Nathan Algren (1835-?) was a US Army captain and American Civil War and Plains Indian Wars veteran who served as an advisor to the Imperial Japanese Army during the Meiji Restoration period and later to Saigo Takamori during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877.
Biography[]
Early career[]
Algren advertising a repeater rifle in San Francisco, 1876
Nathan Algren served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg and becoming a decorated war hero. After the war, he was redeployed to the American West, where he served under George Armstrong Custer in the Plains Indian Wars and participated in the massacre of Cheyenne Native Americans at the Battle of Washita River on 27 November 1868. His study of the Indian tribes was later published as a book, making him a high-profile veteran. Algren was traumatized and haunted by the atrocity and fell into alcoholism, but, during the 1870s, he was hired by Mr. McCabe of the Winchester Company to advertise the sale of repeater rifles on speaking tours in California which made use of his years as a war hero to sell weapons. However, after a show in 1876 resulted in a drunken Algren frightening the audience with gunshots and vivid descriptions of the horrors of war, as well as praying for those who had died "in the name of better mechanical amusements and commercial opportunities", Algren was fired from his job with Mr. McCabe.
Algren meeting Okubo Toshimichi
However, Algren's former brother-in-arms, Sergeant Zebulon Gant, told Algren that he had found an interesting job opportunity for the two of them, and he took him to a restaurant to meet with his old commanding officer, Colonel Howard Bagley, who, in turn, introduced Algren to Okubo Toshimichi, a businessman from Japan. Gant explained that Okubo was willing to pay any price to obtain "white experts" to serve as advisors to Emperor Meiji as he sought to modernize Japan; he also explained that, if the advisors made a good impression on the Emperor, the Emperor would grant the United States exclusive rights to supply arms. When Algren stated that he was already employed by the Winchester Company, Okubo noted that Winchester paid Algren just $25 a week, while the Japanese government would pay Algren $400 a month. Algren demanded $500 each for himself and Gant, as well as another $500 when they got the job done. Gant then asked whom the Imperial Japanese Army would be fighting, and Matsue explained that the samurai Saigo Takamori, the Emperor's former teacher, was rebelling against him. Bagley explained that Algren had experience in fighting renegades, and Okubo said that he had read Algren's book; Bagley praised the book as the key to defeating the Natives. Algren, traumatized by his memories of the Washita massacre, erupted into a laughing fit, saying that being reunited with the old corps was "inspiring"; Bagley then followed him out of the room and attempted to persuade him to leave the past behind and accept the job offer. Algren reluctantly agreed to take the job, saying that he would be paid to kill Japanese just as he had been paid to kill the Natives; however, he told Bagley to keep one thing in mind: that he would happily kill Bagley for free.
Journey to Japan[]
Algren arriving in Japan
On 12 July 1876, Bagley, Algren, and Gant set sail from San Francisco, California, bound for Japan; during the trip, Algren was reassured by the fact that he would be able to start anew in a new country. Upon arriving in Tokyo, Algren met the British photographer Simon Graham, who had been hired to serve as Algren's interpreter. While riding on a rickshaw, Graham told Algren that the Emperor was "mad for all things Western", while the samurai believed that things were changing too fast; he pointed out that the ancient and modern were warped in Japan, and that the Emperor brought in lawyers from France, engineers from Germany, architects from Holland, and, now, "warriors" from America. Graham then took Algren to meet with the Emperor himself, telling him that it was a treat for the commoner to meeet the Emperor, and that there was much ceremony to it, including not speaking unless spoken to, and bowing lower than the emperor would.
Algren and the other Americans meeting Emperor Meiji
Algren then introduced the Americans to Okubo and the Emperor, and the Emperor, through Okubo, asked Algren if he had fought the Indians, and if it was true that they wore eagle feathers and paint into battle. Algren said that the Natives fought bravely, and the Emperor emerged from his shadowy seat to personally thank Algren for his conversation.
