, and entered the government service under Yamao. Murata has no much science and engineering background, and so could not express fully his ability in government’s engineering divisiton, although he worked together with McVean for 5 years.

**Ch3.Footnotes**

1. David and Thomas Stevenson Civil Engineering office.

2. McVean Archives: McVean’s Letter to Stevenson office dated February 12.

3. Arthur Woodward Blundell, 1840-?. His background is unknown. After appointed by Japan’s Lighthouse Board, he got close to McVean and maintained friendship untill the dead. They frequently exchanged corresponce.

4. Richard Henry Brunton, 1841-1909. Born in Aberdeenshire as son of Richard an officer of coastalguad service and Margaret. After being educated at private schools there, he began his engineering career as a pupil, first of Mr. P. D. Brown, and subsequently of Mr. John Willet, of Aberdeen. On the completion of his articles he remained with Mr. Willet as an assistant, and was employed in that capacity in the construction of several railway lines. Coming to London in 1864, he was engaged for a year in several engineers’ offices with railway construction.

5. Alan Rumsay Brebner, 1828-90. Son of Alexander Brebner, builder, was born in Edinburgh, and educated at the High School. After served a regular apprenticeship as mason, his career as civil engineer started in railway construction work, and in lighthouse construction after he joined the Stevenson’s office. He was elected as a Member of I.C.E. in 1878. See his obituary in “Minutes of the Proceeding of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Volume 101 Issue 1890.”

6. McVean Archives: Board of Trade’s Letter to McVean dated April 30, 1868.

7. Conan Dyle: Memories and Adventures (1930). His father was an assistant svurveyor of Edinburgh City during 1870s with salary £240 per year. The wage of the British enrineers appointed by the early Meiji government was probably fixed on the basis of standard of the British India.

8. Engineer, January 29, 1869.

9. McVean Archives: Board of Trade’s Letter to McVean dated June 10, 1868.

10. Alexander Cowan, 1775-1859. Scottish papermaker and philanthropist at Penicuik, near Edinburgh. For his biography, see “Thomas Constable: Remains of Alexander Cowan Consisting of His Verses and Extracts from His Correspondence and Journal, 1839.”

11. Robert Owan, 1771-1858.

12. McVean Archives: Parchial Book, Jan 10th, 1840.

13. Archbald Campbell Douglas, 1828-1910. A leading architect in Glasgow during the second half of the 20th century. He married Elizabeth Menzies, a niece of Mary Wood Cowan, and got close friend with McVean. Charles Alfred Chastel de Boinvile, a son of Methodist Missionary of same name joined Douglas’s office in 1870 as assistant architect, and went to Japan by invitation of McVean to be appointed as government architect. See Dictionary of Scottish Architect.

14. Thomas Constable, 1812-81. Son of Archibald Constable, publisher and bookseller owning copyright of Encyclopedia Britannica. His mother was Lusia Ann Cowan, a sister of Mary, and got close to McVean. He issued, among other notable series, Constable's Educational Series and Constable's Foreign Miscellany, while published extensive biography of Scottish leading figures including Lewis D.B. Gordon and Alfred Chastel de Boinville. For Alexander Cowan’s family line, see “Reminiscences by Charles Cowan of Logan House, Printed for Private Circulation, 1878.”

15. Rovert Boog Watson,

16. McVean Archives: Antenuptial Contract of Marriage Between Colin McVean Esqr. C.E and Miss Mary Wood Cowan. 1868.

17. McVean Archives: Cosmo Innes’s Letter to McVean dated June 3, 1868.

18. Cosmo Innes, 1841-1887. Son of the well-known Cosmo Innes, advocate and professor of history at the University of Edinburgh, was educated at the Edinburgh Academy, and in the Applied Sciences Department of King’s College, London. He started his carrier as pupilage with Mr. Robert Sinclair, and as resident engineer for railway construction. In 1868, he went to India as agent of railway constructor in the British India, and joined the Public Works Department of the Government of India as Executive Engineer. He was elected a Member of I.C.E. in 1878. William Kinninmond Burton (1856- 99) was his nephew, and came to Japan to teach sanitary engineering at the Imperial University.

19. William Kinninmond Burton, 1856-99. Born in Edinburgh to John Hill Burton, lawyer and historian, and Katherine Innes, daughter of Dr Cosmo Innes. After studied at Edinburgh Collegiate School, he served 5 years apprenticeship under Brown Brothers, and entered partnership with his uncle Cosmo Innes in 1879 in field of sanitary engineering. In 1887, he was appointed as instructor of sanitary engineering for the Imperial University. He largely contributed to Japan’s sanitary improvement including its colonies. He corresponded with Arthur Conan Doyle.

20. McVean Archives: Scharbau’s Letter to McVean dated May 29, 1868.

21. Egawa Tarouzaemon, 1801-55.

22. Takeda Ayasaburo, 1827-80.

23. Colin Brown, 1818-1896. Euing Lecturer of Music at the Andersonian College. He complied “The Songs of Scotland with New Symphonies & Accopmaniments” together with J. Pittman in 1873, and devised and patented a voice harmonium incorporating the 'natural keyboard' in 1875.

24. McVean Archives: Rev. McVean’s Letter to McVean dated January 18, 1870.

25. Henry Dyer, principal of the Imperial College of Engineering described that he had seen Yamao at the evening classes of Andersonian University around 1866 (Henry Dyer: Dai Nippon, 1904, p.2).

26. Fumio Murata, 1836-1891. Born as a son of Samurai medical doctor Nomura of the Hiroshima Domain, adopted by Samurai medical doctor Murata. He studied the Chinese classics at domain school, and the Dutch medicine and sciences at the Tekijyuku school. After teaching at the domain school sometimes, left Japan for the Britian illegally by help of Thomas Glover in 1865. After stayed at Abardeen for a year, and visited several places in the Britian and Europe, he returned to Hiroshima and taught his new knowledge at the domain school. After the Meiji Restoration, he was invited by new government and entered public service at the Public Works and later the Home Affairs together with McVean. He published “Seiyo Bunkenroku (Introduction of Western Countries)” in 1870, and translated “Cottage Building (C.B. Allen, 1864)” into Japanese “Seiyo Kaoku Hinagata” in 1872.

27. Thomas Blake Glover, 1838-1911. Born in Abadeenshire as son of coastguard officer Thomas Berry Glover. Finished school in Aberdeen, he entered into employment of trading company Jardine, Matheson Co. at Shanghai in 1859. He founded own company Glover and Co. at Nagasaki in 1859, and engaged firstly in tea trading, then selling of weapon and manufacturing machines. 

Chapter 4. At Yokohama

  Accompanied by Harry Parkes, the HMS Sylvia visited Edo to talk to the shogunate navy about collaboration of hydrographic survey in January 1868 (Fig.4-1). But, new government was founded at Kyoto by anti-shogunate domains of Satsuma, Chosyu, Tosa and Saga in the name of Imperial government, and crached with former shogunate force at Kyoto and Osaka. After last Shogun Yoshinobu returned to Edo to avoid civil war, imperial force lead by Saigo Takamori proceeded to Edo. Therefor, Parkes instructed the Tracey mission and the HMS Sylvia to withdraw from Edo. The Tracey mission returned to Britain after former shogunate force led by Katsu Kaisyu surrendered Edo to imperial force in May 1868. While the HMS Sylvia considered that western area of Japan was safe, and asked new government for convenience for survey of inland sea and Hirado Straight through Ernest Satow, Japanese interpreter in Britsh Legation*1(Fig.4-2). James Butt, a young hydrographer as well as a talented painter in the Sylvia, was so impressed by scenery and could not help painting places of call by water colour (Fig.4-3).

4-1. Yokohama Foreign Settlement

   When British Lighthouse construction team arrived at Yokohama on Augusut 9, 1868, the imperial force sucessfully controlled Edo, center of former shogunate force, and imperial government appointed Higasikuze Michitomi as chief governer Kanagawa, Terashima Munenori (former Matsui Koan) (Fig.4-4) as vice governner, and Ueno Kagenori*1 (Fig.4-5) as officer in charge of lighthouse. However, British engineers had to work only in Yokohama for a couple of months since the rebel force of former shogunate navy were gathering at Tateyama bay with their vessels to escape to the north (Fig.4-6).

   A lot of foreign firms and individuals already settled down at Yokohayama Foreign Settlement since it was been open in 1859. As Yedo was dangerous for foreigners at that time, legations of foreign countries were temporary moved to Yokohama, where they were protected by own naval force. Beside diplomatic establishments, leading trading and financial firms such as Jardin, Matheson & Co., Dent & Co., Lane & Crawford Co., Oriental Bank, and Chartered Bank set up office or agent. Dent & Co. first constructed substantial building after Nagasaki hiring Whitefield & Dowan*2 as building engineer. Adventurous individuals from various background also gathered, James Curtis Hepburn of American missionary*3, Charles Wirgman*4 and JohnReddie Black*5 of British journalist, Felicie Beato*6 of Anglo-Italian photographer, and Richard Bridgens*7 of American engineer. McVean had close relation with them in term of business and friendship, but he never described the purpose of meeting in his diaries. He sought not to write personal matter as possible.

  2 years before McVean’s arrival, almost half area of Yokohama Foreign Settlement burned down by fire in November 1866, and Harry Parks requested British government to improve shabby diplomatic buildings into substantial condition. Following year, the British government dispatched Major William Crossman, R.E. for that duty*8. Arrived at Yokohama, Crossman revised Bridgens’ original design of temporary Legation and Consulate buildings (Fig.4-7), and commissioned Whitefield & Dowson to supervise the construction work. Carpenter was supporsed to be Shimizu Kisuke*9. They were widely engaged in reconstruction of Yokohama Foreign Settlement after the 1866 fire (Fig.4-8) and kept collaboration even in Tokyo Foreign Settlement. 

   Welcomed by Hiram Show Wilkinson*10, a staff of British legation, and Kinjiro*11, young staff of Japanese Lighthouse Board, McVean and Mary were taken to a guesthouse within Yokohama Foreign Settlement. Lighthouse board occupied a site in front of Benten, shrine of goddess of water, and just bought secondhand vessel “Tomio-maru”*12 for use of lighthouse construction, then hired Captain Brown*13.

August 20th, 1868.

   We have just had a very small dinner party Mr & Mrs Wilkinson of the Legation & Blundell & we spent a very pleasant quiet evening together the Wilkinsonas are from Belfast and are our next door neighbours here - We can speak from one another’s houses if we like. I do not know many of the people here yet but by and by we will get to know more - I wrote to Mr Graham by last mail – and I am going to send him a picture of a hawk by a Japanese artist by next mail - You have no idea how difficult it is to get time to do anything here all my time appears to be occupied somehow - I have pretty long hours in the office 9 till five with an hour for tiffin - and one feels so lazy in the evenings in this climate - though it is cold enough now - Blundell, my fellow assistant is a very nice fellow and we like him very much and so is Brunton but he is not so much a favourite of mine, the ladies of the party we like very well they are rather nice I think I will write some more in the morning if I have time Love to all at home write by every mail and let us know particularly how you all are I hope Dugald will be all right and now with much love fr both

yr afft son C.A. McVean*14

   McVean was worried about his brother Dogald in a weak constitution, and was soon informed of his dead. McVean kept all academic records of Dogald in Edinburgh University as a memento, and gave name to second son as Dogald. McVean and Mary got closest to Willikinson his wife, among other British legation staffs: Harry Parks, Algernon Mitford and Earnest Satow. After a while, McVean surprisedly met someone acquainted at Edinburgh, and they soon became close friend. He was Alexander Allan Shand*15 (Fig.4-9), representative of the Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London and China in Yokohama. Another close friend was James Hepburn, a Christian missionary and physician from the United States. His grandfather was also from Edinburgh. McVean seem to sometimes have helped Hepburn at Yedo, acquiring Yedo passport together with Hepburn*16.

   Kinjiro regularly came to McVean’s house to teach language each other, and talked about the situation of Japan. The rebel force consisting of former shogunate navy and samurais of pro shogunate Tohoku domains were still active in northern part of Japan, and Mary wrote letter to McVean’s mother as follow,

                                        Yokohama 17 Sept 1868

My Dear Mrs McVean

  Last night a very pleasant young man whom Colin knew in Edinr came up to tea, his name is Shand, he is in the bank here. I believe here they are not all very choice people, but that is […..] to be expected & I daresay as we go along we shall make some pleasant acquaintances. I am afraid I will not be able to manage any plum pudding for Sunday, as yesterday I did not succeed in getting the grater & today it is utterly too stormy to think of going out. I am afraid this storm may retard the mail boat. The one expected was the “Cadiz” has got such a name both for getting into & getting safe out of storms & typhoons that the Chinese when they send goods by her don’t insure them, they think she will never go down. She has been in about 8 or 9 typhoons & they are fearful storms. Last night after Mr Shand left Colin amused himself in arranging our photographs in the pretty photo book you & Mr McVean gave us.  I like the one of you so much, A good deal of ones spare time here is taken up in airing [f…] things, it is a very damp climate & our boots especially are always growing mould, but it does not do them much harm. Colin is busy about our houses just now, he hopes to get them Set a going next week, he has got them to give us 3 bedrooms instead of 2 & that will be a great comfort.

