Shibusawa Eiichi denki shiryō, Vol. 1

13th day of 2nd month, Tenpō 11 (16 March 1840) [id: DK010001k] ……… p. 1

Born in Chiaraijima village in the Abe domain in Hanzawa county, Musashi province. As a child called Ichisaburō (市三郎) or Eijirō (栄治郎), formal name Yoshio (美雄). Later commonly called Eiichirō (栄一郎), formal name changed to Eiichi (栄一), pen name Seien (青淵). While in service temporarily used the names Tokudayū (篤太夫) and Tokutarō (篤太郎). Father commonly called Ichirōemon (市郎右衛門), formal name Yoshimasa (美雅), pen name Bankō (晩香). Mother named Ei (エイ). Family’s principal occupation for several generations had been farming, with silkworm breeding and indigo dye-making as side businesses.

Kōka 2 (1845) [id: DK010002k] ……… p. 61

From early childhood, Eiichi was robust and intelligent, showing both perseverance and stubbornness. He had an innate love of order, was dutiful to his parents and close with his siblings. This year, his father begins teaching him to read; he later continues to study under his cousin Odaka Junchū (尾高惇忠). Eiichi also learns calligraphy first from his father and then from his uncle Shibusawa Seishitsu (渋沢誠室) and martial arts from his cousin Shibusawa Shinzaburō (渋沢新三郎).

Kaei 6 (1853) [id: DK010003k] ……… p. 92

Eiichi begins helping with the family business, including farming and silkworm-breeding as well as buying indigo leaves and making and selling aidama (藍玉, indigo dye balls). Stimulated by the arrival this year of American warships led by Commodore Matthew Perry, Eiichi feels the first stirrings of anti-foreign sentiment.

Ansei 1 (1854) [id: DK010004k] ……… p. 168

Accompanying his uncle Yasuemon (保右衛門) on a trip to Edo, Eiichi buys a book box and inkstone case. After he returns home, his father scolds him, saying such things are luxuries.

Ansei 2 (1855) [id: DK010005k] ……… p. 173

Eiichi had been attentive to the care of his sister, who had been ill since Kaei 6 (1853), but now he attacks superstitions about her illness.

Ansei 2-3 (1855-1856) [id: DK010006k] ……… p. 181

Recommended by the leaders of the local youth group and others, Eiichi and his cousin Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作) take over leadership of the group from the age of 16 or 17.

Ansei 3 (1856) [id: DK010007k] ……… p. 183

On behalf of his father, Eiichi travels to Lord Abe’s Okabe jin’ya (陣屋, government office) to receive an order to pay a fee levied by the domain. The magistrate in charge is arrogant and insults Eiichi. Indignant at the treatment, Eiichi is filled with intense antipathy for the evils of the feudalistic system.

Ansei 3-6 (1856-1859) [id: DK010008k] ……… p. 192

Eiichi travels around the provinces of Shinano [present-day Nagano prefecture] and Kōzuke [present-day Gunma prefecture] and the Chichibu area of Musashi province [parts of present-day Saitama, Tokyo, and Kanagawa prefectures] on business four times a year, sometimes with his cousins Odaka Shingorō (尾高新五郎) and Odaka Chōshichirō (尾高長七郎) or others. He writes large quantities of prose and poetry during these travels and also on trips to Edo. While at home he reads books and trains in kendo. His circle of friends expands.

7th day of 12th month, Ansei 5 (10 January 1859) [id: DK010009k] ……… p. 217

Eiichi marries Chiyoko (千代子), the third daughter of Odaka Katsugorō (尾高勝五郎).

Spring of Bunkyū 1 (1861) [id: DK010010k] ……… p. 219

Eiichi goes to Edo, where he stays for a little more than two months, studying under Confucian scholar Kaiho Gyoson (海保漁村) and training at the dojo of kendo master Chiba Eijirō (千葉栄次郎).

Ca. 2nd month of Bunkyū 2 (March 1862) [id: DK010011k] ……… p. 224

Previously, Eiichi’s cousin Odaka Chōshichirō (尾高長七郎) had undergone harsh interrogation by the police for his alleged involvement in the Sakashita Gate Incident. This month, on Eiichi’s advice, Chōshichirō escapes to Shinano province [present-day Nagano prefecture] and Kyoto to avoid trouble.

