CONFERENCE HOSTS
Hosts, Part Two: The Russian and Japanese Delegations Arrive at the Shipyard
Local people rowed out to the Mayflower to watch the Russians board their cutter for the ride to the shipyard dock. Portsmouth Athenaeum collection. View larger image.
The Russian's cutter arrives at the shipyard dock. Portsmouth Athenaeum collection. View larger image.
The Russian delegation was met at the dock by Admiral Mead and Secretary Peirce. Portsmouth Athenaeum collection. View larger image.
Then a nineteen-gun salute indicated that the Russians were leaving the Mayflower on the Admiral's cutter. They were first greeted by local people in small boats. The Russians approached the dock on the barge that flew the American flag forward and the Russian aft. After Witte, then Rosen and the other Russians stepped ashore, their flag vanished so that the Japanese would not be affronted by seeing it on an American vessel.
Peirce and Mead greeted the Russians on the landing whereupon they all climbed the steps to pass through a receiving line of other yard officers. Escorted by Peirce, the Russians went to the conference building, ironically passing before the gun battery as it boomed its welcome to the Japanese. In all 76 guns were fired to salute both delegations.
Witte doffs his hat as he leaves the shipyard dock. Portsmouth Athenaeum collection. View larger image.
The Russians walk to the General Stores building while saluted by shipyard guns. Portsmouth Athenaeum collection. View larger image.
Japanese Delegation Arrives
The Japanese arrived in Portsmouth aboard the Dolphin. Portsmouth Athenaeum collection. View larger image.
The Japanese approach the shipyard dock in their electric-powered cutter. Portsmouth Athenaeum collection. View larger image.
Komura was the first ashore, followed by Takahira and the rest of the Japanese who were greeted like the Russians and escorted to the peace building. There both parties were first introduced to Mrs. Mead and New Hampshire officials invited to the luncheon.
A detachment of United States Marines was assigned to the shipyard for duty during the peace conference. Portsmouth Athenaeum collection. View larger image.