We were disturbed just as we were preparing for dinner by the body of one of the American gentlemen being borne in on the shoulders of five men, and badly wounded. He was laid on the floor and search made, but no wound being discovered, he was given some hot brandy and water, when it transpired that his revolver had accidentally gone off in the pocket of his _pants_. He sat up and ate a very good dinner, but blood having been discovered under his chair, it was thought advisable to make a further examination on our arrival next day in the _Firm_ at Yokohama. [Sidenote: Jan. 21.] [Sidenote: Jan. 24.] The English mail having arrived at Yokohama on 20th, we sailed the following day, and arrived off Osaka on the 24th, in time to cross the bar before dusk, when I proceeded to the Legation, _Rodney_ going on to Corvé Bay. News had already reached Osaka of the burnings and doings at Yedo. [Sidenote: Jan. 26.] On 26th took leave of Sir Harry Parkes for a while; my intention to leave Captain Stanhope of _Ocean_ in charge. The Tycoon’s troops, some 2000 strong, marched this morning for Miako. Reports of disaffection on part of Satsuma’s followers; most likely provisions failing. [Sidenote: Jan. 27.] Shifted flag to _Adventure_, and took leave of Japan for a while. _Rodney_ to follow. [Sidenote: Feb. 1.] Arrived at Shanghai. Made arrangements with regard to the new Naval Yard to be established on the right bank of Woosung River. [Sidenote: Feb. 6.] Shifted flag to _Salamis_. [Sidenote: Hong Kong, Feb. 10.] Arrived at Hong Kong, 10.40 A.M. _Rodney_ arrived 2.30 P.M. Shifted flag to her. Each successive mail from northward brought accounts of the movements of the Civil War. The troops whom the Tycoon had sent against the disaffected princes had been met by Satsuma’s followers and dispersed. The Tycoon, taking fright, had departed for city of Yedo, leaving his magnificent castle to be burnt. The Foreign Legations had quitted Osaka the best way they could, and retired upon Hiogo under the protection of the ships-of-war. The Tycoon’s want of courage and retreat greatly disgusted Monsieur Roches, the French Minister. The French having embarked large sums in the construction of docks and other works, were pecuniarily interested in the stability of the Tycoon’s Government. M. Roches retired to Yokohama, and would likely have continued his retreat to Paris, had he not been stopped by the newly-arrived French Admiral, Monsieur Ohier. [Sidenote: Japan. Flag in _Rodney_.]