2nd month of Bunkyū 2 (March 1862) [id: DK010012k] ……… p. 229

Eiichi’s first son, Ichitarō (市太郎), is born, but dies soon after.

24th day of 8th month, Bunkyū 3 (6 October 1863) [id: DK010013k] ……… p. 229

Eiichi’s first daughter, Utako (宇多子), is born.

8th month of Bunkyū 3 (September/October 1863) [id: DK010014k] ……… p. 230

This spring, Eiichi goes to Edo again and studies at the Kaiho school and trains at the Chiba dojo. There for four months, he often returns home to talk with local activists of the jōi (攘夷, anti-foreign) movement. In the 7th month, he publishes writings left by Kōno Kenzō (河野顕三), who had died fighting in the Sakashita Gate Incident. This month [8th month of Bunkyū 3] Eiichi meets with his cousins Odaka Junchū (尾高惇忠), Odaka Chōshichirō (尾高長七郎), and Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作), along with others. Together they conceive a plot to raise an army, set fire to the port of Yokohama, and kill foreigners. They make the decision to first take over nearby Takasaki castle on the day of the next winter solstice, the 12th day of the 11th month (22 December 1863), and use it as their base. Around this time they start making preparations, including gathering weapons.

13th day of 9th month, Bunkyū 3 (25 October 1863) [id: DK010015k] ……… p. 249

Previously, determined to dedicate his life to protect the country against foreigners, Eiichi had asked his father for permission to be released from his duty as head of the family. Their talk continued through the night until dawn, when his father finally relented. The following day, Eiichi left for Edo to make preparations for the planned uprising and did not return home for over a month. On this day, Eiichi sends a messenger to Kyoto to urge Odaka Chōshichirō (尾高長七郎) to return home. During his stay in Edo, Eiichi happened to become acquainted with Hiraoka Enshirō (平岡円四郎), a steward of the Hitotsubashi (一橋) family, and others.

29th day of 10th month, Bunkyū 3 (9 December 1863) [id: DK010016k] ……… p. 259

Eiichi’s cousin Odaka Chōshichirō (尾高長七郎) had came to Edo from Kyoto about the 25th or 26th day of this month (5/6 December). On the evening of this day he tells Eiichi and others about the state of affairs in Kyoto and environs and explains how reckless it would be to take up arms. Even though Eiichi and the others are deeply skeptical, they are finally persuaded and decide to cancel their plot.

8th of 11th moth, Bunkyū 3 (18 December 1863) [id: DK010017k] ……… p. 268

Eiichi and Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作) leave their village on the pretext of going to visit Ise Shrine in order to escape suspicions about their plot. In Edo they are accorded the status of retainers of Hiraoka Enshirō (平岡円四郎), a steward of the Hitotsubashi (一橋) family, and leave for Kyoto. They arrive in Kyoto on the 25th (7 January 1864), associate with anti-foreign activists there and, toward the end of Bunkyū 3 (early 1864), visit Ise Shrine.

8th day of 2nd month, Genji 1 (15 March 1864) [id: DK010018k] ……… p. 277

Previously, Odaka Chōshichirō (尾高長七郎) had announced that he had been arrested while in possession of letters from Eiichi and Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作) about the anti-foreign plot and warned Eiichi and the others. Eiichi and Kisaku racked their brains and came up with a plan for their future. In an effort to help Eiichi and the others, Hiraoka Enshirō (平岡円四郎) had provided recommendations, and both Eiichi and Kisaku entered into service to the Hitotsubashi (一橋) family. On this day, Eiichi is named an okuguchiban (奥口番, back-entrance keeper) and a Goyō dansho (御用談所, Household Business Office) shitayaku shutsuyaku (下役出役, subordinate clerk). Later, in the middle of the 4th month (second half of May), he is promoted to the rank of okachi (御徒士, foot soldier).

2nd month of Genji 1 (March/April 1864) [id: DK010019k] ……… p. 292

Eiichi goes to Osaka on a secret mission for Hiraoka Enshirō (平岡円四郎) and studies under Orita Yōzō (折田要蔵), an official in charge of building a battery to defend the coast of Settsu [parts of present-day Osaka and Hyōgo prefectures]. Eiichi returns to Kyoto in the 4th month (May).