Algren training the Japanese Army
On 22 July 1876, Algren and Gant began training the Imperial Japanese Army with the help of a translator, and Algren was amazed that, for six months' work, he was to receive three years of captain's pay. He also met General Arisugawa Taruhito, helping to train him in Western military strategy. As Arisugawa had great knowledge of Saigo Takamori and his rebellion, Algren decided to count on his help when facing the samurai. In addition, Algren had Graham translate several Japanese books so that he could better understand the samurai and their tactics, and he was astonished to hear that Takamori had neglected to equop his men with firearms, as they preferred to fight in the traditional manner.
First battle[]
Algren shooting at the Japanese private
Not long after, Okubo and Bagley approached Algren and told him that they needed his men to ready themselves for battle with Takamori's rebels, who were attacking a railroad (owned by Okubo) at the edge of his province. Algren said that his men - who were mostly conscripted peasants - were not ready for battle, but Bagley said that the samurai were "savages" using bows and arrows. To demonstrate his point, however, Algren ordered a young Japanese soldier to shoot him, or else he would shoot the private. Algren spooked the young conscript with several gunshots, one of which shot off his hat, and the conscript missed Algren when he finally shot his rifle. Nevertheless, Bagley ordered that the regiment move out at 6:00 AM.
Algren being captured
Algren and the Westerners accompanied the regiment down the 1,000-mile-long railroad, and Algren assured his cohort that Takamori would find the Imperial Army and bring it to battle. Sure enough, the two armies met in the woods, and the Japanese soldiers were frightened when the samurai cavalry emerged from the mist. Many of the soldiers fired earlier than ordered and ignored Algren's orders to cease their fire, and they broke and ran as the cavalry closed in, belaying Algren's orders to hold the line and fire at will. The samurai slaughtered the soldiers, with one of them impaling a wounded Gant with his katana. Algren attempted to avenge his friend, fighting off several samurai with a tiger banner, catching the eye of Takamori himself. Algren stabbed a samurai in the neck with the fragmented spear before the samurai could finish him off, and Takamori called off his men as they were about to kill Algren.
Captivity in Kyushu[]
Saigo Taka tending to Algren
Algren was then taken back to the village deep in the mountains where Takamori had established his base, and Takamori - speaking English - asked Algren who he was. Algren refused to reply, even after a samurai slightly cut his neck with a katana, and Takamori told Algren that his son Saigo Nobutada was responsible for the village, and that winter was coming, meaning that he would not escape. Algren's wounds were tended to by Takamori's sister Saigo Taka, and he gradually convalesced and became fascinated with the lifestyles of the villagers, especially the samurai villagers.
Algren eating with the Saigo family
One day, Algren was taken to Takamori as he prayed at a temple Takamori claimed had been built by his family 1,000 years ago. He finally introduced himself to Takamori after Takamori asked for his name, saying that, while Algren may be off-put by Japan's unique customs, not introducing oneself was considered extremely rude in Japan, even among enemies. He also told Algren that he wanted to practice his English with him, as well as to get to know his enemy. Algren was then invited to eat with the family, who came to like him.
Ujio challenging Algren
One rainy evening, Nobutada invited Algren to practice sword-fighting with his two nephews, whose father Algren had discovered had been the red samurai he had killed in his first battle in Japan (he was also Taka's wife). The master swordsman Ujio came across Algren sparring with one of the boys using wooden planks, and he challenged Algren to a sword fight, with Ujio making short work of Algren and humbling him.
Takamori talking with Algren about George Armstrong Custer
The next day, Algren visited Takamori in the temple, where Takamori asked him about his fighting against the Indians, as he wanted to learn more about his enemy and his fighting now that Ujio was teaching Algren how to fight like a samurai. He also asked if Algren was a general of his army, but Algren said that he was only a Captain, and that it was a middle-rank. When Takamori asked who his general was, Algren said that it had been Lieutenant-Colonel George Armstrong Custer. Takamori said that he recognized the name, and that Custer must have been a great general, as he had killed several enemies; Algren said that Custer was not a great general, as he was "arrogant and foolhardy", and that he had met his demise after he arrogantly led a single battalion against 2,000 Indians. When Algren clarified that Custer had just 201 men, Takamori said, "I like this General Custer," as he was impressed by his brave death and the odds that Custer had faced. Algren responded by saying that, "He was a murderer who fell in love with his own legend, and his troopers died for it." Takamori said that Custer died a good death, and, when Algren said that Takamori might die like that someday, Takamori said that it would happen if it was in his destiny. An angry Algren asked Takamori what he wanted from him, and Takamori responded by asking Algren what he wanted for himself.
