Mori Tsunekichi (森常吉)
Tsunekichi MORI (July 16, 1826 - December 15, 1869) was a feudal retainer of Kuwana Domain in the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate. Later, he became a member of Shinsengumi. He served as a commanding officer. He is also known as Yaichizaemon. His real name was Tsuraaki.
During the time of Boshin War, he fought in Battle of Ueno. After that, he took his passage to Ezochi (inhabited area of Ainu) together with a feudal retainer of the same domain, Daijiro SEKIKAWA and others, guarding the lord of domain, Sadaaki MATSUDAIRA, who belonged to Thoroughgoing resistance force. After joining Shinsengumi, he participated in Battle of Hakodate.
After the defeat in the Battle of Hakodate, the Kuwana Domain was subjected to a cross-examination by New government army. Assuming full responsibility of the Kuwana Domain, he killed himself after he was released in 1869. It was when he was 44. His tomb is in Junen-ji Temple in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture.
His death poem was as follows.
Even my life that's so dearHow could I be hesitantTo sacrifice just for you
How delightful it is To dedicate myselfLeaving this world in place of you
*"you" means the lord of the domain, Sadaaki MATSUDAIRA.