2nd and 3rd months of Genji 1 (March-May 1864) [id: DK010020k] ……… p. 302

Eiichi visits Saigō Takamori (西郷隆盛) at Shōkoku-ji Temple in Kyoto, where Saigō is staying. Eiichi is treated to pork hot pot and participates in an animated discussion.

5th month of Genji 1 (June/July 1864) [id: DK010021k] ……… p. 307

Eiichi leaves Kyoto for the Kantō region with Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作) and travels around Hitotsubashi (一橋) family domains in the provinces of Musashi, Kazusa [present-day central Chiba prefecture], Shimōsa [parts of present-day northern Chiba prefecture and southwestern Ibaraki prefecture], and Shimotsuke [present-day Tochigi prefecture] to recruit troops over a period of more than 100 days. Having gathered about 50 stalwart men, Eiichi and Kisaku return to Kyoto in the 9th month of Genji 1 (October 1864) bringing the men with them. While in Kantō, they met Odaka Chōshichirō (尾高長七郎) and asked him to forgive them and speak in their defense, but to no avail. Thus, although they wanted to return home, they could not and Eiichi was only able to see his father, wife, and child secretly.

9th month of Genji 1 (October 1864) [id: DK010022k] ……… p. 324

In the 6th month of this year (July 1864), Hiraoka Enshirō (平岡円四郎) had been assassinated and Kurokawa Kahee (黒川嘉兵衛) succeeded as steward of the Hitotsubashi (一橋) family. Upon their return to Kyoto, he treats Eiichi and the others with the same warmth as did Hiraoka.

12th month of Genji 1 (December 1864/January 1865) [id: DK010023k] ……… p. 331

Takeda Kōunsai (武田耕雲斎) and other radical anti-foreign activists who had risen up in arms at Mt. Tsukuba make their way across to Echizen province on the Sea of Japan, with Kyoto as their ultimate destination. Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu (一橋慶喜), having received an imperial order to suppress the rebellion, leads his troops to Ōtsu and then to Kaizu [present-day southern Gifu prefecture]. Eiichi and Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作) follow him.

15th day of 1st month, Keiō 1 (10 February 1865) [id: DK010024k] ……… p. 335

Eiichi is promoted to a post equivalent to a kojūnin (小十人, guard) and concurrently serves as a Goyō dansho (御用談所, Household Business Office) shirabekata shutsuyaku (調方出役, investigating officer). Diligent and self-restrained, Eiichi is highly trusted by his seniors.

3rd month, Keiō 1 (March/April 1865) [id: DK010025k] ……… p. 338

Previously, at the end of the 2nd month (late March), Eiichi had been named as the hohei toritate goyō gakari (歩兵取立御用掛, foot soldier recruiter). This month, he makes the rounds of Hitotsubashi (一橋) domains in Bitchū [present-day western Okayama prefecture], Harima [present-day southwestern Hyōgo prefecture], Settsu [parts of present-day Osaka and Hyōgo prefectures], and Izumi [present-day southern Osaka prefecture] provinces and returns to Kyoto bringing with him some four hundred plus newly recruited soldiers. At the same time, Eiichi visits the Confucian scholar Sakatani Rōro (阪谷朗廬) in the village of Terado in Bitchū.

23rd day of 4th month, Keiō 1 (17 May 1865) [id: DK010026k] ……… p. 365

Eiichi is appointed to also serve in the general affairs office of the Gakumonjo (学問所). Later, in the 8th month of the year, he is relieved of the position.

19th day of 8th month, Keiō 1 (8 September 1865) [id: DK010027k] ……… p. 365

Previously Eiichi had submitted three proposals for the improvement of the Hitotsubashi (一橋) family’s finances and his advice had been adopted. On this day he is transferred to a post equivalent to a kanjō kumigashira (勘定組頭, accounting section chief), which he holds concurrently with a post in the Goyō dansho (御用談所, Household Business Office).