Saving Takamori[]
Ujio and Algren training in swordsmanship
Over the next few weeks, Algren came to admire the local villagers, writing in his journal of his amazement at how, from the moment they woke, the Japanese people sought perfection in whatever they pursued, and remarked that he had never before seen such discipline. He was also intrigued by the name samurai meaning "to serve", and how Takamori claimed to be serving the Emperor with his rebellion. At the same time, Algren continued to practice his swordsmanship with Ujio, impressing him. He also began to learn Japanese from Taka's friendly children, and he grew closer to Taka, apologizing for killing her husband.
Algren helping to thwart the ninja attack
One night, during a kabuki performance, a group of ninja attempted to assassinate Takamori with a crossbow, but Algren warned Takamori, leading to the ninja accidentally killing one of the performers with a bolt to the throat. Algren helped Takamori fight off the ninja as they burst into his home, and he also rescued one of Taka's children. Ultimately, all of the ninja were killed, and the village was saved.
Takamori and Algren talking in the garden
The next morning, Takamori met Algren in the garden, where Takamori was composing a poem about the beauty of the blossoms. When he asked Algren to suggest a final verse to his poem, Algren said that he was not a writer, but Takamori pointed out that Algren had written many pages since his arrival. Algren asked what else Taka had told Takamori, and Takamori said that he heard Algren had been experiencing nightmares. Algren said that all soldiers experienced nightmares, but Takamori said that only those who were ashamed of what they had done had nightmares. Takamori deduced that Algren had seen many things, and that he did not fear death, although he sometimes wished for it. He then told Algren about the warrior's code, bushido, before telling him that Emperor Meiji had granted them safe passage to Tokyo, and that they would leave the next day.
Return to Tokyo[]
Algren accompanying Takamori into Tokyo
After bidding farewell to Taka and the children, Algren accompanied Takamori and his entourage into Tokyo, causing the citizens to flee in terror at the sight of the samurai. Many citizens bowed out of respect, and Graham - who had been working as a photographer - was overjoyed to see Algren return. While back in Tokyo, Algren also saw that the Imperial Japanese Army had since become a modern fighting force which was now proficient even in the use of Western artillery. Bagley then greeted Algren and told him that the Japanese would soon be able to keep their Western weaponry once they agreed to the treaty proposed by the American ambassador.
Algren talking with Okubo in Tokyo
Algren was then brought by Bagley to meet with Okubo, and Bagley and Okubo asked Algren about Takamori. Algren refused to disclose how many samurai had joined Takamori's ranks, saying that he had only been a prisoner; when Algren asked if the rebels had acquired firearms, Algren said that they were, as Bagley said, "savages with bows and arrows". Okubo rushed out Bagley and the American ambassador in order to solicit a private word with Algren, and Algren agreed to Okubo's assessment that Takamori was an extraordinary man. Okubo told Algren that the samurai had great appeal, and informed him that he had no intention of letting more samurai join Takamori's cause, lest the rebellion drag on for ten years. He then announced that either he would stop Takamori at the Imperial Council that same day, or Algren would lead the Imperial Army against Takamori, admitting that Algren had previously been right in saying that the Army had not been ready in 1876, but saying that the Army was now ready for battle. Algren said that his contract had only been to train the army, but Okubo suggested that they make a new contract in honor of Algren's service to the Emperor, saying that Algren did not have a choice.
