Birth of Matthew C. Perry 

US #1021 pictures Perry’s ships in Tokyo Bay with Mount Fuji in the background.

Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry was born on April 10, 1794, in Newport, Rhode Island.

Born to a naval captain, Perry was the younger brother of Oliver Hazard Perry. Navy life was in his blood and Perry began his career at the age of 15 as a midshipman aboard the USS Revenge, under his older brother’s command.

In the coming years, Perry served on several other ships, including the USS President, aboard which he was an aide to the Commodore. While on that ship, he took part in a battle against the British before the start of the War of 1812. And he remained on that ship after the war started when the President fired the first shot of the war at the HMS Belvidera. Perry was later transferred to the USS United States, where he served under Stephen Decatur.

US #1021 – Classic First Day Cover.

After the war, Perry served on several ships in the Mediterranean. He served under William Bainbridge in the Second Barbary War, took part in patrols off Liberia, and was offered a commission in the Imperial Russian Navy, which he turned down.

By 1821, Perry was in command of the USS Shark. The following year, he sailed the Shark to Key West, Florida to claim the Keys as United States territory. Perry then took command of the USS Concord, served as the second officer of the New York Navy Yard, and was promoted to captain.

US #1021 – Fleetwood First Day Cover.

As a captain, Perry oversaw the construction of and then commanded the USS Fulton, the Navy’s second steam frigate. Perry recognized the importance of naval education and promoted an apprentice system to train new sailors. He helped create the course of study for the US Naval Academy, organized the first corps of naval engineers, led the first naval gunnery school, and pushed for the modernizing of the Navy. For his efforts, he was called the Father of the Steam Navy.

During the Mexican-American War, Perry was in command of the USS Mississippi. He captured Frontera and Tampico and fought at the First Battle of Tabasco. He also participated in the end stages of the siege of Veracruz before attacking other Mexican port cities. He personally led a landing force in taking San Juan Bautista.

US #1021 – Plate Block First Day Cover.

One of Perry’s most famous accomplishments came in the 1850s. Under the direction of President Millard Fillmore, he traveled to Japan to open relations. On July 8, 1853, Perry led four steamships into Tokyo Bay. The Japanese were impressed by the giant steamships, which they had never seen before and described as “giant dragons puffing smoke.”

Item #47038A – Proof Card marking Perry’s 198th birthday.

When Perry arrived in Tokyo Bay (then called Uraga Harbor), he demanded to be allowed to present President Fillmore’s letter. His requests were rejected, so Perry opened fire with the ships’ cannons on several buildings. The Japanese realized they could not match the firepower of the American ships and allowed Perry to come ashore.

Perry then presented the letter, requesting that Americans stranded in Japan be returned home and expressing interest in opening trade between the two nations. He also presented the emperor with a variety of gifts, including a working steam locomotive model, a telegraph, a telescope, and several wines and liquors, all intended to show the Japanese the superiority of American culture and benefits of trade.

US #4413 – Perry recommended the building of this lighthouse while in the Florida Keys in the 1820s.

The following year, both sides signed the Treaty of Kanagawa, establishing peace between the two nations. The treaty also called for the opening of two ports to American ships, assistance and protection for American ships stranded in the area, and permission for American ships to buy supplies, coal, water, and other provisions in Japanese ports.

Upon his return to the US, Perry received a reward of $20,000, which he used to compile a three-volume report on his time in Japan. Perry finished his report just months before his death on March 4, 1858.

Click here to see what else happened on This Day in History.

Did you like this article? Click here to rate:
Share this Article

4 Comments

  1. The great, great, great grand son of Perry, a personal friend, has been a renowned ballon pilot for many years.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *