Yes it was a most productive and bizarre night for MissB...
First off I came across this little "documentary" about a couple of
people setting off to check out rumors of a Shinsengumi ghost that
has been appearing in Kyoto. Or at least that is what it says it is
about. This sounds suspiciously like it could be the "Shinsengumi
Witch Project" to me...
Some caution on the site might be wise. I did not see any pics that
might offend, but some of the other titles were a bit raunchy. This
is perhaps only for the very brave then.
http://vinfo.xcity.jp/english/info.html?ID=ENG0101
Next I found a more "family friendly" tourist site that had a new
detail about Hijikata's death. Apparently there was a barrier of some
sort he was trying to break through when he was killed? I know that
many roads in the Edo period had check points which all travelers had
to pass through in order for the Bakufu to be able to control the
movements of troops and weapons in the country. I am guessing that
this "barrier" was one of the checkpoints in Ezo?
Also some info on a memorial tower that the people of Hakodate built
especially for the Tokugawa war dead.
http://www.0033worldnavi.com/featured-city/en/hakodate/page3.php
And last but certainly not least is this little reference to Kondo
getting his butt kicked?! In all fairness it says he was using a
spear at the time rather than a sword, but still... Tale tell or
truth?
Scroll to the very bottom to find the relevant comment.
http://www.bushinjuku.com/arts/bushinarts/fusen/fusen.htm
On a note of redemption for the Commander's honor, I did find a small
reference saying that people in Nagareyama now consider him a hero
for surrendering and sparing their town from being destroyed in fight.
-MissB