Chapter 7 Survey Office

  The modern nation needed to fix boundaries with neighbouring nations, and grapse geographical and topographical conditions of national land and sea by geodetic survey, a typical method for the 19th century European nations*1. Japan of 1860’s did not need to protect national land and sea from neighbouring nations, but had to strenghten the nation by industrialization and military buildup to cope with threatening of western nations. In this situation, by accepting McVean’s suggestion Yamao Yozo, an officer of Civil Affairs decided to found survey office within Public Works in October 1871, which intended to make geodetic survey of whole national land and sea, more accurate than Inou Tadataka’s maps. However, Yamao succeeded to open the engineering school, but Yamao and McVean faced several difficulties for startup of survey office.

7.1. Startup of Survey Office

   Appointed as surveyor in chief, McVean intended to set first base station near his office, and found proper location within former Edo Castle. It was one of the turrets, and McVean asked Yamao about erection of survey flag on the turret, and then Yamao soon arranged the following inquiry to the oligarchy cabinet.

Notification of Entering of survey officers including some western officers into former Castle site to fix observation station for metropolitan survey, 24th day of 9th month of Meiji 4 (November 7, 1871) *2.

   Erecting survey flag in 12th day of 10th month of Meiji 4, the survey office circulated notification of base line survey around Tokyo metropolis and neighbouring prefectures through Yamao.

Notification of Base Line survey to Tokyo Metropolis, Shingawa, Urawa, Kosuge, Kasai, and Kanagawa prefecture. Survey officers including some foreign officers will execute survey over land, and Entering of survey officers including some western officers into former Castle site to fix observation station for metropolitan survey, 24th day of 9th month of Meiji 4 (November 7, 1871) *3.

   McVean would begin survey both with metropolitan area as well as Tokyo-Kanagawa baseline, but later survey was postponed for a while due to shortage of survey officers and unstable regional administration system [Haihan-chiken], and therefore concentrated their energy into construction of technical school by Yamao’s instruction.

   When McVean proposed Yamao to found survey office, he intended to open survey school together to train young Japanese as surveyor. By experience of climbing Mt. Fuji in 1870, McVean has realized that a large sum of money and tens years were necessary to complete national geodetic survey for Japanese government, and that trained Japanese surveyors took responsibility of that mission after they got enough training of triangular survey and geodetic survey under British surveyors within a several years. McVean transferred George Eaton and Richard Rymer=Jone from railways department into survey office as instructors, and collected survey students through Yamao. According to McVean’s diaries, he made entrance examination in March 4, and arranged curriculum in March 5, and then started class at old residence of Yamato Yashiki.

   The Imperial Calendar of 6th month of Meiji 5, shows name of officers in the survey office and trainees. Among 8 officers, Suzuki Shigeha*4 (Tokyo), Akagawa Katsuichi*5 (Yamaguchi), Sawaki Naoyuki*6 (Asuwa) could communicate with McVean by English, and among 9 trainees, Mii Shigen*7 (later Ogawa Shigen, Yamaguchi), Kobayashi Arinao*8 (later Kobayashi Hachiro, Yamaguchi), Iizuka Yoshimitsu (Tokyo), Asonuma Satohisa (Yamaguchi), Minami Kiyoshi*9 (Aomori) were also understand English. Supposing that Sawaki also attended at class, officers and tranees were took class. Majority of them was from Yamaguchi, and so Yamao endeavoured to collect staff. Mii was so familiar with McVean as he tought McVean the game of Go.

   The above trainees were the first enrollment of survey school, and following year, 6 trainees including Masado Hyonosuke*10 and Honda Kinkichiro*11 and 4 officers including Miura Shogo and Take Kiyohiko joined the survey office. On the other hand, some officers held concurrent post in the engineering institution and survey office such as Tomita Atsuhisa and Otsuka Noyutoyo, who both transferred to the home ministry with the whole survey office. The trainees of the first and second enrollment were invited unofficially through internal officers, but the application of the third enrollment would open to public, and McVean and Joyner arranged “Regulation of Enrollment of Trainees of the Survey School*12” in October 1873.

   The trainees would be selected among smart person aged 16 to 23 by examination of reading, history, geography and conversation, and the brightest trainees would be given salary. They would learn both human sciences and professional subjects in the first year, and make practical training in the second and third year, and then secure certain position as surveyor in the office. This 3 years programme was an alternative way of British apprenticeship to train young Japanese to surveyor, McVean introduced.

  McVean endevoured to procure survey and meteorological instruments, noting in his diary that “Friday 22 Mar., Wrote to Hart asking him to send his books & Instruments up to Yokohama,” “Saturday 23 Mar., Sent in acct for Instruments & c purchased for the office from Lane & Crawford*4 to the amt of $130.75,” “Wednesday 27 Mar., Gave in report on survey with lists of instruments and books,” “Thursday 28 Mar., Gave in list of meteorological Instruments & Books required,” and “Saturday 30 Mar., Sanctioned the purchase of three instruments for Jones class.” Yamao sanctioned the purchase of three sets of survey instruments and McVean ordered them to Lane & Crawford, Yokohama. But they were simple basic instruments, and mainly used in the survey school*5. Therefore, soon McVean “sold my Theodolite, Level, levelling staves, sextant, Paralell [sic] ruler,  [Prop], compass & box of Drawing Instruments to the office for $348.50.”

   In “Friday 29 Mar., Mr Yamao & Mr Sano – afternoon – talking over the building and survey arrangements,” “Monday 1 Apr., Saw Yamao at Cobusho – he agreed that I should go home with a commission from Government to procure large Instruments for survey & c. wishes surveyors sent for by next mail – one teacher one Architect – four surveyors and a Draftsman – form of agreement to be drawn up him - Spoke to him about Wilson appoint.”

7-2. Staffs and Instruments

   In the middle of March 1872, Eaton and Rymer=Jones began teaching at the survey school from basic human sciences through English interpreter, probably Mii helped it. However, to teach professional subjects and execute practical training, McVean needed instruments, reference books, and experienced survey instructors. For the instruments and books, McVean and Joyner listed up items to be imported from Britain with some advise from Scharbau and Maxwell. McVean was acquainted with L. Casella & Co.*13, scientific instrumental maker at London, and selected instruments through L.Casella & Co.’s Catalogue (1864). McVean also had some meteorological references including Alexander Buchan’s “Handy Book of Meteorology (1867), and soon McVean would contact with Buchan asking his assistance. In Mach 12, McVean received sanction of purchase of instruments and appointment of survey instructors.

Inquiry of Public Works dated 12th day of 12th month of Meiji 5: Survey Office has a mission of national survey by western method as precious as unparalleled. The mission began from Tokyo Metropolitan area last winter and going to extend to all of national land and sea. However, the office has only 2 professional surveyors at this moment, and intends to appoint 7 more surveyors and instruments from Britain through McVean’s efforts*14.

   As the survey and meteorological instruments were urgently needed, McVean sought them among his friends and shops in Yokohama. In March 20, “two 100 ft measuring tapes came from Lane & Co – also pencils for office,” and in March 22, “wrote to Hart asking him to send his books & Instruments up to Yokohama – and that I could probably purchase the lot.”

Tuesday 26 Mar

[Colin] Writing report on survey - Joyner making out lists of Instruments & books & c - Dispatched per American Mail tracing of Clock turret and Library roof also – Duplicate of alterations in order. Cartman shot himself through the hand – Dr says he must lay up for 10 days.

Wednesday 27 Mar

[Colin] Gave in report on survey with lists of instruments and books - gave Marks and Anderson [s..te] books – inspecting works.

Thursday 28 Mar

[Colin] Gave in list of meteorological Instruments & Books required – Gave Murato Memo – for stone, lime & sand sufficient to build a wall 1200ft x 5’ x 2’ - lay foundations for teachers’ quarters - gave orders to have site for same cleared – Marks began laying concrete in school Ho. founds.- requested more despatch in bring material for concrete – Recd notice of dispatch of 30 picul Hoop Iron for us - Joyner window drawings.

Friday 29 Mar

[Colin] Mr Yamao & Mr Sano – afternoon – talking over the building and survey arrangements - complained of expense of timber – but decided it should be of the best where necessary – decided on sending for surveyors - [Jas s] &c &c by next mail – wished for estimate of cost of two portable saw mills with Engine – decided on having Meteorological Insts.

Saturday 30 Mar

[Colin] Anderson reports – none of the timber is what he chose – but all of inferior quality – reported same to Matsui – suggested sending to Yokohama – for 50 good carpenters – sanctioned the purchase of three Instrument [cases ] for Jones class - ordered 3000 bags of lime to be brought [b/8] [sedays] – Informed Matsui shingle &c for concrete for school Ho – not arriving quickly enough.

Monday 1 Apr

[Colin] Saw Yamao at Cobusho – he agreed that I should go home with a commission from Govt to procure large Insts for survey &c wishes surveyors sent for by next mail – one teacher one Architect – four surveyors and a Draftsman - form of agreement to be drawn up him - Spoke to him abt [Wheeler] appmt.

   McVean purchased Hart’s instruments and books, and received some instruments from Yokohama Lane & Crawford Co. such as transits, measuring tape, optical squares, etc. But, transits were for use of multi purpose, in particular for railway survey, and not suitable for geodetic survey. Yokohama Lane and Crawford Co. did not accept order of fragile and precision items from Britain, what’s why McVean wanted to get home to pack the items as well as to arrange appointment of surveyors and architect. Yamao accepted McVean’s proposal to get home to do so as short as possible.

   When McVean just began journey to get home, big fire took place at Nihonbashi and Tsukiji area in April 3, and he had to postpone the journey to arrange redevelopment scheme as mentioned before. After discussing alternative way with Yamao, McVean would appoint some surveyors from British India through Cosmo Innes, and would ask Samejima Naonobu, Japanese minister to Britain, France and Prussia to arrange appointment of staff and purchase of the instruments.

Tuesday 16 Apr

[Colin] Joyner & Wilson – finishing up plan – Self at Cobusho requested for Sano to send to India for three assistants by this days mail – went to Yokohama with Ishijawa – got 2,000 $ to pay for passages &c and paid same into C.M.B. wrote to Como Innes – to engage three Surveyors – to come at once – draft of agreement and money to follow next mail.

Tuesday 23 Apr

[Colin] P.M.S. Despatched letter to Mr Sameshima to London enclosing draft of agreement to be signed by assists at Jap. Legation – also draft for $8,000 to pay for passages &c – sent letter to Sharbau with lists of Instruments &c and a note to Cheesman offering appin - Sharbau to purchase Insrts - Wrote to Cam. Douglas – asking him to appt one Teacher of Surveying one architect and a Draftsman – wrote to Como Innes enclosing Draft $2000, and copy of agreements, asked him to telegraph receipt – duplicates to be sent French mail.

   McVean sent letter and draft to Sameshima for appointment of surveyor and architect and purchase of the instruments and books together with the list in April 22. Accepting McVean’s letter at Paris, Sameshima came to London in the middle of August, and made contract of appointment and payed travel expense and allowance to William Cheesman (Fig.7-3) and Albert Klassen*15. Campbell Douglas recommended Robert Stewart*16 and Charles Alfred Chastel de Boinville*17(Fig.7-4), who met Sameshima in the middle of October at London, and got appointment contract*18. Cosmo Innes sent three engineers from India, John Hardy*19, McAuthur*20 and Farman, who arrived at Tokyo in June (Fig.7-5).

   Sameshima was too busy at London to process purchase of the instruments, and McVean asked Scharbau (Fig.7-6) to purchase the instruments instead. McVean instructed Sameshima to remit the money to Scharbau, but Sameshima got some troubles.

                                                                         Admiralty – Whitehall. July 12 - 72

My dear McVean

   I expected I would have been able to tell you before this, that Cheesman was about to leave, and that the greater part of the instruments would be on their way to you, but I regret to say, that nothing has, or rather could be done, on account of Mr Sameshima’s being in Paris, and not likely to return to London. I have communicated with him twice, and he informs me, that he has received information from his Government, “that 4 Assistants, have to be sent out to you, and that a number of Instruments require to be purchased,” but further instructions would follow.

  The Mail “via Brindisi” arrived early this week, but as I have not heard from Sameshima I presume he has not heard from his Government. Will you kindly inquire at the Minister of Public Works there, if he has authorized Mr Sameshima to advance some money to Cheesman & pay for the instruments & pay for Mr & Mrs Cheesman’s passage out. (middle part omitted)

  There are many things which I would like to bring under your notice, for you hold now a position, where you cannot only make a reputation for yourself there but also in this country. The progress of Science in Japan, is watched with marked interest by the people in Europe; quite recently I read a long article in a German periodical about the progress in this direction in Japan, and in our own department too, we would like to get more from the interesting country of Japan, than simply an account of travellers. &c & c. Many a time I have wished I could be at your elbow, and give you my opinion about one thing and another, which would be useful to you & superintend the working of your department. I wonder how the Jap. Govt would be inclined to remunerate me for such services, say for a term of 5 years or so. But I would leave Mrs Scharbau and the children in Europe, if it ever should come to the point. I believe she would consent my going for about such a time. This is an idea which strikes me at the moment I write, & I say I would like to be beside you, because, having become acquainted during so many years service, with all the little errors & faults &c &c committed by persons in this Country I feel rather jealous, wishing to avoid your falling into similar errors. In fact I would like you to do quite as well or better if possible than persons in charge of such a department here.

  I imagine you must feel the want of instruments, and books of reference very much, and I regret the delay evidently caused by the Jap. Authorities not coming forward with the cash. The amount of instruments & books &c you ordered will amount to about £700, would it not have been more simple and caused less delay, if the Government had paid over the amount to you, and you accredited me at some Banking house here? All things would have been shipped, except those few instruments, which require sometime to manufacture, and you would probably have been less inconvenienced.

  Who else is going out to you beside Cheesman?

  If I can at any time be of use to you, you must write. I shall always be glad to do anything for you, and further your interest, that you may all the better testify the Jap: Author: the importance and usefulness of your Department.

  Believe me Dear McVean. Ever yours sincerely. Henry Scharbau*21

   Scharbau, McVean and Cheesman worked together in 1861-65 for Hebridges survey under Charles Otter and William Maxwell, R.N., and promised to help each other even after termination of this mission. Maxwell first came to Japan with the HMS Sylvia in the end of 1867, and invited McVean there. After appointed as surveyor in chief in 1871, McVean invited Cheesman to his office, but Scharbau probably considering his age and his family situation. Actually, his wife was staying in south France to take a medical treatment in at that time. However, Scharbau was anxious for appointment of Japanese government together with Cheesman, and pushed himself to McVean. Scharbau offered his help to McVean for purchase of some instruments instead of Sameshima. As described in McVean’s diaries, he instructed Sameshima in Paris to remit the money to himself by telegraph. Samashima was really busy for taking care of the Iwakura Mission over European countries, and chose wrong way of remittance*22. Scharbau finally received the money early next year as mush as £800, and sent some instruments and reference books to McVean, who received a box of parcel from Scharbau in March 28 just before he would leave Japan for Britain. They are supposed to be teaching materials for the survey school.

   Foreign staffs in the survey office was appointed in different condition and timing, Joyner 2 years contract from November 1871, Eaton and Rymer=Jones 1 year contract from December 1871, Hardy and McArthur 3 years from May 1872, Klassen 3 years from September 1872, Cheesman 3 years from October, Stewart 3 years from November 1872, 3 years from January 1873, and Scharbau 3 years from November 1873 (Table.7-1). Although termination of contract varied, McVean intended to handover all of his mission to Japanese officers by September 1876, his extended contract period, and expected to extend 1 year appointment of 3 surveyor, Cheesman, Klassen and Stewart as mentioned later.

7-3. Edo Castle and Metropolis Survey

   After completed the Ginza Redevelopment Scheme, McVean kept Cartman and Wilson, temporary supporters from railway department in survey office, and started Tokyo-Kanagawa baseline survey with them in May. In May 9, McVean met a young swedenish surveyor named Nordenstadt*23 who applied position in survey office at Yokohama, but rejected his application in May 11 because some Japanese would officers join into the office. Actually Kawano Michinobu entered into the service in the office May 31 after Matsuo passed away, and Murota Hideo (Fig.7-7) in June 19. Hereafter, McVean worked together with Kawano, Murata, and Murota, who were unfortunately unfamiliar with science and engineering. The baseline survey also would be postponed by Yamao’s instruction.

Monday 13 May

[Colin] Recd – instructions to proceed with the survey of castle at once - afternoon Joyner and self with Suzuki walked through the grounds.

[Mary] Colin was surveying today where few foreigners have been & the Mikados private grounds, He seemed to go about wherever he liked. Spent a couple of hours with the Joyners went down after dinner Mr Yo - Kawaguchi had been dining with them. Dr. Wheeler came in after a while & & tried on one suit of the armour.

Tuesday 14 May

[Cokin] Joyner Cartman and self on survey of castle - Joyner Eaton Jones Wilson & self recd a handsome present from the Govm as a reward for our exertion on survey of site of late great fire.

[Mary] Colin & Mr J. again all day surveying at the Castle. While there the Mikado rode about some part of the grounds but they were not allowed to see him. Dr. W. in the evening, he had been presented to the Mikado during the day.

Wednesday 15 May

[Colin] Joyner Cartman and self on survey of castle - recd old plans of ground and buildings of castle.

[Mary] Mombany went to Yokohama Colin & the others got the present yesterday from the government for working day & night after the fire. Colin got $130. Colin and Mr Joyner again busy at the castle. Mr J. saw the Mikado.

Thursday 16 May

[Colin] Joyner Cartman survey of castle - Yamao called told me the survey at present being carried on by the finance Departm would be stopped - arranged that Capt Stevens should join the survey temporarily – Wilson to join as soon as possible - got my new desk into my office - gave Yamao letter of thanks for present.

    In May 13, McVean was suddenly instructed by Yamao to make survey over former Edo Castle site, and had to stop base line survey. The purpose of the surveying was obviously construction of new place as mentioned in May 31 diary as “Joyner Wilson Cartman at Castle survey - Self went there to meet Mr Yamao and Sano they wished to look at site for a new Palace.”‘ The Treasury succeed to take responsibility of Ginza-Nihonbashi redevelopment project during Yamao’s absence in Tokyo, but Yamao really intended to seize initiative of construction of new palace. In the end of April, Yamao asked sanction of castle site survey to the cabinet, which circulated notification that the public works would make castle site survey In May 4 (27th day of 3rd month of Meiji 5)*24. The treasury was also interested in this survey, but Yamao let them give up it.

   One week ago soon collected references related to Edo Castle and sent them to McVean. There is a set of photographs of Edo Castle*25 taken by Yokoyama Matsusaburo in McVean’s Japan Album, and this be one of the references (Fig.7-9) for castle site survey. However, rivairy between civil works department of the treasury and survey office of public works would continue in construction of new imperial palace. The treasury soon commissioned design of new palace to Thomas Waters*26.

  In June, all of survey staff was busy, Wilson and Cartman for castle survey, and Joyner and Stevens for baseline survey. McVean started additional mission to arrange buildings for public works headquarter, survey office and industrialization office (Kanko-ryo) (Fig.7-10). To cope with wide range of missions, McVean decided sold “my theodolite, level, levelling staves, sextant, parallel […], ruler, […], compass & box of drawing instruments to the office for $348.50” in June 13*27. Construction of the office building and workshop of Kanko-ryo was stipulated by “Mission and Regulation of Kanko-ryo*28 issued in 27th day of 6th month of Meiji 5 (August 4, 1872), and it was supervised by McVean.

   The Metropolitan Office was very keen to arrange redevelopment city center and asked the survey office prospect of completion of survey through the cabinet in 20th day of 5th month of Meiji 5 (June 25, 1872). Yamao

Inquiry to Public Works as to Prospect of Metropolitan Survey, the Cabinet, 20th day of 5th month of Meiji 5.

Response from Public Works to the Cabinet, 2nd day of 6th month.

  Public Works is aware of that such survey is urgently required by our government, and doing best for that mission. Several assistant surveyors will arrive from Britain and India soon and join into the survey office, and the survey office could complete maps of urban area within 11 to 12 months. (later part omitted)*29

   McVean estimated that it took 1 year to complete mapping of metropolitan area including detailed map of built-up area after several assistant surveyors arrived from Britain and India. Even after last big fire, there was a huge built-up area around castle, and it had to be difficult work for foreign surveyors to make survey and prepare detailed map identifying boundaries and buildings.

7-4. Preparation of Short Return to home

   The survey school entered into summer holiday, and foreign officers also took summer vacation. The most popular site was Hakone and Fujiyama, and Eaton proceeded there in August, the Joyners in September respectively. McVean stayed at Yamato Yashiki to look after the construction of technical school. In September 11, he received “letter from O’Kura sho writing to know approx. area of Japan – sent to L & C. for large scale map,” and in September 20, “chart of Japan recd – from Lane & CW. - Jones & Wilson calculating area of Japan approx.’ The treasury did not need it for use of land tax adjustment (Chiso-Kaisei), but its civil works department needed it possibly because it still did not give up national survey, and would calculate cost of survey and mapping of Japan’s national land by unit area cost.

   In October 3, McVean executed “examination of Pupils before Mr Yamao – Kobayashi and Sawaki seemed to be the best on the whole – The boys generally seem to be getting on very well – especially those who have been longest with us.” The best trainee would be given a opportunity of further learning in Britain. Joyner returned from Fujiyama to the Yamato Yashiki in September 23, and started to construct residences at Yamato Yashiki for engineers coming from Britain. On the other hands, the instruments of survey and observation were in short supply, and so, McVean once again asked Yamao for permission to short return home by his own expense in October 2. In November 17, McVean “saw Mr Yamao – and arranged that I was to start for home at end of Jany.’

   McVean’s trouble was not only shortage of the instruments, but also working attitude of Hardy. As soon as he joined the survey office, he sometimes did not come to the office by reason of sickness. McVean discussed this matter with Hardy in October 7, who wished to transfer to the railways department, because survey work was not his preference. The railways department had more than 50 British engineers and foremen, who could carry on their own way. McVean gave severe warning to Hardy, and discussed this matter with Yamao in November 20. Hardy confessed that he was so disappointed and dissatisfied to work under Joyner, that is why he wanted to transfer to railways, and McVean tried to talk to William Cargill, a chief manager of railways department. This matter was a cause of big headache for McVean while returning home.

   During Joyner and Marks were in summer vacation leave, construction of public works headquarter and Kanko-ryo facilities were in bad condition, and McVean sent Marks to the site to correct work (Fig.7-11).

  Proper public building projects were under McVean’s supervision before he left the office for short returning home in March 1873, and Kawano managed Japanese foremen and progress of work. McVean allowed Kawano to choose Japanese style for other public buildings. In February 1873, a British citizen named Alexander Cruickshunk*30 applied the position of secretary of the survey office, and McVean gave him trial of 3 months after talked to Kawano. He was talented enough and soon appointed as secretary by 1 year contract*31. 

7-5. Ito, Yamao and Sano

   Mary was very social lady, and friendly interchange with politicians and officers’ family together with McVean.

Tuesday Jan 23

[Mary] Very cold but beautiful morning, when I went for my bath this morning found ice all over it, so was lazy & did not take it. Water in our bedroom also frozen. Mr Yamao & his wife dined with is in the evening, the baby was to have come too but it was too cold. Mrs Y. is excessively small & young looking she looks like a girl of 14 or 15. Mr Joyner thinks judging from the mother that the baby wld make a good microscopic object.  She (Mrs Y ) was very much interested in learning to tatt from Mrs Joyner. As a present she brought Noni a large piece of silk. Yamao himself was very much interested in the feeding of his baby & carried Home with him a packet of cornflour for its benefit.

Wednesday Jan 24

[Mary] Thermometer down to 18 ° during the night. A beautiful morning tho’ very cold. Called for Mrs Ito this afternoon, the rooms I was in were furnished to some extent in European style, in both rooms there were a great many books, those I cld see the names of were nearly all of them American blue books. I had taken Sengo to act as interpreter still as may be imagined our conversation was not very lively. We were entertained with Japanese tea cake, & coffee. In the evening Colin Dr W. & Mr Joyner were all skating on the Joyner's little pond, it was a beautiful moonlight night & I had a walk on the ice with Colin's hand.

Thursday Jan 25

[Mary] Still very cold not so bright as yesterday, Colin Mr Joyner & some of them from the Legation were skating at Shiba this afternoon, ice very good they had a large number of Japanese watching them. Captain Stevens came up per afternoon coach to stay with us a day or two & Colin very sleepy after dinner.

