Lawrence Kearny

Lawrence Kearny

Commodore Lawrence Kearny (30 November 1789 – 29 November 1868) was an officer in the United States Navy during the early nineteenth century. In the early 1840's he began negotiations with China which opened that country to U.S. trade and pointed the way toward the American Open Door Policy a half century later.

Early Life

Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Kearny was appointed Midshipman in the Navy 24 July 1807. Commodore Kearny was known for his tenacity in capturing slave traders in West-Indian waters and his efforts in fighting Greek pirates in the Mediterranean Sea.

Pacific Diplomacy

Some Americans in China suffered during the first Opium War of 1839 as Chinese indignant about British opium traders failed to distinguish between English-speaking people of European ancestry. Commodore Kearny was given command of a squadron consisting of the 42-year old frigate "Constellation" and the sloop "Boston". Kearny's March 1842 arrival in China reflects the speed of early 19th century communications. Kearny's orders -- to 1) protect the interests of the United States and her citizens along the coast of China, 2) to respect the foreign and domestic policies of the Chinese, and 3) prevent and punish opium smuggling into China by Americans or under the cover of the American flag -- similarly reflect the broad discretion given to naval officers who would have to wait months for official response from higher authority.Hanks, Robert J., CAPT USN "Commodore Lawrence Kearny, the Diplomatic Seaman" "United States Naval Institute Proceedings" November 1970 pp.70-72]

The Opium War had ended, but letters from American merchants began arriving aboard as soon as "Constellation" anchored in Macau. The letters requested protection from the Chinese and demanded reparations for damages. Kearny first issued a ban against American smuggling and then reviewed the reparations claims. Kearny considered some claims valid and others gross overstatements. Viceroy Ke in Guangzhou wrote to the United States Vice Consul: "...I have heard that the newly arrived Commodore manages affairs with clear understanding, profound wisdom, and great justice." Ke committed China to abide by Kearny's decisions regarding adjudication of claims, and several hundred thousand dollars were paid to American merchants.

Kearny first learned of the Treaty of Nanking when he arrived in Hong Kong. Kearny observed the treaty's provisions opening five Chinese ports to British trade, and sought equal trading opportunity for Americans. Ke offered Kearny a treaty giving Americans fair treatment. Kearny did not have authority to sign such a treaty, but tactfully informed Ke agreement would be forthcoming as soon as authorized negotiators arrived. Caleb Cushing reached China in 1844, and the Treaty of Wanghia was signed on 2 July.

Kearny visited Hawaii on his return voyage in July 1843; and discovered King Kamehameha III had ceded the islands to Great Britain under threat of naval bombardment by Lord Paulet. Kearny's orders were 3 years old at that point, and English disavowal of Paulet's actions was unknown to either side in Hawaii. Kearny issued a stiff, formal protest against the seizure and refused to recognize its validity until Hawaiian and English representatives settled the matter with United States representatives. England's senior officer in the Pacific, Rear Admiral Thomas, arrived two weeks later with the news Hawaiian sovereignty had been restored.

Commodore Kearny later served as Commandant at the Norfolk and New York Naval Shipyards. He retired 14 November 1861, and died at Perth Amboy, N. J., 29 November 1868.

USS "Kearny" (DD-432) was named for him.

Notes

References


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Kearny — is the name of people and places in the United States of America:People*Philip Kearny (1815 1862), U.S. Army officer *Stephen W. Kearny (1794 1848), U.S. Army officer *Lawrence Kearny (1789 1868), U.S. Navy officer and second cousin of Stephen W …   Wikipedia

  • USS Kearny (DD-432) — USS Kearny (DD 432), a Gleaves class destroyer, is the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for Commodore Lawrence Kearny, who was known for his tenacity in capturing slave traders in West Indian waters and his tireless efforts in… …   Wikipedia

  • Mayor of Perth Amboy, New Jersey — Mayor of Perth Amboy, New Jersey:[1] Wilda Diaz 2008 to present Joseph Vas 2007 to 2008. George John Otlowski 1976 to 1990. James J. Flynn, Jr. 1950 1970. Edward James Patten (1905 1994) 1934 to 1940. William C. Wilson (mayor) 1921 1926. U. B.… …   Wikipedia

  • National Register of Historic Places listings in Middlesex County, New Jersey — List of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Middlesex County, New Jersey Contents: Counties in New Jersey   Atlantic Bergen Burlington Camden Cape May Cumberland Essex Gloucester Hudson Hunterdon Mercer Middlesex Monmouth… …   Wikipedia

  • USS Warren (1827) — The fourth USS Warren was a 2d class sloop of war in the United States Navy. Warren was built at the Boston Navy Yard between 1825 and 1827 and was commissioned at her builders on 14 January 1827, Master Commandant Lawrence Kearny in command.… …   Wikipedia

  • Charles Gibbs — This article is about American pirate. For Canadian politician, see Charles Gibbs (Alberta politician). Charles Gibbs (November 5, 1798 – April 22, 1831) was an American pirate (real name James D. Jeffers) who was one of the last active in the… …   Wikipedia

  • Brooklyn Navy Yard — Brooklyn, New York Type Shipyard Built 1801 In use 1806–1966 Controlled by …   Wikipedia

  • New Orleans Squadron — Gunboats of the New Orleans Squadron fighting the British at the battle of Lake Borgne in 1814. Active 1813 1838 …   Wikipedia

  • Interstate 95 in New Jersey — This article is about the section of Interstate 95 in New Jersey. For the entire length of the highway, see Interstate 95. Interstate 95 Somerset Freeway (never built) New Jersey Turnpike Route information …   Wikipedia

  • Kit Carson — This article is about the frontiersman. For other uses, see Kit Carson (disambiguation). Christopher Houston Kit Carson …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”