Autumn-Winter of Keiō 1, Spring of Keiō 2 (1865, 1866) [id: DK010028k] ……… p. 368

In an effort to improve the financial situation of the Hitotsubashi (一橋) family, Eiichi goes on an official tour to Hyōgo, Osaka, Bitchū [present-day western Okayama prefecture], and Harima [present-day southwestern Hyōgo prefecture]. He sells nengumai (年貢米, rice paid as tax or rent) directly to Hyōgo, establishes a saltpeter factory in Bitchū, and issues a domain currency to facilitate the purchase of cotton cloth in Harima province. For these achievements Eiichi receives a promotion to the post of kanjō kumigashira (勘定組頭, accounting section chief) after his return to Kyoto.

7th-8th months, Keiō 2 (August-October 1866) [id: DK010029k] ……… p. 406

Shogun Tokugawa Iemochi (徳川家茂) dies, leaving no heir. The shogunate asks Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu (一橋慶喜) to take up the post of shogun. Eiichi and Kisaku (喜作) join Hara Ichinoshin (原市之進) in trying, without success, to persuade their lord not to accept the offer.

11th day of 8th month, Keiō 2 (19 September 1866) [id: DK010030k] ……… p. 412

Previously, Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu (一橋慶喜) had been appointed to lead an expeditionary force against the Chōshū domain [present-day Yamaguchi prefecture] on behalf of the shogun. Eiichi had been ordered to accompany the force. On this day, Eiichi is appointed to serve as a battlefield otsukai yaku (御使役, messenger), in conjunction with the position of kanjō kumigashira (勘定組頭, accounting section chief) and then he is also made a goyōnin tetsuki (御用人手附, steward’s clerical officer). Eiichi bids farewell to his wife by sending her a letter and a dagger.

7th day of 9th month, Keiō 2 (15 October 1866) [id: DK010031k] ……… p. 428

Eiichi becomes a vassal of the Tokugawa (徳川) shogun and is appointed as a shirabeyaku (調役, investigator) under the commissioner of the shogunal army. Not long after, Eiichi, in accordance with orders received, arrests shoin banshi (書院番士, castle guard) Ōsawa Genjirō (大沢源次郎) on suspicion of plotting a rebellion. Eiichi is commended for his bravery. Still, in the 11th month of that year (December 1866/January 1867), unhappy with his duties, he makes up his mind to quit.

Ca. Autumn of Keiō 2 (1866) [id: DK010032k] ……… p. 435

On the orders of Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu (徳川慶喜), Eiichi studies telegraphy under Ichikawa Saigū (市川斎宮).

29th day of 11th month, Keiō 2 (4 January 1867) [id: DK010033k] ……… p. 436

Earlier, it had been decided that Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武), younger brother of Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu (徳川慶喜), would be sent to the Universal Exposition to be held in Paris, France, the following year and stay to study in the same country after the exposition. On this day, Eiichi receives unofficial orders to accompany Akitake’s entourage. On the 7th day of the 12th month (12 January 1867) he is ordered to take charge of general affairs for the entourage and on the 21st day of the same month (26 January) is promoted to the rank of kanjō kaku (勘定格, accounting official). At this time, having no son, Eiichi adopts his brother-in-law Heikurō (平九郎) as his heir.

11th day of 1st month, Keiō 3 (15 February 1867) [id: DK010034k] ……… p. 450

Eiichi joins the entourage accompanying Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武), which departs from the port of Yokohama for France. Sailing via Shanghai, Hong Kong, Saigon, Singapore, Ceylon, Aden, Suez, Cairo, Alexandria, Marseille, Lyons, etc., the group arrives in Paris on the 7th day of the 3rd month (11 April) and stays at the Grand Hotel on Boulevard des Capucines.

24th of 3rd month, Keiō 3 (28 April 1867) [id: DK010035k] ……… p. 485

Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武), attended by one of the commissioners of foreign affairs, Mukōyama Kazufumi (向山一履), and others, meets with French Emperor Napoleon III. Not present at the meeting, Eiichi takes charge of sending gifts to the court for the French emperor. On the 28th of the same month (2 May) he observes a hot-air balloon flight.

29th day of 3rd month, Keiō 3 (3 May 1867) [id: DK010036k] ……… p. 489

Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) attends a theater party held by Napoleon III. Eiichi accompanies him. The following day, the 1st day of the 4th month (4 May), Eiichi also attends a dance performance at the legation and, on the following day, climbs the Arc de Triomphe.