    Yamao left Scotland 4 years ago, and remembered Scottish dish at McVean’s residence. Yamao loved his children dearly, and would ask McVean to buy something for his daughter at Britain. Officers of the Public Works were active to accept western way of life, McVean provided design of western house to Ito, followed by Yamao and Sanjyo Sanetomi. When Ito shortly returned to Japan from the United States in May 1, 1872, McVean arranged dinner party at his residence inviting the Itos, the Sanos and the Yamaos.

Saturday Jun 1. Beautiful day.

[Mary] Colin had asked Mr & Mrs Yamao, Mr & Mrs Sano, & Mr & Mrs Ito all to dinner at 6 o’clock. They all came excepting Mrs Sano & Mr Ito. I noticed the ladies eat a pretty good dinner which was more than what Mrs Yamao did the first time she was here. They seemed to enjoy themselves pretty well. Colin & Yamao talking over house & furniture.

Monday Jul 1. Another wet drizzly day.

[Mary] Mrs Yamao & Mrs Ito accompanied by Mr Yamao came in the afternoon to cut out childrens dresses. Mrs Boinville & Kim Goken dined with us in the evening.

Tuesday Jul 2. Bright warm morning.

[Mary] Mrs Yamao & Mrs Ito again here sewing baby's clothes. Yamao accompanied them. After they were gone, I went to the Legation to call on Mrs Harmer but did not find her at home. So went on for a walk. Letters from Home. Janet not well.

Friday Jul 5. Fine day. Beginning to get hot.

[Mary] In the evening Mrs Godfrey, Captain & Mrs S. Mr Waters and Mr Spilling had dinner with us.

Tuesday Aug 13. Fine bright but hot Thermometer up to 89 in our Verandah in the afternoon.

[Mary] Mrs Shand and I out for a little bit in the evening, drove as far as Shiba. We all dined with the Joyners in the evening. Mr Dawson went for a long wander all alone after tiffin Mrs Ito called in the afternoon.

Wednesday Aug 14

[Mary] Mrs Shand and I called for Mrs Ito in the afternoon. We were shown in to a European part of the house – a room furnished like a dining room with a good sized table a capital carpet & Dutch looking chairs. We were regaled with peaches, water melon, coffee & some kind of sweetmeat made of […] & rice. The little Ito would not venture near us but screamed whenever we came near.

Thursday Aug 15. Fine day, but very hot.

[Mary] Mrs Ito came for an English lesson in the afternoon. She also tried knitting. About 5 o’clock Mrs Shand & I drove over to Mrs Stevens to have a game of croquet before dinner. We dined there according to invitation. Mr Dawson did not feel well enough to go with us so he remained behind & by doing so had a very good sight of the Mikado on his return Home from his tour to the Southern parts of his dominions. Mr Dawson was very much pleased.

Wednesday Aug 28. In the morning it threatened rain however it cleared up.

[Mary] We were able to get comfortably to Mr Waters to whose home we had been invited to dinner. We met there the usual circle of acquaintances Dr. W. Captain & Mrs S. the Joyners & Mrs Godfrey. There was also a Japanese gentleman who is a naturalised American. Mr Shand arrived while we were out & slept in the spare bedroom.

   After Ito left Japan in last November as vice minister of the Iwakura Mission, the Public Works faced several big incidents regarding its mission. Yamao and Sano had to inform Ito, first of all, about appointment of instructors of technical school. By efforts of McVean, Yamao reunited with Hugh Matheson, and asked him to arrange appointment of proper instructors. Secondly, although the public works prepared complete Ginza redevelopment scheme, the redevelopment project was taken by the treasury. Thirdly, the public works is prepared to take commission of construction of new palace. Fourthly, Sano joined Yushima Exposition committee on behalf of public works and going to visit the Vienna Exposition next March. As mentioned before, the Ginza redevelopment project was commissioned to Thomas Waters, and he would supervise the work as surveyor general. Soon after that, Waters visited to the survey office and McVean’s residence, and several times invited the McVeans and the Joyners to dinner, probably because he wanted McVean’s redevelopment scheme, and to express his gratitude for McVean and Joyner. Then, whole of idea of the Ginza redevelopment scheme might be handed over to Waters. A Japanese gentleman who was naturalized into America should be Joseph Heco (Hamada Hikozo), who has been hired by the treasury at the time.

   Sano resined head of the lighthouse department after he had another position in the exposition bureau in January 1872. The bureau held a domestic exposition at Yushima Seido*32 in April 17 to June 5 to select items to be exhibited in Vienna. McVean visited the exposition once in May 11 with Mary and his friends, and second time in June 7 with Yamao, Sano, Inoue, Godfrey and etc. Sano show them the exhibition and possibly discussed way of selection and display of the items with them. In December 12, 1872, McVean “went to Exhibition to meet Sano by appointment – but he did not appear,” and following day “saw Sano wished me to give him some advice about the things for exhibition,” then “gave him drawings for two kinds of cases for exhibiting specimens and illustration Paris Exhibition in order to give designs for cabinets & c. to carpenter.” McVean help Sano to furnish the pavilion with several cabinets and showcases, and ordered some cabinet-cases to William Morton Scott & Co. via Campbell Douglas*33 (Fig.7-12, 7-13). Sano received them safely at Vienna, and sent letter of appreciation to McVean*34.

==Footnotes==

1. Rachel Hewitt, Map of a Nation, a biography of the ordinance survey, 2010.

2. Oligarchy  Archives: Notification of Public Works dated 19th day of 10th month of Meiji 4, regarding Erection of survey flag within donjon of former castle site.

3. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of Public Works dated 2nd day of 11th month of Meiji 7, regarding Metropolitan Survey.

4. Suzuki Shigeha (Shigemi), birth and death date unknown.

5. Akagawa Katsuichi, birth dan death date unknown.

6. Sawaki Naoyuki, birth and death date unknown.

7. Mii Shigen (Ogawa Shigen), 1852-1910.

8. Kobayashi Arinao (Hachiro), birth and death date unknown.

9. Minami Kiyoshi, 1856-1904.

10. Masado Hyonosuke, 1855-1938.

11. Honda Kinkichiro, 1851-1921.

12. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of Public Works dated 14th day of 10th month of Meiji 6 regarding Regulation of Survey School.

13. L. Casela & Co. London based firm of scientific instrument makers, which was founded by Luois Pascal Casella, 1812-1905. They manufactured drawing and surveying instruments, meteorological apparatus, thermometers, and similar items.

14. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of Public Works dated 3rd month of Meiji 5 regarding Appointment of 7 experienced surveyors from Britain.

15. Albert Joseph Klaesen, 1845-1878. British civil engineer. He was a close friend of Cheesman.

16. Robert Stewart, 1847-unknown. British civil engineer. He came to Japan by recommendation of Campbell Douglas.

17. Charles Alfred Chastel de Boinville, 1849-1896. Anglo-French architect.

18. Sameshima Archives Study Group, A Collection of Sameshima’s Correspondences at Europe, 2002. Correspondence No.70 dispatched to Campbell Douglas dated July 25, 1872. No.71 dispatched to Klassen dated July 25, 1872, No.76 dispatched to Klassen dated August 9, 1872, and No.77 dispatched to Cheesman dated August 9, 1872.

19. John Thomas Hardy, 1839- unknown. British civil engineer. He has worked at Bombay Public Works some time, and got appointment of McVean’s survey office by recommendation of Cosmo Innes,

20. McArthur, 1839-unknown. British civil engineer. He has worked at Bombay Public Works some time, and got appointment of McVean survey office by recommendation of Cosmo Innes.

21. McVean Archives: Henry Scharbau’s Letter to McVean dated September 12, 1872.

22. Sameshima Archives Study Group, A Collection of Sameshima’s Correspondences at Europe, 2002. Correspondence No.93 dispatched to Henry Scharbau dated October 8 1872, and No.102 dispatched to Henry Scharbau dated November 11, 1872.

23. N. Nordenstedt, birth and death date unknow. Swedish civil engineer, He was appointed by railways department as assistant engineer in 28th day of 11th month of Meiji 5. See Directory of Foreign Employees [Oyato Gaikokujin Meikan].

24. Public Records: Notification to Public Works from Chief Minister dated 27th day of 3rd month of Meiji 5 regarding Survey of former Castle Site by survey office.

25. Ninagawa Noritane, Photographic Album of former Edo Castle [Kyu Edo-jyo Shashin-cyo], 1871.

26. Onogi Shigekatsu, Designs of New Palace and Printing Office by Thomas Waters, Transaction of Architectural Institute of Japan, 1976.

27. Ito Hirobumi Archives: Duty and Regulation of Industrialization Department, 27th day of 6th month of Meiji 5, National Diet Library.

28. McVean Archives: Diary June 13, 1872.

29. Oligarchy Archives: Notification to Public Works dated 20th day of 5th month of Meiji 5 regarding matter of metropolitan survey.

30. Alexander Cruickshank, 1859-1874. See his obituary, Japan Weekly Mail, February 1874.

31. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of Public Works dated 5th day of 6th month of Meiji 5 regarding appointment of British surveyor Cruickshank.

32. Tessa Morris-Suzuki, the Technological Transformation of Japan, 1994, pp.84-86.

33. McVean Archives: Campbell Douglas’ Letter of Gratitude to William, Mortin and Scott & Co. dated June 5, 1873.

34. McVean Archives: Sano Tsunetami’s Letter to McVean dated February 23, 1873.

Chapter 8. Official Trip to Home

   McVean was instructed by Yamao Yozo, acting vice minister of public works, to arrange Ginza-Nihonbashi redevelopment scheme, and had to postpone his plan to return home. In the end of March 1872, he requested Sameshima Naonobu, first Japanese minister in Europe, to make a contract with British engineers to be appointed by Japan’s public works, and to purchase of instruments and books in London. In the end of Augutst, Sameshima came to London from Paris, and successfully contracted them, but could not purchase the instruments and books, which were urgently needed for survey school. Instead, Henry Scharbau would kindly undertake the purchase, but Samejima got touble of the remittance to Scharbau, who at last could send the items to McVean in early 1873. Anyhow, McVean had to get home to purchase substantial instruments, which were needed very careful packing. After summer vacation, McVean asked Yamao, and received his answer through Kawano Michinobu, who told McVan “he would go to Britain together with McVan someday soon.” As McVean did not get answer from Yamao about the departing date, he told Yamao that he would leave Japan early November by taking leave by own expense. Yamao was really busy in this season to take charge of acting vice minister of public works, but in November 17, eventually arranged McVean’s journey so that he could leave Japan at January 1873, when young Japanese trainee could begin practical training under British surveyors, and architect from Britain could take responsibility construction of all of technical school and college buildings.

8-1 Agreement with Yamao

   Before leaving Japan, McVean had to discuss with Yamao about his missions in Britain and condition of British engineers. As he appointed British engineers without mediation of British government and agent, McVean had to secure position of him and his colleagues by law. In November 20, 1872, he visited to Yamao’s office with John Richard Davidson*1, legal adoviser of the Public Works.

Wednesday 20 Nov

[Colin] Left out Encyclopedia with [IJ] - saw Mr Yamao to Kobusho with Davidson – arranged about agreements and authority for self to act at home – Mr Y – told me Hardy had been to see him and said as he found his position was not to mine – he would like to join the Railway – Mr Y told him the matter would be considered – The agreements of Klasen, Cheesman & c – to be kept in present form – no ½ salary from date of starting to arrival to be allowed in the mean time – some conversation as to chief assistant – to be arranged after.”

  First of all, McVean made sure that public works would continue appointment of all of foreign staff with present condition except John Hardy. Hardy might transfer to the Railway Department if Cargill accepted him. Joyner had to be acting chief engineer during McVean’s absence by paying him some extra allowance. Since getting home was McVean’s personal dicision, he was determined to receive only a half of salary during his travel giving up travel expense, and so requested Yamao that McVean could visit to the related organizations as surveyor in chief of Japanese government. Therefore, Yamao has authorized that McVean was going to make agreements with the Royal Observatory, the Scottish Meteorological Society, etc.

  The 6th year of the Meiji calendar was coincided with western calendar, and at January 3, McVean was invited by the imperial court to the New Year Ceremony together with “Cargill, Godfrey, George, Florent from the Public Works,” and in January 4 enjoyed “Sake and seaweed at the office – Japanese and Foreigners together to begin the New Year.” While McVean kept working busily for building work as well as survey, he was informed by Yamao that public works would “engage R. Wilson for 3 years at 200 yen per mo. 1st year & 250 yen per mo – [….] last years of engagement - also to engage Jones & Eaton as teachers for one year at 200 yen per mo - and Cruickshank as clerk on trial 3 months – at 150 yen” in February 13, by Kawano that “we were to leave for England on the 28th March” in February 20, and finaly by Yamao that he “arranged definitely to start for Home by the end of next month,” in February 22. In this chance, McVean asked Yamao increasing of salary in next contract period, and in March 4, “Mr Yamao came to my house and we arranged that I would accept the term offered.” Kawano’s travel Order dated March 8 1873 described not only his travel porpose but also prospective of survey office.

Instruction to Kawano Michinobu dated 8th day of 3rd month of Meiji 6.

Kawano Michinobu, first commissioner of survey office, Public Works is to visit to Britain.

Notification of Public Works, 27th day of 10th month of Meiji 5

  The Survey Office began its mission from metropolis survey by appointing several foreign professionals in the end of last year, and now going to launch nationwide geodetic survey, which is a very ambitious great project for our imperial nation. The works will start in fixing of accurate baselines by triangular survey with Shaku unit, which has been used in our imperial nation long time, also with precious instruments, which will be purchased by McVean, a chief instructor. He has worked for British survey office several years, and go home to hire two experienced surveyors and to purchase valuable and precious instruments together with Kawano Michinobu, who will study survey works there for 3 months. After they came back to Japan, they will train young Japanese as surveyor to start national survey. The expense necessary for this will be born by Public Works annual budget*2.

   Checking up origin of this document, Yamao first created this in November 27, 1872, just after he discussed prospect of survey office with McVean, who explained details of national geodetic survey and emphasized need of latest instruments and experienced survey instructors. Probably Yamao entirely understood the process and manner of national survey, and wrote these notifications to the cabinet. There are several points, and first of all, Yamao placed national survey as one of great national projects, which would be launched by setting up of accurate baselines over the national land. The second point is that Japanese surveyors had to be produced by proper training programme under experienced British surveyors using latest instruments. The trainees would learn basic and theoretical subjects in the first year of the school, and then take practical training at least 2 years under the experienced surveyors. This programme was a kind of minimized British apprenticeship. The third point is that McVean and Kawano’s leave was 7 months, consisting 4 months for travelling and 3 months for business in Britain. After Kawano learned the way of British national survey whither at Hydrographic office or Ordnance Survey Office, he was expected to direct Japan’s national survey. After finished 3 years training at Britain, Kobayashi Hachiro was also expected to lead technical aspects of the national survey*3. All of above was decided through discussion of Yamao and McVean.

  The fourth point was the measuring unit. Yamao proposed the cabinet to use Shaku unit for survey as it has been used for Japan long time. However, the survey office only had feet tape and yard chain at that time, it was possibly hard to apply Shaku unit for survey work except building construction. The fifth point was budget. Yamao did not claim special allocation to the treasury, but provided all expense for traveling and purchase of items from annual budget of survey office. It was 20,000yen, a half of the annual budget, which would cover all of expenses.

  During McVean’s absence, British surveyors would complete baseline survey between Tokyo and Kanagawa with Japanese trainees, and McVean discussed with Joyner and Cheesman about manner of works. As they had to work at site, survey office would provide them for lunch-box, and McVean examined specimen of the lunch. In March 5, “Cheesman gave me his tiffin provided by the office that day – as a specimen of the food provided - I would remark that it is far from sufficient – or proper,” McVean described. The specimen might a kind of rice ball, a typical Japanese outdoor meal, which was not sufficient for European officers, and McVean instructed Kawano and Murata to improve quality of the lunch box*4. In March 17, all staff gathered at the office to have meeting with presence of Yamao and Murata, who explained the purpose of travel of McVean, Kawano and Kobayashi, and confirmed the duty of remaining staff.

Saturday 22 Mar

[Colin] Dined by invitation with our staff – at Japanese restaurant opposite [Water’s] - was informed in the office that I was to receive ¾ pay while away money to be paid in advance calculated for 7 months - and $2000 travelling expenses.

Sunday 23 Mar

[Colin] Mr Joyner recd letter Mr Yamao authorizing him to take charge during my absence.

Monday 24 Mar

[Colin] Left Yedo and got on board the “Bombay” - signed new agreement for three years at Davidson’s office with Yamao - tiffined with Yamao, Recd from Mr Kawano in presence of Yamao at Tiffin in Ko-fu-té, $3,837.50 being supposed to be travelling expenses and ¾ pay for seven mo – but find it is nearly $400 short of the proper sum due to me 7 months from now - as the ¾ pay is calculated for $350 per mo – my pay however being increased on 14 Sept next to $450 also no acct is taken of salary due to me to this date for March – Explain this to Kawano - Instructions from Yamao as to purchase of Instr and engaging of apts to follow by next mail – to 35 Royal Terrace Edinburgh.

   Yamao increased McVean’s travel allowance from 1/2 to 3/4 monthly salary and offered to pay full travelling expenses as much as $2,000. Joyner was to receive extra $50 as acting surveyor in chief, and McVean was to extend his contract for another 3 years*5. This accommodation was surely an expression of Yamao’s hope to McVean’s duty. Farewell party was held at Seiyoken restraint*6 in front of Waters’ residence at Tsukiji. In March 25, McVean “saw on board ship – Mr. & Mrs. Joyner, Mr. & Mrs. Spence, Mr. & Mrs. Sheppard, Mr. & Mrs. Cheesman, Dowson, Hardman & c. & c,” and “gave Joyner letter to Hardy asking him to give in his survey field books and informing him that Joyner was left in charge - gave Joyner notice to the same effect to be put up in office,” then embarked with Kawano and Kobayashi for Hong Kong first. Arrived at Hong Kong in March 31, McVean “heard that Mr. and Mrs. Brunton, Sir Harry Parkes and his family just passed out for Japan.”

   They changed vessel at Penang, and arrived at Bombay via Gale at April 23. Before leaving for Aden in April 29, McVean took Kawao and Kobayashi to Elephanta and Karli Caves*7 by the train. They might be first Japanese visitors to these historical monuments. They arrived at Alexandria via the Suez Canal in May 13, then Southampton via Gibraltar in the morning of May 26. It took 60 days to reach to London from Yokohama by steam liners.

8-2. At Home

    Rested at the Great Northern Hotel at London for a while, McVean family left London by the night train, and “Arrived in Edir – between 8 & 9 o’clock A.M. Mr & Mrs McVean at the station meeting us. The children had slept very well during the night – Went to the Edir Hotel to which a great many of our friends came to see us.” On the other hand, Kawano visited to Japanese Consulate General at London, and soon left for Paris to meet Kido Takayoshi*8. Probably he had to give Kido message from Yamao or Inoue Kaoru about political crisis in Tokyo*9. After that, he stayed there nearly 2 weeks, and probably visited Vienna to see the exposition. In London, by instruction of Sano Tsunetami, Tomita Atsuhisa*10 (Fig.8-1) and Takeda Masaji*11 have stayed to investigate museums and expositions in Britain. According to original schedule, they were to come to Edinburgh in the middle of June.

                                                                                                             No 5 Hereford Square

                                                                                                             South Kensington S.W. London

                                                                                                             Friday June 20 / 73

My Dear C.A. McVean Esqr

             I beg to acknowledge a receipt of your favour dated 18th Inst, and I shall take liberty to inform you that Mr Kawano returned here from Paris few days ago, but he is awaiting for the new suits of his dress he ordered to a tailor to have them made for him in Paris, being recommended by his friends and he expects to have them forwarded from Paris in this moment, to-day or to-morrow, and as soon as he will have his dress, he will be in your metropolis together with me, then I will again write to you according to what you stated in your favour.

             He Mr Kawano sincerely ask your excuse for the delay of his trip to Edinburgh and keeping you to expect for him for so long time.

                             I am Dear Sir

                               Yours most obediently

A.H. Tomita*12

-----------------------------

                                              Monday June 9 / 73

C A McVean Esqr

   Sir

   I beg to inform you that I was to make a trip to Edinburgh before, where you are, I believe, awaiting for me, but I came out to Paris to see my friend Mr “Kido”, one of Jap. Embassy, who is now staying in this city.

   So I trust you will excuse for the delay of my journey to Edinburgh.

   As I intends to proceed to your metropolis as soon as I return to London,

I would feel obliged that you will stay in Edinburgh until my arrival.

                     I am, Sir

                     yours most obediently,

                     Michinobu Kawano*13

   In June 28, Kawano, Tomita and Takeda finally arrived at Edinburgh, and McVean took them “to Beeslack, shewed them Edinr Jail Castle Museum & c. went to Falls of Clyde with J.C. and the girls. The Japs enjoyed it but were very much knocked up – Kawano and Tomita left us” in July 12. They were warmly welcomed by George Cowan at his residence at Beesiack, and by James Cowan, brother of Mary as well as a Provost of Edinburgh in 1872-73. They visited several industrial places and institutions*14, and when they were leaving for London, McVean found that Kawano did not post ordering letters and reference letters which were arranged by McVean and Yamao just before leaving Japan.

Saturday 12 Jul

[Colin] on Saturday night for London – I learned from Kawano that the papers I expected from Mr Yamao will not be sent - everything to be left to him to settle – so arranged to go to London on Monday to order instrs and try and get Scharbau engaged &c &c –

16 – 19 July. Notes while in London

[Colin] Saw Mr Hugh Mathieson 3 Lombard St - had some conversation with him on Japanese matters. He did not seem to have a favourable opinion – saw Mr Alfd Joyner - Mr Malcolm of H.M. & Co - saw Capt Peacock - delivered Mr Parry’s papers at Mr Cowdry’s office as I had no time to see abt them myself and as I had a letter from Mr C. asking for them –

Thursday 17 Jul

[Colin] Baby born - Arranged abt Mr Scharbau’s appointment to Japanese service at least so far as I could and asked him to inquire about Burgess - Recd. £3800 from Kawano to purchase the instrs ordered large Theodolite measuring rods &c from Troughton & Simms - had a look over their works - I left the money recd for insts in.

   McVean took night train for London with Kawano and Tomita in July 12, and completed all of documental works, sending letters to manufacturing firms and the related institutions and individuals in July 13 to 15. McVean received money from Kawano as much as £3,800, and probably paid a deposit to L.Casella & Co., Troughton & Simms*15, etc. By this trouble, McVean’s schedule delayed nearly 2 months. After this, McVean met several individuals in connection to Japan. Although McVean could not meet teaching staff of technical college, they were about to arrive at Yokohama at the head of Hayashi Tadasu. Matheson was worried about Japan’s political crisis related to diplomacy with Korea. McVean als met parents of Joyner at Harrow, and of Rymer=Jones at London to hand them message and articles from their sons. McVean’s private business was to sell the repaired Lyemoon (former Taihei-maru of shogunate navy) to Hudson and Malcom Co.*16.

  Tomita was so impressed that he wanted to learn more industrial development in Scotland, and asked McVean convenience later as,

                                                         169 Finboro’ Road

                                                             West Brompton, London

                                                             18th November 1873

Dear Sir

   I am very much obliged by your favour kindly instructing me to write the matter about which I desire to see you, and asking when Mr Sano will be here?

   I am expecting Mr Sano coming from Vienna every day, but there is report that he will come out.

C.A. McVean Esq

out to London in March of next year.

   I have just finished my work, and Mr Takeda went out to Vienna two days ago.

   As reported to you, I made an application to Mr Sano about two moths ago, regarding my intention to stay in this country, but I have never heard from Mr Sano, and therefore if the rumours be true, I must go out to see Mr Sano in Vienna to settle my own affair; however I believe I will be informed decidedly – whether Mr Sano is coming toward here in this year, or I must go to Vienna as soon as Mr Takeda arrives in Vienna – I have entirely failed on entering into Whitworth’s factory in Manchester, being objected under some circumstance.

   As soon as I get an approval of Mr Sano on my application to stay here, I must ask you, kindly to take an interest on my desire to learn engineering and to spare me your influence amongst mechanical engineering factories in Scotland – I was to write this some days ago, but I was very busy to finish every thing in the Exhibition, and I had no time to do so.

   There fore please excuse this delay - Yrs most sincerely

   A.H. Tomita

I beg to enclose my photograph, please spare me one of yours.

   Meanwhile, McVean received a telegraph from Edinburgh telling that new baby wa just born in July 17, and Mary wrote some Japanese phrases on the page of 18th of her diary. She was looking forward to ruturn to Japan and look at Fuji-yama.

Konnichi wa hajime mashite こんにちは、はじめまして Hello, nice to see you.

Watashi wa mari to moushimazroshi わたしはマリともうします My name is Mary.