   I wish our one could be ready for us to go it, in March, it is then our lease of this house ends. We are beginning to like the Japanese better they are very intelligent and many of them very anxious to learn English. At first we were a little alarmed at the stories we heard of assaults being committed by Yacgnins on foreigners but I don’t think they are always well authenticated, besides which I fancy the foreigners are at times themselves to blame, and now I don’t dread the Yacgnins at all, of course just now it is not safe to go [……] the country for it is in a very disturbed state & there are evil disposed Yacgnins. We don’t hear much of the war but I believe it is still going on.

   Mr Brunton our chief is probably going in the course of a day or two in a man of war to make and inspection of some of the sites for the lighthouses, I don’t envy him is it is going to be weather like it is now. And now I know it will interest you to hear that about next March if all goes well I may expect a baby. I am keeping exceedingly well & feel stronger since it has begun to get cooler. As all sorts of things are dear here I have written home to them asking them to send me out a small box.  The freight overland is very high, but still I thought it worth while. I hope you and Mr McVean are both keeping well and strong.

And now goodbye

With love to all both at Oban and Mull from us both.

I am your affate. daughter Mary McVean*17

  McVean got interested in natural history as soon as settled down at Yokohama, but no time to observe the birds. However, he once found a nice painting of birds made by Japanese painter, and bought it for Henry Graham. This Japanese painter was possibly a student of Chrles Wirgman, under whom several Japanese were learning oil painting*18. Hepburn also was teaching English to a number of Japanese. McVean and Mary felt felt that Japan’s future was bright as young Japanese was positively accepting western civilization. As the accommodation provided by the Lighthouse Board was small and unfit for European life style, McVean designed new house for his family and Brunton’s. The McVeans wrote letter to their parents and friends several pieces per mail vessel, and must be the most frequent senders in the Yokohama Foreign Settment.

   As Mary was already aware on board of the vessel from Southampton, discord between McVean and Brunton got unconcealed soon after they started duty. Brunton was always inpatient and busy, and left technical matter in McVean and Blundel’s hands. Blundel latter described that Brunton repeatedly tried to harass McVean. However, McVean set up work from design of office and workshop of the lighthouse board, followed by photography, survey of premise of British consulate, design of lightboat, canbuoy, bellbuoy, etc. After that, McVean proceeded to survey of Yokohama Foreign Settlement in November 9 and continued it until end of the year (Fig.4-10), while Brunton visited sites of proposed lighthouse construction with naval vessel HMS Manila.

   After the new year holidaies of 1869, Brunton, McVean and Blundell visited Kobe with HMS Adeline to prepare development scheme of Kobe and Osaka Foreign Settlement, and met two British civil eingeers there: John William Hart*19 and John Smedley*20, who were commissioned by foreingers to construct house and office. They were very helpful, and later worked together with McVean in Tokyo. Returned from Kobe, McVean did not write diary much except weather, temperature and barometer, probably too busy to for his duty.

4-2. Construction of Lighthouse

   Having no stock of diary note, Mary resumed writing diary in March 4, 1869 after “Colin bought this journal from Mr King.” McVean engaged in design of lighthouse of Rock Island and office of the lighthouse board, while Blundel proceeded to Kobe. On March 22 in the morning, the Sylvia arrived at Yokohama port under commander Maxwell (Fig.4-11), a half year later than the expected schedule. The Commander Edward Brooker falled sick in the middle of 1868, and the Sylvia had to send him to the China Station. McVean was so glad to meet Maxwell after an interval of 5 years, and celebrated birth of first baby at the evening qith him. The baby was named Helen Brodie, who returned to Japan after married John Gubbins.

  The Sylvia intended to resume collaboration of hydrographic survey with new government, and on April 5 left Yokohama for Edo to negotiate collaboration with newly founded Imperial Army. 2 days after, Mcvean sent letter to Scharbau and Cheeseman to ask their cooperation if Maxwell successfully concluded agreement. McVean left Yokohama for Shimoda to start construction work of lighthouse at Rock Island together with Brunton, mason James Marks*22 (Fig.4-12) and Kinjiro on April 8, 2 weeks after Helen Brodie was born. Arriving at Shimoda port, they were welcomed by local officers, who provided them Houfukuji temple for use of lodging (Fig.4-13). But, for the sake of security, they slept on board of Tomio-maru.

Friday Apr 9 SimodoVery fine

[Colin] Got from boat loads of timber off to Rk Isd went in one of them with Brown Brunton Kingin and guard. breeze fair but light by fits went out in 1 ¾ hours, Rock Isd is in appearance like a large cinder with a few [……by] little plants, and a very little grass on the highest part, very little shelter on it

Saturday Apr 10 Simoda Squally

[Colin] Landed remainder of timber for Huts, too blowy to take it out to Rock so had it all put into a large junk to wait first fair opportunity, Walked to the Awa quarry with Brunton Brown Hiasawa Saito Murayama &c, very pretty country, found people putting up a temporary theatre near the quarry, saw stone already ordered for Light house, Evening still blowing hard. Marks sleeps on shore tonight in the Temple. I remain on board. Japanese Man of War came in commanded by one of Satsuma’s men.

Sunday Apr 11 Simoda Squally

[Colin] Got my traps on shore and fairly housed in the Temple, went on board “Tomie” with Brown & Brunton and dined, Tomie got under way for Oösima & to pick Russell up at Rk Isd “en -route”, Carrell two days on Rk with very little food and drink. Afternoon, Marks & I left to our own resources gave orders for 200 masons and quarrymen to be hired for tomorrow if possible & two additional houses for the Rock one for interpreter & one for guard also quarters for the workmen. Took Marks out to look at quarries

Monday Apr 12 Simoda Barometer low

[Colin] Does not look well for the Rock, Recd from Shinagawa 100 boos for Cooks expenses paid Cook 4 boos. Noon, Blowing and raining hard – impossible to do work took a walk to look at quarries bought 2 pots for butter &c, gave orders to have sheds put up on the rock for 200 men, and also huts for interpreter and guard, arranged stores &c. Had a look at the Priests having service in the Temple, about 12 of them, in vestments very like those of a Catholic priest. The service intoned accompanied by the beating of drum and gongs at intervals, Service begins every morning about ½ past 4 a.m. No sleep to be had after that. Find the Japanese officers slow and difficult to deal with

Tuesday Apr 13 Simoda Morning fine

[Colin] After a great deal of difficulty in getting the Japanese officers to do anything, made a start for the Rock, 5 boats laden with timber provisions &c, found it blowing very hard from the S.W. when we got out, with a heavy sea running, so were obliged to put back. Found Awa stone of good quality at the mouth of the harbor, intend to work it so gave orders for sheds for 100 men a guard hut & hut for European to be erected at the place – and 200 stone cutters engaged at once. Afternoon went out shooting with two of the guard – shot nothing but a Red wing, had a very pleasant walk.

   The following day, McVean first time landed on Rock Island with Captain Brown, Brunton, Kinjiro and guards. It is an unhabitable small island 10km offshore from Shimoda port, and the weather in Sping was not stable, squally. They investigated geographical condition and chose positions of lighthouse and shelter. McVean was attracted by a large number of birds. On April 10, they visited quarry at Awa together with Japanese officers, and found that it produceed proper quality of stone for lighthouse construction, then directed Japanese officers to hire totally 200 masons and coolies to cut out certain number of stones necessary for the lighthouse accorind to schedule. On April 11, Brunton and Kinjiro went to Ooshima to pick up Russell with Tomio-maru, but never came back to Shimoda. There was traffic of sailing ships between Yokohama and Ooshima, and Russell was expected to reach to Ooshima by April 10.

  The following day, McVean met hired workers at the quarry, but they were entirely unfamiliar with western masonry at all, and Japanese officers were useless without proper interpretor. McVean endevoured to give them right instructions to cut and send stones to the islandand, then made up his mind to appeal Terashima and Brunton to revise construction mannuer.

Wednesday Apr 28, Weather fine

[Colin] Gave orders for 80 masons and 100 coolies & 10 carpenters to be sent out to Rock at once besides several different things material &c - the greater part of the men employed on the road - must organise a regular system and keep strict discipline on the rock - saw two fine hawks, which I took to be ospreys -

Thursday Apr 29 Weather fine

[Colin] Marks went on shore to fire two or three blasts in Benten quarry. Murayama went with him Marks came back in the eveng. But Murayama has remained in Shimoda for the night. Several boats loads of men and material arrived. Weather looks very bad at all. The carpenters at work making the roofs of our huts secure. Maida in far a while in the evening.

   On May 7, Tomio-maru arrived at Rock Island, and McVean went to Ooshima to pick up Russell and Blundell, then “have a shot walk, country very pretty, the harbor very good in all weathers.” 10 months later, the Sylvia called on this island, and James Butt could not help painting the beautiful scenery of the bay (Fig.4-14). On May 9, they left this island. 

Sunday May 9, weather fine

[Colin] Started at 8a.m. for Lt Ho point, with Blundell and Russel saw a shark a numer of birds of different kinds ospreys cranes, a sort of small heron and other, landed and had a climb to the sites of Lt Ho, found that the foundatios had been taken out much too deep so B ordered Russel to fill up a ft or two, got back to the ship at noon, had tiffien and started for Izu Misaki, the other lighthouse site, found the same mistake had been made there. Country very pretty, enjoyed the walk much, saw two large Japan whales being towed in just caught, so on our return, we went to see them landed while a steam was being got up, a great number of Japanese, there also who crowed round us and examined our clothes skin beared & co, but all in good humoured way a large crowed followed us for the rest of the evening, and I had to threaten to knock one of most forward of them down, 8 a.m. started for Shimoda.

  There was another lighthouse construction site near Rock Island. The island was pretty and more populous, and so must be Izu Misaki on Miyake Island. They were so curious foreigners and stuck together. They returned to Shimoda around 5 pm, May 10, and Tomio-maru left for Yokohama. The following day, they took proceeded to Rock Island with small boat, and resumed to superintend work. On May 13, 10 am, Tomio-maru arrived at the island, “got on board with some difficulty and bid adieu to Micamoto for a while without much regret.” At the evening, McVean arried at Yokohama with Blundell and “found Mary and Baby very well.” Without much rest, McVean made arrangement of materials and tools for Rock Island with Lucy & Co., and prepared Noge road deviation by direction of Brunton. On May 27, baby Helen was Christianized, and the McVeans started to move to new house at Benten on May 30 (Fig.4-15, 4-16).

   McVean was busy since he had to complete preparation of lighthouse construction and complete move of residence before leaving for Shimoda. On June 6 Sunday, McVean went to church in the morning and canlled on Saibansyo to “say Goodbye to Bruntonat and Terashima in the evening. In June 7, after stayed for 3 weeks in Yokohama, McVean returned Shimoda again with his colleagues, Blundell and Marks (Fig.4-17, 4-18). Next day morning, McVean visited quarry, and found Japanese coolies carried stone to shore to send them to Rock Island.

  On June 10 early in the morning, Tomio-maru left Shimoda for Rock Island, and McVean and Markes landed on the island, while Blundell returned to Yokohama with Tomio-maru. McVean found that work has been stopped, and “Had a look round the Rk to get an idea of what is going on, must apply for more European assistance and have a better organisation and more discipline on the Rock.” In the morning of following day, a small boat came to pick McVean up to Shimoda, where he “gave several orders as to material, lime to new officer in charge.” McVean designed Captain Brown’s house whole day on June 12, took rest on June 13 Sunday. The following day, McVean landed on the island with Marks, and “got the flagstaff up this afternoon - a great improvement to the appearance of the place (Fig.4-19).” On June 15, McVean did “work on Captain Brown house, expect Tomio-maru tomorrow, Marks blasting (Fig.4-20).” In the morning of June 16, Tomio-maru arrived at the island, and McVean went on board for Shimoda. Enjoying taking sulphur bath after a week, McVean was shocked by 11 firings of heavy guns by the USN ship Monacasi. The following day, McVean left for the island, but soon returned to Shomida due to heavy seas. The sulphur bath was full of American party of the Monacasi.

