Embassy to the Eastern Courts: America's Secret First Pivot Toward Asia, 1832–37
Naval Institute Press, 2015. Hardcover. New tightly bound hardcover in a new dust jacket. 8vo. (6.2 x 1 x 9.3 inches) Text is bright and free of marks or underlining. Includes a bibliography and an index. 256 pp.
Fast shipping in a secure book box mailer with tracking. New / New. Item #1019
ISBN: 9781612514161
Some two centuries ago, during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, New England's merchants and traders found themselves frozen out of their traditional markets in Europe and the Caribbean. Desperate for new business for their idled ships and crews, they asked President Andrew Jackson to explore opportunities for them on the other side of the globe. Prompted by the secretary of the navy, Jackson sent Edmund Roberts--an unemployed ship owner from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with no diplomatic experience--on an embassy (mission) to the potentates of Oman, Siam, Cochin China, and Japan, to negotiate pioneering trade treaties.
Although he failed twice to win over the emperor of Cochin China and died miserably in Macao before departing for Japan, Roberts' embassy was nonetheless instrumental in opening doors to new diplomatic realms and extending the commerce of the fledgling American nation.
Kept secret at the time and largely forgotten today, Edmund Roberts' fascinating and important story is recounted in this latest book by Andrew Jampoler--retired naval officer turned maritime historian--whose previous works include Sailors in the Holy Land and The Last Lincoln Conspirator..
Price: $12.95