Mionichi wa Kaki no matsuri ng arimasu. みょうにちはかみのまつりがあります。Tomorrow, we will have festival.

Watakushi mo minounichi sassokoe itashimasho わたしもみょうにちさっそくいきましょう。I wish to visit there.

Sakihodo Toori de tomo-dachi ni aimashita さきほどとおりでともだちにあいました。I just saw my friend.

Asango wo menga demoshita あさがおのめがでました。Morning glory just budded,

Imani hana ng Sakemashoいまにはながさきましょう。Someday soon it will bloom.

8-3. Purchase of Instruments

   By the fire of Home Affairs headquarter took place in July 9, 1875, almost all documents and articles related to the survey office were burned out, and so, it has been unknown what McVean exactly did. But, his diaries and letters will tell us how great McVean made contribution to modern development of survey, science and technology in Japan. For scientific and technical instruments, there were several leading firms in the 19th century Britain as mentioned above, L.Casella & Co. for survey and meteorological instruments, and Troughton & Simms for survey and optical instruments. They manufactured various kinds of them for use of military, scientist, engineer, sailor, travellers, etc. McVean visited these firms and purchased a set of the latest instruments for government institution. These were used for not only substantial survey works, but also various meteorological observations including seismic observation, and special occasion of the observation of the transit of Venus in December 9, 1874 (Fig.8-2). McVean ordered Luigi Palmieri*17, director of Naples Observatory a set of seismograph he invented (Fig.8-3), and asked Scharbau come to Japan with it. 2 years later, Okubo Toshimichi, minister of Home Affairs, sent Palmieri a letter of gratitude citing that he kindly accepted order of seismograp by McVean, surveyor in chief of our government*18 (Fig.8-4).

   After McVean knew that the transit of Venus on the sun could be observed from Japan in December 1874 through science and engineering journal, he proposed Yamao to observe the transit of Venus using the latest instruments in order to attract Japanese eyes to modern survey and astronomy. In whole August, McVean stayed at Iona with his family and parents, and in the middle of September he left for London to visit the firms and the institutions through Oban, where he met Henry Otter. He paid expense of clockface for the technical school to H. & R. Millar & Co., Edinburgh, and arrived at London in 23 September.

Wednesday 24 Sep

Went to Kensington Museum – Tomita out saw Taketa – afterwards went to Charlton with S [Scharbau] to see the instruments in course of construction by T & S – Mr. Simms shewed us an apparatus for practicing observing the transit of Venus.

   There were essential scientific and military institutions along Charlton road, including Royal Observatory, Naval College, Woolrich arsenal and Hydrographic Office. McVean has learned astronomical survey from Otter, but unfamiliar with the transit of Venus. He visited to the Royal Observatory to meet James Simms, technical principal of Troughton & Simms with Scharbau to learn mechanism and manner of observation of Venus transit from him. However, James Simms was so busy, Troughton & Simms was receiving a lot of orders of new instruments from all over wold at that time, and told McVean that the instruments he ordered would not be ready before he leaves Britain.

  For surveying staff, McVean decided to hire Andrew Burgess*20 beside Sharbau, after talked to Kawano. Burges was supposedly from Hydrographic office, and was competent teach geodetic survey to Japanese trainees. After Scharbau and Burgess signed contract and received travel allowance in October 29*21, then were going to leave in November 1 with Kawano for Japan. McVean needed to stay at Britain a couple of months, and wrote long letter to Yamao and Joyner why he would delay in November 21. The reason of delay was clear, that McVean and kawano delayed posting of the ordering documents to Troughton & Simms nearly 2 months, which also recieved too many orders of telescopes and theodolites for coming observation of the Venus Transit from allover the world.

  Palmieri’s seismograph also delayed due to over-receiving of orders for another couple of months. Scharbau asked McVean to stay Christmas holiday with his family in south France where his wide was under medical treatment, and assured McVean that he would pick up seismograph at Naples on the way back to London. In December 15, McVean “Sent letter to Scharbau inclosing cheque for £200 – to pay for Seismograph & c. and for travelling expense.” McVean wrote William Maxwell what he was going to do and what he bought in Britain.

                                                         St John’s 14th Jany /74

My dear McVean,

             I was very glad to get your letter of 13th December and to hear that you and all yours were well in which state I hope you all continue. Many thanks for your intimation of your intention to increase my banking account and you may be sure, it the need should arise I shall not hesitate to apply to you.

(Middle part omitted)

             Please remember me kindly to them. My predecessor on the Scotch survey is with me now and we often talk of both the Admiral & Mrs Otter always with feelings of Kindness for their civility. Boneton is his tally. I daresay you can remember Binch & Jillard speaking of him as Billy. I did not hear from Scharbau by last mail and so suppose he has gone to Italy. I am very much interested in the new instruments you are about to get and hope you will give me a description of them, especially the method of compensation used in your measuring bars and the means of preventing eye parallax in their adjustment. If you have a zenith sector ? I should also like to know its principles and the reason of the necessity for such great care in the manipulation.

For the seismographs I trust to Scharbau as he will be fresh from the Professor [Luigi Palmieri]. We are to have some new magnetic instruments I believe for the measurement of the Absolute and Relative Horizontal face, quite new to me. I am therefore undergoing a course of Magnetism and Electricity to prepare me for their reception and hope to be ready to understand their practice when they arrive from a thorough knowledge of the principles obtained beforehand.

(Last part omitted)

                                                             Yours ever sincerely

                                                             Wm F Maxwell 

   In the second half of the 19th century, invention of new instruments for science and engineering so geared up that the Hydrographers had to take a course to learn them. Maxwell just returned to Woolwich from Newfoundland to receive a course, and inquired McVean about instrument he purchased for Japan’s survey office. They had to be a complete set of the latest instruments for survey, meteorology and astronomy. 

8-4. Scottish Meteorological Society

   Beside of Royal Observatory, McVean sent letter of reference to the Scottish Meteorological Society*23 last June, but did not get response from the society. At that time, Alexander Buchan*24 (Fig.8-4), a secretary of the society was absent in Edinburgh for a couple of months to play important role in Vienna World Meteorological Congress on behalf of British meteorological council. As soon as he came back to Edinburgh in the end of October, he discussed Mcvean’s application in the meteorological council and assured that the society would fully support setting up of Japan’s meteorology.

Scottish Meteorological Society

                                             Edinburgh 3rd Decr 1873

Sir

I have the honour to inform you that at a Meeting of Council of the Scottish Meteorological Society held this day you were unanimously elected an Ordinary Member of the Society.

                                                                             I remain

                                                                         Sir

                                                                         Yours faithfully

                                                                             Thomas Stevenson. Hony Secy*25

Colin A. McVean, Esq

-------------------

Report of the Hal-Yearly General Meeting of The Society, Held at Edinburgh on 29th January 1874.

  An application has been made to the Council by Mr. Colin A. M'Vean, on behalf of the Government of Japan, for advice regarding the establishment of a system of meteorological observations in Japan. In answer to this application, the Council forwarded a memorandum regarding suitable instruments, their position, hours of observation, the establishment of a central observatory, inspection of stations, publications, and special observations of storms*26.

   In December 20, when McVean was staying at Iona, he “received letter from Captain Parr & Shand – also from Buchan Secretary Meteorological Society of Scotland - informing me I had been elected a member - & inclosing memo – on the establishment of Metro Stations in Japan- also reports of Society.” So, McVean intended to set up of meteorological network over Japan, consisting of central observatory at Tokyo and several local stations, in particular to estimate the weather, typhoon and earthquake. McVean “wrote Buchan Secy Meteorological Society of Scotland acknowledging receipt of his letter and inclosure” in December 26, and wrote Joyner and Yamao to tell that everything has been done successfully in December 31 except delay of return. In the Vienna World Meteorological Congress, representatives of the United States and China also emphasized importance of observation of typhoon periodically occurred in west part of Pacific Ocean, and actually Robert Hart, an inspector-general of China’s maritime custom service applied cooperation to the society through its agent, James Duncan Campbell*27.

Fig.8-4. Alexander Buchan, secretary of the Scottish Meteorological Society.

8-5. Uneasy News from Japan

   McVean expected to receive all of the ordered precision items and ship them with careful packing by the middle of January 1874, and came down to London with Mary in January 13. However, Scharbau came back to London in January 17 without Palmieri’s seismograph, and told McVean that it would arrive at London within 2 weeks from Naples.

Monday 19 Jan

[Colin] left the Craven and went to stay at the Stevens – called at P & O office to make enquiries – called at Cooks office – saw him – and had a chat called at Elliot's & Caseilla’s abt Barometer

Tuesday 20 Jan

[Colin] Went to Charleton to see Mr Simms - had a long talk with him abt the Instrs find 3 large theodolites will not be ready in time for the Vancouver – but I expect everything else will.

Wednesday 21 Jan

[Colin] called for Col – Morrison – called for […] R. Jones – called for Capt Davis at the Admiralty

Thursday 22 Jan

[Colin] Called Wrote letter to Yameo – and started for Edinr at 9.15 P.M. Kings X

   McVean received the ordered item from Eliot & Co. and L.Casella & Co., but three theodolites from Troughton & Simms, and had to write letter of apology for delay to Yamao. Meanwhile, he visited the Admiralty to receive advise from his former masters for Japan’s survey and meteorology, and heared that the Challenger expedition would visit to Japan next year. When McVean met Campbell Douglas at Glasgow in last December, he was asked to take 2 figures to Japan, Agnes Cowan*28, a fiancée of Charles de Boinvile and William Grigsby*29, a professor of international law of Kaisei College.

   In February 19, just 3 weeks before leaving for Japan, McVean received letter from Joyner "giving accts of great changes in the Gomt Offices in Japan – a strong conservative feeling in the new ministry – and appearance of ill feeling against Foreigners.” After returned from the Iwakura Mission, Okubo Toshimichi put down political crisis regarding diplomatic relation with Korea, and suppressed the Saga Rebellion, then got to reorganize government system. In order to modernize the government, he set up the Home Affairs in November 1873, which needed accurate maps for land tax reform and regional development. Ito and Yamao finally could not refuse Okubo’s intension, and in January 1874, the survey office was absorbed by the Home Affairs. Okubo’s diary mentioned, “In January 27, I visited the survey office and told to foreign officers,” and Joyner felt uneasy about Okubo’s words.

   McVean was also anxious about a prospect of the survey office, but could not imagine how it was so critical. Contrarily, he could not contain himself for excitement that his survey office would fully function with new instruments and staff soon. As soon as McVean received letter from Troughton & Simms that every thing was ready, he left Iona with his family for London via Penicuik and Edinburgh.

Monday 9 Mar

[Colin] In Town all day looking after goods & Instruments - on board the “Vancouver” arranging abt careful stowage for the things - called at Troughton & Simms & Casella’s - dined with the [..d..] Club – met among others Black author of the Princess of Thula – Glasher Darwin’s son - & c & c

Tuesday 10 Mar

[Colin] At Simms Factory arranging with him as to packing of Instruments & c & c.

Wednesday 11 Mar

[Colin] Left Harrow came to Craven Hotel - self busy all day abt the Instruments – Drew at Cowan & Co. £300 - Gave Anne £5.0 - Craven Hotel £4 - Miss Cowan’s Fare to Rome paid by herself.

Thu 12 Mar

[Colin] This morning went to the Admiralty to see the Royal Procession The entry of the Duke and Duchess of Edinr into London - the Queen was present with them - Telegraphed to Yamao – deprt - Afterwards preparing to start - left 8-45 P.M. self Mary Baby Kane and Miss Cowan - Charing X - gave Scharbau balance Govt money and £30 for self – for Joyner.

   McVean ascertained packing of precision articles and put them carefully on board the Vancouver. He paid Scharbau £1.154 for instruments and freight to Japan*30, who would wait for the seismograph at London another couple of weeks. After telegraphing to Yamao, McVean, his family, Kane, Agnes and the Grigsbys all together crossed the channel, and took trains for Briindisi via Paris, Florence, Rome, and Naples. At Brindisi, they took passenger ship and arrived at Singapore via the Suez Canal and Bombay. At Singapore, Boinville was waiting for Agnes and they met at last 1 year and half after they parted at Glasgow. Their passenger ship arrived at Yokohama at 9 pm, May 5, 1874, where Joyner and Wheeler were waiting.

**Footnotes**

1. John Richard Davidson, worked for the Public Works as legal advisor from June 9, 1873 to June 12, 1878.

4. Oligarchy Archives: Instruction to Kawano Michinobu, an officer of the Survey Office to the Britain, March 8, 1873.

2. Hachiro Kobayashi, 1855 - ??. He was one of the first students in the survey school, and given scholarship to study at the Britain. After returning to Japan, he studied at the Imperial College of Engineering, and worked for the Civil Work Department of the Home Affairs.

3. Tate Kiyohiko, My Dream of 33 years; Outline History of Modern Survey in Japan [33 nen no yume, Nihon Kindai Sokuryou no Shiron], Geography vol.9 – No.1, 1971, pp.35-39. “Lunch was surveyed to foreign officers by the office.”

4. Oligarchy Archives: Notification to Kobayashi Hachiro dated March 13, 1873, is to be dispatched to Britain as technical trainee for 3 years.

5. McVean Archives: Articles of agreement made the 24th day of March one thousand eight hundred and seventy three, Between the Department of Public Works of the Japanese Government of the one part and Colin Alexander McVean of Tokei Japan, Civil engineer and Surveyor of the other part.

6. The restaurant opposite Waters’ residence was Seiyoken, which was reconstructed Ginza Fire. John Francis Campbell described this restaurant in detail in his “My Circular Notes (1876).”

7. James Fergusson was a pioneering scholar who studied architecture of Indian continental and Far East and introduced it in his “the Illustrated Handbook of Architecture (1855).” Elephanta and Karli Caves are ancient Hindu-Buddhist monuments near Mumbai. Kawao and Kobayashi are the first Japanese visitors to these caves.

8. In order to settle the political crisis related to Japan-Korean matter, Okubo and Kido, both vice minister of the Iwakura Mission, had to return to japan a half year earlier than the original schedule. In the early June, Kido was about leave Paris, and Kawano was probably instructed to meet him to talk or hand urgent message by Yamao or Inoue Kaoru.

9. Kido Takamitsu’s Diary dated June 1 1873, described “I met Toda, Kawano and Shosaburo,,,.”

10. Tomita Atsuhisa, later Nishikawa Atsuhisa, 1842-death unknown. Born to samurai family of Saga domain, learned English at Guido Verbeck’s school at Nagasaki. He entered into government service by invitation of Sano Tsunetami at survey office of Publick Works. As Sano took charge of Vienna Exposition, Tomita followed him and made investigation of museums in Britain together with Takeda Masaji.

11. Takeda Masaji, former Tsukahara Masayoshi, 1825-1888. Born to Shogunate samurai family, and entered into shogunate service at foreign office. He crossed Pacific Ocean with Kanrin-maru together with Katsu Kaisyu and Ono Tomogoro to send shogunate mission to the United States in 1863. He commanded shogunate force at Toba-Fushimi battles in 1868, and took refuge to the United States when the Shogunate force gave up Edo. He returned to Japan in 1872 and entered into government service at museum department.

12. McVean Archives: Tomita Atsuhisa’s Lette to McVean dated June 20, 1873.

13. McVean Archives: Kawano Michinobu’s Letter to McVean dated June 9, 1873.

14. Tomita wrote “Comparison of Exhibition and Museum Architecture [Hakuran Kaijyo Kenchiku Hikakuron]” within ”Reports of Vienna Exposition (1875).”

15. McVean Archives: Diary November 21 wrote “Wrote Blundell informing him that the Lyemoon was sold for £12000.”

16. Troughton & Simms. John Troughton started instrument-making business in the middle of the 18th century at London, and produced various instruments for navigation, survey and astronomy. Edward Troughton partnershiped with William Simms in 1826, and developed the firm as a wold leading instrument maker.

17. Luigi Palmieri, 1807-1896. He was an Italian physicist and meteorologist, who the exiting seismograph. He was appointed as Director of the Vesuvius Observatory in 1854.

18. Koji Nishimura, An Aspect of Japan-Italy History: Okubo’s Letter of Gratitude to Mr. Luigi Palmieri, Journal of Society of of Japan-Italy (35), 187-203, 1986-03-15, pp.34-41.

19. James Simms, 1828-1915. He was a son of William Simms as well as astronomer, who was installing new instruments at the Royal Observatory in 1873.

20. Andrew HuttonBurgess, Birth and Death unknown. He was probably a contract surveyor of Hydrographic Office, and appointed as survey instructor by McVean and Kawano in October 1873. He arrived at Tokyo together with Kawano in January 1874, but soon gave up appointment due to close of survey school. 9 years after this incidence, Japanese government claimed refund of travelling expense from him. See, Public Archives: Claim of Travelling Expense from Burgess, former British officer of Geography Department of the Home Affairs, December 3, 1883.

21. McVean Archives: Back pay & on acct to end of January 1874. For Sel - £315.13.1½, for Scharbau - £276.10, for Burgess - £189.10, for Burgess advance on Salary-£50.00, total - £831.13.1½.

22. McVean Archives: William Maxwell’s Letter to McVean dated January 14, 1874.

23. The Scottish Meteorological Society. Founded by David Mile-Home in 1855, with supports of prominent scientists and civil engineers including Thomas Stevenson of the Northern Lighthouse Board.

24. Alexander Buchan, 1829-1907. Scottish meteorologist. Learned natural philosophy, joined the Scottish Meteorological Society, and played role of secretary for 47 years. He published several popular books on meteorology including “Handy Book of Meteorology (1867)” and “Introductory of Text-book of Meteorology (1871).” He was one of inventors of weather map and one of scientific members of the Challenger Expedition.

25. McVean Archives: Letter of the Scottish Meteorological Society to McVean dated December 3, 1873.

26. Journal of the Scottish Meteorological Society, vol.IV, William Blackwood and Sons, 1876, p.151. And, Report of the Half-Yearly General Meeting of The Society, Held at Edinburgh on 29th January 1874. Same article was founded in The Nature, February 26, 1874, p.336. Scharbau became a member of the society just before he left for Japan. See Minute of Meeting of the Council of the Scottish Meteorological Society, held on 3d June 1874.

27. James Duncan Campbell, 1833-1907. Educated in Britain, France and Germany, he worked for the Treasury, and joined Chinese Maritime Customs Service around 1862.

28. Agnes Cowan 1848-1910. She was the youngest daughter of Charles Cowan, a banker in Ayr and three times provost in Ayr. Campbell Douglas was commissioned to design a church at Ayr in 1870-71. Boinville visited Ayer sometimes with Douglas and probably met Agnes there.

29. William Ebenezer Grigsby, 1845-1903. Son of David Grigsby, a schoolmaster and Congregational minister, Chelmsford, Essex, Grigsby enrolled at the University of Glasgow in 1864to study in Arts and Divinity. He went on to gain a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) from Baliol College, Oxford in 1873, and was appointed Professor of International Law at the Imperial College (Kaisei Gakko). He returned to the University of London where he graduated LLB in 1879 and LLD in 1880. He was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in 1881. Although he lived in Kaga Yashiki, now site of University of Tokyo, he and his wife frequently visited to McVean’s residence to dine with.

30. McVean Archives: H. Scharbau receipt to £1154 - 2 - 6 Japan Govt money dated in March 12, 1874. “Received from C.A. McVean Esqr the Sum of Eleven Hundred Fifty Four Pounds Two Shillings and Six Pence. Sterling for payment of Instruments & freight for Survey Department in Japan.”

Chapter 9. Transfer of Survey Office

   In May 6, McVean “Passed things through Custom Ho – and arrived in Tokei 6 P.M. where we were most kindly recd by Mrs Joyner,” and following day, “went to out with Joyner to have a look at Kogaku-Ryo – very much pleased with it – Saw Mr. Dyer & several Professors – Mrs. D. called in afternoon – and I drove with him to call for the Grigsbys – Met Murota coming from office” (Fig.9-1). McVean soon got close to Henry Dyer, a principal of the technical college, and frequently visited each other. As soon as Mary Fergusson, a fiancée of Dyer arrived 2 weeks later, marriage between Dyer and Mary, and Boinville and Agnes took place at the British Legation in a presence of Harry Parks*1.

9-1. Occurrences during McVean’s absence

   Before arriving at Yokohama in June 20, 1873, Henry Dyer already completed school curriculum and calendar on the board to Japan. As Yamao soon approved Dyer’s idea of curriculum and selected students, British instructors had to start teaching at old residence of the Yamato Yashiki for couple of months as the school building was still under construction. Installing new clock face sent from Edinburgh last year, Boinville completed the school building in February 1874 (Fig.9-1). The Japan Weekly Mail on February 28, 1874, described detail of the school design as,

   On Monday, the 9th instant, the building of the Kogakurio, which during the last eighteen months has been in course of construction, was completed, and the classes, which have been temporarily carried on in the Yamato Yashiki, transferred thereto. The building is about 266 feet long, with a clock-tower in the centre*2, and the style is that of the l4th century. It is built with two stories, and corridors run along the entire length of the building and communicate with the different rooms. On the lower story there are six lecture rooms 30 by 20 feet and 12 feet high, each of which will accommodate about sixty students; while on the upper story are four similar rooms, besides a long drawing-room measuring 60 by 20 feet. (omitted)

   The completion of the Kogakurio forms, we may say, a separate epoch in the history of Japan, as being one of the first brick-buildings commenced in Yedo, and we have reason to believe that the success so far met with will be an inducement to the Japanese Government to provide similar substantial buildings for the other departments. When we consider the disadvantages under which the gentlemen entrusted with the work were placed at its commencement, when few facilities for constructing of building, so different in every respect from any that then existed, were at their disposal, and every minute detail had to be under their immediate supervision, we cannot help feeling that the successful manner in which the work has been carried out reflects great credit on Mr. McVean, and on Mr. Joyner, his chief-assistant, who during the absence of the former gentleman has been carrying on the work, and who also, we understand, in the first instance, drew out the original designs and detail drawings for the Kogakurio and dormitories. The same is also due to Mr. de Boinville, the architect, who, although arriving rather late on the field, has shown considerable taste in the carrying out of those designs and in the ornamentation both of the exterior and interior.

  This article was surely written by Dyer, who also put same article in “1873-1877 Calendar of Imperial College Engineering,” and admired contribution of McVean, Joyner and Boinville. In October 1875, Palmieri sisters called on Japan of their world concert tour, and played opera concert at this school hall. The McVeans went to the concert, and Mary described how nice concert and hall were in her diary.

Saturday Oct 9. Fine day.

[Mary] Not much out until evening when we went to the concert given by Signora Palmieri in the Kagakurio Hall. It is a very fine Hall.

   McVean officially returned to his office in May 10*4, and was so glad to see the completed technical school building, but disappointed so much by transfer of the survey office that he wrote nothing about the survey office in his diary. McVean was told about details of the transfer by Boinvile at Singapore or by Yamao’s letter. Okubo Toshimichi decided to form the Home Affairs in November 10, 1873*5, and absorbed Promotion of Industry, Family Register, Post Service, Civil Works and Geography from ministry of the Treasury, National Security from ministry of the Justice, and survey from ministry of the Public Works in January 9, 1874*6.

Notification of the Home Affairs, January 9, Meiji 7 (1874)

The Home Affairs is to administrate the following departments

First Class Departments: Promotion of Industry, National Security

Second Class Departments: Family Register, Post Service, Civil Works, Geography

First Class Agency: Survey

(omitted)

-Civil Works: to execute repair of road and river.

-Survey: to direct national survey.

   The Survey Office still took responsibility of nationwide survey and mapping, but the Home Affairs needed survey only for regional development and land tax reform. However, Okubo and his supporter Sugiura Yuzuru, commissioner of the Geography Department, did not intention and perspective for nationwide geodetic survey. Probably some leading staff of the Civil Works strongly supported the transfer of the Survey Office from the Public Works to the Home Affairs. Ito and Yamao seemed to resist the transfer, as there was no department of the Survey Office in “Duty and Regulation of the Home Affairs*7” issured in January 10 and the Imperial Officers List of the early 1874*8.

   As soon as Kawano, 1st commissioner of the Survey Office returned to Japan from Britain*9, he submitted a report of return in January 12, and application of funerary leave in January 15*10, then disappeared in the Imperial Officers List. According to unofficial record of the Outline History of Ministry of the Public Works, Murata, acting 1st commissioner was promoted to the 1st commissioner in January 13*11. Rymer-Jones and George Eaton had to be appointed with 1 year contract in last December according to the agreement with Yamao, but Rymer=Jones moved to the technical school as survey instructor. Eaton left survey office without extension of contract*12, and Andrew Burgess arrived together with Kawano from Britain refused to work at new survey office under the Home  Affairs*13. Although McVean and Joyner arranged Regulation of the Survey School last October, it was impossible to open survey school in 1874.

