Mr. Buck to Mr. Hay.
Tokyo, January 16, 1900.
Sir: As a matter of some interest, I have the honor to report that the steamship transport Grant, with the Forty-eighth Regiment United States Infantry (colored), under command of Col. William P. Duvall, arrived in Yokohama on the 11th instant, remaining some days to coal, and departing yesterday for Manila.
By the courtesy of the Japanese Government Colonel Duvall was permitted, on Saturday, the 13th instant, to take his regiment ashore [Page 758] with arms and hold a dress parade and drill on one of the public squares of the city, much to the gratification of American citizens there and to the pleasure of the people of Yokohama of all nationalities. I had the pleasure of witnessing the parade and drill. Considering the fact, as stated by Colonel Duvall, that his men had not had their rifles in hand since leaving San Francisco, twenty-two days before, and of course had done no regimental marching or drilling, the execution of the march and manual of arms was astonishingly good. The regiment was in good health and spirits, and the soldierly bearing and general appearance of the men were all that could be desired.
This, as I am informed, is the first armed body of soldiers of any nationality ever permitted to land and parade at any port in Japan. Such a marked courtesy extended to our troops is very gratifying, and it was hardly to be expected.
I have, etc.,