  After unloading items from Tomio-maru on June 18, and Blundel, Markes, Saito, Murata and Sakakibara left for Yokohama with Tomio-maru. Markes took a week leave to rest at Yokohama, and would be substituted by Ruesel, a new mason from Edinburgh. Japanese artisans and coolies kept cut and send stone to the island by small timber boat, and set building materials for light keeper’s dwelling in June 23. McVean had to stay at the island several days due to continuous bad weather, too dangerous to return to Shimoda by small timber ship. Over the south side of the island, quit many vessels passed away, and McVean easily identified the name of vessels.

   On June 26, McVean received “letter from Nana telling me he wanted to change the coolies for better – and half the quarrymen for experienced stone dressers - told Watanabi to write him telling him I quite approved.” Marks returned to Shimoda with letters from Blundell and Mary, and resumed work on the island in June 27. New Japanese artisans and coolies arrived soon, but their work was so slow and sought to be unexperienced.

Wednesday Jun 30, Blowing hard & wet afternoon –

[Colin] 2 boatloads of stone and 1 of limestone off - work going on but [so no] from the want of proper organisation and discipline. Must try hard to get this state of things altered by Terashima next week when he comes down here.

Monday Jul 5, Fine night wet

[Colin] Employed looking after work and waiting a report of state of affairs on the Rock - fr Mr B & Terashima in hopes that some change to the better may be brought about - but it is very hard to alter the nature of the Japanese. I blame the head workmen principally for the provoking way they are going on - Fished for a while and caught I should say from 20 to 30 small things like cuddies. The Japanese were rather surprised to see the [Trgin] catching fish as fast or faster than they did themselves but it was not the first time I fished for cuddies from a carraig.

Wednesday Jul 7, Fine

[Colin] Xa.m. The Tomie’s smoke in sight - Tyinagawa off in the Tender - he told me of the arrest by the Govr of Ishizaka, Lighthouse commissioner at Simoda and old Fugia the contractor - for swindling in connexion with the Light House - and hinted it would be a case for (Hara kiri) - I am sorry for Ishizaka as he was rather a nice fellow - Tyinagawa also hinted that it might also be his own fate by and by - and did not seem to relish the prospect. He went through the motion cutting himself up – made a wry face – and said it was “no goodo” - in which I quite agreed with him - Got in to Simoda just after the Tomio – found Mr Brunton had come but not Mary - I was on the whole both pleased that she did not as it is not a fit place this for baby - slept on board the Tomio

   McVean struggled hard against lazy and unskilled Japanese artisans and coolies, and arranged proposal of proper work for Terashima and Brunton. This trouble was caused by basically lack of knowledge and skill of western masonry in Japanese contractor and artisans. McVean shaldered too much duty at construction site without rest. Japanese officers of the Lighthouse Board took turn every week, while McVean had no turn more than 1 month. The second cause was corruption by local officer and contractor. On July 7, Tomio-maru arrived at Shimoda with the Brutnon and Ueno, and Ueno arrested Ishizaka. The following day, McVean discussed about construction manner with Brunton and Ueno, who soon left Shimoda without landing on the island. McVean kept to preapre construction drawings and burned lime.

Thursday Jul 15. Grand procession, showery.

[Colin] Went to Simoda - Great Japanese feast in honour of the Mikado

Had Japanese Tiffin with Goto afterwards went to the Shinto Temple to see the procession found it well worth seeing – 1st came men with grotesque masks and bearing great Bows and arrows and lances – then came a frantic mob dressed in white with deamons in china ink on their clothes. (later omitted)

Friday Jul 16. Fair, very calm & hot.

[Colin] Tender not off, 5 men off to tend lime kiln - kiln in fair working order now – divided the men into gangs and tried to organise some system and regularity in the work.

Saturday Jul 17. Fine, light breeze.

[Colin] American Man of war and 2 sailing ships passed this morning. - got some of the Tower foundation stones into their places but not bedded - work going on very fairly now.

Sunday Jul 18. Fine.

[Colin] Tender off in the morning - Geng as usual, breaking his leave - Laid the foundation stone of Mikomoto Light house nearly 3 months and a half since our first landing on the rock - about 9 months from the date if all goes well I hope to see at least the masonry finished - dispatched a messenger to Yokohama with letters.

   Japanese officers dispatched from Yokohama, Hisasawa, Shinagawa, Watanabe and Noguchi*23, changed their duty every week, and McVean asked them to hand letter to Mary once week. McVean was used to live in Shimoda, spending his time watching theather and sketching interesting creature (Fig.4-21). In the condition of continuous rain, wet and hot climate in the late July, McVean has engaged in construction of lighthouse at Rock Island for 40 days, and almost completed keeper’s house and tower plinth, then was erecting cylinder (Fig.4-22). Suddenly he stopped to write diary at July 31.

Saturday Jul 31. Dry, blowing a little

Tender - did not come out today - set out the windows in dwelling house - one course of the Tower plinth nearly, completed – Expect the “Sylvia” & “Tomio Maru” daily

4-3. Resignation from the Lighthouse Department

   He did not mention what happened to him at Rock Island, and Mary resumed writing in September 5 instead as follows.

Sunday Sep 5, 1869.

[Mary] Went to church in the morning, walked both ways, which I have not done for long time. The weather much cooler during the last week or so. Colin’s arm considerably better, he & Mr. Maxwell went on board the “Galatia” but did not see anything wonderful. Mr Blundell off to Rock Island early this morning.

   McVean got injured in his arm in Mikomoto-jima, and needed medical leave sometime. Meanwhile, Mary took care of him without going to church nearly one month, and McVean made significant decision to resign from the lighthouse department being under Brunton’s leadership. Mary understood McVean’s decision and wrote letter to her family in Edinburgh, while McVean wrote letter of resignation to Brunton and Terashima on August 19, 1869. Blundell also submitted letter of resignation to Brunton following McVean.

The Chief of the Japanese Light House Department, Saibansho, Yedo

Sir,

   I am sorry at this early stage of my service under your department to be obliged to tender my resignation. My reasons for so doing are - that I find I cannot continue to serve under Mr Brunton your present Chief Engineer - with credit to myself or advantage to the service, or without running the risk of losing the position I hold in my profession - because I consider him incompetent as chief engineer - and that I have lost that respect for him to which the head of an office like ours should be entitled -

   For those reasons no other course is open to me - but to resign the appointment I now hold - giving the stipulated years notice from the date of this my resignation - or is so desired by the Japanese Government for any shorter term that may be determined upon.

  I am Sir

  Your obe.t serv.t.

  C.A. McVean  Assist. Engineer Japanese service.

     Yokohama, August 19th 1869*24

  The lighthouse construction at Rock Island was first project for the lighthouse board, but the construction likely started without prior consultation and understanding among British engineers, Japanese officers, artisans and contractor in term of construction mannuer. McVean was a superintendent in charge and faced repeated troubles at site including cheating by contractor. He asked chief engineer Brunton and commissioner Terashima to discuss this matter, but Brunton seemed to refuse it and let McVean be alone at the construction site for more than 40 days. Blundell also wrote to Terashima letter of resignation, blaming Brunton for making “a systematic attempt to force him (McVean)) into resignation*25.’

   However, McVean and Blundell’s resignations caused by mutual distrust with Brunton were very unfavorable and dishonour, especially for the British side. Parks and Terashima asked solution of the Stevensons, which eventually accepted the resignations and immediately decided to give strict and direct instructions to Brunton. It is possible to identify how the Stevenson concluded the issue through McVean’s archives.

                                                        Edinburgh 4 Nov. 1869

My dear Colin

   I saw David Stevenson yesterday and had a talk with him about you. We have all of us been much distressed at your resignation, because we cannot here understand what led you to such a step. The difficulty in he way of C.E. obtaining a position and work are so great as you will know, no one would voluntarily give up a position except for very grave reasons.

   That you have those reasons none of us doubt, but we all at the same time hope that the step you have taken may be reconsidered. I think I may say that I write you with the united wish and feelings of all the family, and with David Stevenson C. E. earnest recommendation that you should so endeavour to arrange with the principal that you should not be cast adrift, It is only a fortnight since that Stevenson got a report from the office in Japan from your principal in which the name of C. McVean was favourably mentioned, and this has been sent to the Home Office, A private note also came saying there had been disagreements in the office but they had all been settled. All this may come too late, but it seems at least to assure you and Mary of our love for you both and earnest hopes for your peace & happiness.

                                              Your affec. Brother

                                              Jas. Cowan*26

  After Brunton knew that McVean and Blundel both sent a letter of regination to the Stevenson, he also wrote letter of counterargument to the Stevenson accusing them of incompetence to execute their duty. But, they were qualified as llighthouse engineer by the Stevensons after 3 months training and final examination. Brunton’s argument seemed to be unacceptable for the Stevensons, while letter from Ueno seemed to support McVean and Blundell’s action. However, before receiving letters from Brunton and Ueno, the Stevensons already concluded the issure consulting with James Cowan. Meanwhile, Donald McVean seeked another way of solution throught Allan Brebner, who has met several times with Donald at Iona on the way of construction work at Hebrides.

Ross Mull  Jany 1870

My dear Colin & Mary

(Previous part omitted)

   In my anxiety to get at the feeling in Stevenson’s office as to the state of matters between you & Brunton, I thought of writing to Allan Brebner, and had a most gratifying letter from him a few days ago, in which he says he is not least surprised at your having thrown up your appointment. I cannot send you the letter, as I could not resist enclosing it with a Nota Bene of “Private” which you must observe too, to Mr James Cowan.

  Brebner speaks very kindly of you & says he would be happy to do any thing to help you.  It appears from his letter that poor Brunton has at last reported that you and Blundell have both resigned – & in doing so charged him with incompetence. – he also says – but I conjure you – both of you – let it not escape your lips to Blundell or any one else on any account -  If it came by any accident to Brunton’s ears – or to Stevenson’s or Brebners – there is no saying what mischief might follow, or what harm it might do to yourself – He says if he had known from first what he knows now Brunton would never have gone to Japan. I am so much afraid of the evil that might result from this being spoken of that I trust you will keep it quiet and burn this when you have read it.  I have no doubt Stevenson’s eyes must also be opened, tho’ having recommended B. for the post, he must feel himself in an awkward box, and probably has no power to recall him. You should also avoid all reflections on B. in the place. If the Japanese authorities were roused, who could answer for the consequences.

(Later part omitted)

Your affte Papa*27

   When Brebner was gaving lighthouse training to 3 engineers, he beame aware of Brunton’s characters, impatient and self-righteousness, and felt misgivings about his leadership. Anyhow, after the Stevensons appointed Brunton as chief engineer for Japan’s lighthouse department, it was impossible to change his position and duty, and the Stevensons concluded the issure by dispatching younger and more obedient assistant engineers to Japan and giving direct and intensive instruction to Brunton. Moreover, George Wauchop, civil engineer and Elizabeth Brunton’s brother gave full support to Brunton. Eventually, McVean was discharged from the lighthouse department without returning allowance, while Blundell would move to railway department after a half year. Imperial government was starting up railways construction with assistant of Parks.

4-4. Vulcan Foundry

   As soon as McVean’s resignation was officially apccepted, he left the Benten foreign staff’s residence and moved to Dr. Hepburn’s residence, Yokohama Foreign Settlement (Fig.4-23)*28. He bought the Vulcan Foundry (Fig.4-24) with partnership of Ernest Wetton*29, and seemed to undertake various machinary work and construction work in cooperation with R.P. Bridgens and Whitefield & Dowson (Fig.4-25). Mary wrote ‘Colin in the thick of foundry business’ in September 7 and ‘Colin busy in foundry’ in 16 September on her diaries respectively. After 2 years, McVean sold his share of the foundry to Wetton, and moved to Tokyo to take new appointment at Tokyo, while Wetton also moved to Osaka.

   Parkes pushed his friend Horaitio Lay as sole railway consultant for the imperial government, and Lay found competent young engineer, Edmund Morel*30. Appointed as chief engineer, Morel arranged technical staffs, and following year started planning of railways construction between Yokohama and Tokyo. Blundell took postion of assistant engineers, but McVean kept managing the Vulcan Foundry. McVean was not interested in that post, probably because of Maxwell’s advice. After commander Brooker fell sick in the late 1868, Maxwell approached to the imperial government to discuss about possibility of joint survey along Japan’s coastal area on behalf of commander of the Sylvia*31. The imperial government was still confused in arranging proper government departments, and so, army and navy were under minister of military. Although Maxwell’s attempt failed, through a series of discussion, Maxwell realized soon or late that the imperial government would launch out survey of whole national territory, and then he could gave advice to McVean to wait for proper timing until the imperial government put their mind into the national survey. The Sylvia stayed at Japan’s sea until the hydrographic office was set up under the navy, and in early 1870, Maxwell left Japan for Newfoundland, North America to take charge of new mission, giving the post of commander to Captain Henry St. John (Fig.4-26).

