The Japanese corvette Tsukuba, which arrived at San Francisco four weeks ago, has excited much interest among the citizens and officers of the United States Navy stationed at Mare Island. The vessel is constructed of teak wood, and carries twelve guns. She was designed and built by the English Government at the principal East Indian station, and was christened the Malacca. She is stanch and strong, and in good order, and used as a training-ship for officers and men. Her commander is Captain Ito: the executive officer, Commodore Fa-ku-mu-ra; and the chief instructor, Mr. Austin, a gunner in the English service who has obtained three years’ leave of absence for the purpose of drilling the native officers.
Since her arrival at San Francisco, the Tsukuba has visited the Mare Island Navy Yard and Sacramento, and the fullest facilities have been extended by her officers for the public to examine the craft and test the proficiency of her crew. Receptions have been given by and to the officers, and, altogether, their trip to the Pacific Slope has been marked by expressions of mutual pleasure and instruction, for which much is due to Mr. Takaki, the Japanese Consul.
Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, New York, NY, February 12, 1876
