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A Laurel Founder's Life
Laurel        Civil War     Japan

June-December 2004

Introduction

Early Years (1804-1834)

Laurel Years (1835-50)

A Life In Transition (1851-1859)

Civil War (1860-65)

Department of Agriculture (1866-1871)

Japan (1871-1875)

Final Years (1875-1885)

Credits & Acknowledgements

Resources

Home
 

Meeting the Emperor -- and Home

Japan: Capstone to a Career
A Great Mission
Japan is a Mystery
Betrayal and Friendship
Meeting the Emperor & Home

Capron Statue in Sapporo

 

Emperor Mutsuhito of Japan

Emperor Mutsuhito

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Horace Capron had three audiences with the Emperor Mutsuhito of Japan.

  • September 16, 1871

  • June 1, 1872

  • March 28, 1875
     

Such meetings were rare for Westerners, and in his journal Horace boast about the greater honors he has received than others, including United States diplomats.

At his last interview the Emperor stated:

"Indeed your services were valuable, and deserve my high appreciation, and it is hardly a matter of doubt that the future progress of that Island [Hokkaido] the fruit of your labor, will much advance the happiness of my whole Empire.” English translation of remarks from the Emperor of Japan. Quoted in HC Japan Journal p. 268

Horace and Margaret (who had joined him in 1872) left Japan in may that year.

In 1884, the Government of Japan recognized Horace Capron’s contribution to the development of the province by awarding him The Second Order of the Rising Sun.

Testimonial Given to Horace Capron in 1884

 Second Order of the Rising Sun
both items courtesy Banfield Capron