  Another business was to purchase an old vessel Lynmoon, and resell it after repair. McVean invested the money together with Blundell, and successfully sold it by $60,000 to Hudson & Malcon Co. in 1873*33. McVean started “Edo Project*34” in the end of 1869, probably it might be development of Tsukiji Foreign Settlement. For this kind of business, George Cowan, owner of Cowan Papermaking Co. gave McVean the following advise,

   You should live very economically for some years to some putting bye a large portion of your income. In a few years, you will be much more capable of managing your business, your capital will have increased, you will also have gained the confidence of your customers with will make profits more certain, and then your may allow yourself to spend more. Few good things in this world are got without selfdenial, let nothing tempt you to speculate. You have not sufficient to run such risks, besides it is had for ones more nature.”[G. Cowan’s letter to McVean dated Dec. 2, 1869]*35

   McVean treasured this George’s letter, and surely worked hard for his family. Beside business, life in Japan so fascinated the McVean. He visited to Edo together with Hepburn, and everything was so curious for him. The McVeans admired Mt. Fujiyama every morning, and McVean could not help ascendenting the mountain*36. His father was chilled by story of McVean’s jorney to the top of the mountain, and once advised him to come back to Scotland if proper appointment was not available in Japan*37. Anyhow, the McVeans wrote letter to family, relatives, and friends in the Britain every week, and they must be the most frequent letter senders in Yokohama Foreign Settlement (Fig.4-28). 

**Footnotes**

1. Ueno Kagenori, 1845-1888. Japanese diplomat of the early Meiji period. Born as a son of Taisuke Ueno, Chinese language interpreter of Satsuma Domain, and learned Dutch and English languages in Nagasaki, then smuggled himself into Shanghai to learn English. He taught English at Satsuma Domain’s school sometimes, and acted as interpreter for British engineers in 1865. Invited by Terashima to Yokohama, he worked for lighthouse department in 1868, and played essential rule in the early Meiji diplomatic scene.

2. Richard Perkins Bridges, 1819-1891. American lithographer. Established the map publishing firm R. P. & H. F. Bridgens with Henry F. Bridgens in 1853 at Philadelphia. Following the short-lived partnership, Bridgens surveyed a number of maps and plans in the early 1850s, and relocated to California where he worked as a civil engineer and architect. Later, he traveled to Japan where he designed a number of structures at Yokohama and Tokyo (The Library Company of Philadelphia).

3. Whitefield & Dowson. Philip Dowson and George Whitefield

4. James Curtis Hepburn, 1815-1911. American medical doctor and missionary. Born as the first son of Samuel Hepburn and Anni Clay in Pennsylvania. Samuel’s parents were immigrants from Belfast. He learned liberal arts at Princeton University, and medicine in Pennsylvania University. After worked as medical doctor sometimes, he made up his mind to devote his life for missionary service, and settled down at Yokohama Foreign Settlement in 1859. He waited for timing for missionary work while teaching English to Japanese and practicing medical service. He built his house in 1862 at No. 39, Yokohama Foreign Settlement, where McVean family lived in 1869 and 1870. hi,

5. Charles Wirgman, 1832-1891.

6. John Reddie Black, 1826-1880.

7. Felce Beato, 1832-1909.

8. William Crossman, 1830-1901. Britain expanded the authority over Chinese territories after the Nanjing Treaty of 1842. Hong kong Colonial Government’s engineering department was to take responsibility for maintenance of diplomatic buildings in treaty ports of foreign settlements. Limited engineering force in the department, Consul-General and Consular staffs had to arrange diplomatic buildings by themselves. Most of cases, they rent existing buildings like Buddhist temple, which were not inhabitable in winter season and for security reason. Rutherford Alcock, Consul-General in China and H. Parks, Consul General in Japan both urged the British Government to furnish suitable diplomatic buildings for each station. Despite H.M. Office of Works was to take responsibility for the arrangement and maintenance, it did not architect to dispatch to Far East. British Government chose Major William Crossman, for that mission among Royal Engineers. For more details, see Hideo Izumida: A Study on British Architects in East and Southeast Asia 1830-1940, Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 2003, pp.131-139.

9. Shimizu Kisuke, 2nd、1815年〜1881

10. Hiram Shaw Wilkinson, 1840-1923. He was born in Ireland and educated at Queen’s College, Belfast. He started his diplomatic career in Japan as student interpreter to the Consul at Yokohama in 1864 under Harry Parkes. After having two children in Yokohama, his wife passed away in 1870. His son, Hiram Parkes Wilkinson also enterd consul service in Japan and China.

11. Kinjiro, later Fujikura Kentatsu, 1852-1934. He was a son of Samurai family of Zeze Domain, near Lake Biwa and learned English probably at Hepburn’s school, and hired as English-Japanese interpreter by the Lighthouse Department in 1868. After he worked in the Lighthouse for 3 years, he was dispatched to the Britain to study civil engineering at the University of Edinburgh and Stevenson’s Office. He became first Director of Japan’s Lighthouse Department. He was familiar with Robert Louis Stevenson, son of David Stevenson.

12. Tomio Maru.

13. Captain Albert Richard Brown, 1839-1913. He arrived at Yokohama port as a captain of P & O Company, and was hired by Japan’s Lighthouse Department. After worked several years for the lighthouse department, he moved to Mitsubishi Company. He returned to Glasgow in 1902, and became Honarable Counsel of Japanese government in Glasgow. He was one of McVean’s best friends. For his biography, see Lewis Bush: The Life and Times of the Illustrious Captain Brown (Voyageurs Press, 1970),

14. Letter of C.A. McVean to the Manse dated August 20, 1868.

15. Allan Alexander Shand.

16. Granted in accordance with ARTICLE VIII.* of the Arrangements for the Settlement of Foreigners at Yedo.

THE Japanese Authorities are hereby requested to allow the Bearer of this

Passport,  Colin Alexander McVean,                                a British subject

 of No 107, Bluff Yokohama, to pass freely to and from Yedo, and to afford him all necessary protection.

                                             GOOD UNTIL       31st December         , 1869

                                                                                         L. Fletcher H. B. M.’s consul

                                                                                             for YEDO AND KANAGAWA

                                             H. B. M.’s Consulate,

                                             KANAGAWA   4th January  , 1869

17. Letter of Mary to Susan McVean dated September 17, 1868.

18. Takahashi Yuichi

19. John William Hart、1838-1900.

20. John Smedley、1841-1903.

21. James Butt、1844-1895.

22. James Marks, mason. David and Thomas Stevenson’s office, Edinburgh sent a mason Marks to Japan’s Lighthouse Department together with Brunton, McVean and Brundell. He moved to the Ministry of Public Works by request of McVean in 1871, and worked for construction of technical college.

23. Noguchi Gennosuke, 1844-19??. English Interpreter hired by the Loghthouse Board.

23. USS. Monacacy.

24. Letter of McVean to Saibansho dated August 19, 1869。

25. Letter of Blundell to Saibansho dated August 19 1869。

26. Letter of James Cowan to C.A. McVean dated September 4, 1869.

27. Letter of Rev. McVean to Colin and Mary dated on 15th Nov. 1870.

28. The Japan Weekly Mail September 24, 1870.

29. Ernest Wetton. Although his early career is not known at all, after bankrupt of the Vulcan Foundry, he moved to Kyoto where he was appointed as construction engineer by Kyoto Prefecture, and became English teacher at Kyoto Women’s School together with his wife Elizabeth. He stayed in Kyoto until 1890s and contributed several illustrations to graphic magazines including The Graphics and The Illustrated London News.

30. Edmund Morel、1840-1871. Yoshihiro Morita, Edmund Morel: a British Engineer in Japan, Britain and Japan: Biographical Portraits, Volume 2, 1997, pp.48~59.

31. Imai Kenji (2013): Drawing Method of Hydrographic Chart of Early Meiji, Bulltein of Historical Archives of University of Tokyo, Vol.2.

32. Yokohama Masonic Hall, the Far East, January 13, 1870.

33. Leymon Case, McVean Diary 1873.

34. McVean’s Letter to Rev. McVean dated July 1870.

35. George Cowan’s Letter to McVean dated Dec. 2, 1869.

36. C.H. Redhead, “A Trip to Fusiyama, the Peerless, - The Sacred and Hightest Mountain in Japan, 1870.

37. Rev. McVean’s Letter to Colin and Mary dated 15th Nov. 1870

My dear Colin & Mary,

             We were greatly relieved by getting your letters of the 5th & 23rd of Sept a few days ago – the last date by America. Both came to […ean] the same day, this day week the 8th Nov. We were getting very uneasy at being so much longer than usual - 5 weeks - without hearing, but thank God for so far pleasant tidings at last, though we are shuddering still a the story of Fusiyama.

   However, all is well that ends well, but wise men should not to too rash, never a year passes without our having the most horrible narratives of foolhardy adventurers being swallowed up in Avalanches, in braving the dangers of the ascent of Swiss Mountains glaciers &c &c.  I have turned up the Japanese charts we have got & find the height of said Fusi is there given as 12,500 or there about high enough in all conscience for any sane mortal to attempt. (Later omitted)

Chapter 5. Imperial Government

   Following proclaim of the imperial restoration in January 3, 1868, Imperial alliance forces successfully defeated former shogunate forces and moved political center from Kyoto to Edo in May 9, 1869. In order to impress Edo as new capital for Emperor, it was given new name, Tokei, meaning eastern capital. Imperial authority founded oligarchy cabinet consisting of 6 ministries: Civil Affairs, Treasury, Military, Justice, Imperial Affairs and Foreign Affairs at Ninomaru-shita area *1 (Fig.5-1), following ancient system. However, the cabinet was unsuitable to cope with comtemporary situation of Japan at all, and needed to be reformed immediately. Anyhow, new government departments occupied the existing facilities left by the shogunate.

5-1. From Edo to Tokei

  To protect palace from the revel force of the northern domains, the imperial government had to set military camps at north position of the palace, former Kitanomaru site, and commissioned Thomas James Waters*2, Irish engineer, to construct barracks and suspension bridge in 1871. Waters was first hired by Satsuma domain to contruct several factories through the good offices of Thomas Glover in 1865. As Satsuma played an essential part the Meiji Resotration, Water started working for the new government also through Satsuma connection, firstly construction of mint at Osaka in 1869, and followed by Takebashi camp at Kitanomaru, Tokyo. As he was appointed by the treasury of the government without mediation of British minister Harry Parks, he had no connection with other British engineers of lighthouse and railways.

   Tsukiji Foreign Settlement completed after by the imperial government in early 1870, and Christian missionaries occupied most of the land after the auction of lease*3. Tsukuji Hotel also completed there to give convenience to foreingers, and Waters also settled down at his residence nearby. McVean has visited to Tokyo several times in this year for “Edo Project”, probably to help Hepburn’s activities. A half year ago, William Maxwell, commander of HMS Sylvia together with Parks met the imperial naval officers at Tsukuji to talk about joint hydrographic survey, but could not get prompt response from them*4. The imperial navy was a part of imperial military at the time, and wandered counterpart of cooperation whether with Frence or Britain. Later Maxwell accused elusive attitude of Japanese naval officers.

   Parks repeatedly asserted advantage of British navy, and finally regained strong tie with Japanese navy, in particular of naval school and navay hospital. First British advisor, Albert George Sydney Hawes arrived at Tsukiji in January 1871, followed by Francis Brinkley, Edwin Francis Wheeler, William Anderson*5, Basil Hall Chambarlain, Archibald Lucis Douglas, Charles William Baillie*6, and so on. Most of them were frequent visitors to McVean’s residence at Yamato-yashiki, surely through their naval connection. 

5-2. Ministry of Public Works

   Besides setting up of imperial navy, Parks offered cooperation of railway construction to the imperial government, and recommended his friend Horitio Lay as general advisor. Lay soon started to arrange financial scheme and technical staffs in early 1870. Although he was discharged from that position due to dishonest fundraising manner, chief engineer Edmund Morel*7(Fig.5-2) took responsibility sincerely together with Japanese officers. By strong initiative of Ohkuma Shigenobu, vice minister of Treasury, later of Civil Affairs, railway construction started between Yokohama and Tokyo in April 1870. Ohkuma appointed Ito Hirobumi (Fig.5-3) as first commissioner, while Morel invited experienced engineers, John Diak*8, John England*9 (Fig.5-4), Charles Sheppard (Fig.5-5) as assistant engineer, and more than 20 technicians and artisans from Britain. Following year, Ito and Morel appointed William Cargill as director general, who took responsibility for arrangement of fund, staffs and materials. Total number of British sttafs engaged in railway construction in 1871 exceeded 50, and therefor, Cargill just intended to complete Japan’s first railways within limited time without care of expence. Some Japanese officers, such as Ono Tomogoro and Kobayashi Kazutomo took part in this railway construction, but played only limited role. 