   In February 3 when Kawano and McVean were absent at the Survey Office, some staff of the Civil Works joined into the Survey Office*14. Number of staff from the Survey Office of the Public Works was around 30 including 8 foreign staff, while staff from the Civil Works was more than 50. The leader of the new staff was Kobayashi Kazutomo, who compiled old documents related to his attempt to form survey office under former ministry of the Civil Affairs and the Treasury in 2nd year to 4th year of Meiji Calendar*15. According to the documents, some of staff of the Civil Works department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and Treasury engaged in survey of Tokyo bay in 12th month of Meiji 2 (January 1869), and planned nationwide survey, then proposed the Civil Works to set up sub-department for survey in 17th day of 9th month of Meiji 3 (August 1870). It was successfully formed in 7th month of Meiji 4 (June 1871) within the Civil Works department. However, in the following month the Civil Works was absorbed by the newly founded Public Works, and Kobayashi’s survey sub-office disappeared without any fruits.

   As mentioned before, Yamao founded the Survey Office within the Public Works in August 1871 by McVean’s advise, with no any relation to Kobayashi’s attempts. The Civil Works headed by Goto Shojiro and Ono Gishin, both from Tosa domain, could not launch any modernization project, and was excluded by ministry of the Public Works. Then, the Civil Works department returned to ministry of the Treasury, and started out new scheme for river improvement with Dutch expertise in 1872. They invited Cornelis van Doorn*16, who investigated Tone-gawa, Edo-gawa, Kiso-gawa, Shinano-gawa, etc. with Japanese officers. Kobayashi did not give up nationwide survey, and so, tried to take part in Ginza-Nihonbashi redevelopment scheme and Edo Castle site survey.

   Finally Kobayashi and his survey staff joined in the Survey Office during McVean’s absence, and tried hard to take an initiative of the Survey Office, then arbitrarily changed several existing regulations, the Revised Duty and Regulation of the Home Affairs*17, and the Revision of Survey Method of Metropolis*18 in February 18. By former Revised Duty and Regulation, the Survey Office was definitely put under the Home Affairs. In this confusing situation, office secretary Cruickshunk passed away by mental and physical fatigue in February 23*19. The first commissioner Murata and acting surveyor in chief Joyner both might resist it, but could not stop Kobayashi’s arbitrary decisions, then these changes were enacted without Murata’s name.

Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Revision of Method of Metropolis Survey, February 18, Meiji 7 (1874). Inquires of the Survey Office, Home Affairs, February 10.

  The main point of the revision is that in order to comple the metropolis survey as speedy as possible, it had to be executed by two groups, foreign and Japanese group. The ongoing survey being made by foreigner and Japanese mixed group, since it was also practical training for Japanese officers and cadets, and so there was no professional Japanese surveyor. Before leaving Japan, McVean instructed Joyner, acting surveyor in chief to lead both the metropolis survey and Tokyo-Kanagaa baseline survey. Priority was given to the metropolis survey. The second point is change of scale for the survey from 1/500 to 1/2500 so that the survey and mapping could be finished in short period. 1/500 scale was originally Yamao’s instruction, and it was impossible and unacceptable to change scale in the middle of work*20. The third point is setting up Osaka branch office, and Murata, McArthur and Wilson were dispatched there soon*21.

   The third revision was the Regulation of the Survey School. The existing survey school has been stopped in January 1874 due to the transfer of the Survey Office, and probably by interruption of Kobayashi, who revised the regulation of survey school.

Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Revision of the Survey School, March 3. Meiji 7 (1874). Inquries of the Survey Office, February 17*22.

  The existing survey school regulation needed 3 years training programme, consisting of 1 year to earn basic knowledge at school and 2 years practical training. However, the revision needed only 3 months to learn geometry, trigonometric function and drawing, excluding the humanities practical training. Before the Survey Office arranged this revision in February 17, Kobayashi group already took steps for that and excluded British instructors, Eaton and Burgess from the survey school.

   Another occurrence was proposals of cooperation of meteorological observation from the United States and Imperial China. As mentioned before, Robert Hart, commissioner of the Imperial Customs Service of China proposed cooperation of observation of typhoon to the nations concerned at the 1873 Vienna World Meteorological Congress*23, and also made same proposal to Japanese government. Receiving the proposal, the oligarchy cabinet requested the Foreign Office, the Navy and the Public Works to take proper measures*24. Therefore, the cabinet was already acquainted that the Navy and the Public Works have took steps to start up meteorological observation. The cabinet received same kind of proposal from Albert Myer*25, the United States too through David Murry, an advisor from the United States. Too ministries did not respond properly, eventually the cabinet had to ask the Asiatic Society for measures. Actually, John Godfrey of the Mining department under the Publci Works has started meteorological observation at his office since 1872 appointing a Japanese officer in charge, and submitted the monthly report to the cabinet. But, Godfrey frequently toured around Japanese for investigation of mining sites, and so could not respond to that.

   According to the report of the Asiatic Society, the scientific section of the Society discussed this matter seriously appointing Henry Brunton as chairperson, and Dyer and Ayrton as leading members. They investigated the progress of meteorology in the government, and found that the Mining department*26, the Lighthouse department, the Imperial Collge of Engineering, the Navy and the Hokkaido Development Agency [Kaitaku-shi] already started the observation without trained meteorologist. In March, 1874, the scientific section reported situation of meteorology in Japanese government and need for the observation, in particular of typhoon, then proposed the cabinet urgently to set up proper organization for the observation*27. As soon as McVean returned to Japan in May 6, surely heard what happened in term of meteorology in the government from Dyer and Ayrton, and then encouraged to take responsibility for that in his survey office with new instruments. However, he needed to appoint meteorologist among this office staff, and Joyner would admit the position.

9-2. Return to the Survey Office

   McVean officially returned to his office in May 10, but wrote nothing about business in his dairies. McVean and Marry went to Yokohama in May 13, and took a passenger ship for Kobe in next day.

Friday 15 May

[McVean] 7 A.M. arrived in Kobe – walked abt and saw the settlement 11.30 train to Osaca called at office – found Murata and Wilson at tiffin - Blundell called & went on to Kobe - Wilson & self out in the afternoon to see stations.

Saturday 16 May

[McVean] Out with Wilson examined stations and ground for base line (Fig.9-2) – approved Wilson’s work. Blundell returned and spends the night with us - gave Blundell Mrs Cartman’s parcel.

Sunday 17 May

[McVean] In Osaca walked about and saw the Palace.

Monday 18 May

[McVean] In Osaca called for the Consul – Stewart O.B.C. Green & c. - Went to office saw Murata – started for Kobe – called for Mrs Boyle Mrs England & Mr Clatchin, Kirby got on board Golden Age 4 P.M. started 5.45 P.M. - Expenses while in Osaca and travelling $5.

   Murata, new commissioner of the Survey Office, was staying at Osaka to manage Kobe-Osaka-Kyoto baseline survey with Wilson, McArthur and several Japanese officers according to the Revision of Method of Metropolis Survey (Fig.9-3). It was duty of surveyor in chief to ckeck up the manner of fixing of base stations, and so, McVean had to visit to Kobe. New railways connecting Kobe and Osaka just open in May 11, and several government leading figures were stayed at Kobe to celebrate the opening. McVean finished all of investigations, and enjoyed meeting with old friends of railways department, Blundell, England, Cartman, Boyl, etc. He wrote nothing what he talked to Murata at all.

  In the morning of May 18, MacVean left Kobe for Yokohama together with “Okuma & Senates on board.” In May 23, McVean and Joyner had a party for the marriage of Boinvilles and the Dyers at Yamato Yashiki. In the following day, McVean received letter from Yokohama Port Office that cargo arrived there from Britain, and soon went to Yokohama port with Joyner. They carefuly landed goods and sent them to Yamato Yashiki. It took a week. At last, Scharbau arrived at Yokohama in June 1, and McVean and Cheesman warmly welcomed him. McVean hired James Simpson*28 as secretary in June 8after Cruickshank, and settled balance of £3,800 he received from Kawano in London in June 15*29.

   Scharbau was eager to work under McVean for his survey office, and possibly wanted position next to McVean in the Survey Office. Looking back McVean’s activities in Britain, he intended to devid the Survey Office into three sections, survey practice, survey education and observation. It was obvious that survey practice would be headed by Scharbau and survey education by Burgess, but it was uncertain that who took charge of meteorological and seismic observation. Joyner’s first contract was already expired in last November, and worked at the Survey Office by monthly base. In June 18, McVean talked to Joyner about his next contract, and probably persuaded him to accept position in charge of the observation, then entered into new 3 years contract with him*30. Joyner seemed to get interested in meteorology, but it was an exceptional to work as meteorologist for this whole career. Anyhow, he could not reject McVean’s offer, since leading members of the Asiatic Society also pushed him. Parting from survey section, fortunately Joyner did not get into trouble with the Anti Foreign Party.

9-3. Anti Foreign Party

   In February 3, a part of the Civil Works staff joined into the Survey Office, and changed the regulations so that they could take initiative in the office. The original survey staff including British officers seems to have carried out their missions, metropolis survey and Tokyo-Kanagawa baseline survey according to McVean’s instruction. Returning to the office, McVean found that a huge volume of field notes and sketches accumulated at the offie, and proposed to build a large drawing room to draw maps using new instruments from Elliot & Co in August 7*31. It was a large timber building 20 Ken x 6 Ken (36.0m x 10.8m), constructed at the Yamato Yashiki.

   Foreign staff was used to take 3 weeks summer vacation in August, while McVean frequently visited to Yokohama to prepare legal procedure for discharge of Hardy as mentioned later. Commissioner Murata returned to the office from Osaka in May 28, and soon took long medical leave*32 When commissioner Murata and McVean were absent, the Home Affairs drastically shuffled the organization.

Notification of Shuffle of Ministry of the Home Affairs, August 30, 1874.

The Survey Office is to be abolished, and instead the Geography Department will set up the Survey Division (Ryouchi-ka), and absorb the Regional Geography Division of the cabinet*33.

   Although the Survey Division was formed under the Geography Department instead of the Survey Office, the staff was same as before. The Land Survey was a means for the Land Taxation Reform, which Okubo and Sugiura intended eagerly to do in the Home Affairs. Before Okubo left Japan for Imperial China to solve the Taiwan Issue in August 9, he possibly instructed Sugiura to execute this shuffle while leading figures in the Survey Office were out of the office. Murata came back from medical leave at Ikaho in September 14, and soon next month took funural leave of his father*34. He clashed with Okubo over the transfer of the Survey Office, and then intentionally kept away from bureaucratic matter of the Home Affairs. Murata was still head, but did not specify new duty and regulation for the Land Survey Division.

   McVean became aware of this shuffle in early September, and could not help ask Sugiura about the details. McVean’s inquiry was to be handed to Sugiura directly, but was translated into Japanese with title of proposal (Kengen), and circulated over the office. Almost all documents of the Home Affairs was burned down by the fire of July 1875, excepting some including this McVean’s inquiry by effort of Okawa Michihisa*35.

First Commissioner, Mr. Sugiura

   Regarding the newly established survey division, I cannot ignore the matter and cannot help inquiring that the government really intends to make nationwide triangular survey under my authority. Chief Surveyor is responsible for managing every part of technical aspect according to the regulations, but some of staffs ignore them. (Middle part omitted).

   It is hard to estimate at this moment how much money and how long is necessary to complete national wide triangular survey. The British needed 90 years to complete it, and Colonel Colby dedicated his life for this great project. I enclosed a copy of report of his achievement.

September 14, 1874*36.

   McVean believed that as long as the agreement with Yamao was valid, he was still responsible for the survey office to set up the organization for nationwide geodetic survey within 3 years giving proper practical training to Japanese staff and furnishing a complete set of instruments, but facing some difficulties to achieve it, as someone took a defiant attitude. McVean emphasized that nationwide survey was a great government project, and needed long-term support and continuous allocation from the government, as British government did for Ordnance Survey. McVean let office staff, possibly Tomita Atsuhisa translate a book of Achievement of Colonel Colby*37, and attached it with this inquiry. His appeal seems to have been very rational. McVean later called the opposing figures to British staff “Anti Foreign Party” In his mother’s letter*38.

   McVean could not receive response from Sugiura, and felt that Okubo and Sugiura were going to give up nationwide survey. But members of the anti foreign party reacted to McVean’s inquiry, and then wrote letter to Sugiura to express their idea.

   We cannot ignore McVean’s latest Proposal and shall lodge an objection against it. He was hired in early year of **** as chief surveyor for the Survey Office under the Public Works. His profession has been a builder, probably taleted building engineer, but not surveyor at all. He does not have any knowledge and experience of survey, and of course no capable to manage nationwide triangular survey in our country. In his first 3 years appointment in the Public Works, he could archive almost nothing except some. Therefore, he went back home to look for another competent surveyor in 1873. He successfully found Scharbau, a very experienced engineer. (middle part, omitted).

  Our knowledge and skill are not inferior to the British surveyors, and you can recognize it if you check our working logs. We request your careful consideration whether McVean’s Proposal is right or not.

October 1874, Kobayashi Kazutomo   Miura Kiyotosi   Miyayori Masakane*39

   The anti foreign party led by Kobayashi misunderstood McVean’s career and intention at all, possibly because they have seen the construction of the technical school buildings, which was deigned and supervised by McVean and Joyner. They did not know the British Ordnance Survey was achieved by collaboration with the Hydrographic Office and civil engineer’s office. McVean was acquainted that Japan’s geographical configuration was too complicate to estimate the cost for nationwide geodetic survey, and so intended to build foundation of the organization by training Japanese staff as surveyor, then requested the government of long-term support and certain amount of allocation.

Although members of the anti foreign party claimed that they were competent surveyor, nothing inferior to British surveyor, they were capable to make nationwide geodetic survey and mapping by themselves appointing Scharbau as advisor. They preferred Scharbau, because they could communicate directly probably through Dutch language, and Scharbau so behaved that he would be accepted by them. When Scharbau arrived at Japan in last June, he found that Kobayashi was going take initiative of the office, and did not support McVean to deal with Kobayashi and his followers. Scharbau did not tell them careers of McVean, Cheesman, Klassen, and Stewart, in particular former collaboration at Hebrides, but told them that he came with all of instruments from Britain and showed them several maps with his credit to let them believe his talent*40. 

    The anti foreign party disobeyed McVean’s instruction, and kept working independently from late Public Works team, then eventually missed chance to learn the latest sciece and technology, as mentioned later. But, students of the Imperial College of Engineering frequently came to Yamato Yashiki to help McVean’s duty and learn new thing from Brtish engineers. Moreover, some liberal Japanese, such as Ono Tomogo, Abe Masahiro, Kuroda, etc., came to McVean’s residence to talk about survey, meteorology, ornithology, etc.

9-4. Hardy’s Case

   As Mary wrote in diary, quite large number of guests frequently came to McVean’s residence, which seemed to be social center for British and American residents at Tokyo. They were Henry Dyer, Captain Douglass, John Gubbins, John Black, Philip Fyson, Basil Chamberlain, Allan Shand, John Godfrey, Gavin Ness*41, John Fenton, Alexander Show, Peter Veder, etc., and liked to talk, something to tiffine or dine.

   In contrast to very active social life at the Yamato Yashiki, McVean was worried by Hardy’s case apart from of rivalry attitude of the anti foreign members. Although McVean gave several times warnings to Hardy regarding his working attitude before returning to Britain, he was still carrying on go-slow. McVean consulted Gavin Ness, lawyer, and William Anedrson, a medical doctor for solution, and gave final warning to Hardy before taking legal measure.

Tuesday 9 June.

[Colin] Went to Yokohama with Joyner in Hardy’s case to see Ness – [***] with him read over all Hardy [***’s] letters.

Thurday 11 June.

[Colin] Went to Yokohama to see Nees about Hardy’s case – Called on Dr & Mrs Anderson at Choöji.

Friday 12 June.

[Colin] At office wrote Murata a letter stating Ness opinion on Hardy’s case – recd letter from Ness giving revised advice.

Saturday 13 June.

[Colin] Called Mr. Hardy in to my room – told him the Japanese were very much displeased with him – and that I thought he had brought it all on himself by his behaviour and the small amt of work he had done – Warned him that he had several times broken his agreement - but if he did so again it should not be overlooked - told him to hand over his plan to Cheesman. Farther orders as to work to be given him on Monday.

Monday15 Jun.

[Colin] Gave in account of expenditure £3800 received in England from Kawano – Dr Anderson told Joyner that since he had been appointed Medical Officer Hardy had not been so unwell as to present his coming to office.

   According to Mary’s diary, McVean visited to Yokohama “on business” once a week at least to prepare a trial at Yokohama court with Ness. McVean’s action was sensed by the anti foreign party members, who leaked the prospect trial to the newspaper. Then, the Yubin Hoch reported “A British surveyor was discharged, Japanese officer capable to take responsibility” in September 23. But this reporter jumped to conclusions, The hearings were held in December 15, 17, and 22, in attendance with Hardy, a defendant and McVean on behalf of the Home Affairs. The Japan Weekly Mail on December 19 and 26*42reported full statements of the both sides. Point of Hardy’s statements was,

   Accommodation at No.10, Yamato Yashiki, which he considered were not in accordance with either the spirit of wording of his agreement the house being small, and though similar to such as all the Bachelor in the compound had, not so large as those appropriated to married men engaged at the lower rate of pay. Since his arrival in Japan he had been ill frequently and attributed this in some measure to the defective condition of this house, and though he repeatedly complained, his condition was not bettered, nor were certain sanitary requisitions complied with.

   Hardy was greatly dissatisfied with accommodation provided by the Public Works for his family in July 1872. It was too small, similar size to bachelor’s residence, and unsanitized. Hardy believed this accommodation caused him sickness, and then could not work properly. Moreover, Hardy was very disappointed with his position, because he was not next to McVean, but under Joyner.. Hardy has served in the British India’s Public Works for 12 years, and came to Japan with McArthur to work in McVean’s survey office by recommendation of Cosmo Innes, chief surveyor of Bombay Public Works. All of British engineers under McVean were assistant surveyor, but Joyner was next to McVean since he. was appointed a half year earlier than others. In conclusion of the trials, Hardy was discharged without previous salary starting in July 23 last*43. There is a sequel to this matter, the Home Affairs bought whole of stock of the Japan Weekly Mail dated December 19 and 26 because of “The hearings in the trials were useless*44.”

  Another minor trouble was caused by McArthur, who scolded Japanese staff in public during survey in Kyoto*45. Miura Shogo，a member of the Anti Foreign Party, made appeal to Sugiura that a Japanese staff was insulted by McArthur, so foreign engineers led by McVean were not necessary. McArthur was used to work the British India, and so it was hard to adjust himself into Japan. Former Shogunate Samurai still had strong pride in their status.

**Footnotes**

1. ”Marriage,” Japan Weekly Mail, May 30, 1874。

2. “Kogakuruo,” Japan Weekly Mail, February 28, 1874。

3. Signora Palmieri, 1840-1890. Born in London and trained in Italy, Maria Palmieri had a successful career as a dramatic soprano, singing in many prestigious opera houses including La Scala, San Carlo (Naples) and the Théâtre-Italien in Paris. We do not know much about her sister Alice Persiani. They were on a world tour in 1875-6, visiting, after Japan, Melbourne, Australia, New York and Philadelphia in the USA. See, Kurt Ganzl: Victorian Vocalists, Routledge, 2018, pp.436-442.

4. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Return of McVean, surveyor in chief in May 6, Hayashi Tomoyuki, acting Home Minister, May 10, 1874.

5. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Cabinet regarding Foundation of Ministry of The Home Affairs, November 10, 1873.

6. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Cabinet to the Home Affairs regarding the Organization of Home Affairs, January 9, 1874.

7. Oligarchy Archives: Duty and Regulation of the Home Affairs, January 10, 1874.

8. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Return of Kawano Michinobu, Chief Commissioner of the Survey Office in January 12, January 12, 1874.

9. Oligarchy Archives: Position of Imperial Officer Volume II. Murata Fumio, 6th rank officer as well as commissioner of the Survey Office, originated from Hiroshima Domain, January 24.

10. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Kawano’s funeral leave dated January 15. He would take 30 days funeral leave for his late father.

11. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Kawano’s Return to the office from Kyusyu dated February 27, 1874. Kawano might join into Okubo’s expedition to suppress Saga Rebellion for a while.

12. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Public Works regarding Resignation of George Eaton dated January 12, 1874.

13. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Claim to Andrew Hutton Burgess of Return of his travel allowance dated December 3, 1883. Burgess was hired by the Imperial government as survey instructor at London in 1873, but refused to work for the Survey Office after arrived at Tokyo. Therefore, the government decided to claim him of return of his travel allowance in 1883 through Ueno Kagenori. The reality was that in the confusing situation of transfer of the Survey Office, the office could not open survey school, and so could not offer him proper work.

14. Oligarchy Archives: Inquiry of Okubo Toshimichi to Sanjyo Sanetomi regarding technical staff of the Civil Works dated February 1874. When a part of the Civil Works staff joined into the Survey Office, they are to follow the position order of the Survey Office, February 3, 1874.

15. Oligarchy Archives: A Binding of Documents of Civil Works department in Meiji 2 – 4 (Doboku-shi Kaigi Roku). This binding contains 53 documents related to survey under former ministry of the Civil Affairs. Since the Civil Works department has been founded under the the Civil Affairs in 10th month of Meiji 2, the office started to furnish instruments necessary for survey, and executed preliminary survey around the Tokyo Bay in the end of the year. In 8th month of Meiji 3, Miura Kiyotoshi, a survey staff proposed nationwide survey to Kobayashi, a chief of the office, who endeadoured to set up the survey office. But, as soon as railway construction started, the Survey Office had to let their instruments use for the railway survey and construction, finally the Civil Works department was transferred to the Public Works without any fruits.

16. Cornelis von Doorn, 1838-1906. Learned at Delft Technical College and became civil engineer. In February 1872, he was invited by Meiji government, and worked for the Civil Works department under ministry of the Treasury and Civil Affairs. He prepared scheme for river improvement, irrigation and port development.

17. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Cabinet regarding Revision of Mission and Regulations of Ministry of the Home Affairs dated February 18, 1874.

18. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Metropolis Survey dated February 18, 1874.

19. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs to the Treasury regarding Death of British Officer dated March 8, 1874. British officer, Alexander Cruickshank has passed away on February 23 due to extreme physical & mental fatigue.

20. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Submission of Measured Maps of Metropolis dated May 10, 1874. As catalogue shows, the measured maps of Tokyo Metropolis were just completed and presented to the government. They were stored in the Geographical Document division.

21. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs to the Cabinet regarding Official Trip to Osaka in March 11 dated March 1874.  Murata took responsibility to set up Osaka branch office, and returned to Tokyo in May 29. Murata left for Osaka in June 9 instead.

22. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Revision of Regulation of Survey School dated March 3, 1874.

23. Report of the Proceedings of the Meteorological Congress at Vienna, Protocols and Apprendices, Translated from the Official Report, Published by the Authority of the Meteorological Committee, London, 1874.

24. Oligarchy Archives: Inquiry of the Cabinet to the Navy regarding Exchange of Daily Weather over Asian sea dated March 8, 1874. Hart, a British officer in the Imperial China asked the government to exchange daily weather condition by telegram for safety sailing between Nagasaki and Yokohama. The government request the Navy to discuss about this matter with the Foreign Affairs and Public Works to cope with Hart’s request properly.

25. Albert James Myer, 1828-1880. Brigadier General in the United States endeavoured to set up Meteorological Agency and took part in the 1873 Vienna World Meteorological Congress.

26. Okuma Archives: Report of Weather Condition at Nagasa-cho, January 1873. All reports from January 1872 to December 1874 were preserved in National Archives of Japan.

27. Japan Weekly Mail, April 4, 1874。

28. James Simpson. He was hired with one year contract as English secretary of the office in July 19, 1874 after Cruickshank passed away. After one year extension, he moved to the Naval School as English language instructor.

29. McVean Archives: Diary of June 15, 1874.

30. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Extension of Appointment of Joyner, assistant surveyor dated July 20, 1874.

31. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Construction of New Drawing Room dated August 7, 1874.

32. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Medical Leave of Murata Fumio at Okaho dated September 12, 1874.

33. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Abolition of the Survey Office department (Sokuryo-shi) and Setting up of the Survey sub-division (Ryochi-ka) under the Geography department (Chiri-ryo) dated August 30, 1874, Notice of Abolition of the Survey Office,

15. McVean’s Inquiry on the Newly Established Land Survey Division to First Commissioner Sugiura, dated on September 14. This is Japanese language document preserved as one of the Okawa Michinobu’s Collections, Numazu City Meiji Archives.

34. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of Funeral Leave of Murata Fumio dated October 18, 1874.

35. Okawa Muchihisa, 1847-1897.

36. Okawa Archives: McVean’s Inquiry to Sugiura dated September 14, 1874. The Numazu City Meiji Archives.

37. Thomas Frederick Colby, 1784-1852. Royal Engineer who endeavoured to complete the Ordnance Survey in the first half of the 19th century. For collaboration with the Hydrographic Office and civil engineers, see David L Walker & Adrian Webb, Some collaboration between OS and Hydrographic Office in 19th Century, Sheetlines, 102 (April 2015), pp.5-16.

38. Oligarchy Archives: McVean’s Letter to his mother dated January 10, 1876.

39. Okawa Archives: Copy of Appeal of Objection against McVean’s Inquiry dated October 1874 by Kobayashi, Miura and Miyayori. The Numazu City Meiji Archives.

40. Okawa Archives: Consideration on Scharbau’s Extension of Appointment with no date. The Numazu City Meiji Archives.

41. Gavin Parker Ness. He was barrister-at-law, Yokohama Foreign Settlement.

42. “A British Officer in the Survey Office discharged, replaced by Japanese staff,” Yubin Hochi Newspaper dated September 23, 1874.

43. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Hardy’s Salary from July to December 1874 dated February 20, 1875.

44. Oligarchy Archives: Notification of Home Affairs regarding Purchase of Newspaper describing Hardy’s trials dated February 13, 1875.

45. Okawa Archives: Miura Shogo’s Appeal to Murata Fumio and Murota Hideo regarding McArthur’s Attitude in Osaka branch office. The Numazu City Meiji Archives.

Chapter 10. Astronomical and Meteorological Observation

   McVean seems to have been too stressed on his business to write diary after July because of unstable situation of the Survey Office, preparation of trial of Hardy’s case, and discord with anti foreign party. When McVean extended his contract another 3 years with Yamao, he intended to make geodetic survey of Kanto area for practical training with new instruments. But, when McVean returned from 13 months tour to Tokyo, the Survey Office has drastically changed under home minister Okubo, he hardly carried out his plan. However, agreements of cooperation between the Survey Office and British institutions were still valid, and several important figures visited McVean’s office from the end of 1874. 

10-1. John F. Campbell and Observation of Transit of Venus Transit

   As mentioned before, McVean visited the Royal Observatory to ask cooperation to the director and James Simms, and made thoroughgoing preparations for the observation of the transit of Venus which would take palace in the end of 1874. However, returning to the Survey Office, McVean faced difficulties to set the office under his direction due to hostility by the anti foreign party members. They slandered McVean and other British engineers through letters to Sugiura Yuzuru, commissioner of the Geography in early October and December 7*1.

   One of the most significant scientific events in 1874 was the transit of Venus, and the leading nations and scientists started preparation for that within 1872 as shown in prominent scientific journals. Government of the United States, France and Mexico decided to send expedition to Japan, and Ministry of Education arranged conveniences for them*2. According to the previous studies, the Geography Department of the Home Affairs reacted soon after Mexican expedition team arrived at Japan, and appointed Scharbau in charge, who set up temporary observation at Gotenyama following advise from the Mexican team*3. The reality is that McVean’s survey office planed the observation nearly 2 years ago, and received advise the Royal Observatory and Simms in London a year ago. Although everything was ready, McVean hesitated to launch the observation project by his initiative due to fear of obstruction of the anti foreign party.

   McVean eventually decided to set the observation in the middle of November after he received letter from a prominent British government officer. He was John Francis Campbell*4 (Fig.10-1), one of the Grooms of Her Majesty's Privy Chamber as well as scholar of natural science and folklore, popularly known as Campbell of Islay. When chorea disease broke out in London during the 1850s, he was a secretary of the Sanitary Board, and set a large number of observation stations all over London to analyse relation between weather condition and disease occurrence. At that time, he invented an apparatus to record time of sunshine, so called thermograph (Fig.10-2). Just before he concluded his contract at the Privy Chamber in June 1874, he made up his mind to go around the world within a year, and his main destination was Japan. His travel accounts and letters were complied as a book titled “My Circular Note (1876),” which described his activities at Tokyo, in particular the observation of the transit of Venus.

   He was acquainted with what McVean was doing in Japan though Alexander Buchan and Reverend Donald McVean, and sent letter to McVean to tell his intension. As soon as he arrived at Yokohama in November 5, Harry Parks and McVean went there to welcome him. Campbell’s sister was wife of Granville Leveson-Gower, so Parkes had to carefully receive him. After one week at Yokohama, he moved to Tokyo to stay at McVean’s residence. McVean and Campbell talked whole night about Japan in Gael language. He might be honourable guest for the McVean, and Mary described Campbell’s activities in her diary.

Friday 13 Nov. Beautiful day.

[Mary] Mr Campbell of Islay came up this afternoon to stay a little while with us. Soon after he came he & Colin went out a walk.

Saturday 14 Nov. Fine day.

[Mary] In the forenoon Mr Campbell out sketching at Shiba. After tiffin, he, Colin, Mr Shand, [Musake] & I drove out to near Oji to see Kido's house & grounds exceedingly pretty place with a lake & banks sloping up from it  beautiful bright red autumn shrubs. - then went on to see chrysanthemums grown into particular shapes.

Sunday 15 Nov. Very fine day.

[Mary] I at church  Mr Wright preached.

Monday 16 Nov. Most Beautiful day.

[Mary] Mr Campbell away soon after breakfast for the day sketching & c - Colin to Yokohama by noon train.

Tuesday 17 Nov. Beautiful Autumn day.

[Mary] Mr Campbell, Colin, Harry Black & I walked down to Shiba immediately after breakfast hoping to see [Iana] ceremony in honour of but it did not come off so we left Mr C. sketching & the rest of us went our several ways.

Wednesday 18 Nov. Fine day, cold.

[Mary] In the forenoon Colin & Mr C. at Tsukidji - getting a few provisions for their excursion to Nikko. Between 4 & 5 P.M. we went to Mitsui bank where we & Mr Shand were all entertained to dinner by Mr Mino Mura who is a great friend of Mr Shand. The Bank is a very fine building & some very good furniture in it. Returned about 9 P.M.

Thursday 19 Nov. Beautiful day.

[Mary] After a lot of bother with the jin rik sha man Colin & Mr Campbell drove away in the carriage to take it so far on the road.

   Campbell got acquainted with Kido Takayoshi when he was in London as vice minister of the Iwakura Mission, and visited his residence with the McVeans. Minomura, a close friend of Shand, invited Campbell and the McVeans to the Mitsui Bank for dinner. Campbell walked around many places in Tokyo, and made excursion to Nikko, splendid mausoleum of Shogunate family. Just before leaving for Nikko, McVean applied saction of the observation of the transit of Venus to Ito Hirobumi, acting Home Minister, who kindly circulated the notification to ministry of the Treasury and the Education, and invited the leading figures in the cabinet*6. McVean was familiar with Ito, and the idea of the observation was originally of the Public Works under Yamao.

                                          Hirobumi Ito, Home Minister. November 24, Meiji 7

Sanetomi Sanjyo, Supreme Minister

Proposal of the Observation of Venus

The Geography Department intends to observe Venus using the lately purchased telescopes at properly selected location with our foreign officers as a part of survey. Therefore, I request your approval for the observation, and for immediate circulation of the notice to Ministry of Treasury and Education.

   McVean just appointed Scharbau in charge of the observation, and did not rush to prepare it at all. It was very clear what had to do. From viewpoint of science, it was to measure the time of crossing of circles of Venus on the Sun at 4 points. But it was much important to show people the mechanism of the solar system Therefore, McVean and Campbell invited John Black and his son Harry to this project. Black was acquainted with camera and photography. In November 30, McVean and Campbell came back to Tokyo, and went around Tokyo and Yokohama a couple of days.

Monday 30 Nov. Beautiful day.

[Mary] Writing Home letters in the morning, soon after lunch drove to ask for Mrs Sheppard who had a miscarriage lately. Called also on Miss Gilbert whom I found at Home. Colin & Mr Campbell went at different hours to Yokohama to be present at the St. Andrews dinner. At 4 o'clock p.m. I went to a very nice prayer meeting for Missionaries held in the Temple.

Tuesday a Dec. Most beautiful day tho’ tolerably cold.

[Mary] Went to ask for Mrs Baillie who had a son on Friday. Called also on Mrs Douglas. In the evening the Joyners Mr Campbell & we all drove in the carriage to dinner with the Andersons. Beautiful star light night got Home about 12  Colin & Mr Campbell returned from Yokohama by the 2.30 train

Wednesday 2 Dec. Beautiful bright day.

[Mary] In the afternoon I drove Mrs Klasen & Mrs Cheeseman to Ueno where we walked about for a while. Mr Campbell Harry & Colin all went into the Joyners after dinner.

Thursday 3 Dec. Pouring wet day.

[Mary] Colin to office in jin rikasha. Mr Campbell compelled to remain in doors he busy with curios that the Nikko men brought.

Friday 4 Dec. Lovely morning, cold.

[Mary] Mr C. and Harry Black went with Mr Katata to see duck netting. Colin made a around of calls at the Kogaku-rio we went according to appointment at Mrs Ayrton but I came Home after that. The de Boinvilles & Mr Stewart came up after dinner a little music.

   Campbell, McVean and Black attended St. Andrews dinner party at Yokohama, and Charles Wirgman illustrated the scene of the dance (Fig.10-3). Returned to Yamato Yashiki, Campbell and McVean fixed the site of the observation at Gotenyama hill, which was something like the location of the Royal Observatory. William Ayrton was also interested in the transit of Venus, and invited McVean and Campbell to his laboratory to discuss mechanism of the transit and calculation of distance between the earth and the sun. John Smedley joined in this discussion and redrawn various illustrations from the Nature magazine (Fig.10-4). Ayrton assumed the transit took place in December 8, but it was in December 9.

Monday 7 Dec.

[Mary] Looked out before 6 A.M. most lovely morning Crescent moon bright saw the rest in shade all the sky illuminated towards the Sun rising direction.  Breakfast about 7 ten Mr. C. Colin & Mr Joyner off to Mr Kuroda to see the duck netting Mrs Joyner & I followed about an hour & a half afterwards & saw them net several ducks. Colin & c. busy about the preparations for the Transit of Venus. We all returned to dinner at Mr Kuroda at 7 o'clock very good dinner & very pleasant evening extempore drawing

Saturday 8 Dec. Lovely day.

[Mary] Everybody under the delusion that the Transit was to take place today & Mr. Joyner & Mr. Campbell off to Goten Yama to prepare everything. Baby & I out driving. Gentlemen Home in the evening having been busy preparing Mr. Campbell & we dined at the Dyers.

Wednesday 9 Dec. Lovely day.

[Mary] Gentlemen off to Gotenyama to survey Venus which they did very successfully. Mr. Campbell superintending one telescope from which was thrown a shadow of the Sun and Venus on to a sheet of white paper Venus shewed on the paper about the size of a ten [sou] piece. Came Home tired but pleased with their success. The Mikado did not come but Sanjo Daijin did. Colin and I dined with the de Boinville, Mr. Campbell with the Simpsons.

Thursday 10 Dec. Lovely day.

[Mary] Colin & Mr. Campbell went down together by the 1:15 train. Mr. Campbell to remain Colin returned by the 6 p.m. train. He & Mr. Scharbau went to call on the Mexican observers of Venus. I called on Mrs. Anderson & Mrs. Rymer Jones. A quiet evening which was pleasant. Rain in the evening.

   Arranging all of materials and artisans necessary for the observation at Gotenyama, Campbell and McVean finished the construction and setup of the observatories within 2 days, December 7 and 8. However, Gotenyama hill area was cut into two parts to construct railways in 3 years ago, and so a fine vibration occurred when locomotives passed nearby. To reduce the vibration, Campbell paved large stone slab on the site. The existing studies described that Henry Scharbau arranged everything receiving advise from the Mexican expedition team, but his name did not appear in records of Campbell and McVean. Campbell and McVean seem to have had enough time, and were invited by Kuroda Nagahiro*10 (Fig.10-5) for the duck netting in the morning, and for dinner of duck dishes at evening of December 8 together with Joyner. Kuroda was an amateur ornithologist, and sometimes invited McVean to his residence. At that time, McVean has been asked by Henry Dresser*11 to collect skin of Japanese birds, and needed to talk to Kuroda too. 

  They completed setup of all of the observatories in December 98, and hoped that it would be fine day, every staff could carry out their duty, and every apparatuses would work properly as planned. Accoring to Mary’s diary, everything went perfect, and described in Black’s Japan Weekly Mail newspaper and the Far East magazine.

The Transit of Venus, The Far East, Tokei, December 11th, 1874. 

   So long, so anxiously, and so universally looked forward to by the astronomers and scientific men of all civilised nations, made its appearance true to its time, and has become a thing of the past. In Yedo and Yokohama the day was happily everything that could be desired, and as our readers have already been told of the observations made at Yokohama and its neighbourhood, by various observers, so we now relate that Japan did not allow the occasion to pass without having her observers at work in Tokei.

Unfortunately she made no preparations until within the last fortnight. Magnificent instruments of the necessary kind had, however, just been received from home, for survey purposes. They are of the very best kind made for such uses; and though probably not so powerful as would be especially prepared for such important observations as that to which they were applied yesterday, yet they were sufficiently so to make observations which will be of great value, as the contribution of Japan to the congress of scientists, to whom will be submitted all the observations taken everywhere, for the grand calculations of the distance between the Earth and the Sun.

   Although special short a time was left in which to make preparations, Mr. McVean, the head of the Survey Department, whilst officially notifying the government of the great disadvantages they would labour under, as compared with those who had taken time by the forelock and got everything in order long before, yet set to work with great energy. Mr.Scharbo, who has been engaged for upwards of twenty years in the Meteorological Department [Hydrographic Office] of the British Admiralty, and who has been specially engaged for similar duties in Japan, also exerted himself, and, assisted by Messrs Klasen and Cheeseman of the Survey Department, managed to get a temporary observatory erected, good solid granite foundation blocks placed, and the necessary instruments levelled and well adjusted on them. The Japanese officers were equally anxious to forward the operations, and thus evinced the true spirit in which Japan seeks to take her place among the nations. It was too late to have any proper apparatus fixed for photographing the transit, but two days before, Mr. Black having been requested to give his aid in this way, had cameras on the ground, and took the Sun at intervals of from 2½ to 10 minutes, taking, in all, seventy images. The instruments used were a 12-inch theodolite and a transit instrument.

---------------------------

The Transit of Venus, The Far East January 13, 1875.

   The Transit was observed in Tokei from at temporary observatory erected at Shinagawa, a suburb of Yedo. The observers were Messes. Scharbau, Klasen and Cheeseman, and the instruments used were the admirable ones ordered by Mr. McVean, the head of the Survey Department, when at home. The day was everything that could be desired; but, of course, it is impossible yet to give the results. We give a photograph of the temporary shed, as it will serve to commemorate a deservedly memorable occasion. The central figure, in front of the edifice, is Sanjo Sanetomi, Dajo Daijin (Prime Minister) of Japan. The picture of the Shinagnwa Railway Bridge was taken from the same spot, so that it will serve to give an idea to our readers of the locality of the observatory.

   The Far East attaches two photographs to the article of “Observation of Venus,” a north view from the observatory (Fig.10-6), and commemorative photograph of the observation (Fig.10-8). The location is now site of the Shinagawa Girls School (Shinagawa Jyoshi Gakuin) (Fig.10-7), and the observatory was a simple timber structure as large as 4m x 6m. The McVean Archives contains similar photograph (Fig.10-9), which shows clearer image of figures and instruments (Fig.10-10). Ito came later and might remember he and his colleagues of Chosyu Domain set fire to the British Legation here 12 years ago. It is possible to identify that there instruments in the observatory were all what McVean purchased from the Troughton & Simms at London (Fig.10-11).

   In February 1875, Scharbau submitted a report of the observation to Okubo*12, which described responsibilities of only 4 figures. Scharbau, Cheesman and Klassen watched the theodolite to measure the crossing time of circles of Venus and the Sun respectively, while Stewart read aloud the time. The Scharbau’report shows the times of crossing by 3 persons, but no consideration on correction of data and calculation of distance between the sun and the each. There are some mysterious points in Scharbau’s report and Black’s articles. Firstly, it did not desctibe responsibility of McVean, Campbell and Joyner, even though they were at the site. Secondly, there was no observatory like darkroom where Mary saw image of Venus crossing on the Sun within. Thirdly, figures on left hands of the commemorative photograph take a threat posture. They were Kobayashi Kazutomo (Fig.10-11) and Arai Ikunosuke (Fig.10-12), former Shogunate Navy and sat separately from new imperial officers.

   The instruments used were a twelve-inch theodolite and a transit instrument; at which were, respectively, Messrs. Cheesman, Scharbau, and Klasen. Mr. B. Stewart attended at the chronometer. The observations taken by them were confined to the exact moments of contact of the outer and inner edges, both in the passage of the planet on and off the snn's disc; this date we hope to be able to present in a few days.

   A most admirable picture of the transit, throughout its entire course, was thrown by means of a telescope on a sheet of double elephant paper, stuck on a Japanese door. This was suggested and entirely carried out throughout the day by Mr. Campbell of Islay, who, as a traveller round the world, happens, to have been staying with Mr. McVean in Tokei for some days. The telescope was on a stand placed on a box about six feet high, and the door with the white paper was in a little dark chamber about six feet square, made of a framework of bamboo covered with black paper. The box standing in front of the chamber, the eye-piece of the tele scope was admitted into the latter through a slit in the covering, and being properly focused, a beautiful image of the sun, fully three feet in diameter, was thrown upon the white paper, and the planet, when fully on, was like a round black water about an inch in diameter. At the first moment of contact Mr. McVean, Mr. Joyner, Mr. Campbell, and Mr. Mee, the latter a native gentleman connected with the Survey Department, were watching; and they saw the first contact some time before it was shown by the instruments, thus evidencing the advantage of size in such observations. The appearance of the planet as shown by the instruments was only about one-tenth or one-twelfth the diameter as shown on the paper. It was a fortunate thing for all visitors that Mr. Campbell was present, and had the forethought on the previous day to suggest the erection of this little " peep-show," as he humorously called it. To the numerous Japanese visitors who during the day arrived on the ground it gave at once a clear conception of what was going on, without the trouble of applying their eye to any instruments what ever ; although most of those who did present themselves were permitted to see what was to be seen with the more scientific appliances.

   His Majesty the Mikado, who was expected, did not visit the observatory; but His Highness Sanjo Daijin arrived about noon, and was evidently very much interested in the proceedings. As Mr. Mozer (who had kindly accompanied Mr. Black, to help in the photographic operations) was about to take a picture of the observatory for the December number of the Far East, His Highness very kindly seated himself in front, with a number of other Japanese gentlemen and others connected with the day's doings, and the picture was taken.

   Throughout the day, Mr. Mozer prepared the whole of the plates, while Mr. Black exposed them and took the time, The images are very small; but, if enlarged, from their continuity throughout the entire day, from the commencement to the close, they should be valuable, as showing precisely the course taken by the planet*13.

   In this article, Scharbau, Klasen and Cheesman did not appear but Campbell, McVean Joyner and Mie watched telescope respectively and Black shot the image of Venus on the Sun disc in the darkroom. Therefore, there were three facilities, formal observatory, informal observatory and darkroom (Fig.10-12). Campbell described how he set up these facilities in his “My Circular Note (1876).”

   The manner of taking these observations was to say the least of it remarkable. An old telescope on a stand was borrowed from somebody. On the 8th, we drove off with it in three jinrikishas, and on the way to the hill from which we were to " Survey the Venus," I bought a black paper umbrella. The end of the glass was poked through, and the tube was made fast to the bamboo stick, with a string. A big deal box was pressed into the service, and on it this novel astronomical instrument was placed. There was no screw for moving the eye-piece. By dint of some trouble the sun was shot, and an image cast on a sheet of paper. The thing could be made to work, but the light was so strong outside that we had to keep the image small, and bright.

   A Japanese carpenter was got and by the aid of interpreters and pencils he was told what to do. No workman could be more "gleg at the uptak." In a very short time a bundle of bamboos appeared with a lot of black paper; and a dark chamber was set up in a trice, exactly where it was wanted. Inside of it, a Japanese sliding door was propped up, with a large sheet of white paper, and thereon the sun's image was cast. The contriver of this popular observatory took charge of the end of the telescope, and managed after some practice to keep the image on the board and in tolerable focus. But he could not see clearly and work the glass, and move the screen as the sun moved; nor could he read the time. Therefore friends came into the camera obscura, and crouched there watching the board, watch in hand. The hill was near the railway and trains shook it ; the place was crowded and people tramped about and shook the ground. The box got severe knocks; once somebody overturned the umbrella telescope.

   The hand which held it got tired, and shook ; and more than all the atmosphere over this low, marshy, hot plain was boiling. We could see the waves of air passing over the sun's disc in various directions making the edge of the disc of light bend and quiver, and wave. I had photographed the sun often, and we saw what a difficult job it must be for the observers at the legitimate telescopes. They shot sitting, we were taking flying shots, But our sun was so big and pale that we could all look him in the face without blinking and with both eyes, and so we saw remarkably well, all things considered.

   At the expected time the observers began to count one – two – three - and we inside the paper house began to quake and shake with keenness. " I see it," said one. "No." "Yes." "Yes." "YES." There it was beyond a doubt, a growing stalk first and then a mouthful bitten out of the cake. "Take the time!" "By George we saw it long before the other fellows," whispered one. Then the counting outside stopped, and everybody gasped; and then began the palaver. Meantime I was watching for the only thing that I hoped to see, and presently I saw a ring of light outside the star, and knew that there was a clear atmosphere about the opaque planet. (omitted)

   December 10, McVean, Scharbou, and I, went to Yokohama, and called at the Mexican observatory. Senior Diez showed photographs taken with a good telescope and camera as large and sharp as those which are taken at Kew with a similar instrument. As the Japanese Government only asked their officers to photograph the transit three days before the event, it was impossible to fit cameras to telescopes, so my makeshift was the only resource at Tokio. The Mexican observer during the transit cast an image from his large telescope on a sheet of paper, and admitted a large number of Japanese spectators, who saw and were greatly interested.

   My audience included the prime minister and the minister of public works. What a lot of beef and beer we did consume at the Grand Hotel when we had done with the stars*14. (omitted)

   Campbell let Japanese carpenters to come with a large volume of bamboo and black papers to the site, set up his observatory for 3 telescopes and Camera Obscura for photographing and “Peepshow.”He also invented a focus adjustment using bamboo and a white screen withJapanese paper doors. Eventually he succeeded to cast image of Venus and the Son the screen. The spectators watched that the image of Venus as large as 2cm moved slowly on the Son disc as large of 90cm. Professors and students from various colleges, foreign officers of the Navy and Public Works, and so on gathered at Gotenyama to watch the event. Meanwhile, Parkes talked to Sanjyo about Campbell’s service for the observation, and Sanjyo soon arranged meeting with Mikado for Campbell, probably Parkes wanted to entertain Campbell as Campbell’s sister married Granville Leveson-Gower. But, Campbell was not interested in honourable reward, and rejected Parks’s offer, then left Tokyo for Kyoto through Nakasendo 4 days after. After a half year, McVean received a letter of gratitude from George Campbell, Duke of Argyll for his convenience given to his brother in law*15.

   “My Circular Notes” contains a lot of interesting matters related to Japan, one of which is about Japanese painter. As Campbell was interested in Japanese art, and Joyner took him to a studio of Japanese painter, who painted wild goose, hawk, bamboo and pine three on 4 pieces of large paper doors very quickly without rough sketch. Campbell was so surprised by the talented painter, who was temporary staff of the Survey Office possibly originated from Kano painting school*16. Campbell assumed that Shinshu area might be Japan’s highland where heartland of Japanese folklore.

10-2. Okubo's Revision of Survey Work

    McVean seldom wrote diary after he returned to his office in May 1874, but resumed it in 1875 New Year. Since the Iwakura Mission has returned to Japan 2 year ago, the Meiji Government extremely oriented to Europe, and all of the leaders changed their costume and hairstyle to European way.

Friday Jan 1.

[Colin] Went to Court in uniform to offer my congratulations to His Majesty - Official visits to Okubo Home Minister Sugiura Chief Commissioner of Geographical Dept. Murata Commr of Surveys and tried to find Murata – but could not find [is] new quarters – I dined with the Simpsons & Shand in the evening. - The Court makes a very poor display now since the dress has been changed to European – compared to what it did in /73 when I was first presented to his Majesty 1st Jan /73 was among the last Official Receptions or Public occasions in which the ancient court dress of Japan was worn – it was of Brocade silk loose & flowing and very handsome – in it the Japanese look very well, so much cannot be said for them in tight-fitting European uniforms.