3rd day of 4th month, Keiō 3 (6 May 1867) [id: DK010037k] ……… p. 491

Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) goes to see a dance performance at the Palais des Tuileries. Eiichi accompanies him. Then, on the 12th day of the same month (15 May), Eiichi moves into the Chalgrin apartment. He accompanies Akitake to an artillery and equipment arsenal on the 15th (18 May) and to see the streets and underground tunnels of Paris on the 24th day of the same month (27 May).

4th day of 5th month, Keiō 3 (6 June 1867) [id: DK010038k] ……… p. 497

Previously, on the last day of the 4th month (2 June), Eiichi had accompanied Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) to see horse racing in the Bois de Bologne suburb of Paris. On this day, Napoleon III holds a great military review. Akitake is invited to the review, which is also attended by the Russian emperor and others. Eiichi accompanies Akitake.

11th day of 5th month, Keiō 3 (13 June 1867) [id: DK010039k] ……… p. 502

Previously, on the 7th day of the 5th month (9 May), Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) had spent time at the Palace of Versailles in the company of the French emperor, Russian emperor, and the Prussian king. Eiichi had accompanied Akitake. On this day, Eiichi, attending Akitake, moves into a house at 53 Rue Pergolese in the Passy district of Paris.

18th day of 5th month, Keiō 3 (20 June 1867) [id: DK010040k] ……… p. 507

Eiichi accompanies Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) on trips to see the Universal Exposition. He goes there also on the 29th day of the 5th month, the 2nd and 21st days of the 6th month, and the 3rd day of the 8th month (1, 3, and 22 July and 31 August). On these visits, he investigates how Japanese articles on display are received and accompanies Akitake to observe waterworks and a reservoir and see the sights of the Bois de Bologne suburb of Paris and other places. He also makes preparations for touring various other countries.

6th day of 8th month, Keiō 3 (3 September 1867) [id: DK010041k] ……… p. 531

The exposition over, Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) and his entourage leave Paris to visit the other countries with which Japan has treaties in order to enhance mutual friendship. Their first destination is Switzerland. Prior to their departure, a dispute arose between a Japanese foreign ministry official and an attendant serving Akitake over how many would accompany Akitake. Eiichi mediates and the situation is resolved. They arrive in Bern on the following day, the 7th day of the 8th month (4 September).

8th day of 8th month, Keiō 3 (5 September 1867) [id: DK010042k] ……… p. 537

Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) meets with the Swiss president in Bern. The entourage stays for a few days, during which time Eiichi accompanies Akitake to see sights including a military review, an armory, a clock factory, and a telegraph instrument factory.

20th of 8th month, Keiō 3 (17 September 1867) [id: DK010043k] ……… p. 542

Previously, on the 16th day of the 8th month (13 September), the entourage had left Switzerland for the Netherlands and on the 18th day of the same month (15 September) had arrived in The Hague. On this day (17 September), Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) has an audience with the Dutch King William III in The Hague. The entourage stays for a few days, during which time Eiichi accompanies Akitake to do things such as see a navy yard and enjoy a tour of the Siebold villa. During the entourage’s stay in the Netherlands, Hayashi Kenkai (林研海), Itō Genpaku (伊東玄伯), and other students sent by the shogunate to study medicine assist the entourage in various ways.

28th day of 8th month, Keiō 3 (25 September 1867) [id: DK010044k] ……… p. 548

On the previous day, Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) and his entourage had entered Belgium from the Netherlands. On this day, Akitake has an audience with the Belgian king, Leopold I, in Brussels. From the following day, Eiichi accompanies Akitake to visit the army academy, a chemical factory, Fortress Antwerp, a factory for manufacturing cannon and other arms and ammunitions, a gun factory in Liége, an ironworks in Seraing, a mirror and glass factory in Marie d’Oignies, and a geography school, as well as to attend a military review. When Akitake once more has an audience with King Leopold I on the 9th day of the 9th month (6 October), the king tells Akitake that iron is a necessity for civilized countries, that the great powers use a great deal of it and minor powers small amounts, and that Japan should greatly increase its demand for iron and should buy it from Belgium. Listening in on this, Eiichi thinks how odd it is that in the West even a king speaks like a merchant.