   Throughout the second half of the 19th century, civil engineers were highly demanded by all over world for railway construction and urban improvements. In particular, British India hired a large number of civil engineers for PWD and paid them $1,200-400 per month depending on position. Japan’s railways department would also hire British engineers more than 10 in same condition except Cargill’s $2,000. It would be big burden for Japan’s national budjet, and Ito intended to hire them only limited period.

   According to Ito’s memoir, Ito one day asked Morel what were the keys to succeed the railway construction project. Morel soon prepared a suggestion not only for railways construction, but also allover modernization projects. He emphasized the foundation of public works under a powerful minister, who would administrate various modernization projects including railways, telegraph, lighthouse, mining, etc*10. The proposal included the establishment of engineering institution, which was intended to train young Japanese as engineer in order to switch engineering officer from foreigner to Japanese. Morel says, “Britain did not need Public Works, because social infrastructure has been developed by entrepreneurs’ initiative, but its colonies and continental European nations.” Morel was acquainted with situation of British India, which has faced chronic shortage of experienced civil engineer for public works, and asked government to set up professional civil engineering college at the Britain. British government in consultion collaboration with Institution of Civil Engineers finally decided to found Indian civil engineering college in 1868.

   Ito translated it with some minor revisions, and submitted it to Shigenobu Ohkuma, Vice Minister of the Finance as well as one of chief ministers in oligarchic cabinet on May 18, the Meiji 3 (June 16, 1870) under the title of “Kobu-In Kenchi no Gi (Proposal of Foundation of Kobu-in)”. If oligraphic cabinet accepted the proposal, Ito would take responsibility in forming Public Works as a minister, but it was resisted by ministry of civil affairs, which already launched these projects. Moreover, engineering institution was totally neglected by cabinet because it was deemed not to be immediate industrialization project.

  By continuous appeals by Ito, Yamao and Morel, the cabinet reluctantly decided to found Kobu-sho in October 20, Meiji 3 (November 13, 1870), which would take responsibility for promotion of various industrializations including railways, mining, iron manufacturing, telegraph and lighthouse. Although civil works and survey ought to have been main body of PWD, they were exculded together with engineering institution from concept of Kobu-sho*11. Therefore, conception of Morel’s PWD was not understood properly by the cabinet, which just agreed to put foreign engineer assisted projects into one department named Kobu-sho. If Kobu-sho sould be translated properly, it must be Ministry of Engineering.

   Yamao was not contented with the Kobu-sho, and prepared his idea under the tile of “Guko (My Silly Consideration)”*12 (Fig.5-6), which would include mining, lighthouse, ship-building, telegraph, survey, engineering shool and two more, probably railway and civil works, and named possible directors in charge.

   Yamao wanted to head ship-building, and named Yoshii Masazumi as candidate of director of management and engineering school．As Yoshii was actually unfamiliar with engineering education at all, Yamao did not know who would be suitable for these positions. Points of Yamao”s idea were, firstly, balancing among 4 imperial alliance, Satsuma, Chosyu, Tosa and Saga. Ueno from Satsuma, Yamao and Inoue Masayu from Chosyu, Sano Tsunetami and Fukuya keikichi from Saga, and Ono Gishin and Yoshii Masazumi from Tosa. Secondly, each department would be headed by a Japanese managing director and executed by a foreign engineer. Thirdly, engineering school would be founded to create Japanese engineer, who would take post of foreign engineers. Fouthly, survey office would be added in the ministry to execute national geodetic survey and mapping. This office would be supervised by “a westerner who sometime ago resigned from lighthouse department due to clash with Brunton” to train young Japanese as surveyor. This westerner had to be McVean, who proposed Yamao to set up survey office as soon as he met Yamao around June 1870.

   The cabinet ministers continued discussion further a half year, and officially concluded the organization of Kobu-sho with 11 departments in August 14, the Meiji 4 (September 28, 1871) (Fig.5-7)*13. However, English journalists introduced Kobu-sho as Public Works in their mass media, but they were not same concept as mentioned above. Five weeks later, Morel unfortunately passed away by tuberculosis, and vice minister Ito left Japan for world tour as assistant minister of the Iwakura Mission. Further arrangement of Kobu-sho was left on acting vice minister Yamao.

Sir, Okuma, a Oligarchic Minister,                      Yozo Yamao

  My Silly Consideration on Candidate of Department Heads, Kobu-sho is as follow.

    Head of Mining-------------------------------------Inoue

    Head of Lighthouse--------------------------------Sano

    Head of General Affairs---------------------------Ono

    Head of Institution and School-------------------Yoshii

    Head of Shipbuilding------------------------------Yamao

    Head of Accounting-------------------------------Matsuo, on leave

    Head of Telegram---------------------------------Fukuya, not yet hired

    One Execution Head and one manager head---Possibly Ueno

    Survey Head------ a westerner who resigned from the lighthouse department due to clash with Brunton. I will hire him to make survey for a year tentatively along Tokyo to Kanagawa area first.

    Execution Head of Railway---------------------still pending

   As Kobu-sho still took the responsibility to development of social infrastructure, civil works had to play essential role in this ministry. Civil works department rooted from former ministry of Civil Affairs, and has taken the responsiblty mainly to river management. There were some technical officers created by shogunate school, navy and army, such as Kobayashi Kazutomo, Miyazaki Masakane, Miura Kiyotoshi*14, etc. Although they took part of survey of railways between Yokohama and Tokyo under railways department, they could not find specific industriliazation project. Some Japanese technical officers such as Ono Tomogoro and Sato Masayasu, entered into railways department, and worked under British engineers. Civil works led by Kobayashi soon rejected to work with railways department under Kobu-sho, and joined in September 8, Meiji 4 (October 21, 1871) Ministry of Treasury, which also needed survey for abolition of feudal domain and land tax reform. Suzuki Shigeha, one of former technical officers of civil works department stayed at Kobu-sho and worked in survey office under McVean. Due to abnormal arrangement of Kobu-sho, after engineering school open in 1873, students of the civil engineering course exclusively took internship at railways department, and entered into railways department.

Kyo (Minister)-------------------------------------------Shojiro Goto, tentative

 Taifu (Vice Minister)-----------------------------------Hirobumi Ito

 Shoyu (Acting Vice Minister)----------------------Yuzo Yamao

First Class Departments

 Kogaku-ryo (Engineering Institution)------------Yuzo Yamao------------------[Morel?]

 Kanko-ryo (Promotion of Industrialization)-----Naohiro Ishiguro-------------[none]

 Kozan-ryo (Mining)----------------------------------Masaru Inoue-----------------[J.G.H. Godfrey]

 Tetsudo-ryo (Railway)-------------------------------Masaru Inoue-----------------[E.Morel, R.V.Boyle]

Secound Class Departments

 Doboku-ryo (Civil Works)---------------------------Kenzazuro Okamoto [soon moved to the Treasury]

 Todai-ryo (Lighthouse)------------------------------Tsunetami Sano--------------[R.H.Brunton]

 Zosen-ryo (Ship-building)---------------------------Tameyoshi Hide--------------[F.L.Verny]

 Densin-ryo (Telegraphy)-----------------------------Yasuyo Ishimaru-------------[Morris]

 Seitetsu-ryo (Iron-Manufacturing)-----------------Hironari Nakamura-----------[F.L.Verny]

 Seisaku-ryo (Manufacturing)-----------------------Tameyoshi Koeda------------[none]

Sub-Department

 Sokuryou-shi (Survey)--------------------------------Yuzo Yamao------------------[C.A. McVean]

 *Source: Kobu-syo Enkaku Hokoku (History of Ministry of the Public Works, the Treasury, 1889). [ ] by author.

5-3. Support the Hero!

   Kobu-sho or Ministry of Engineering began with 11 departmens, most of which was already launched out under Ministry of Civil Affair hiring foreign engineers, except engineering institution and survey office. Yamao could not find suitable figures for the post of director of these two new departments, and decided to head both departments by himself recognizing significance of the two departments in the Kobu-sho. Survey function of the Treasury just intended to measure area of individual land, while Kobu-sho’s survey office intended national geodetic survey and mapping for use of government as well as of corporations and individuals. As soon as McVean met Yamao, he proposed Yamao to found survey office, and made up his mind to give his wholehearted support to him after receiving letter from Colin Brown and his father.

                                FCM – R.M.  19 Dec. 1870

My dear Mary -

[Former part omitted]

It is now time for me to advert to the letter enclosed for Yozo Yamao, which reached me a few days ago - but probably Colin may have seen the Hero before it reaches. Colin Brown his Glasgow friend says - “I was greatly gratified & obliged by the receipt of your letter, tho’ I fear you will hardly think so from my long delay in replying to it. I sent it to Mr Matheson (London) who with me feels greatly obliged to you for your kindness in writing to your son, & to him for his promptness in finding out our young friend whom we had all but given up for lost. Mr Matheson hopes he may soon hear more about him. He is a fine little fellow, and may be of use to your son, in fact they may be of mutual advantage to each other & I hope to hear of their being friends.”

[later part omitted]

With warmest love to you all in which Aunt M begs to include hers, Your ever affect.  D. McVean*15 

   Rev. McVean called Yamao as Hero, and Colin Brown and Hugh Matheson wished McVean to be his friend and to support him, who was making a dream come true. Soon Brown communicated with Yamao, and was glad to hear from Yamao what he was doing in Japan, then appreciated what Colin and Rev.McVean have done for Yamao as follows.

                                                               [aigne]  Aug 22/ 71

Revd & Dear Sir     

    The receipt of your letter has given us much pleasure & interest. I shall be happy indeed under a kind Providence I may have been the means, while asking a favour of your Son, of doing him a good turn.

    My young folks are greatly astonished to hear of Yamao being a great swell - they recalled the mornings when he went out so quietly to his work in his working clothes and in the evenings how make them curious toys, teach them the butterfly trick & shew them how to spin Japanese tops.

    My young folks in a [….eath] request that Mr MacVean will kindly as[k] his son what a gon-sho-jo means -  One of them wonders if it is anything like a Banjo-jo -. They are going to write him a joint letter to ask him if he is so busy or so great as to have no time to remember old friends. I am glad we are to have the pleasure of soon seeing yourself and daughter - the weather is surely cool enough now - and a short time of good Glasgow smoke is often most beneficial to young ladies - I need hardly say how pleased we shall all be to see you at Hillhead - Moffatt is in September generally very cool and bracing but I quite expect you will find Glasgow to be [sufficient ]. When you have any further news from your son, I shall be delighted to hear.

    In Yamao’s eyes a thorough going Scotchman will be inestimable - In this words he used to say “Scotchman bestest man, bestest head - bestest hand, bestest heart - bestest soldier” - so Colin need not fear a kind welcome - from as nice a little fellow as he ever met - With kindest regards to one & all -

    Yours very truly                                Colin Brown*16

   When Colin Brown received letter from Yamao around June or July 1871, Yamao’s post in Kobu-sho would be Gon-sho-jo, but soon promoted to Gon-dai-sho, one rank higher than Gon-sho-jo, when Kobu-sho officially started up with 11 departments in October 1871. As soon as Yamao took post of director to engineering institution and survey office, McVean throughtfully supported him as surveyor in chief. The surveyor originally means a manager of real property by measuring, evaluating and maintenance works. Then, McVean soon sold his share in the Vulcan Foundry to Ernest Wetton, and moved to Tokyo with his family. McVean and his wife resumed writing their diary in January 1, 1872, and looked back on his new appointment of Kobu-sho as follows.

Monday Jan 1, 1872

[M] Did not sit up last night to see the New Year come in, but got up early this morning in hopes of seeing the Mikado, but were disappointed & only had the pleasure of seeing his empty carriage. He went to Yokasuka. Colin went to Yokohama by coach & in the evening dined with Mr. Dowson.

