3-011-836 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sir Rutherford Alcock K.C.B., our Envoy Plenipotentiary in Japan, from a photograph by F. Beato, of Yokohama, 1864. 'The opening of Japan to English commerce is a most beneficial achievement of the last ten years. No small part of the merit of this result is due to the exertions of Sir Rutherford Alcock, formerly the British Consul at Simoda, and now her Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of the Tycoon. Captain Sherard Osborn, in his pleasant little volume of "Japanese Fragments," relates the events of 1853, when the American squadron of Commodore Perry had so intimidated the rulers of Japan, that they were fain to grant access for foreign vessels to the ports of Hakodadi and Simoda, though no relaxation was yet allowed of the jealous restrictions upon foreign trade. It was, we believe, by the efforts of Mr. Harris, the American Consul, and of Mr. Rutherford Alcock, the English Consul...that the hostility of the Japanese official authorities was overcome, and a way prepared for the conclusion of the international treaty. Sir Rutherford Alcock, K.C.B., having received the honour of knighthood with his present diplomatic appointment, during his sojourn at home last year, has lately returned to Japan'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.