The first attack occurs on June 25,…

June 1863 CE

The first attack occurs on June 25, 1863, soon after the Imperial "Order to expel barbarians" comes into effect.

The U.S. merchant steamer SS Pembroke, under Captain Simon Cooper, is riding at anchor outside Shimonoseki Strait when intercepted and fired upon by two European-built warships belonging to the rebel forces.

The crew of one enemy vessel taunts the frantic American seamen with a loud and unnerving cry: "Revere the Emperor and expel the barbarians!" (sonnō jōi).

Under incessant cannon fire, Pembroke manages to get underway and escape through the adjacent Bungo Strait with only slight damage and no casualties.

Locations
Shimonoseki Yamaguchi Japan View →

People
Emperor Kōmei View → Gideon Welles View →

Groups
Japan, Tokugawa, or Edo, Period View → United States of America (US, USA) (Washington DC) View →

Topics
Bakumatsu View → Shimonoseki Straits, Battle of View →

Subjects
Commerce View → Watercraft View → Conflict View → Mayhem View → Government View → Custom and Law View →

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