<p>Letter from President John Tyler confirming the appointment of Minister Caleb Cushing to China, 1843<br /> Courtesy of the Caleb Cushing papers, circa 1785-1906, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Box 39, Folder General Correspondence, May 1-8, 1843</p>

Letter from President John Tyler confirming the appointment of Minister Caleb Cushing to China, 1843
Courtesy of the Caleb Cushing papers, circa 1785-1906, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Box 39, Folder General Correspondence, May 1-8, 1843

<p>George R. West<br /> <em>Cave of Camoens, Macao</em>, c. 1844<br /> Macau S.A.R.<br /> Watercolor on paper<br /> Courtesy of the Caleb Cushing papers, circa 1785-1906, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Box OV 2</p>

George R. West
Cave of Camoens, Macao, c. 1844
Macau S.A.R.
Watercolor on paper
Courtesy of the Caleb Cushing papers, circa 1785-1906, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Box OV 2

In 1843, Caleb Cushing was appointed the first commissioner and minister to China by President John Tyler. He arrived in Macao (Aomen) in 1844 and promptly negotiated the Treaty of Wanghia (Wangxia) with the Qing government. Cushing was accompanied by a number of specialists, including artist George R. West, who documented the trip. In this watercolor, two American men from the diplomatic mission – possibly including Cushing – visit the Camões Grotto (Bai Ge Chao Gong Yuan).

  BACK
NEXT IMAGE