Lot 4241
(Grant, Ulysses S.). An important document outlining concerns for a planned Grant trip to China in 1879-1880. Six pages, quarto, Shanghai, June 5, 1879. Docketed (US Consulate General Shanghai) on verso. Linen binder at top right corner, transmittal folds, minor surface soil. Fine.
Complied while preparing for Grant's visit, this is a fascinating, well-reasoned analysis of Grant's position vis-a-vis Chinese officials. Faced with the unique problem of explaining the position of a past president to a society ruled by lifetime monarchs, the unnamed diplomat who created this document has written: "That he has been a sovereign will be their ruling thought; and, from the very nature of things, as they understand them, he can not be much less now…We can not undertake to teach them, on this special occasion, wherein a Republic differs from a Monarchy…The Emperor…and the Viceroy…are the only Chinese upon whom the General should call…" While on his post-Presidency travels across the globe, Grant visited China, stopping in Hong Kong, Canton, Shanghai, Tienstin and Peking. This wonderful document presents a truly fascinating picture of the 19th century American view of China and is an important piece of diplomatic and presidential history.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
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| Realized $288 |