[C] Letter to Dalgleish sent off today, dispatched two boxes of seeds and bulbs – by American mail – one to Papa and one to Dalgleish. Wrote to J. Cowan and to J. Craig by last mail I think. Recd my appointment to the Board of Works (Japanese Govt) 13th Sept. 1871, about three weeks afterwards was promoted to be Chief of the Imperial Survey. Yozo Yamao being appointed Chief Commissioner of Surveys & Technical Education. About the same time, George Eaton appointed asst teacher 27 Oct. /71, Henry Batson Joyner*17 appointed asst Engineer 17th Nov. /71 (Transferred from Railway Section) [[M] means Mary, [C] Colin]

   As Yamao headed two departments as 1st commissioner, budget and staffs were not devided and allocated to each department. Considering balance of imperial alliance, Matsuo Tatsugoro*18 of former Saga domain took post of 2nd commissioner, and Murata Fumio from Hiroshima domain 3rd commissioner*19. Unfortunately, both of them was unfamiliar with science and technology. McVean found technical staffs in railways department, and hired Henry Joyner as assistant engineer, and George Eaton as surveying teacher. Joyner was multi talented engineer capable to design and supervise buildings beside surveying, and maintained close friendship throughout life with McVean.

  McVean needed to meet Dowson at Yokohama to discuss about construction work of technical schools, and started it in cooperation with Whitefield and Dowson soon. McVean’s circumstance changed drastically after appointed by Kobu-sho, and informed it to his friends and family members. In particular, he wanted to put James Cowan in his ease, and inform him that vice minister of Kobu-sho Ito Hirobumi would visit to Edinburgh soon as a member of the Iwakura Misson. McVean also wrote letter to Scharbau and Cheesman. He also send letter and seeds to Dalgreish, an estate owner near Edinburgh and naturalist, who probably planted them at his estate.

5-4. Yamato Yashiki

   Just before Ito left Japan, he and Yamao reserved premises in south side of former Edo Castle for use of Kobu-sho (Fig.5-8). There was upper residence of Nobeoka domain within castle moat (Fig.5-9), and over the moat to south side were upper residence of Nabeshima domain and Kawagoe domain. They were designated respectively as engineering institution, Kobu-sho headquarter and survey office. As Yamao allocated department budget exclusively to construction of technical school, other construction projects were limited. The headquarter occupied existing building of foreign office at Tsukiji, next to Naval School*20, while survey office utilized old main house left by Kawagoe domain as office (Fig.5-10). Its garden was designated to quarter for married foreign officers, and McVean and Joyner soon started to construct their residence at the site. Following old name, the site was officially called as Yamato Yashiki. McVean family celebrated Christmas and new year at residence at No,1 Yamato Yashiki with big hope (Fig.5-11). After survey office left this site, Okura Kihashiro bought this site and built his residence, later hotel and museum. Site of McVean’s residence is now Okura Classic Museum, and lately excavated by Minato Ward for archaeological survey. They found many table ware and utencils left by McVean family*21. Joyner occupied site of south side near Edomi-zaka, and built his residence. There were inner garden and ponds between two residences, and McVean and Joyner enjoyed skirting at the ponds in January and February.

   Beside joint diary with Mary, McVean started to write his own diary, and described big event of the year-end as follows.

Friday 29th Dec 1871 – second day of the great holiday – the Foreign Ministers and Foreign Officials in the Japanese Govt service were entertained by the Mikado’s ministers and the Chiefs of the different Govt Offices. I and the other members of our office dined at the Co-bu-sho with Yamao and Matsui Yorio, the Chief of the Telegraph Section and others foreigners present – Joyner, Eaton, and self from Survey Office, and George and Forster from Telegraph Department. The Japanese were in their court dresses and looked very well, a high black cap with a broad silk ribband round forehead under robes white silk crape outer silk different colours according to the rank of the wearer.”

   In December 28, 1871 (November 17 Meiji 4), Coronation ceremony of Meiji Emperor took place at palace. The following day, foreign officers were entertained at the court together with the cabinet members and ministers, and McVean was so impressed by their half Japanese style dress with high black cap. However, when McVean attended at same party next in 1875, he was disappointed by their new dress, perfectly westernized.

==Footnotes==

1. Shinohara Hiroshi (1986): History of Foundation of Japan’s Navy, Libroport Publication.

2. Megumi Matsuyama (2014): Urban History of Transformation of Edo to Tokyo (Edo-Tokyo no Toshi shi), University of Tokyo Press, pp.47-50.

3. Thomas James Waters, 1842-1896. For his biography, see Meg Vivers (2-12): An Irish Engineer: Thomas James Water.

4. Archives of Tokyo Metoropolis (1971): Imperial City II (Tokyo Shishiko: Teito II), pp254-258.

5. William Anderson, 1842-1900. British surgeon, trained as surgeon at St Thomas’s Hospital, in 1873 appointed as professor of anatomy and surgery at the Imperial Naval Medical College, Japan. He purchased a large volume of Japanese antiquities, and became pioneer of Japanese art scholar in Britain.

6. Charles William Baillie, 1844-1899. Royal Navy and Hydrographer in the Admiralty.

7. Edmund Morel, 1840-1871. British civil engineer, born in London, learned applied science at the King’s College, left for Australia to work for railways construction. After several years in Australia and Newzealand, he was appointed as chief engineer of Japan”s railways construction by recommendation of Horitio Nelson Ray. He organized very competent engineering team consisting of several senior engineers. After 1 year in Japan, his health condition got worser and passed away in Novermber 1871 at Yokohama.

8. John Diak, 1828-1900. British civil engineer.

9. John England, 1822-1900. British civil engineer.

10. Ito Hirobumi, Tetsudo Sogyu no Jireki [Memoir of Foundation of Japan’s Railways], 1902.

11. Edmund Morel’s Dispatch to Okuma dated on January 8 1871 (18th day of 11th month of Meiji 3) Regarding the Foundation of the Ministry of the Public Works, Okuma Archives, Waseda University.

12. Okuma Archives (Waseda University Library): Yuzo Yamao’s Dispatch to Okuma dated 18 “Guko [My Silly Consideration for the Public Works].” Although writing year and month were not specified in this dispatch, they should be 18th day of 11th month, Meiji 3, as Morel arranged his dispatch on January 8 1871.

13. Oligarchic Archives: Organization of Kobu-syo dated 14th day of 8th month of Meiji 4.

14. Miura Kiyotoshi. Born as aon of Samurai of Tsugaru domain. After learning English and science at Keio GIjuku together with Minami Kiyoshi, he entered the service of civil works department of ministry of Civil Affairs.

15. Rev.McVean’s Letter to Mary dated December 9, 1870, MVA.

16. Colin Brown’s Letter to Red.McVean dated August 22, 1871. MVA.

17. Terms of Sale of my share in Foundry to Wetton, MVA. McVean sold his share to Wetton by $1,100, but Wetton could not pay $6,000 remainder to McVean due to bankruptcy.

18. Henry Batson Joyner, 1838-1884. British civil engineer, Born near Harrow, and served a pupilage under Charles Nixon, MICE from 1856 to 1860. Then he became an assistant engineer in Nixon and Dennis, and engaged mainly in railway construction. As Charles Nixon has worked for long time together with John Nash, Surveyor General of His Majesty Office of Works, Joyner was also familiar with building construction. He was hired by Japan’s Railway Department under Edmund Morel in October 1870, and transferred to the Survey Office of the Public Works by C.A. McVean’s invitation. After the Survey Office was transferred under the Home Affairs in January 1874, he renewed contract in July 1874 to take charge of meteorological observation. He left Japan in July 1877. Joyner’s sister married Thomas Manson Rymer-Jones, Richard Oliver’s elder brother in Japan. See ICE Obituary.

19. Matsuo Tatsugoro, 1840-1872. Born as son of Samurai of Saga domain, and entered the government service in early 1872 by invitation of Sano Tsunetami. He passed away at 1st day of 6th month of Meiji 5. See Kobu Daigakko Shiryo – Do Furoku [Archives of former Imperial College of Engineering and Supplements], p.30.

20. Murata Fumio entered the government service at Kobu-sho as 7th Ranked Officer in 29th day of 11th month of Meiji 4 (January 4, 1872).

21. Headquarter moved into former premise of Foreign OfficerKobusyoenkaku, Kobiki-cho in December 3, Meiji 4, and railways department also occupied same premise. This buildings were burned down by fire took place in February 26, Meiji 5 (April 3, 1872).

22. Hotel Ohkura, Report of Archeaological Survey of Premises of Musaki-Kawagoe domain, 2016.

Chapter 6 Engineering Institution and Public Buildings

   Although Edmund Morel and Ito Hirobumi played essential role in establishment of Public Works, they did not manage the ministry at all. Morel passed away in November 5, 1871 becauseu of illness, while vice minister Ito left Japan in December as a vice ambassidor of the Iwakura Mission. Most of departments such as railways and lighthouses have been transferred by Civil Affairs (Minbu-sho), while Engineering institution and survey office were newly founded.

  Vice actiing minister Yamao Yozo took responsibility to administrate the ministery with help of Sano Tsunetami, and headed new ministries, Engineering Institution and Survey Office. Under Yamao’s direction, staffs and budget were not allocated to individual ministry. According to the Imperial Staff List of 6th month of Meiji 5 (July 1872)*1, Matsuo Tatsugoro from former Saga domain took charge of 1st commissioner, and Murata Fumio from Hiroshima domain 2nd commissioner of both ministries. There were about 10 officers, majoirty was from former Chosho domain, surely because Yamao recruited them from his domain. Suzuki Shigeha and Akogawa Katsuichi could communicate with McVean in English. Since Public Works released ministry of civil works to the Treasury, Yamao had to rely on McVean for construction of various public buildings. Yamao was rushing to open technical school, and directed McVean to design and construct the school allocating large portion of budget of ministries, ¥229,000 out of budget 251,000. 

6-1. Technical School Buildings

   In order to open the technical school by August 1872, Yamao and Morel endeavoured to hire proper instructors from Britain. Soon after Morel passed away, George Eaton and Richard Oliver Rymer-Jones*2(Fig.6-1) arrived at Tokyo, and McVean arranged their contract of appointment with Public Works. As Morel, Eaton and Rymer=Jones have studied applied sciences at Kings’ College at same time, Morel intended to hire all of instructors through King’s College’s connection, and possibly referred to the Indian Civil Engineering College*3, which was just founded at Cooper’s Hill near London a year ago. However, Japan’s public works would cover not only civil engineering, but also wide rang of engineering including shipbuilding, steelmaking and mining, therefore the engineering institution had to provide various engineering courses to cope with each department mission. 

Fig.5-4. R.O. Rymer-Jones. MVA. Fig.5-5. “Hideo Murota.” MVA.

   After Morel passed away, Yamao needed to find another advisor for his technical school. By middle of 1871, Yamao reunited with Hugh Matheson and Colin Brown through McVean’s efforts, and told his situation to Matheson, in particular issues related to appointment of instructors of technical school. Matheson was so glad to hear that Yamao successfully realized his dream, founding engineering department in Japan’s new governmet, and assured Yamao of giving full support. After received letter from Matheson in March 22, 1872, Yamao asked saction of the following appointments to the Oligrachic cabinet.

                             Public Works

                                14th Day of 2nd Month of Meiji 5 [March 22. 1872]

  Commission to Hugh Matheson of appointment of British experts

(1) Technical College, Dorector-1, Instructor-6

(2) Industrialization, Drector-1, Vice Director-1

(3) Nagasaki Shipyard,･Director-1, Vice Director-1

(4) Nagasaki Workshop, Director-1, Vice Director-1

(5) Printing, Engineer-1

  Just before Vice Minister Ito Hirobumi left Japan for North America and Europe, we asked Hugh Matheson to arrange appointment of proper foreign experts for our ministry. As Matheson assured it, I ask saction to the Oligrachic cabinet whether Ito Hirobumi officially commission Matheson to appoint British experts above*4.  

  Although Yamao asked wide range of assistance to Matheson, the cabinet sanctioned appointment of only teaching staffs of technical school, probably because of limit of budget. Then, before Ito arrived at London in July, 4 months later than the original schedule, Yamao informed Matheson of this commission. Matheson’s Memoir briefly described how he processed the mission, firstly consulted with his friend Lewis Gordon*5, former professor of Civil Engineering at Glasgow Universiry about this matter. Gordon introduced Matheson to William Rankine*6, professor in Glasgow University, who soon arranged a list of teaching staffs together with Professor William Thomson (Lord Kelvin). As 2 years ago Rankine has planned to found engineering department within Glasgow University by means of sandwich course along the course of engineers education for British India’s public works. Although he failed it, his intension was transferred to Japan via Henry Dyer*7 and his colleagues. Just before Rankine passed away in December 1872, Yamao received the list of possible instructors via Matheson and instructed Hayashi Tadasu (Fig.6-2), Ito’s private secretay to arrange their appointment and accompany them to Japan in March 1873*8. Engineer’s education in Japan was commenced within this atmosphere, lucky enough rather than by effort.

   McVean actually had strong connection with Lewis Gordon through his brother in law, Thomas Constable, who was so close to him to publish “Memoir of Lewis D. Gordon (1877).” Campbell Douglas, McVean’s nephew in law was also so familiar with William Thomson to design his residence. Therefore, McVean could consult with Gordon or Thomson directly without Matheson’s connection. But, McVean did not want to drag his relatives into his business, and kept himself to be outsider.

6-2. Construction of Engineering College Buildings

   As Yamao intended to open technical school as soon as possible, McVean, first of all McVean had to give priority to construction of technical school buildings scheme together with Joyner. After clearing existing buildings at former Nobeoka Yashiki, they started up to prepare layout plan and building plan.

Friday Jan 5

[Colin] At the office all day - Yamao back – sanctioned the building of Technical school and Dormitorys & c. in brick – and the employment of a European foreman mason - and carpenter to superintend the building – buildings to be in the Gothic style

   Yamao sanctioned building plan of technical school, teacher’s quarter and boy’s quarters, and appointment of foreman and artisan. All of buildings was of brick and gothic style, foreman was Whitefield & Dowson, carpenter William Anderson*9 and mason James Marks, all of them was from Yokohama. Yamao preferred Gothic, probably because he was facinated by new main building of Glasgow University on Gillmore Hill under construction in late 1860s by design of Gilbert Scott. McVean and Joyner have never designed such large scale building in Gothic style, and supposedely relied on Campbell Douglas (Fig.6-3) for supply of design and building materials.

   Yamao used to work at Public Works headquater at Tsukiji, while commissioners and officers of engineering institution and survey office were in temporary ofiice at Yamato Yashiki. They were Matsuo Seishin (former Tatsugoro) as the 2nd commissioner, Murata Fumio as 3rd commissioner, and several Japanese assistants including Suzuki Shigeha and Akagawa Katsuichi. McVean and Joyner were drawing building plan of technical school, and Eaton and Rymer-Jones prepared to open survey school. In January 17, 1872, when Yamao was promoted to acting vice minister of public works, Matsuo became acting 1st commissioner of survey and engineering institution, but passed away in may 1872*10.

   In January 24, McVean went to Yokohama to buy drawing and survey instruments such as pencils, indian rubber, copying ink, feet scale, etc. The office closed in February 8, 1872 to celebrate year-end and new-year, and Japanese commissioners and foreign officers were invited to the headquater to enjoy Mirin presented by Emperor in February 13. When McVean came to the office in February 16 after Japanese new year holidays, he found letter from John Hart of Kobe together with a list of his technical books and survey instruments, and would but all of Hart’s for use of survey office.

Tuesday 27 Feb

[Colin] all as above – Mr Murata and self – left for Yokohama at 5 P.M. – with an order for $14000, estimated half cost of material required – lodged same in the C.M. Bank as security for payment of the whole – and I wrote a letter to Campbell Douglas 266 St Vincent St Glasgow – requesting him to execute the order – 5pc. allowed on same.

Wednesday 28 Feb

[Colin] at the C. M. Bank all forenoon finishing letters – and posting them - Order for goods and fittings required for Technical School Tokei - despatched per American mail at noon – addressed to Campbell Douglas – with letter requesting him to procure and forward same to this Post without delay via Suez Canal

   Completing a list of order of articles to be imported from Scotland, McVean and Murata went to Yokohma to send money, half of ordered amount through the Chartered Mercantile Bank, and to asked Campbell Douglas to take care of the order. In March 3, Marks cleared and leveled ground on site of the school, and in March 5, Joyner and Marks started to set out foundation stones, while McVean went to Yokohama to order hoop iron to Hudson & Malcom, and Anderson made out a list of timber required for buildings. In March 16, McVean set out site of boy’s quarter roughly for excavation, also sheds for workmen. Some of bricks were to be made nearby, and “Marks went with Mr Murata to examine bricks at the brick field.” A Japanese master carpenter named Taki came to meet McVean, and he got engamement to work under Anderson.

   In March 21, McVean met Yamao and had “long conversation with him on the establishment of the Survey Office on a permanent footing – authorized sending for 7 new assistants – 3 years engagets - New office to be built – with quarters &c,” and “suggested the necessity of providing temporary quarters for the Teachers of Kogakurio – to arrive next August as the buildings can not be completed so soon as at first intended.” Following day, McVean “wrote to Hart asking him to send his books & Instruments up to Yokohama – and that I could probably purchase the lot.” The construction of the school buildings delayed for more than a half year due to lack of suitable building materials as Anderson complained of “none of the timber is what he chose, but all of inferior quality.” Discussing with Yamao and Sano about timberwork in March 25, McVean decided “it should be of the best where necessary” and to buy “two portable saw mill with eingine” from Whitefield & Dowson. In March 29, McVean met Yamao and had “talking over the building and survey arrangments.” and “he agreed that I should go home with a commission from Govenement to procure large instruments for survey & c. – whishes surveyors sent for by next mail – once teacher and once architect – fours surveyors and a draftsman – form of agreement to be drawn uo him.”

  However, as mentioned in next chapter, although McVean planned to get home for short as possible, he had to postpone it as Yamao suddenly requested him to prepare redevelopment scheme of burned down area of Tokyo, and afterthat to survey the Castle Grounds. Yamao was to ask Sameshima Naonobu*11 (Fig.6-4), first resident minister to Europe to procese the business what McVean intended instead. Samejima could not archieve perchase of the instruments and books, but arranged appointment of 4 surveyors and 1 architect after some trouble by the end of 1872. By request of McVean, Cosmo Iness send 3 engineers to Japan in June. Changing of Japanese officers also took place, Kawano Michinobu*12 took position of 1st commissioner after Matsuo passed away, and Murota Hideo joined into survey office as 2nd commissioner.

They were William Cheesman and Albert Klassen from London, Robert Stewart*16 and Charles de Boinville*17 (Fig.6-5) from Glasgow. McVean ofalso asked Comos Innes to recommend several surveyors from Bombay public works, and 2 engineers, John Hardy*18 and MaArthur*19 arrived at Tokyo in July. Matsuo resigned due to sickness in May, and Kawano Michinobu*20 entered into service as 1st commissioner instead, and Murota Hideo*21 as 3rd commissioner in June.

  In August 26, McVean “found scaffolding built for school – blown down - advised 3 weeks before that it should not be erected till after Typhoon – Recd notice that all boats (5) with goods for Kogaku – had arrived safely,” and “went to Yoko in the evening – examined box of glass that seemed to be broken” in September 4. Typhoon was great menace for foreigners in Far East, and McVean felt keenly to start meteorological observation in order to forecast the attack, and to pack the precision instruments and glass goods to be imported from Europe. For construction of the technical school buildings, Marks processed stones and Anderson timbers with machine saw and mortar mixer provided by Whitefield and Dowson, while Kawano arranged Japanese artisans. In the middle of September, they placed concrete foundation and started masonry works in long rains of autumn.

Wednesday 16 Oct

[Colin] Slight settlement of the front foundations of school Ho – owing to the heavy rains of last week – and the water having run into the building – and found its way out under concrete – This had happened through the great delay in the building and the difficulty of getting anything done directly - & the want of control of the workmen by Marks from the interference of the lower building officers - went to Yokohama to see Dowson abt saw bench – Gov business –

Thursday 17 Oct

[Colin] Leveled school Ho. founds and found the settlement to be not more than 3/100 of a foot – Informed Murata and is to come –

Friday 18 Oct

[Colin] Write letter to Kawao & Murata abt school Ho – foundations – ordered drain to be cut behind the building and the ground at back to be leveled to 20 ft back – and the front and cross walks to be [loaded]

Saturday 19 Oct. Holiday

Monday 21 Oct

[Colin] Dawson up – saw mill working fairly - got bill from Dowson $250 extras – saw Mr Yamao – vy busy will hear from him in a day or two

Tuesday 22 Oct

[Colin] Had an interview with Kawano to insist upon some arrangement by which my advice as to the buildings should be carried out as it is impossible the work can go on as it has been doing lately – if I am to have responsibility thrown upon my shoulders – Kawano promised that in future my wishes shd be strictly attended to – on those conditions – I carry on – wrote him a letter abt the conduct of [Tiliydais] he gave orders they should write their journal – in evening - wrote Cam – to say cheval glasses were broken – and to [enable] to send out two new glasses

   Since McVean and Joyner could all the time supervise work at the site, Japanese officers, Kawano, Suzuki, Otsuka, etc. looked after work. Construction delayed lagely, because all of them were unfamiliar with western masonry and concrete, and so made frequent mistakes. Typical mistake was conversion from feet to Shaku (Japanese unit). When Suzuki redrew feet based plan into Shaku based execution plan, or Otsuka explaned English unit to Japanese artisans, someone made mistakes. Although McVean sometimes let them do over again, all of foundation work eventually finished, and brick wall of school was rising before talented young architect arrived at Tokyo from Glasgow in December 1872 (Fig.6-6, 6-7).

6-3. Charles Alfred Chastel de Boinville

   Campbell Douglas recommended one of his assistants named Charles Alfred Chastel de Boinville*13, 22 years old Anglo-French origin, who soon took all responsibility of design and construction of public buildings instead of McVean and Joyner. After completing technical school buidlings, he began design of technical college buildings, later Imperial College of Engineering, followed by headquarter of foreign office and imperial banqueting hall. He was a first professional architect in modern Japan, and bought essence of European architecture into Japan. Family name of de Boinville originated from French, and the ancestor settled down in Britain after the French Revolution.

   Charles’s father was Anglo-French Methodist minister, and engaged in missionary service at France in 1840-1870. One of the leading contributors was Thomas Canstable, great publisher in Edinburgh, who later compiled “Memoir of Paster Charles Alfred Chastel de Boinville”*14 in 1882. Accoring to this memoir, Reverend Boinville’s grandfather Joan Baptista was French aristocrat, who was close to Marquis de Lafayette, and escaped to Britain after the French Revolution broke out. He married sister of his supporters, and they got two children, Alfred and Cornelia. Cornelia and her mother were very close to poet Percy Shelley. Alfred got two boys, Charles and William, who tried to restore their grandfather’s manor at French, but soon realized that it is impossible, and entered into clergy service. Charles became Methodist minister and made 30 years’ missionary service at French, establishing more than 10 protestant churches all over Frence. Ｈｅ married Mary Graham and got two sons, Charles and William, who naturally got interested in architecture.

   During the 1860s, a British architect named William Henry White*15 has been engaged in renovation of several old chateaus at Bretagne. Fortunately, Rev. Boinville was so close to ask him to train his son as assistant. After Charles worked under White for 3 years, the French-Prussian War broke out, and White and Rev. Boinville’s family had o return to Britain. Charles stayed at Paris to join military and enter into Paris Commune like Henri René Albert Guy de Maupassant. He sent letter to his parents through balloon post to tell that he was still surviving inside Paris, and eventually escaped to London in May 1871, where his father has settled down as Anglican minister. Rev. Boinville looked for his son’s new job through his friends, and Thomas Canstable of Edinburgh kindly introduced Charles to Campbell Douglas, prominent architect in Glasgow. As mentioned before, Douglas was relative of Canstable and McVean, and was giving assistance to McVean’s mission at Japan. After Boinville worked a year and half, Douglas proposed new appointment to him, Japanese government architect under surveyor in chief McVean. McVean was going to supervise several government big projects including main building of technical college and imperial palace.

   After returned to London, White got new appointment in British India as government architect of Calcutta Presidency, and designed and supervised public buildings including Presidency College in 1871. For sense of European, Japan was just a few away from India, and so, Boinville instantly accepted Douglas’s offer. However, White returned to Britain in November 1872 to take charge of examiner of architecture at Indian Civil Engineering Collge, and took seat of secretary of the Royal Institute of British Architects from 1878. Although Boinville could not meet White at British India, he received continuous support from White as well as Douglas for his life.

   Before Boinville left Glasgow, he engaged with Agnes Cowan, daughter of provost of Ayer. She arrived at Tokyo 1 year later accompanied by McVean and started new life with Boinville at Yamato Yashiki. They got two children, Mary and Charles, who fluquently appeared as close friend in Clara Whitney’s diary*16. In 1880, Boinville returned to Britain and became an associate member of the Royal Institute British Architects by recommendation of Campbell Douglas and William H. White, then open his architect’s office with his younger brother and a friend at Victorian Mansion near Victoria Station. Although his office soon won several architectural competitions including Battersea Technical School, the office was bankrupted due to financial failure of the partner.