Choosing sides[]
The soldiers cutting the samurai's hair
Algren then walked out to meet with Graham, who announced that the meeting was soon to begin. Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion caused by several soldiers harassing a samurai, and Algren attempted to intervene, leading to the soldiers butting him with their rifles. Algren persuaded the samurai to sheathe his sword and could only watch as the soldiers forcibly cut off his bun, a symbol of the old han system and a bygone way of life. Algren then returned to his room, where Bagley gave Algren his paycheck and back pay, and thanked him for turning down Okubo's offer to give him Bagley's job. Bagley then told Algren that he would have enough money to crawl into a bottle for the rest of his life, and said that their job was nearly done anyways, as Takamori was about to be killed, which would lead to the collapse of his rebellion. Bagley took notice of a non-vocal Algren's dismay, and he asked what about Algren's "own people" Algren hated so much, having noticed a kanji scroll given to Algren. Algren ignored Bagley, who promptly left the room.
Algren meeting Takamori in the palace
That evening, Algren headed to the palace in an attempt to rescue Takamori from his forced suicide, as Takamori had been condemned to commit seppuku for carrying a sword in public. Algren killed three guards in a sword fight before being escorted into the palace by Graham, and he then met with Takamori. Takamori was shocked that Algren had not decided to return to America, and Algren said that he thought he could convince Takamori to escape. When Takamori asked how Algren intended to do that, Ujio entered the room after killing the guards outside, motivating Takamori to accept. Graham also agreed to join the rebels, with Takamori inviting Graham to take photographs of his village. The escaping samurai were aided by more of Takamori's followers, who used bows and arrows to kill several guards, and they escaped across a bridge, although Nobutada was mortally wounded by riflemen in the process, and he died of his wounds before the others escaped.
Return to Kyushu[]
Takamori talking with Algren by the campfire
Upon returning to Kyushu, a despondent Takamori told Algren that the Emperor could not humor words, so he would send the army after Takamori, marking the end of the rebellion. Takamori also said that, while his ancestors had protected his people for 900 years, he had failed them. Algren said that it was a shame that Takamori would take his own life, and Takamori said that the way of the samurai was not necessary anymore. Algren asked Takamori what was more necessary, and Takamori decided that he would die by the sword, by his own or by his enemy's; Algern told Takamori to let it be his enemy's, and pledged that, together, they would make the Emperor hear him. The next day, the samurai returned to the village, where the locals learned of Nobutada's death. Algren comforted Taka and her son after they heard of Nobutada's death.
The Imperial Japanese Army arriving for battle
Soon after, Algren accompanied Takamoto to watch the arrival of a vast Imperial army, which Algren estimated consisted of two regiments, who would come in waves of 1,000 men. Takamoto told Algren that he had 500 men, not unlike Custer; Algren told Takamoto of the heroic stand of 300 Greeks at the Battle of Thermopylae, where they held off 1 million Persian soldiers until the Persians lost their taste for battle after two days of intense fighting. Algren suggested that Takamoto rob the Imperial Army of its advantage of superior firepower by luring their guns close enough for swordsmen to attack, and, when Takamoto asked Algren if he believed his plan would work, Algren said that he believed that "a man does what he can...until his destiny is revealed."
Final battle[]
Taka embracing Algren
On 25 May 1877, Algren made his last journal entry, and Taka dressed him for battle in samurai gear and kissed him for the first time. Algren then joined Takamori in readying the men for battle, and Takamori endowed Algren with a samurai sword with poetry engraved on it. The samurai forces then rode out to battle, and Algren accompanied Takamori as he rode ahead of his army to parley with the Japanese.
The two sides parleying before the Battle of Shiroyama
Bagley was surprised to see Algren donning red samurai armor, and he told Takamori that he and his men would have the chance to be spared if they surrendered immediately. Takamori said that Okubo knew that this would not happen, and Okubo nodded and grinned, as he took pleasure in knowing that the samurai would be forced into a last stand. Bagley then warned Algren that, if he rode against the Imperial Army, they would not discriminate between him and the other samurai. Algren told Bagley that he would look for him on the field, and he rode off with Takamori.
