| Gyokusen-ji is a Buddhist temple in [[Shimoda]], on the [[Izu peninsula]]. It is notable as the site of the graves of a number of members of [[Commodore Perry]]'s crew. | | Gyokusen-ji is a Buddhist temple in [[Shimoda]], on the [[Izu peninsula]]. It is notable as the site of the graves of a number of members of [[Commodore Perry]]'s crew. |
− | Robert Williams, a 24-year-old crewmember onboard the ''[[USS Mississippi]]'', became in [[1854]] the first member of the mission to die in Japan. He was initially buried at [[Zotoku-in|Zôtoku-in]] in [[Yokohama]], but his grave was moved to Gyokusen-ji three months later.<ref>Ishin Shiryô Kôyô 維新史料綱要, vol 1 (1937), 553.</ref> The cemetery at Gyokusen-ji includes the graves of three Russians, and five Americans, most of whom were also members of Perry's mission. | + | Robert Williams, a 24-year-old crewmember onboard the ''[[USS Mississippi]]'', became on [[1854]]/2/8 (March 6) the first member of the mission to die in mainland Japan. He was initially buried at [[Zotoku-in|Zôtoku-in]] in [[Yokohama]], but his grave was moved to Gyokusen-ji three months later.<ref>Ishin Shiryô Kôyô 維新史料綱要, vol 1 (1937), 553.</ref> The cemetery at Gyokusen-ji includes the graves of three Russians, and five Americans, most of whom were also members of Perry's mission. |