   Boinville soon got a post of contract architect in the HM’s Office of Works probably by support of secretary of the Works, Algeenon Freeman Mitford, former diplomat at British legation in Japan as well as a friend of William H. White. After taking care of British diplomatic buildings in Europe, he was appointed as chief architect in India Office in 1891, and engaged in renovation of India Office building at Whitehall. He would be commissioned several great projects in the British India around 1900s. 

 helped Boinville and gave him a position of

ct, and left all of building works in the charge of him. He completed school building, student dormitory and teacher’s residence within 1873, and began to design of college buildings (main building) discussing with Hery Dyer and William Aryton about plan (Fig.6-7). At the time, there was no procedent of buildings for technical education and research in the world, and the main builing after completed was highly admired by Edward Robins and introduced into several English journals as a best example*17 (Fig.6-8).

 6-4. Ginza-Tsukiji Redevelopment Scheme after the Fire

   Before Japan’s first railway line connecting between Yokohama and Shinbashi officially open in October 14, 1872 (12th day of 9th month of Meiji 5), it started tentative operation for government officials including foreigners. In April 2, McVean went to Yokohama with train to send money to Samejima through the Chartered Mercantaile Bank, and following day took same train with Yamao to get back to Tokyo.

Wednesday 3 Apr

[Colin] Saw Mr Yamao at the Railway station – he wishes assistants agreements to be signed at the Japanese Embassy in London - brought chain and arrows for office – Returned in the evening with Mr Yamao – great fire burning in Tokei – Co-bu-sho & large Hotel burned

Thursday 4 Apr

[Colin] Went to examine and report upon extent of fire – and as to making a survey of the ground – in order to enable Tokei [F…] to lay out new streets - & c. found the burned quarter to extend about a mile and a half long by half mile wide - from within the 2d moat to Tsukidji – from 20 to 30,000 people reported to have been burned out –

Friday 5 Apr

[Colin] Gave in report – Saw Mr Yamao recd instructions to proceed with the survey - survey to be finished in 7 days - Adjusting instruments & c - 3 P.M. Joyner – made a beginning at Wadakuragomon.

  When McVean and Yamao arrived at Shingawa station, they found that Ginza and Tsukuji area have been burned down including Public Works Headquarter and Tsukiji Hotel. Under Yamao‘s instruction, McVean and his colleagues worked hard for 10 days without enough sleep to investigate the burned area and prepare redevelopment scheme. This redevelopment scheme resulted in ginza fire-proof planning, which is considered as the first step of Japan’s modern town planning. The public records related to this scheme were complied in “Historical Archives of Tokyo Metropolis Volume of Imperial Capital*18,” which highlighted the achivements of Thomas Waters. But, site investigation and initial redevelopment plan both were prepared by McVean and his colleague.

Notification from Public Works

Oral Inquiry by acting vice minister, 28th day of 2nd month, Meiji 5.

  The burned down area should be surveyed precise as possible by Public Works within 7 days.Metropolitain Office is requested to provide convience to survey officers including westerners*19.

   The related documents in “Historical Archives of Tokyo Metropolis Volume of Imperial Capital” entirely match descriptions of McVean’s diaries. Yamao intended to take initiative in redevelopment of the burned area, and instructed McVean to investigate the area. McVean did it wholeday in April 4, and prepared the report informing that the area was  about a mile and a half long by half mile wide - from within the 2d moat to Tsukidji – from 20 to 30,000 people reported to have been burned out,” and to proposed “new streets had to be laid out.” McVean assured Yamao that his survey team would complete precious surveyed map within 7 days, and Yamao arraged above nortification to cabinet and Tokyo Metropolitan office*20.

  After discussing the report with Yamao in the morning of April 5, McVean started survey work from Wadakuramon area with Joyner and Japanese officers. However, Nishonbashi area after the fire was so confised, and survey work frequently was interrupted by the crowd. After field work at daytime, they drew maps by one inch to 100 feet scale until mid-night withouy weekend. In April 8, McVean asked help to John Smedley and Richard Wilson*21 at Yokohama, and ordered 50 pieces of drawing papers, a role of tracing paper and a large number of penciles to Lane and Crawford Co..

   Following preparation of surveyed map and proposed street plan, Yamao intended to take responsibility of whole redevelopment work under his public works, and asked Richard Brunton of Lighthouse and Louis Frura of Shipbuilding*22 for advise and proposal for the redevelopment scheme too. However, Yamao had to leave Tokyo for Osaka to arrange railway construction scheme between Kyoto and Osaka in April 8*23, and Sano substituted for Yamao. Sano has held two offices in public works and exhibition department*24 since February, and not devoted much to mission of public works. When Yamao returned to Tokyo in April 26*25, the redevelopment scheme was taken by ministry of Treasury.

   Soon after Yamao left Tokyo in April 9, the Metropolitan Office decided to redevelop the burned area by masonry buildings, and negotiated this matter with the treasury. Treasury minister Inoue Kaoru, agreed to the proposal, and asked sanction from the cabinet in April 11. McVean submitted the measured maps to Sano in April 14, and then completed redevelopment scheme in April 20. The following day, the treasury and metropolitain office were given sanction from the cabinet that the project was to be masonry structure and constructed under supervision of Thomas Waters. Waters later prepared his redevelopment scheme possively referring to McVean’s works (Table 6-1). 

  In redevelopment schme prepared by McVean, type of streets was classified into four: 84 ft. wide, 70 ft. wide, 58 ft. wide and 34 ft. wide all with walkway, and type of houses into three: large house, ordinary house and smal house all with party wall 5 ft. wide on street side and 2.5 ft. high above roof. Height of house was limited with width of street. All of these articles were probably referred to the Metropolitan Buildings Act (1855)*27. For construction of individual fire-proof house, Murata translated the Cottage Building (1864) into Japanese language. In an absence of Yamao, Public Works could not appeal advantage of McVean’s redevelopment scheme, which was modeled by Waters, who was eventually commissioned to supervise the redevelopment project as surveyor general of the treasury. Waters several time invited the McVeans and the Joyners to dinner of course to appreciate their effort of redevelopment scheme. For individual fireproof house construction, Murata translated the Cottage Building (1864) into Japanese language*28.

   During Harry Parkes' absence in 1872-3, Robert Grant Watson substituted as chargé d'affaires at the British Legation, and was very close to McVean. He sent several reports on Meiji Japan’s progress of modernization to the British government. One of the reports was introduced in “The Architect” journal, in February 15, 1873 as bellow.

Public Works in Japan, February 15, 1873, The Architect.

   With regard to their style of building generally, the Japanese have as yet made little progress. Houses of brick are quite the exception; houses of wood are the rule. Fires lately have been extremely frequent, and although the wooden tenements are thus quickly consumed and actually offer every facility to the spread of the conflagration, they are rebuilt in the same manner as before, and of the same inflammable materials. It is satisfactory, however, that of late the Japanese government begins to recognize the folly of this style of building, and see the advantage of remedying the evil which has hitherto existed. They have engaged the services of English architects and engineers, and several buildings on improved principles are now in course of erection. Mr. Waters Surveyor-General, is building for the Government at Yedo two barracks after the European style – one for four battalions,, and the other for three battalions of infantry, The works are of brick, and are to be heated with steam and lighted with gas throughout. Mr. Waters is also engaged in the construction of large suspension bridge over a ravine in the same district. Competent men have also been engaged by the Government to make a regular survey of the country, some what after the plan of the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain, as well as of the capital, and at the same time they are preparing designs for a technical school on a very extensive scale. The school is to accommodate about 400 scholars, and foreign teachers are to be appointed. The building will be in the Lombardo-Gothic style architecture. It is also contemplated, when the other general improvements of Yedo are finished, to effect great alteration in the present state of the streets and bridges, which are now very neglects*29.

==Footnotes==

1. Imperial Calenar Public Works, 6th Month of Meiji 4. National Diet Library.

2. Richard Oliver Rymer-Jones, 1849-1919. Son of Thomas Rymer-Jones, Professor of Physiology in the King’s College, London, studied at the King’s College, and became civil engineer following his elder brother, Thomas Manson. He first came to Japan in the end of 1871 probably by invitation of Edmund Morel, and hired by the Survey Office as survey instructor, then extended contract to teach survey and mathematic at the Imperial College of Engineering by March 1876. He married Isabella Mary Fenton, a sister of Montague Arthur Fenton, English language teacher at Tokyo Foreign Language School. Thomas Manson was a year later employed by the Railway Department, and married Margaret Batson Joyner, a daughter of Henry St. John Joyner in 1873.

3. Indian Civil Engineering College, Cooper Hill, Syllabus and the Course of Study, London, 1871. It was renamed as Royal Indian Engineering Collegein 1874. The Builder introduced foundation of this collage in the journal in February 4, 1871.

4. Oligarchy Archives: Sellection and Appointment of Technical Instructors for Kobu-sho, 14th day of 2nd month of Meiji 5 (March 25, 1872).

5. Lewis Brodie Gordon, 1815-1876. Scottish civil engineer as well as first professor of civil engineering in Glasgow University. See, David Stevenson and Thomas Constable, Memoirs of Lewis Gordon, 1877.

6. William John Macquorn Rankine, 1820-1872. Professor of civil engineering in the University of Glasgow.

7. Henry Dyer, 1848-1918.

8. Hayashi Tadasu, 1850-1913. Government Official and Diplomat in the Meiji Period. See, Ato wa mukashino ki (Looking back), Toyo-Bunko, 1970.

9. William Anderson, British carpenter. “Thursday 7 Mar. William Anderson Master Carpenter employed - Wages $100 per month (Diary1872).”

10.

11. Samejima

12. Kawano Michinobu. Born to samura family of Chosyu domain, and learned under Kido Takayoshi. After Matsuo Tatsugoro, 1st commissioner of survey office, passed away in May 1872, Kawano took the post by recommendation of Yamao, and worked together with Murata Fumio and Murota Hideo. He visited Britain in 1873, and returned to Tokyo in January 1874, then resigned from the survey office, probably protesting against transfer of the survey office to the Home Affairs. Afterwords, he was reemployed by the Public Works as secretary by help of Yamao. See “Kobusho Enkaku Hokoku (The Archives of Ministry of Public Works), Meiji 22 (1889), p.807.

13. Charles Alfred Chastel de Boinville, 1849-1896.

14. Thomas Constable, Memoir of the Reverend Charles A. Chastel de Boinville, complied from his hournal and his letters, 1880.

15. William Henry White, 1838-1896. British architect, RIBA Fellow and secretary in 1876-86.

16. Clara Whitney, Clara’s Diaries, 1986.

17. Edward Cockworthy Robins, Buildings for secondary educational purposes, the Builder, April 10 and 17, 1880.

18. “Tokyo Shishi Ko, Teito-hen (Archives of Tokyo municipality: imperial capital), Vol.4, Meiji 5, pp.814-903

19. “Tokyo Shishi Ko, Teito-hen (Archives of Tokyo municipality: imperial capital), Vol.4, Meiji 5, p.839.

20. Public Archives: 公文録：Preparation Surveying of Burned Area of Tokyo dated 3rd month of Meiji 5, public works will complete surveyed map within 7 days. 28th day of 2nd month of Meiji 5.

21. Robert Wilson. After terminated his contract in Japan, he returned to the Britain, and had appointment in the Survyoe General’s Office, Cape Town. See, R. Wilson’s Letter to McVean dated January 23, 1876, McVean Archieves.

22. Public Archives: Yamao’s Bussiness trip to Osaka-Kyoto Railway Construction, 2nd month of Meiji 5.

23. ‘Yamao’s Return from Osaka,’ Biographical Archives of Shibusawa Eiichi Vol.3, p.330.

24. Louis Felix Florent, 1830-1900. French naval engineer. After he constructed naval arsenal at Foochow for Qing chinese government, he was appointed by Shogunate for chief engineer to prepare scheme of naval arsenal at Yokosuka.

25. Yushima Exposition. Prior to Wien International Exposition, the imperial government experimentally arranged domestic exhibition to select item for the exposition in March–April 1872. The exposition secretariat was organised jointly by ministry of education, foreign office, public works and treasury. Sano Tsunetami of public works took responsivility of vice director of the secretariat.

26. McVean’s Proposal for Redevelopment of the Affected Area to Mr. Sano, Acting Vice Minister of Public Works dated April 14 and 19.

27. The Metropolitan Buildings Acts, comprising the Act 18 & 19 Vict. Cap.122 (1855).

28. Fumio Murata translated “Cottage Building (C.B. Allen, 1864)” into Japanese and published it as “Seiyo Kaoku Hinagata (1872).”

29. ”Public Works in Japan,” The Architect, February 23, 1873

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