Shoshidai.--This is the representative of the Shiogoon at the court of Miako. It is an office requiring much tact and independence of character. Formerly it was held by one of the more powerful Daimios, but it was found that the tendency to be won over to the party of the Emperor was great, and it is now generally intrusted to a Fudai. His duty is to act as a go-between or embassador to the imperial court, and at the same time report to Yedo all changes. He does not address himself personally to the Emperor, or even to the Kwanbakku, but to the Tenso, the officer deputed for that purpose, and who in turn is at times sent to Yedo as envoy from the Emperor. The office is one which entails great expenditure, but it is one in which personal influence may be largely used for the furtherance of intrigue and the acquisition of power. When Sakai was made Shoshidai, the Shiogoon gave him an addition to his income of 10,000 koku per annum. He fell into disgrace with the Emperor, and committed suicide in 1862. The Emperor accused him of telling him falsehoods, while Sakai did not know that the accounts furnished him were not true. Had he not committed suicide, his property would have been taken from his son. His father committed suicide also as Shoshidai at Miako in the time of Kokaku, grandfather of the present Emperor. Miako matchi boonio.--Two officers, governors of Miako, under the Shiogoon, whose duties are similar to those of the governor of Yedo. Kinri tsuki.--Two officers who act as messengers between the imperial officers and the Shoshidai. Nijio dzei ban.--The castle of the Shiogoon in Miako is called Nijio. Two Daimios, and men under them, are appointed guards or governors of the castle. There is a keeper of the storehouses in Miako belonging to the Shiogoon; also a keeper of the weapons of war, guns, great and small, and an officer who superintends the boats on the Yodongawa, the river running past Miako, to give out licenses and receive the payment. Fushimi boonio.--A Daimio, governor of the town of Fushimi, near Miako. Here Taikosama resided, and built the costly palace which was destroyed by an earthquake. All Daimios have or had residences at Fushimi. Osaka jiodai.--Governor of the town of Osaka. Jiobang.--Keeper or warden of the castle of Osaka, built by Taikosama. Dzeibang.--Captains of the guards in that castle. Two Daimios take this duty. Kabang.--Four Daimios. These three last officers are all together keepers of the castle of Osaka. Osaka matchi boonio is street governor of Osaka. Funate is head officer over the boats and boatmen. Kohoo, or Kofu.--The capital town of Kahi province, or Koshiu, where the Shiogoon has a large castle, built by Takeda Singeng. Hattamoto that have fallen into the black books of the government for vicious conduct, or immorality, drinking, etc., are sent to this castle. Sometimes as many as 500 Hattamoto are there in a sort of arrest, under surveillance before being again employed.