  The Imperial government was spending a lot of money for various modernization projects, which have been carried out by the ministry of the Public Works employing a large number of foreigners, in particular British engineers and artisans of railways construction. However, the government could not boost revenue so soon, and considered how it could cut down on expenditure. One of the easiest ways was discharge of foreign officers without extension of appointment, and the Cabinet requested all of ministry to submit a full statement of foreign officers*17. In February 29, the Home Affairs created the documents, which mentioned that the office has been hirng 7 Dutch officers in the Civil Works department and 11 British officers in the Geography department*18. Actually number of British officers in the later department was 9 since Hardy was already discharged last year and Anderson was not full paid staff. If compared to the Public Works, number of the foreign officers in Home Affairs was very small. But, home minister Okubo decided to discharge foreign officers, only of the Land Survey Division, and changed responsibility and regulation of the division in April 1875.

Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Nationwide Survey and Urgent Survey.

  Department of the Survey was transferred to my Ministry in last January to carry out nationwide geodetic survey by hiring foreign officers. The office gave training to pupils and expanded number of staff as large as 26 office staff, 140 technical staff and 10 foreign officers.

Expenditure for Salaries for Japanese officers-------total ¥37.100/year

Expenditure for Salaries for Foreign officers----------total ¥17,400/year + $14,800/year

  The survey office almost completed metropolis survey and baseline survey of Koyoto, Osaka, and Yokohama area, and now going to launch nationwide geodetic survey. As surveyor in chief advised me that the nationwide survey would take some tens years to complete, the government have to provide a huge sum of allocation for that project if we keep employing that number of foreign officers. On the other hand, the Home Affairs need survey urgently for domestic development, and I decided to limit the nationwide survey into experimental level, and divide survey work into 3 categories.

First category is the nationwide survey. The nationwide geodetic survey is limited into Kanto area by experimental way with Scharbau as main advisor.

Second category is regional survey

Third category is urgent survey.

Prime Minister Sanjo Sanetomi   Home Minister Okubo Toshimichi, April 27, 1875*19.

   Founded under the Public Works 4 years ago, the survey office expanded with 26 office staff and 146 technical staff under the Home Affairs as of April 1875. However, technical staff during the Public Works period was less than 20, Suzuki Shigeha, Akagawa Katsuichi, Tate Kiyohiko and some trainees, since ambitious trainees like Ogawa Shigen (former Mii Shigen), Kobayashi Hachiro, Minami Kiyoshi and Iizuka Yoshimitsu left the survey office to take further education at the Imperial College of Engineering. So, majority of the technical staff originated from the Civil Works department, and not qualified surveyors. They could probably carry out triangular survey of small area, but totally unfamiliar with nationwide geodetic survey. McVean has intended to give practical training of geodetic survey to Japanese trainees for 3-4 years around Kanto area with his assistants, and leave substantial duty of the nationwide survey in their hands.

   Okubo did not mention that the Home Affairs would withdraw the nationwide survey, but decided to limit it as small as possible like experimental level, not only because of financial cut down, but also because of new need of survey for land tax reform and regional development. For such experimental level of geodetic survey around Kanto area, only one advisor would be necessary, and Scharbau was preferred to the position. Although Okubo did not clearly mention, he would give up nationwide survey, and dispatched technical staff to various local area by the following notification.

Notification of the Home Affairs, April 12, 1875.

Although the Nationwide geodetic survey is one of the great national projects, the Home Affairs have to scale down the project due to financial difficulty. Since a large number of technical staff has now no job, the Home Affairs decided to dispatch them to local area*20.

   Foreign staffs including McVean were taking Easter holidays a couple of weeks in late March to April, and were not aware of this revision. As Kobayashi successfully won Scarbau to his side apart from British engineers, Okubo would appoint him as a sole instructor. Soon after, Scharbau received extra allowance from the office for the service of purchase of instruments in Britain*21. Actually he could claim the money when he met McVean at London in 1873. This allowance seems to be compensation to Scharbau who parted from his old friends. British officers almost completed metropolis suvery and Tokyo-Kanagaa baseline survey, and working hard for drawing of maps with field notes and data with Japanese staffs.

   The McVeans everyday received a lot of guests at Yamato Yashiki, and Mary also visited to Kaga Yashiki to meet families of Dyer, Ayrton, Grigsby, etc. The popular sites were Ueno and Shiba for walking, Tsukiji for shopping, and to Chooji for eating. McVean was sometimes invited by Japanese, but seldom mentioned whom he met in his diary.

Sunday Mar 14. Wet morning.

[Colin] Dined at Ono’s – one of the P.W.D. commissioners of Railways

Tuesday Mar 16. Wet day.

[Colin] Japanese party to dinner. R.C., Abé ex Daimio, Ono (Kobusho), Murata, Yamamura, Yoshida, Mei.

Saturday Mar 20. Gloomy cold day.

[Colin] Dined at Abé’s, Murata’s Daimio to meet the R. Co., Jack R. Jones present.

Monday Mar 22. Dull morning.

[Mary] Wrote to Mull. Captain Douglas & Mr Baillie came when Colin was just about finished breakfast to take Colin to see over the Kai gunsho, before they went off Mr Joyner appeared from Kobe having landed last night just in time to be too late for the last train. He left his Sister very much better.

   This Abe should be was Abe Masatake*22, former Daimyo of Fukuyama Domain, and was very intellectual figure. At that time, he retired at Tokyo and was promoting education for children of his domain including his sons. Masanao, his oldest son, studied science at the Imperial University and became meteorologist and astronomer. Another figure was Ono, a commissioner of railways in the Public Works. He is Ono Tomogoro, one of the best scientists in the shogunate school, and still interested in survey and astronomy. Abe and Ono met McVean for talk of scientific matter rather than friendship.

   The McVeans noted every Joyner’s absences from house in diary, because of substitution of meteorological observation. In March 22, McVean waited Joyner’s return to home, and went to the Naval Office to meet Captain Douglas and Bellie, probably to talk about meteorological matter. When Okubo presented the inquiry about nationwide geodetic survey and urgent survey to the Cabinet and the Treasury in March 21, the McVeans were arranging plan of Easter vacation going to Kobe and Nagasaki. In April 5, McVean applied 4 weeks leave to the office, as they did not take last summer vacation. The office reluctantly accepted the leave and spent pleasant holidays at Nagasaki and Kobe.

  In May 5 when McVean returned to the office, Okubo’s inquiry dated March 21 has been approved by the Cabinet, and most of Japanese technical staffs was dispersed all over Japan for urgent survey and regional survey*23 except some, who started to prepare experimental geodetic survey around Kanto area under instruction of Shcarbau*24. However, 2 days before McVean’s return, Murata left for Atami to spend long medical leave*25. He seems to give up his responsibility after clashing with Okubo regarding mission of the survey office again. McVean endeavoured to persuade Okubo to extend appointment of Cheesman, Klassen and Stewart 1 more year in order to give proper practical training of geodetic survey to Japanese staffs. Furthermore, his wished to give proper job to his assistants up to the termination of their contracts.

10-3. The H.M.S. Challenger’s Call and Meteorology

      McVean was gradualy forced into a corner after the survey office was absorbed by Ministry of the Home Affairs, joining of staffs of the Civil Works, and Okubo’s revision of the mission. Without comprehensive backup of government leader like Yamao, he could not realize his plans of nationwide geodetic survey and meteorological observation with cooperation of related British organizaitons. Therefore, McVean could not accept John Campbell in November 1874, and the members of the Challenger Expedition in May 1875, as official advisor or guest due to interruption of the Anti Foreign Party. Charles Wyville Thomson*26 (Fig.10-14) and his colleagues organized world maritime expedition with support of the Admiralty, and some of McVean’s friends and relatives joined in the expedition. Professor Thomson was close to Rev. McVean, Alexander Buchan of the Scottish Meteoriological Society and McVean’s brother in law, biologist Robert Watson*27 joined in this expedition as scientific member. McVean was also acquainted with Commander Thomson and Balfore of the HMS Challenger. Buchan asked Thomas Tizard*28 to support McVean’s meteorological plan according to the memorandum.

   When the McVeans returned to Tokyo from Nagasaki-Kyoto trip on May 5, they found the letter of Professor Thomson telling that the Challenger already arrived at Yokohama port.

Thursday May 6. Another beautiful day.

[Mary] Baby on the whole slept very well tho’ he was awake for about two hours from 3.30 to 5.30. I think he is going on all right. Colin & Mr Joyner went down to Yokohama to call on Professor W. Thomson saw him on board the Challenger. Returned by last train. Mary & I went a drive to Tsukidgi, I called on Mrs Bailie but she was not at Home.

Friday May 7. Very hot day.

[Mary] Went out in the middle of a pour of rain to see Mrs de Bionville & Mrs Simpson. About 6 p.m. Captain Douglas & Captain McLean called partly to see the instruments.

Saturday May 8. Fine day with a thunder storm in the middle of the day.

[Mary] Mr Balfour came up from the Challenger. He, Colin & I went to call at the Legation but Lady Parkes was not at Home. I also called & asked for Mrs Plunket who had a baby about a fortnight ago. Afterwards drove on to Kaga Yashiki. The Grigsbys not in but the Syles are now settled next door so we went & called on them.  Captain Stevens came up & stayed all night.

Sunday May 9. Beautiful morning.

[Colin] The Joyners & we went down to Yokohama by the 9.30 train to go on board the Challenger in time for service & remain to tiffin. Spent a very pleasant time on board. Professor Thomson very pleasant. He said he would have recognised me any where from my likeness to my Father. Home letters arrived for the last two mails very good accounts 

Monday May 10. Fine day, colder than it has been for some days.

[Mary] Japanese lesson in the afternoon. After dinner, Colin & I went out to the monthly Fair & bought some flowers.

Tuesday May 11. Fine day.

[Mary] Driving in the afternoon. Colin out boating with Mr Mason & c. They went to a tea house where there was an assemblage of artists who were exercising their art on fans & c. Colin was asked to draw & was kept busy for two hours. He did not return until about 9 p.m. Lady Parkes Mr Smith the Baillies & Miss Satchell called.

   In May 6, McVean went to Yokohama with Joyner to talk to Professor Thomson and his colleagues probably about situations of survey and meteorology in Japan. The following day, they set up the instruments at the Yamato Yashiki and Captain Douglas and Captain McLean, British officer employed by the Japan’s Navy.came to see them. They prepared to welcome the members of the Challenger expedition at Yamato Yashiki. In May 8, Captain Balfour came to the Yamato Yashiki with the invitation letter of on board party, and in the following day, the McVeans and the Joyners visited the Challenger, and McVean was glad that Thomson “would have recognised me any where from my likeness to my Father.” Some of Japanese officers were also invited by the Challenger, Yanagi Narayoshi, captain of the Hydrographic Office possibly by arrangement of Captain Douglas.

   While the Challenger were making inshore investigation for a while, Harry Parkes arranged official meeting with Emperor, and Captain Thomson, Professor Thomson and so on came to Tokyo to take part in the occasions. Ideally, the related institution of Japanese government had to welcome the expedition for scientific exchange, but at least McVean’s Land Survey Office had no such mood. Professor Thomson stayed at McVean’s residence for a week, and did some collaborations at the Yahato Yashi together with McVean, Joyner and other the Challenger’s members.

Sunday Jun 6. Somewhat muggy.

[Mary] About 47 in church, Mr. Syle preached. Captain Thomson & Professor W. Thomson from the “Challenger” called on their way from the Legation where they had been having tiffin.

Monday Jun 7. Drove out a bit in the afternoon

[Mary] Dinner party, Astons, Baillies, Mr Chamberlain, Mr Shand, Mr Ness.

Tuesday Jun 8

[Mary] Professor W. Thomson came up this afternoon

Wednesday Jun 9. Very wet disagreeable muggy morning.

[Mary] I went to Yokohama by the 9.30 train & returned by the 1.15 bought a ham. After I returned, Prof Thomson, Colin & Mr Joyner went out walking & curio hunting, party in the evening, the Dyers, Dr Divers, Mr Marshall, Mr Murray of the Challenger, Mr Joyner & Rymer Jones.

Thursday Jun 10. Fine morning.

[Mary] Professor went about noon to the Legation to go from there with Sir Harry to be presented to the Mikado. In the evening he dined at the Legation. Mr Balfour came up today. Baby out two or three times He still coughs a good deal.

Friday Jun 11. Fine day.

[Mary] Professor Thomson busy in the house most of the day. About 5 p.m. he came with me a short drive. Dinner party in the evening. Mr and Mrs Douglas, Mr and Mrs Aston, Mr and Mrs de Boinville, Mr Shand, Mr Shaw, Captain Maclean Balfour &c

Saturday Jun 12. Fine day.

[Mary] Professor Thomson lunched at the Legation & then drove with Sir Harry to make some calls. He came in the afternoon along with Captain Thomson to say goodbye & they left to go to Yokohama by the 6.15 train.

   Just before members of the Challenger Expedition came to Yamato Yashiki, McVean secured setting up of the instruments with help of Captain Douglas and Bailie surely to show them the meteorological instruments and receive advises from them. According to the memorandum with the Scottish Meteorological Society, McVean and Joyner received various advises including setting up and operation of instruments, data collection and analysis, then got confidence in publishing official record. Tizard submitted a report of “Contribution of the Meteorology in Japan*29” to the Meteorological Committee soon after returned home. He exclusively referred to meteorological date collected by the Lighthouse Department, which has started observation since 1871.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE METEOROLOGY IN JAPAN.

  SEVERAL lighthouses have been, since 1870, established on the south-east and south west coasts of Japan and in the Inland Sea. At each l ighthouse a meteorological register is kept; at the end of each month these registers are transmitted to the head of fice for lighthouses at Yokohama, and at the end of the year they are bound together, so that a valuable series of observations are being made and collected in such a manner as to render them easy of access and reference. Mr. Brunton, the Superintendent of Japanese Lighthouses and Buoys, most kindly lent the records he has already col lected to Professor Wyville Thomson, of H.M.S. “Challenger,” for use on board; and, as the general results obtained by us from the registers are very interesting, and so little is known about the meteorology of Japan, I have drawn up the following account of the knowledge we have derived from them.

   McVean purchased a complete set of meteorological observation including seismic recorder, and appointed Joyner as meteorologist in charge in July 1874. McVean and Joyner experimentally started observation, and officially did it after receiving advises from professor Thomson and Captain Tizard in June 1875. McVean published official register of the observation of central observatory in Japan Weekly Mail in December (Fig.10-15), and sent copies of the register to the Scottish Meteorological Society. Alexander Bucahn commented on McVean’s work in the Nature in August 1876 as,

METEOROLOGY IN JAPAN Each of the numbers of Mr. McVean 's publication gives the tri-daily observations of the various meteorological elements for five days, beginning with December 2, 1875, with the means and extremes for each of the five-day periods. The observations and reductions of each sheet have been made with great fulness and discrimination, and we hope Mr. McVean will soon be in a position to extend his system of observation to more places than Tokei, so as to give the data for the determination of the meteorology of Japan, which, from its relat ions to the cont inent of Asia and ocean currents, presents many points of great and peculiar interest. The data discussed in Staff-Commander Tizard's "Contribution to the Meteorology of Japan" have not been obtained through the observing staff of the Challenger, but from records lent by the Super intendent of Japanese Lighthouses and Buoys. They consist of observations of the barometer, thermometer, rain-gauge, wind and weather, as made at twelve lighthouses, two lightships, and at Yedo, the monthly averages of which are represented on four diagrams. The barometric and wind results a rebesides shown, by isobars and arrows, on twelve small maps for the different months of the year*30.

   Buchan admired McVean for his effort, and hoped that he would build nationwide meteorological network soon. But, McVean’s authority was so limited to do it at his office.

  When Professor Thomson was in the Yamato Yashiki, McVean and Joyner finished to install all of apparatus of Palmieri’s seismograph, and waiting for the timing of earthquake. Mary wrote the moment of earthquake as follows.

Thursday Jul 9. Dull cold morning and Rain in the afternoon.

[Mary] Mr Parry arrived about 5 & remained to the last train, Mr Smith & Mr Mason came in during dinner also the Cheesmans came & sat a bit. About 10 p.m. there was a smart shock of an earthquake. Where upon Captain Howard, Mr Johnson, Mr Smith & Colin, all went below to the garden to see if it had been properly registered by the Seismograph.

   The seismograph was running properly in July 1875 by great efforts of McVean and Joyner.

**Notes**

1. Footnote Chapter 9. 45.

2. Saito Kuniharu, Argument About the Transite of Venus, in particular of the Observation in Japan on December 9, 1874 (Kinsei no Nichimen Tsuka nit suite), Journal of Tokyo Observatory Volume 60 and 61, 1982.

3. Ogakun Kishiro and Bando Syyouji (translated), Francisco Díaz Covarrubias, Viaje de la Comision Astronómica Mexicana al Japon, 1876.

4. John Francis Campbell, 1821-1885. Born to Lady Eleanor Charteris and Walter Frederick Campbell of Islay, MP for Argyll. After studied law at the University of Edinburgh, he was appointed as private secretary to the Duke of Argyll when Lord Privy Seal. Being secretary of several institutions including the Trinity House, he made extensive fieldwork on Gaelic folklore. Campbell was acquainted with McVean’s father and Mary’s brothers.

5. John Francis Campbell, My Circular Notes, Extracts from Journals, Letters sent home, Geographical and other notes, written while travelling westwards round the world, from July 6, 1874, to July 6, 1875, 2 volumes, 1876, Macmillan and Co, London

6. Oligarchic Archives: Notification of Home Affairs regarding the Observation of Venus dated November, 24, 1874, Acting Home Minister Ito Hirobumi.

7. Michael Moser, 1854-1912. Austrian Photographer in the early Meiji Japan. For his biography, see Terry Bennett, Photography in Japan 1853-1912, Tuttle Publication, 2006, pp.150-152.

8. “St. Andrews’s Day,” Japan Punch, December 1874.

9. “Venus Transit,” The Far East, December 31, 1874. Ayrton was well acquainted with scientific significance of the observation of the transit and actions of foreign expeditions through scientific journals, probably the Nature. But, he wrongly estimated the transit time at afternoon of December.

10. Kuroda Nagahiro, 1811-1887. Born to Shimazu Shigehide, Satsuma Daimio, married daughter of Kuroda Narikiyo, Fukuoka Daimio, and became the 11th Daimio of Fukuoka domain. He made efforts toward modernization of his domain introducing the Dutch knowledge, and maintained interest in western science even after his retirement at Tokyo. He invited McVean several times into his residence to talk about ornithology and meteorology, and so some of his children and grandchildren because scholar in these fields.

11. Henry Eeles Dresser, 1839-1915. British ornithologist, published ”A History of the Birds of Europe: including all the species inhabiting the western palaearctic region, 1871-1898. There are three letters from him in the McVean Archives.

12. Oligarchy Archives: Report of Result of the Observation of Venus, March 23, 1875.

13. “Venus Transit,” Japan Gazette, January 23, 1875.

14. John F. Campbell, My Circular Note, p.201.

15. McVean Archives: Duke of Argylle’s Letter of Gratitude to C.A. McVean dated April 13, 1875.

16. The Land Survey Office might employ several artists from Kano school as field sketcher, possibly Kawanabe Gyosai.

17. Public Archives: Notification of the Cabinet to Government Department and Local Governments regarding Appointment of Foreigners, Prime Minister, Sanjo Sanetomi, June 13, 1874.

18. Oligarchic Archives: Advance of Full Statement of Foreign Employees, Ministry of Home Affairs, February 19, 1875.

19. Public Archives: Inquiry of Nationwide Survey and Urgent Survey, Home Minister, Okubo Toshimichi, March 21, 1875, Approved in April 27, 1875.

20. Public Archives: Attached Document of Inquiry of Nationwide Survey and Urgent Survey.

21. Public Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs to the Treasury dated March 25 1875 regading Allowance to Scharbau.

22. Abe Masahiro, 1852-1914. Born to Asano Daimio family, Hiroshima Domain, was adapted into Abe Msakata, Fukuyama Daimio. He obeyed the Imperial government, and was appointed as governor of Fukuyama Domain, and retired at Tokyo after abolition of feudal domains. He was eager to give higher education to children of his family and his former domain. Masahiro met McVean several times to talk to meteorology, and so his son Masanao became meteorologist after graduating the Imperial University of Tokyo.

23. Oligarchic Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Travelling of Surveyors of Home Affairs to work at various district, May 7, 1875.

24. Oligarchic Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding Travelling of Japanese and Foreign Staffs for Triangular Survey Around Kanto Area, May 19, 1875.

25. Public Archives: Notification of the Home Affairs regarding of Medical Leave of Murata Fumio at Atami, May 29, 1875.

26. Charles Wyville Thomson、1830-1888. Maritime Biologist and Professor in University of Edinburgh. He organized and directed 4 years world maritime expedition with the HMS Challenger.

27. McVean Archives: Mary’s Letter to Janet Watson dated November 29, 1875.

28. Thomas Henry Tizard、1839-1924. Royal Navy. He commanded HMS Challenger in 1872-76.

29. Staff-Commander Thomas H. Tizard, H.M.S. Challenger, “Contribution to the Meteorology of Japan,” the Authority of the Meteorological Committee, 1876.

30. “Meteorology in Japan,” The Nature, August 31, 1876, pp.295-296.

Chapter 11. Last Works

   Soon after Okubo’s revision of responsibility of the land Survey Office was approved in April 27, 1875, Murata Fumio, head of the office soon took long medical leave. McVean knew it after he returned to the Yamato Yashiki, was too busy to take immediate action against the revision since he had to receive Professor Thomson and his colleagues of the HMS Challenger expedition in whole May. Probably after the Challenger left Japan, McVean asked Okubo about his intentions, wheither the ministry is prepared to fully support the nationwide geodetic survey project, secondly, wheither the ministry keeps to employ British staffs until geodetic survey of Kanto area terminated, because it was essential practical training opportunity for Japanese staffs. McVean exchanged documents several times with Okubo, and realized that he would give up nationwide survey soon or later.

  However, Kobayashi Kasutomo and his colleagues of the anti foreign party, deemed the revision to be a big step toward the nationwide survey, and requested commissioner Sugiura Yuzuru and McVean to launch gedetic survey of Kanto area*1. The Home Affairs approved the request and the office started to collect the related references*2. But, since Sugiura spent a large portion of budget and human resource for urgent and regional survey, the geodetic survey was limited as experimental level as Okubo intended. Among the McVean’s collections, there is only one map, Map of 13 Domains around Mt. Fuji (Fujimi Yochi Zenzu), in which the name of place were written in English, and boundary and main road were coloured in green and red respectively. This map was possibly utilized for reference for fixing of base stations and base lines (Fig.11-1). There was no information and indication of land configuration and level, and so McVean needed to make a preliminary inspection to fix the manner of survey. Since McVean first sent Scharbau and some Japanese staffs to Sagami-Fujisama area and Musashi Maruyamadai area In June 24*3, he intended to fix baseline along Tokaido highway and Kosyu highway. But, soon after this, the office had to stop the survey due to outbreak of a disaster.

11-1. Everything lost by the Fire

    Call of the HMS Challenger promoted activities of social life among British citizens in Tokyo, as Mary vividly mentioned,

Monday Jun 14. Fine day.

[Mary] Mrs Stevens died this forenoon. Mrs Joyner was with her to the last. It is very sad her husband not arriving in time to see her in life. We do not know what has become of him. Went down with Colin to Yokohama to hear Professor. W. Thomson’s lecture it was very good & there was a large attendance.  Returned by the 11.15 train.

Tuesday Jun 15. Dull wet morning.

[Mary] Went to see Mrs Joyner. She was still very much upset. Mrs R. Jones better this morning. Colin & I went down to Yokohama by 10.45 train before going on board the Challenger. I went to see Mrs Hepburn then to the Hataba & off on board the Challenger day not particularly favourable for an excursion of the kind but it was very pleasant notwithstanding a number of people on board Cargils, Wheelers, Sir Harry & Lady Parkes, Douglases, Andersons, Baillies & c. Professor Thomson gave me a nice long letter from Janet to read. On leaving the ship we had some slight difficulty in getting into the boat as it was pitching a good deal. About 7 o'clock Colin & I joined Mrs Stevens funeral procession & All went to the burying ground a good many people present Sir H. & Lady Parkes, Joyners, Mr R. Jones, Mr Bellamy, Goddards, Mr Godfrey & c. & c. Mr Shaw read the service Mrs S. Japanese girl was present too she had been most attentive to Mrs S. Returned to Yedo by the 10 train.