Graham talking to Algren before the battle
Algren then returned to the battle lines, where he entrusted Graham with his journals, saying that Graham could use them for his book. Before Algren left, Graham wished him "godspeed", and Algren bade him farewell and readied himself for battle. The Imperial Army's riflemen advanced following a withering howitzer barrage which forced the samurai to retreat, and the samurai covered their retreat with burning palisades to mask their withdrawal. The Imperial Army's riflemen inflicted heavy losses on the samurai archers hiding behind small wooden posts, but their first column suffered heavy losses in a fire attack followed by arrow barrages.
The samurai charging the riflemen
Takamori, who was in cover with Algren, then asked him what happened to the warriors at Thermopylae; Algren said, "dead to the last man," causing Takamori to grin. The two men then led their force into battle, suffering heavy losses to rifle fire before closing in for melee combat with the regiment. The elderly and silent samurai who had previously served as Algren's guard during his captivity (with Algren nicknaming him "Bob") was killed after warning Algren of a rifleman who was aiming at him, and Algren himself slew several foes as the samurai gradually suffered serious losses. Ultimately, the samurai fought hard enough to rout the two Imperial regiments, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
Takamori talking to Algren between battles
As the samurai counted their dead, Algren deduced that the Army would send in two more regiments, and that the samurai could not hold them again. Takamori told Algren that Algren did not have to die there, to which Algren said that he should have died so many times before. Takamori said that it was not yet Algren's time to die, but Algren decided to accompany Takamori on a suicidal cavalry charge against the rest of the Imperial Army to end the battle.
Algren charging into battle
Takamori and Algren proceeded to charge across the battlefield, and their comrades suffered heavy losses from howitzer fire. During the charge, Bagley attempted to shoot Takamori with his revolver, but Algren hurled his katana into Bagley's chest, killing him. The Imperial Army turned the tide with its use of Gatling Guns to massacre the oncoming samurai cavalry, and both Algren and Takamori were seriously wounded by the hail of bullets. The Imperial artillery captain, Hashimoto Akisane - whom Algren had previously trained - was dismayed by the massacre of the brave samurai and ordered the Gatling guns to cease their fire.
Algern holding a dying Takamori
The wounded Algern and Takamori then cradled each other, and Algern told Takamori that he would miss their conversations. Takamori then signalled that he was ready to die, and Algern helped Takamori push his wakizashi into this abdomen, and Takamori slowly died from his seppuku, although he was able to have one last glance at the "perfect" blossoms on a tree and die a happy man. The Japanese soldiers watching the death of the "last samurai" followed Hashimoto's example by bowing in reverence for Takamori's brave end, and Algren was able to leave the battlefield alive, despite his many wounds.
Last known act[]
Algren bowing before the Emperor
Algren then travelled to Tokyo, where he was allowed into the Emperor's room as Okubo was about to conclude the arms treaty with the American ambassador. Algren, wearing his US Cavalry uniform, presented the Emperor with Takamori's sword, saying that Takamori wanted the Emperor to have it, and with it the strength of the samurai and the memories of the ancestors who had once held the sword. The Emperor asked if Algren was with Takamori at the end, and Algren said that he was, and he then said that, if the Emperor believed him to be his enemy, he would gladly take his life. The Emperor then said that, while he had dreamed of a unified, strong, and independent Japan, and that the Japanese had adopted Western weapons and clothing, the Japanese people should not forget who they were or where they came from, and the Emperor concluded that the American ambassador's treaty was not in the best interest of the Japanese people. When Okubo protested, the Emperor threatened to seize his family's assets and redistribute them among the people, causing Okubo to storm off. The Emperor then asked Algren to tell him how Takamori died, to which Algren responded that he would tell the Emperor how Takamori lived.
Fate[]
Algren returning to the village
Graham, in his book The Last Samurai, wrote that nobody knew what became of the American captain, with some saying that he died of his wounds, others saying that he returned to America, and he himself saying that he may have, at last found some measure of peace that all people sought and few ever found, envisioning that Algren returned to Takamori's village in Kyushu to live out the rest of his life with Taka.
Gallery[]