27th day of 9th month, Keiō 3 (24 October 1867) [id: DK010045k] ……… p. 558

Previously, on the 12th day of the 9th month (9 October), the entourage had left Belgium and returned to Paris, where they stayed for eight days. On the 20th day of the same month (17 October), they had left Paris for Italy and arrived in the capital of Florence on the 24th (21 October). From the following day, Eiichi had accompanied Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) on outings such as to the king’s villa, the parliament building, and a stone-cutting factory. On this day (24 October), Akitake has an audience with the Italian king, Victor Emmanuel II, in Florence. The king presents medals to Akitake and his entourage. Eiichi receives a fifth grade medal. He accompanies Akitake to see the sights of Milan on the 1st day of the 10th month (27 October) and Pisa and elsewhere on the 5th day of the same month (31 October).

8th day of 10th month, Keiō 3 (3 November 1867) [id: DK010046k] ……… p. 569

Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) and his entourage depart from the Italian port of Livorno for France on board a British warship. On the 11th (6 November) they arrive in Malta and, during a few days’ stay on the island, Eiichi accompanies Akitake to see the fort, dock, iron mill, and other locations. They leave Malta on the 16th (11 November), arrive in Marseilles on the 22nd (17 November), and return to Paris the following day. During the voyage, soon after the ship left Malta, the ship stopped moving because of engine trouble. The ship’s captain reported the trouble to Akitake. On Eiichi’s advice, Akitake left the matter up to the captain. The captain decided to proceed using the ship’s sails and they managed to reach Marseilles.

9th day of 11th month, Keiō 3 (4 December 1867) [id: DK010047k] ……… p. 579

Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) and his entourage were in Paris for 11 days from the 24th day of the 10th month (19 November). On the 5th day of the 11th month (30 November) they had left Paris for Britain. Arriving in London on the 7th day of the same month (2 December), Eiichi had accompanied Akitake to see Parliament on the 8th (3 December). On this day Akitake has an audience with Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle. Starting on the 10th (5 December), Eiichi accompanies Akitake to visit the Times newspaper company, a library, factories making guns and other arms, the Crystal Palace, the Bank of England, a naval yard, and other locations, as well as to attend a military review.

22nd day of 11th month, Keiō 3 (17 December 1867) [id: DK010048k] ……… p. 596

Having left Britain the preceding day, Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) and his entourage return to Paris on this day, completing their courtesy visits to European countries. From this time on Akitake focuses on a program of study. Eiichi is kept very busy carrying out both official and private duties, without a spare moment.

1st month of Meiji 1 (Late January/February 1868) [id: DK010049k] ……… p. 612

A series of reports about the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate reaches the entourage, stunning all of its members. An imperial order, dated the 21st day of the 3rd month (13 April 1868), arrives, telling them to return to Japan. Eiichi had plans made in advance. Consulting the commissioner of foreign affairs, Kurimoto Joun (栗本鋤雲), Eiichi decides that Tokugawa Akitake (徳川昭武) should continue studying in France while the students sent to Europe by the shogunate will return home. He takes charge of procuring the funds needed. Ultimately, however, it is decided that Akitake will return to Japan in the 7th month (August/September). Eiichi and others make preparations.

14th day of 2nd month, Meiji 1 (7 March 1868) [id: DK010050k] ……… p. 697

Eiichi is assigned to the shihai shirabeyaku (支配調役, survey and investigation) division under the commissioner of foreign affairs.

23rd day of 5th month, Meiji 1 (12 July 1868) [id: DK010051k] ……… p. 697

Previously, the imperial expeditionary force had moved eastward. Calling for vengeance for the Tokugawa family, Eiichi’s cousins Odaka Junchū (尾高惇忠) and Shibusawa Kisaku (渋沢喜作) and others rallied their comrades and organized the Shōgitai (彰義隊) militia to fight against imperial forces from their base at Edo Tōei-san. For various reasons, they soon left the Shōgitai and formed another pro-Tokugawa force, the Shinbugun (振武軍), based in Hannō. Eiichi’s adopted son Heikurō (平九郎) joined them. On this day the Shinbugun is defeated in battle. Fleeing, Heikurō ultimately kills himself in the village of Kuroyama [in present-day Iruma city].

6th month of Meiji 1 (July/August 1868) [id: DK010052k] ……… p. 704

Eiichi is assigned as the shihai shirabeyaku (支配調役, survey investigator) under the commissioner of the Kaiseijo (開成所, School of Western Studies).