Wednesday Jun 16. Beautiful bright fresh day.

[Mary] Colin not very well after yesterday. In the afternoon about 20 of the ladies of Yedo met at Lady Parkes to discuss the formation of a Ladys book club meeting very unanimous. After the meeting was over Mrs Simpson, Mrs de Boinville, Mrs Fyson & I all went in the carriage together to Tsukidgi. There I went to ask for Mrs Piper & Mrs Faulds. All early to bed.

   They used to gather not only at religious meeting, wedding and funeral, but also for various social activities. Lady Book Club was going to be formed by foreign ladies at Tokyo. However, McVean fell into sick after the Chanllenger left Japan, probably because he got exhausted with reception of Professor Thomson and his colleagues, and, he did not take part of preliminary survey of the base lines along Tokaido and Kosyu Kaido highway in June 24. Entering in July, the Home Affairs was attacked by a great disaster, and a messenger came to McVean’s residence at mid-night of July 3.

Saturday Jul 3. Rain during the night.

[Colin] Naimusho & survey office burned to the ground. All original Plans lost also Field books and many instruments.

Sunday Jul 4. Dull morning but soon cleared up to a Beautiful day.

[Mary] Mr Evans & Mr Johnson joined the Sheppards & Mr Malcolm in an expedition up the river. Early this morning some one came from the office to say it had all been burned down.

[Colin] Office removed to old Yashiki in Yamato Yashiki.

   It is very mysterious that the fire broke out at the Headquarter of the Home Affairs in such time during the middle of rainy season. Okubo briefly described this disaster at his diary “really disappointed with that fire, lost all records*4” the geography Department simpley recorded “all of documents related to geography, and mountain and forest were burn down*5,” but McVean expressed his great shock and disappointment with “all original plans lost also field books and many instrument,” which have been accumulated since the Public Works period. McVean soon moved the office to old residence of the Yamato Yashiki site where the meteorological and astronomical instruments were set up, and endeavoured to re-equip all instruments necessary for geodetic survey through his friends, Troughton & Simms in London and Lane & Crawford Co. in Yokohama.

Tuesday Jul 20.

[Mary] Up about 5 with Baby who had rather a restless night. About 6 o'clock went to look for Fuji saw it beautifully at that time it was already very hot in the sun but nice & cool in the shade. Thermometer at 7 A.M. 82

[Colin] Letters Mull - T. Cowan with copies of childrens register of Birth, Penicuik James & George asking him to send to Troughton & Simms abt Balance of instruments ordered by me. Dresser abt birds & curios.

Wednesday Jul 21. Very hot day.

[Mary] Baby not very well Mrs Evans & Mary Bella out driving.

Thursday Jul 22. Very hot day, thermometer 89 or 90.

[Mary] Baby better but seems to feel the heat a good deal. Out a short drive to Kuroda & back. Lotus flowers coming out. Dined at the Douglases where we met the Andersons, Baillies, Mr Piper & Captain Jones. Had a very pleasant evening, walked Home Mr Piper walking so far with us.

Friday Jul 23. Very hot day.

[Mary] All groaning at the heat which is really very great. Mrs Klasen two of her children & I drove to Korinji, I to call on Mrs Anderson.

Saturday Jul 24. Hot close morning.

[Colin] Went to Yokohama to consult Ness on Blundell’s behalf regarding the Lyemoons business. H.M. & Co’s failure also sundry other commissions in Yokohama. I paid Hyman of Murilia Hyman & Co $5, I borrowed from him when last in Yokohama to have dinner with Johnson at the Town Hotel, saw Ness, and dined with him. He asked me to send him all papers & letters I had bearing on the Lyemoons case. Saw Toronby, told him he was asking far too much for Theodolite sent up on trial. Lane Crawford & Co. and E. C. Kirby & Co. to send up insts at their own risk for approval by the Japanese authorities of survey office. Borrowed one Yen of Ness.

   McVean reordered articles to Troughton & Simms and E.C.Kirby & Co. on behalf of Japanese government, and asked to send them with special care and responsibility so that McVean could receive them in complete condition at Yokohama. McVean also asked George Cowan, owner of Cowan Papermaker and James Cowan, Provost of Edinburgh to pay earnest money to the firms. McVean really did not want to trouble these brothers in law after the resignation from the Lighthouse department in 1869, but this case was urgent and exception. Receiving urgent order from McVean and earnest money from Cowan brothers, Troughton & Simms completed shipping within 2 months, which arrived at Yokohama port in the middle of October.

   Meanwhile, foreign staffs in the Land Survey Office took summer vacation a month earier than last year respectively, and the Joyners left for Mt Fuji in July 19. McVean was furnishing new instrument and facilities into temporal office, and recording various meteorological data at the observatory until Joyner returned to the office. Moreover, he planed to spend his summer vacation with his friends at Hakone. Scharbau never called on McVean’s residence for tea, tiffin or dinner, but came to same restaurant, probably Chooji, where the McVeans were going to take tiffine.

Monday Jul 26. Comparatively cool.

[Mary] Went early in the afternoon to the Kai Takushi to see about fruit & vegetables. Colin out riding with Mr Simpson & Mr Shand. Drove out a second time with Mr and Mrs Evans as far as Kudan.

Tuesday Jul 27. Fine morning though tolerably hot.

[Mary] Colin went to Yokohama to make enquiries about going to the European Hotel at Hakone. He returned by the 6.15 train. Mr Babut dined or rather teaed with us.

Wednesday Jul 28. Hot.

[Mary] I felt considerably done up owing to not having had enough of sleep. Colin met with a severe disappointment at tiffin we had his favourite potatoe salad & at Mr Scharbau’s instigation who was taking tiffin with us they were going to add a few anchovies to it when unfortunately as the boy was drawing the cork the bottle broke & of course Colin could not be induced to touch one. I took Baby out a short drive to try to prepare him for the journey to Hakone whither we think of going in a fortnight afterwards Mrs Klasen Mrs Rymer Jones Mrs Simpson & I drove to Tsukidgi to get another bottle of anchovies for Colin.

   McVean’s disappointment was not only missing of his favorite potato salad, but also Scharbau’s behaviours toward boy, who dropped the bottle of anchovies at Scharbau’s instatigation. McVean met such Scharbau’s selfish behaviors even in the office, and wanted to give him warning. But, McVean could not do it because e has had unhappy experiences of resignation from Brunton’s Lighthouse department and discharge of Hardy. McVean really want to avoid any more trouble in the office McVean created.

  After the Joyners returned to the Yamato Yashiki, in August 11, the McVeans left for Hakone with children and nany. In the previous day, big typhoon attacked the Pacific Ocean side of Shizuoka prefecture, and the James Payton was wrecked along Enshu coast*6. The route to Hakome was affected by the typhoon, and McVean family experienced a lot of trouble to get to Hakome. They took morning train to Yokohama, but no horse carriage service due to flood before Odawara. In the following day, they left Yokohama for with 4 carriages, and arrived at a bank of River Sagami where one of carriages fell down in sandy area. They stayed at Odawara, and following day, they took Jinrikisha and palanquin to Hakome. Since all of bridges were floated away, they walked on the log bridges, and finally arried at Kamakuraya Hotel in the evening.

   In August 15, Mary “got up in the morning about 6, the mountains were half covered with cloud but by & bye they cleared & we cldc see Fuji perfectly well.’ The McVeans really enjoyed and relaxed at Hakone with his friends, Blinckly, Hawes, Dyer, Ayrton, and so on for 3 weeks. At that time, McVean wrote letter to William Maxwell, and received response in October.

Placentia Bay, N.F.L. 30th September 1875

My dear old Mac

(First part omitted)

   I am very sorry you are experiencing a little of the old difficulty with the Japs and do not envy you the trouble you must have in getting your views acted on. I know the rogues so well, their fair words and false memories, to say nothing of procrastination but I am really surprised at Sharban for I really thought that if all else failed, he would have stood by you like a sheet anchor, that not only would your professional but also social relations have been of the most intimate nature and I drew pleasant pictures in my mind of your life and wished I could join you. That he is ashamed of himself is I think quite shew by the want of his correspondence I wrote, appealing to him by our old friendship to drop me a line but without reply, so I cannot go farther without losing my own self respect. The foundation for transit instrument was certainly not selected by an eye practiced to observations.

   I think the “Challenger’s” made a mistake about us. It must have been Stanley they saw in the West Indies for we have not been within five hundred miles of the nearest point they touched at. I should have stretched a point to visit so celebrated a ship, partly to pick up a little knowledge as well as to gratify the curiosity I possess in professional matters. I hope you liked Professor Thompson. He will be a famous man if he takes advantage of the splendid opportunities now offered to him of making himself acquainted with men and manners as well as the details of his own special department.

   I have no further news to give you but hope in my next to tell you of my marriage. With my very kindest wishes for you wife, self and family

I am my dear Mac. Very sincerely yours

Wm Maxwell*7.

   When Maxwell, acting commander of the HMS Sylvia negotiated with the newly founded Imperial Military Affairs [Hyobu-sho] about collaboration of hydrographic survey to chart main sea routes connecting treaty ports, he could not get promput response from Japanese side in 1869*8. The Imperial government took time to divide the Military Affairs into the army and navy, and could not cope properly with the Sylvia. Maxwell felt sympathy for McVean’s situation, since Okubo allocated a large part of budget to urgent and divisional survey. Moreover, although Scharbau joined McVean’s survey office as assistant engineer, he parted from other British staffs and got into the Anti Foreign Party showing his previous works to them. Anyhow, McVean did not take concrete measure against Scharbau since he really did not want clash among British staffs.

   McVean seldom wrote diary, but Mary mentioned that McVean “went down to Kawasaki 8.15 with Mr Dyer & c to examine a place for a new bridge” in September 30. The timber bridge across Rokugo River got heavily damaged after 3 three years, and had to be replaced by iron bridge*9. Dyer took students of civil engineering course for field works, and needed help from McVean since he had no experience of construction works. In October 21, the McVeans were invited by the government to the concert at the Government Bank house, and they enjoyed Court dance and music, as well as opera of Palmieri’s sister.

11-2. Early Retirement

   Soon after all of the instruments arrived from the Britain in the middle of October, McVean directed Cheesman, Klassen and Stewart to rearrange baseline and metropolis survey, and began to prepare preliminary survey of several baselines over the Kanto area again with Scharbau and Japanese staffs. Mary described McVean’s activities. In October 26, “Colin off at about 9 A.M. to Nikko” with Japanese staffs, and got home in November 1. In October 31, Mary “had a chit from Colin dated Friday, Otawara (near Nikko) in which he said he expected to be Home by the 1st. The next excursion was Mt. Asama, and “Colin was up before 4 A.M. to start for Asama Yama. Mr Murota & Mr Scharbau came up here soon after that time, they were to meet a coach somewhere which was to carry them 70 miles on their journey today.” In November 21, “One of the jin rikasha coolies who started with Colin’s party on Tuesday brought me a note from Colin dated “Oiwaki” 19 Nov. He had climbed Asama Yama but found it very cold,” and in November 23 “Colin returned Home while we were out having enjoyed his trip very much.” Last excursion was day trip along Tokaido highway in November 26, and McVean left early in the morning for Odawara and got home late at night (Fig.11-2). These excursions might be fruitfull for McVean and the office.

   McVean used to record various survey data in his field note, possible position of base stations to form large triangulation, and always sent them from the last destination by urgent post or confidential Jinrikisya. Unfortunately, these field notes are missing. Anyhow, McVean intended to form large triangulation toward three directiton, northward along Nikko kaido, westward along Nakasendo, and southward along Tokaido. Eastern region of Kanto area was relatively plain, and McVean regarded prelimary survey was not necessary. The setting up of large triangulation over Kanto area was an essential training programme for Japanese staffs, who were expected to expand these works all overJapan, and execute detailed survey to fill up space within the triangulation.

   Cheesman, Klassen and Stewart kept working to complete triangulation survey over Tokyo and Yokohama again even after the termination of their contract (Fig.11-3), and McVean hoped to shift them into the Kanto triangulation project along Nakasendo, Tokaido and Nikko kaido respectively. All of them were needed to teach Japanese staffs geodetic survey, but Okubo wanted to limit the project into the experimental level without help of British staffs except Scharbau. McVean repeatedly requested Okubo to extend appointment of three British staffs one more year.

   I had certain circumstances force me to take up my pen again to address you on the old subject - They are the following - The Naimusho have given me notice that the agreements of the Foreign employees in this Dept will not be renewed and during the last month Messrs Klasen and Cheesman’s agreements expired - they are doing a little extra work just now what will occupy abt 10 days or so – and then their service ends – Now of course if Japan does not require a Geodetic survey to inaugurate and organise which -all the present time necessitates the temporary employment by her of Foreign professional skill - The non renewal of the engagements of the Foreign Surveyors is a very proper measure – although the Govt has gone to the expence of bringing them to Japan and must again send them to their homes – without having received the greatest return possible for the expenditure incurred - this for reasons explained in a former letter – I am induced to address you again on behalf of this Dept as matters have now arrived at such a stage that unless something is done- the Dept will die a natural – or should I rather say unnatural death. – I received notice lately from the Naimusho that the agreement of the foreign employees will not be renewed – and under said notice the engagement of two or the best men Messrs Klasen and Cheesman have just terminated.

   Now were I sure that it is not the intention of the Govt to carry on a Geoditic survey – I would not trouble you by saying one word on the subject – because I know your time is valuable and fully occupied but understanding that you had taken the affairs of this Dept into consideration with a view to a change in the administration circumstances would permit - 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*10.

   McVean wrote this request to Okubo in the end of November, and presented it to Okubo through Murota, who soon informed McVean of Okubo’s answer. McVean understood that the reason of discharge of foreign staffs was officially budget cut down for the sake of forthcoming confrontation against Saigo Takamori, as well as it was obviously because of strong appeal from the Anti foreign party*11. In order to train young Japanese staffs as competent surveyor who could carry on nationwide geodetic survey, practical training for a couple of years under British instructors was inevitable, otherwise they would lose that chance. Against Okubo’s response that the nationwide survey might be resumed if the budget crisis improved, McVean tried to pursuade him that it was hard to find competent survey instructors like Cheesman and Klassen once again from Britain and costly to invite them to Japan. Okubo would not listen to.

   McVean also crucially made up his mind as surveyor in chief to leave the office together with his assistants, and told Okubo his dicision through Murota. McVean received Okubo’s answer in the middle of December. At that time, Cheesman, Klassen and Stewart still kept working in the office even after termination of their contract to finish mapping. One day in December before retirement of British staffs, survey staffs gathered at courtyard and took commemorative photograph (Fig.11-4). Although the Land Survey Office had more than 200 staffs, only 20 remained at the office since other large number of staffs was away for reigional and urgent survey. In front line, McVean sit in the centre and flanked by Murata and Murota (Fig.11-5). Atitude of several figures seems to be too odd to join in this party. In particular, Scharbau hided his face by his hut, and two Japanese looked left side. They might be members of the anti foreign party including Scharbau. Among those who squarely looked forward, Okawa, Tate and Tomita can be identified. Although Murata joined in this party, he used to take medical leave, and Murota took responsibility of head instead.

   In the second half of December, the McVeans arranged several farewell dinners at their home invisitng Yamao, Sano, Kuroda, Murota, Tomita, Richard Rymer-Jones, Cheesman, Klassen, Boinville and so on. The Public Works employed a large number of British officers, but now would discharge them without renewal due to cut-down of national budget. McVean’s friends in railways department such as Cartmen and Mason Rymer=Jones lost their appointment, and gathered at Tokyo to search their future course in the end of 1875. Being different from them, McVean made up his mind to return to home, and arranged several farewell parties with these friends.

Saturday Dec 18. Miserable cold wet day.

[Mary] Had a dinner party of Prince Kuroda, Sano, Murota, Tomita & the Joyners which should have taken place at 5.30 but we think Mr Sano must have forgotten all about it as he did not appear until we sent to him so it was fully 7 p.m., before we sat down Mrs Kuroda was also of the party. I think the party went off very well.  We did not get to bed until after midnight. Mr Wood came up in time for dinner.

Sunday Dec 19. Beautiful day.

[Mary] A little tired after being so late last night. Colin Mr Wood & I at church. Mr Shaw read the service & Mr Wright preached. In the afternoon Colin went to see if he could find the Cartmans who arrived the other day from Kobe however he could not find them. I had a little walk.

Monday Dec 20. Fine day.

[Mary] Mrs Joyner & c. busy decorating the church for Xmas. Mrs Cheesman & I drove to Tsukidgi.

Tuesday Dec 21. Lovely day.

[Mary] Busy in the morning. In the afternoon went with Mrs Evans to General Saigo’s Home to ask his little boy to Mary’s childrens party on Friday. Saw Mrs Saigo. Then, Mrs Evans & I went on to the Shaws as Mrs Evans wished to speak to him about baptising two little Eurasians. Quiet evening. Mr Mason came to dinner with us, & then he & Colin walked over to Dr Andersons to have a game at billiards. During the day Colin busy writing a letter to the office.

Wednesday Dec 22. Beautiful day.

[Mary] In the afternoon Mrs Waddell & I drove to Tsukidgi on our way we called in at Mrs Blacks to see about a Xmas tree, in the evening she brought me one, & also the Mombang had succeeded in getting one a pretty good one. From the Blacks we went to Tsukidgi where I called on Mrs Cartman & saw her & her husband & two pretty children. He has lost his situation on the railway at Kobe which of course is a great trouble to them He is trying to get something to do here.

Thursday Dec 23. Fine day thought somewhat dull.

[Mary] Busy preparing for childrens party on the 24th. Mrs Black & Harry came & helped very much in decorating the Xmas tree. Colin & I drove as far as Yamao’s house to call there but they were not at Home.  They have lately lost a second child, which has cast them down very much. After dinner Mr Joyner came in and asked us to go into their house for a little bit which we did & found a large merry family party, Mr & Mrs Rymer Jones from Osaka, Mr & Mrs R. Jones from Kaga Yashiki & Mr and Mrs Joyner themselves. Mrs Joyner was busy decorating a cake. Japanese have at length paid Mr Klasen & Mr Cheesman in full.

Friday Dec 24. Beautiful day.

[Mary] Had the childrens party in the afternoon, which went off very well but the children all seemed to me to have very small appetites. There were present of children 4 Summers, 3 Divers, 2 Blacks 2, Baillies 1, Monday 1, Craigie 1, Ayrton 1, Godfrey 1, Dallas 1, Muroto one or two others could not come. Miss Perry came & helped which was a great comfort Mrs Dallas, Mrs de Boinville, Mrs Simpson, Mr Simpson, all looked in for a little while.  Mrs Joyner & c. & c. have been very busy decorating the church this week. After tea, Colin took up “Malcolm” by G McDonald & sat up reading till 1 A.M.

   Since McVean’s children, Helen 6 years, Donald 5 years, and Susan 3 years were fruent in Japanese language and had several Japanese friends too. The McVeans planed to have children’s party at the Christmas Eve, and delivered invitation cards in December 23. More than 20 children came to the party except one from Yamao, who just faced unhappy incident in his family. On the other hand, the Joyners arranged Christmas party inviting British friends at their home. After the McVeans finished all of farewell and Christmas events, McVean began to prepare leaving Japan, and resume writing diary instead of Mary.

Sunday Dec 26

[Colin] Writing letters. Mary went to Church. Hornby Evans tiffined

Monday Dec 27

[Colin] Writing letters for Home Mail, letter to Campbell of Islay - George Mull - Howard 80n & Dresser. In the afternoon a little Baby girl appeared. just in time to have, her arrival announced in our Home letters. Tiffined at Dick, R. Jones’ and dined with the Joyners in the evening.

Tuesday Dec 28.

[Colin] Mary & Baby very well. I had an interview with Murata today - he put out a feeler from Sugiura to see whether or not I would consent to be retransferred to the Kobusko - under the circumstances I gave a decided no – Evening I dined at the Cheesmans, Minami – Wilson – Mc Millan and Her cousin Smith – Murata & self had a pleasant evening danced two reels.

Wednesday Dec 29.

[Colin] I went to Yokohama, Banked my salary and drew cheque – asked R. Jones – Joyner & Klasen to tiffin with me at the Club, saw Parry - paid […] [Nowrodgi] saw H. Cook the News agent. He told me I could take the papers if I liked up to the time of my leaving - and just pay for the copies I had -saw Watson - Parry & Malcolm  - told Malcolm what I had written to Hare and asked him if Hare had full powers to act for them he told me he had - I told him I was not satisfied with the careless way Hare had acted in regd to the insurance – and inspection of the premises. Evening at Dr Andersons to tea & Billiards. Mary slightly feverish.

Thursday Dec 30.

[Colin] Cheesman & Self out all day curio hunting. Mary better – Tiffined with Wilson at the Seiyoken. The streets were crowded by Japanese – all shopping - just immediately before the end of the year - shop keepers are inclined to sell cheap - if they are at all in want of money - as at the new year they are all obliged to square up and pay their debts consequently advantage is taken of this by natives and Foreigners alike to make bargains.

Friday Dec 31.

[Colin] Spent the evening with the Joyners and drank “Hot pot” -

Saturday Jan 1.

[Colin] I called on the Joyners, Klasens, Cheesmans, Simpsons, de Boinvilles, Mrs Millar & the Gilberts & American Minister, Judge Bingham – took a walk with Shand and his Friend Brander – dined with the Simpsons & Shand.

Sunday Jan 2.

[Collin] at Church – today the Foreign Employees were presented – I refused to go – as I am not on good terms with the Home Affairs.

Friday Jan 7.

[Colin] Murata called and informed me that Okubo had agreed to pay me up according to the terms of my letter also told me he thought Schaubau would get a new agreement - Tiffined at the Simpsons afterwards went for a long ride with Shand & Simpson – dropped by at Madame Guerineau’ - Paid registration fee at consulate.

   Soon after Mary completed farewell and Christmas events, she was delivered of a baby in December 27. This girl baby was given name Flora Ann Phoebe, who later married Hugh Bixby Luard, and became grandmother of Nicholas Luard. McVean kept writing diary instead of Mary for a while, and was very busy to write letter to his parents, relatives and friends, then began to collect shipping information at Yokohama. He chose the Pacific Ocean route, since it was faster than Suez Canal route, 30 days with only 2 times transshipments. Moreover, the McVeans would meet their relatives in New York and visit the Philadelphia Exposition.

  In December 28, Murota came to McVean’s residence with Sugiura’s offer, which intended to transfer McVean to the Public Works if he wished. Sugiura was familiar with Yamao, and possibly has talked to him about possibility of transfer of McVean into the Public Works. McVean never changed his mind to leave the office together with his assistants. Joyner would stay in the office in charge of meteorology one year and a half, and McVean had a long talk with “hot tea” and him in the last day of 1875. They were glad to successfully complete technical school buidings, but possibly regeted that they could not build firm foundation for nationwide geodetic survey.

  McVean’s last issue in the office was allowance due to the early retirement, and in January 7, Murota came to inform McVean that Okubo agreed to accept all of conditions McVean required*12. McVean seems to have required Okubo to pay him full of allowance by the end of contract because the Home Affairs gave up nationwide geodetic survey by its reason. Scharbau did not support McVean’s appeal to extend appointment of his assistants one more year, and just preferred to stay in the office as survey instructor alone. Okubo, Kobayashi and Murota expected that Scharbau preferably extend his contract another a couple of year, but they did not know Scharbau’s real intention. Eventually, Okubo issued sanction of McVean’s early retirement in said condition on January 12*13, and arranged letter of gratitude for McVean’s service in January 23 (Fig.11-6)*14. McVean stayed at the office and the Yamato Yashiki without any power by the end of March.

   Since McVean stopped wrting diary after Mary resumed it in January 12, only this letter dispatched to his mother dated January 10 tells what McVean was thinking at this period.

10th Jany / 76

My dear Mamma

   I dare say you were very glad when you got my last letter to hear that there was a chance of our coming home so soon and that you will be delighted to hear when you get this that it is now as certain as any thing in Japan can be that I will receive my salary in full up to the termination of my contract time – and passage money – on the 12th day after tomorrow this suits us beautifully as I get my full pay without [serving] for it and have to choose my own time for returning - I have [….] ever since my return here from Home – that Japan was done in the meantime as a Field for Foreigners - Scharbau has not behaved well but he is merely being made the tool of the Anti Foreign Party - there are [ever…ing] changes in all the Depts of Govt this year - Brunton goes home for good in March - & Blundell who came out with B & myself goes home with us after 8 years service here - he is a nice fellow & I am delighted to get him as a travelling companion - we will hold an here till the end of March or beginning of April – as Mary & Baby will hardly be strong enough to face the Pacific & Atlantic before - and then we have a chance of a better passage and fine weather - which is a great matter. Our box from home arrived the other day with my very nice plaid from John & Katie it is really vy pretty - & I intend to write John & Katie by this mail to thank them - I will not try to write long letters now as we hope so soon to see you all at Home - I am sorry too that affairs in Japan have turned out as they have – a party in the Ministry are still desirous to keep me here if anything could be found for me to do - but I think the anti foreign party are too strong - I remain your affte son.

