Horace Capron had three audiences
with the Emperor Mutsuhito of Japan.
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September 16, 1871
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June 1, 1872
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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.
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Testimonial
Given to Horace Capron in 1884 |
Second
Order of the Rising Sun
both items courtesy Banfield Capron |
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