C A McVean*15

   Murota sent his personal letter of thanks to McVean.

                                           Thursday April 6.

To My Dear Mr McVean

I am very regret to hear that your departure draws so near. Your warm kindness and good wish, with which you favoured me throughout the time that you were here, I am very much indebted of, and I hope our friendship will constantly exist. Write to me sometimes, if you please. I shall never fail to do so.

Hoping your Happy voyage.

I remain, My Dear friend, yours sincerely

H Murota

P.S. Herewith I respectfully present you Satzuma Earthware and Rinchin Case, although trifling, just only to show my regard to you*16.

  Murota was hired into the survey office by recommendation of Yamao in May 1872 together with Kawano Michinobu, and made up his mind to settle himself in new government even he faced any difficulties. He acted as very sincere coordinator among Okubo, Kobayashi and McVean to the last. On the other hand, Murata always took medical leave after he clashed with Okubo, and finally regined from the survey office in the end of 1876. He began the literary business and criticized Okubo’s policy in his publication “Maru Maru Chinbun (Comic Newspaper)”.

   McVean was one of central figures among foreign community in Tokyo, who was deeply shocked and disappointed by news of his early retirement. American newspaper ALTA dedicated short message to McVean and Murry Day.

FOREIGN OFFICERS LEAVING. Yokohama, April 10th, 1876.

   The Japanese Government is losing some of its best foreign servants, and, much as it abuses them occasionally, its foreign servants have been its best friends hitherto. To them the country owes the moral and material progress in great measure, if not in whole, which she has made in late years. Among your visitors by this steamer is Lieutenant Murray Simpson Day, U. S. N., who for some time served the Kaitakushi (Colonization Department), with credit to himself and profit to his employers. As his services were only lent by his own Government to that of Japan, and as the leave granted him by the former has now expired he returns to the service of his own country. A distinguished English engineer, Colin A. McVean, formerly Chief Surveyor of the Home Department, whose contract with the Government expired last year, also leaves Japan by the Belgic, en route for Europe. Certainly this Government has had some charlatans and mere adventurers, who had no quality save their “brass” to recommend them, among their foreign assistants and advisers ; but I am happy to say that these two gentlemen do not come within that category. They have done good work, and they leave many friends, both foreign and native, whose good wishes will accompany them in their future careers*17.

   Day was a military engineer of USA Army and hired by the Kaitakushi (Hokkaido Development Agency) as a surveyor. He also endeavoured to make triangular survey all over Hokkaido, but suddenly was discharged due to cut down of budget together with Japanese staffs including Arai Ikunosuke and Fukushi Naritoyo.

11-3. Remaining Scharbau and Joyner

   Scharbau did not only support McVean’s appeal to Okubo asking him to extend appointment of Cheesman and Klassen, but also pushed himself to the anti foreign party member to stay alone at the survey office. McVean was disappointed with him, but allowed him to do so. Then, Scharbau took on the job of teaching of baseline survey to Japanese technical staffs along Tokyo – Nasu – Nikko for another 6 months upto the end of October. To execute this experimental project, Kobayashi and his colleagues issued the Regulation of the Survey Office*18, and expected to extend the project into nationwide scale. In the first page of the Regulation, they highly admired Ino Tadataka’s work, which was achieved by walk measuring to draw configuration of Japanese islands a half century ago. They obviously did not understand how nationwide geodetic survey differed from Ino’s survey.

  Although home minister Okubo was now about to give up nationwide geodetic survey, technical staffs were eager for learning of techniques of geodetic survey through Scharbau, as seen by several photographs of Okawa Collection. Realizing that future of the Land Survey Office was not bright through McVean’s early retirement, Okawa decided to leave related documents. Okawa and his colleagues proudly wore Scottish Bonnet presented by McVean as a part of uniform (Fig.11-7).

   After concluded the Satsuma Rebellion in September 1877, Okubo decided to give up nationwide geodetic survey and sell a site of the Yamato Yashiki to Okura Kihachiro, an entrepreneur who financially supported Okubo.

. In this process, Kobayashi and his colleagues never talk back and appeal to Okubo, but made indirect proposal to Okubo. He let Scharbau to write a report of foundation of observatory, and submitted it to Okubo with new tile of Mr Scharbau’s Proposal of Foundation of Observatory*19. So, actually, it was not Scharbau’s proposal, as he mentioned “I was asked by the commissioners (Kobayashi and Murota) to arrange this report” in the preface. Scharbau’s report was properly translated by Tomita Atsuhisa, who learned wide range of western science and technology in Britain by McVean’s guidance. He was very talented officer, but now useless in shrinking land survey office.

   Folloing Scharbau’s report, Ono Tomogoro, former head of Shogunate science division, also presented a proposal regarding to Promotion of Astronomy to Okubo in October 1876*20.

   I heard that the observation was recently carried out by only 2 or 3 officers, and soon be given up. Even though I do not know the intension, I just hope the government immediately set up proper observation to find precise calendar, otherwise we can not inform people the timing of eclipse of the sun like one which took place in Tenpo period. We are going to miss the chance of introduction of western knowledge and observation if foreign expert leave Japan now by termination of the contract. 

   As mentioned before, Ono met McVean several times after the Home Affairs arranged the observation of the transit of Venus in December 9, 1874, and understood the situation of the meteorological and astronomical observation in the Home Affairs. It was carried out by McVean and Joyner from the begining, but now going to shrink or close after McVean left Japan. Ono could not help writing this proposal to Okubo, or probably Kobayashi asked help to Ono to do this. These efforts worked a little bit well, and meteorological observation remained, but eventually the land survey office was abolished.

There are two interesting documents in the Okawa Collection, both of which were intended to look for a successor of Scharbau and Joyner*21. Kobayashi could not carry on experimental baseline survey without Scharbau’s instruction, and expected that he would gradly accept offer of renewal of his contract. Scharbau always pretended to work for them upto the goal, and just told Kobayashi and Murota about his mind just bejore the termination of his contract. Kobayashi and Murota tried to persuade Scharbau to stay at the office another a couple of years. And after realized that it was impossible, they tried to appoint proper successor from Britain. They also tried to appoint meteorologist successor from Britain when Joyner terminated his contract. All of these efforts was eventually rejected by Okubo. Harry Parkes was acquainted with case of McVean’s early retirement, and so he would hesitate to help the Home Affairs, even if he was asked help by Japanese government. The nationwide survey and astronomical observation in Meiji government retreated much*22.

   Sugiura, a head of Geography Department, worked hard for the land tax reform, and passed away in August 1877, while Okuba was assassinated in May 1878. Okura purchase the site of the Yamato Yashiki to build his residence, and later developed the site for hotel. The Land Survey Office was reformed got old name as the Survey Office, and lasted for a while, then finally absorbed by the Military General Office (Sanbo-Honbu) in 1884. Some of technical staffs moved to the Survey Division of the Minitary General.

11-4. Memories of Tate Kiyohiko and Masado Hyounosuke

Although the Survey Office under the Public Works started public building works, survey and meteorology in early 1871, it was absorbed by the Home Affairs in January 1874, which lost almost all of resources and instruments by fire of July 1875*23. Sources to argue and reveal how the organization was created and achived are very limited and almost nothing except memories of Take Kiyohiko and Masado Hyonosuke. They joined in the Survey Office in late 1872, and could not communicate with British staffs in English. Therefore, their descriptions were very obscure and incredible, in particular of early period of the Survey Office. Moreover, long-lived person is used to boast his achievement, and Tate and Masado were not exception. However, the existing studies totally accepted their descriptions as exact facts. Some scholars wondered their credibilities*24, but could not correct their descriptions unless finding another new sources.

  Tate described ”in early period of the office, there were only 3 theodolites and they were exclusively for foreign staffs, then I had to go to Yokohama to buy 3 theodolites,” which was totally wrong memory as mentioned in Chapter 6. McVean provided at least 5 theodolites for 5 British staffs, and bought 3 new theodolites for trainees of the survey school from the Lane & Crawford Co. by November 1872. Instruments and apparatuses which McVean purchased at Britain in 1873 were mainly for astronomical survey and meteorological observation. They arrived at Yokohama 3 weeks after McVean returned to Japan, and Scharbau arrived at Yokohama 2 weeks later with Palmieri’s seismograph. Take misunderstood all of these instruments and apparatuses were purchased and bought by Scharbau.

   McVean’s idea of the survey office was a kind of training centre to create qualified surveyors, who mastered various methods of geodetic survey in school and practical training for 4 – 5 years. They were expected to lead the survey office after British staffs terminated the contract period. British staffs played the role of instructor of practical training for Japanese trainees. Last training programme would be geodetic survey of Kanto area consisting of 4 baselines. Several number of trainees were adomitted in 1872 and 1873 respectively, and very bright and ambitious young Japanese, many of who proceeded to the Imperial College of Engineering.

   McVean tried to organize the survey office by three divisions; school (theoretical training), practice (on the job training), and meteorological observation. The division would be headed by Burges, Scharbau and Joyner respectively under McVean’s leadership. The observation of the transit of Venus was planned by McVean with approval of Yamao. He visited to the Royal Observatory in September 1873 to learn the observation method by James Simms. Actual observation was made in charge of Scharbau at Gotenyama with help of John Campbell under McVean’s initiative. McVean founded official meteorological observation with cooperation of the Scottish Meteorological Society, who asked Charles Thomson and Henry Tizard, member of the HMS Challenger Expedition to instruct world standard method of observation including seismology. The existing studies trusted Take’s description that Joyner proposed need of meteorological observation in May 1874, but he just took charge of meteorological observation upto June 1877, the of termination of his contract, and all efforts and achievements are attributed to McVean.

    Okawa did not leave his memories by writing, but very useful office documents, which totally coincided with McVean’s diaries and letters. I could understand why McVean took such actions, in particular during the Home Affairs period. I endeavoured to wave a txtile of early Meiji science and technology with the warp of public records and the woof of McVean’s archives, and Okawa Collection was useful to make clear of textile pattern of last part.

**Notes**

1. Okawa Collection: Notification (Draft) of Commencement of Large Trigonometrical Survey Over Kanto area by Initiative of McVean, proposed May 9, 1875, and sanctioned May 20.

2. Public Records: Notification from the Home Affairs Regarding to Business Trip of Staffs of the Geography Department including foreigners for Kanto Large Trigonometrical Survey, May 19, 1875.

3. Okawa Collection: Notification (Draft) of Field Trip of Scharbau for Setting up of Position of Baselines of Kanto Large Trigonometrical Survey, June 24, 1875.

4. Okubo’s Diary: Fire of the Home Affairs Headquarter, July 3, 1875. National Diet Library.

5. Olgarchy Archives: the Home Affairs Headquarter, lost by fire, July 3.

6. Japan Weekly Mail, August 14, 1875.

7. McVean’s Archives: William Maxwell’s Letter to McVean dated September 30, 1875.

8. Public Records of Foreign Affairs [Dai Nippon Gaiko Monjo] Related to HMS Sylvia: ”British Legation, Yedo, April 6, 1869. The undersigned has the honor to inform Their Excellencies that Captain Brooker commanding Her Majesty’s surveying vessel “Sylvia” is about to proceed to the Inland Sea to continue the survey of Kuyroshima no Seto,,,,”

9. The New Railways Bridge at Kawasak, Japan Weekly Mail, October 16, 1877.

10. McVean’s Archives: McVean’s Letter (Draft) to Okubo, probably dated November 1875.

11. Griffis’ Collection: My Little Journal by Colin Alexander McVean, 1909. “After a time, the architectural work was transferred to another department under Mr. Chastel de Boinville, former assistant in the Survey Office, and the whole time of the staff given to the proper work of the Survey, but unfortunately just as this was fairly organized and established, as already started the Satsuma Rebellion broke out, and absorbed the whole energies and resources of the Government from the time, and the foreign staff of engineers were with regret obliged to abandon a work at once interesting and important. The Japanese staff was reduced to a very few and the Japanese Government has not as yet apparently found itself in a position to resume the work as unhappily interrupted.”

12. Okubo Diaries in January 7, 1876, describes “Murota comes in the morning” surely to inform McVean’s intension to Okubo. Murota met McVean in the afternoon to tell him Okubo’s answer.

13. McVean’s Archives: Okubo”s Letter of Gratitude to McVean dated January 23, 1876.

14. Public Records: Notification of Home Affairs Minister regarding to Payment of Allowance to McVean.”Even McVean resigns from the office in April 28, 1876, Home Affairs will pay him remaining full allowance until the end of contract.”

15. McVean Archives: McVean’s Letter to His Mother dated January 10, 1876.

16. McVean’s Archives: Murota Hideo’s Letter to McVean dated April 6, 1876.

17. Foreign Officers Leaving, the Alta Newspaper』Aptil 10, 1876.

18. Public Records: The Regulation of the Land Survey Division dated May 3, 1876.

19. Scharbau’s Proposal of Foundation of Observation. National Astronomical Observatry.

20. Ono Tomogoro’s Proposal regarding to Promotion of Astronology. National Diet Library.

21. Okawa Collection: Consideration of Renewal of Appointment of Scharbau, and Review of Scharbau”s carrer. Numazu City Meiji Archives.

22. The geography Department asked help to Erwin Knipping, german language teacher at Kaisei College as well as amateur meteorologist.

23. Saito Toshio, Essays on History of Survey during Early Meiji period, (1) - (5), Journal of the Geography, 1977 – 80.

24. Koinuma Kanichi, Process of Commencement of Meteorological Observation in Home Affairs and Name of Observatory, Journal of Climate, 1968, 105-108.

Chapter 12 Epilog

  Many of the McVeans’ friends came to Yokohama to say goodbye, and McVean family left Yokohama Port for the United States with the Gelgic together with Blundell in April 10. Arriving at San Francisco, Blundell proceeded to Colorado to meet Thomas Waters, while McVean family took transcontinental railroad and visited to the Philadelphia Exposition, and then met their relatives at New York. In September 1876, they returned at Scotland, and stayed a couple of months first at Edinburgh and then Iona respectively. At that time, Helen Waston, a daughter of Robert Watson, marine biologist and Janet Cowan, Mary’s elder sister was staying in the Royal Terrance, Cowan’s residence at Edinburgh. This Helen married William Bannerman later, and became a writer of children’s books including “Little Black Sambo.” There was a significant guest to the McVeans during staying in the Royal Terrace. She was Isabella Bird, a Victorian travel writer, got deeply interested in Japan through reading John Francis Campbell’s “My Circular Note (1876),” and planned to visit to Japan. Campbell advised her to meet the McVeans who just came back from Japan. Bird frequently came to the Royal Terrace, and even to Iona to listen to situation of Japan from McVean. Campbell objected to Bird’s idea of visiting Japan by herself, but McVean provided various convenieces for Bird such as Japanse geography and local figures*1. In Japan, Bird oriented to the north, Nikko, Yamagata, Akita and Hokkaido, following McVean’s advise. 

  McVean was invited by his friends to work at his engineering firm together, but rejected it. He probably lost interest into corporate work, and preferred to work alone and live with his family. In 1878, McVean became an agent of Ashton Hayes Estate, Cheshire, and lived there with his family 5 years. At that time, he was invited by his friends for investigation of the collapse of the Tay Bridge, but rejected it. Young Scottish engineers such as James McRithie and Henry Dyer who came to Japan several years after McVean, learned wide range of knowledge of civil engineering at university, and could deal with various structural problem. McVean supposedly felt a need to give way to new generation.

 After termination of 5 years contract at Ashton Hayes Estate In 1883, McVean made up his mind to return to his hometown, Iona and Mull. George Campbell, Duke of Argyll kindly offered McVean lease of his country cottage at Killiemore (Fig.12-1). McVean visited to Glasgow several times a year by railway from Oban to meet Campbell Douglas and Henry Dyer. Campbell took part of commissioners of 1888 Glasgow International Exposition, and asked McVean to let his collection of Japanese antiques*2. McVean provided the exposition for hundreds of items, which were given to the Kelvingrove Museum after the event. McVean supposedly compiled “Japan Album’ to introduce himself and Japan in the exposition.

   As required by situation of that period, McVean’s son entered into military service, and daughters married solders except first daughter Helen Brodie. She was frequent in Japanese language and expressed his talent when Captain Brown，an agent of Nippon Yusen (the Japan Shipping Mail), asked her to give name to new ship which was built by the Napier Dockyard in 1885. She named the ship as “Tokio-maru*3.” Killiemore house was really remote from major cities of Scotland, and so McVean’s old friends rarely came. However, in 1886, the Boinvilles came to Oban to meet the McVeans after they participated funeral of Agnes’s father at Ayer. Boinville broken up partnership with his friend at London, and just entered into government service at the HM’s Office of Works through the good offices of Algernon Mitford, former officer at British Legation at Edo, and secretary of Works. In 1891, John Gubbins returned to Britain with his official leave and stayed at Killiemore for a while. Helen was 7 years when the McVeans left Japan, and met Gubbins again at the age of 22 years. They could chat in Japanese, and soon fell in love. In 1893, they married, and returned to Japan (Fig.12-3, 12-4). The survey office and McVean’s residence at the Yamato Yashi already disappeared. Helen met Japanese acquaintance after an interval of 17 years and wrote the situation of Japan to his father with numbers of photographs. The Gubbins had 4 children and asked the McVeans to take care of them after they got age of school. Colin McVean Gubbins, their second son, entered into military service and became a director of the Special Operation Exective, and was believed to contribute to victory of the Second World War (Fig.12-5).

   Returning from Japan in November 1876, Scharbau worked for the Hydrographic Office for a while, and soon moved to mapping section of the Royal Geographical Society. Imperialistic knowledge desired to fill up empty part of the glove with new map, and military engineers and adventurers supplied various geographical information such as field notes and sketches to the Royal Geographical Society, in which Scharbau drew up map of where he have never been*4. He seems to have hewed out a career for himself with extraordinary talent of cartography, rather than by friendship(Fig.12-6). Alexander Shand informed McVean that he met with Scharbau at a corner of Regent Street one day, but never talke to him.

   Cheesman and Klassen moved to Australia with their family, where they entered into survey office of Adelaide city. Unfortunately, Klassen passed away soon, while Cheesman worked there until retirement. In 1892, Cheesman formed Astronomical Society of South Australia together with friends, and took charge of secretary. Stewart managed his survey office at Londond, and in 1906 received letter from William Griffis asking about McVean’s situation. Griffis got address of McVean’s residence and asked him to write him what he exactly did in Japan. McVean sent Griffis “A Little Journal” soon, in which he described his works related to public buildings, survey and meteorology. But due to lack of related sources, no one argued McVean’s contribution. On the contrary, McVean has been slighted less significant than Joyner and Scharbau, because he left the office before the end of contract, and never prided himself on his contribution to Japan. By finding and reading various McVean’s achieves preserved by his descendant, it could be revealed that McVean made great contribution to development of science and technology during early Meiji Japan as surveyor in chief. By his sincere efforts and cooperation, the Engineering College could be open in schedule, and modern trigonometorical survey, meteorology, seismography and astronomy could be introduced to Japan. If Japan is proud of advance of science and technology, we should not forget foreigner’s contribution like McVean’s.

  This chapter should be concluded with Cheesman’s letter.

                                                                                             Survey Department

                                                                                             Adelaide S. Australia

                                                                                             14 June 1885

My dear McVean

   Have you found a resting place for the soles of your feet yet? If so do let me have a few lines from you: that I may know where you are and what you are doing. The last time I heard from you, you were somewhere out West in the great Republic hunting up a suitable location (for the second time I think) and must have gone over several thousand miles in pursuance of that object – and seen very much of N. America the States as well as Canada: and your family were in Glasgow, that being your head quarters (so to speak) or pivot.

   Well, I have thought of you very often and wondered if you had settled or found any thing suitable and your hopes realised. I have not your last letter by me at present, but will look it up presently, in which you said you hoped to get a place out West for a part of the year and to be in Scotland or England the other part. A plan that would be very jolly if practicable. Otherwise you intended emigrating en masse either of which you have probably decided on long ere this.

   I have proved a very bad correspondent, for the reason that we lead such a humdrum life here. so monotonous – so little of excitement or that calculated to make one put forth any energy – so that letters get neglected added to which I have lost the [run] of you. Your movements for the past few years being so uncertain. Still I must confess to an indescribable longing to hear from you. To me you are the last link ( and only one) of the old connection which looking back on seems “so long ago” fact is old  [t……e] is creeping on with us. We are not what we were in the days of Boisdale & Eynort or the still more verdant Barra days - Yet I often see you now as you then were with your water color pallet & sketches, this reminds me. I believe I have the two brushes you then used in my box. I don’t use them merely keep them for auld lang syne. Some recent sketches in the London Illustrated ( re Skye crofters ) forcibly recalled those days of yore. What a long time ago since we rode through Bulgaria - promenaded à cheval and were photographed in costume  (save the mark) the morning after arrival in Rustchuck. Pistols and spurs being the prominent features. And what a long way off are Alladin, Pravado, Schumla, Raasgrad & c.  Do you realise them as factors in your life or are they of the past of which nothing is left and only recur as a forgotten dream? To which followed an interval of small things and Bulgaria seemed to us on looking back an Elysium. At least I remember so thinking. The future a blank – [Minia] Road London west finds us together and we recall old times. We drown care at a London music Hall and laughed. Your normal mood ( I nearly said favourite) at that particular time to use your own expression (for which a copyright should have been granted) was that of [Moleincas] - a burrowing mole I suppose I don’t know what else it could mean - Again the curtain lifts and all is changed though the scene is still in London  A married man on his honeymoon at a first class hotel with a first class appointment ( and appointments) and heaps of luggage and a first class ticket to fairy land. Then afterwards a dark and miserable drive into Choogi Shinagawa a cloud that afterwards dispersed with a transformative brilliancy which lasted 3 years and the dear old Yamato Yashiki in Tokio of which place we have so many pleasant reminiscences with its gates, moats and pleasant drives, quaint history language and people with their funny tea-houses manners and games all come so fresh on one. With yourself curio hunting and evenings spent in what might now be called banquet or carousel, or in a pleasantly lighted [jiurikisha] the colored lantern being in the hands of the propeller yourself in darkness while enjoying glimpses into [basts] and dwellings. How real it all seems yet having been back in the workaday world for so long one feels inclined to ask, is it real, or only a dream? I sometimes doubt if it’s the former. We now get no word from Japan. A year ago both my wife and self wrote long letters to Browne in Yoko to which we have received no reply and [Nikoy] seems as much dead to us as if we had never known it. Yet how much we would and could appreciate a jin riki up the Ginza or through the [Pora] in [mon] etc. In writing you I scarcely know how to get out of this strain which is ( I have no doubt) wearying : but in seeing you as I do every day in my minds eye all this and very much more flits across it and I wonder where you are? As I began so must finish Ones is a hard workaday life which has little or nothing of interest to communicate I am in the Civil Service and the constant cry here is - ”cut down the civil service” a great reduction is at the present time being made in answer to the popular cry. A considerable number having to seek fresh fields at the end of this month.  (middle part omitted)

  Again I am reminded, did I not tell you in my last i.e. the unproven last That I had recently read Campbell of Islays vols “Circular notes” or something to that effect in which he stay at Ichiban Yamato is so fully detailed with your trip to Nikko and your wanderings together over Tokio curio hunting. Then if I did not write that letter I must have dreamt that I did! He also mentions us all (as does J.B. Black in his “Young Japan”) in connection with the transit of Venus observations. And only recently I saw with regret his death announced. I suppose you have read his “Frost and Fire” He was a good geologist and a clever man. But it is sad to think that “We are passing over” as children used to sing. I don’t know if their do now. All that seems so changed !!

(last part omitted)

                             faithfully and affectionately

                                             Yours

                                             [……] Cheesman

**Notes**

1. McVean Achives: Isabella Bird”s Letter to McVean dated February 24, 1878.

2. Japanese Art in Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow New, Dec. 1888.

3. Launches, The Marine Engineer, January 5, 1885. Messes Napier, Shanks & Bell launched yesterday from their yard at Yoker an awning-decked iron screw steamer named “Tokyo Maru,” (omitted) The vessel was duly named by Miss M’Vean,

4. G. S. Holland, the Centenary of the Society's Drawing Office, the Geographical Journal, Vol. 146, No. 2 1980

Postscript