1902 SUPER, ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DIARY AND LOG BOOK OF THE TRAVELS AND DIPLOMACY OF THE FLAGSHIP ADMIRAL OF THE ASIATIC FLEET ON THE CHINA STATION AT THIS MOST PERILOUS TIME IN CHINA AND JAPAN RELATIONS

On offer is a superb, fascinating original soft bound 1902 China Station diary and personal log handwritten by Admiral Frederick W. Rodgers (1842 - 1917). Rodgers was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. He fought in the American Civil War and ascended to be the last commander of the Asiatic Fleet. He was a grandson of U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew Perry. In May 1901, Rodgers became Senior Squadron Commander within the Asiatic Squadron. On March 1st 1902, he became the commander of the entire Asiatic Squadron, which was engaged in combat during the Philippine-American War at the time. He was the Squadron's last commander. At the end of his tour on 29 October 1902 the Asiatic Squadron was abolished and its responsibilities were assumed by the new United States Asiatic Fleet. This logbook documents his ship the U.S.S. New York while stationed in Amoy, China and Nagasaki Japan during a critical time in the area's history. The log begins March 27th with a final entry on - July 26th, 1902. The log recounts the daily workings of the ship, and personnel deployments, lists of repairs to various ships within the Asiatic Fleet. What is of real importance is Rodgers encounters with the Emperor of China and Prime Minister of Japan. He also mentions other naval vessels from Britain, Germany and Japan listing the ship's numbers and armaments. This log contains important information about the fleet in this very historical period when the United States emerges as a world naval power. The 60 pages of handwritten narrative and notes make for some revealing entries regarding American efforts at diplomacy in the area; Rodgers' diplomatic contacts with the Emperor and Dowager of China are well noted as are intelligence reports on fortifications in China. He mentions brief reports from missionaries concerning conditions in the interior of China, contact with British troops who are guarding parts of Peking. While in Peking Rodgers meets the British Foreign Minister and writes about the looting that took place at the summer palace blaming it on Russian and Italian troops during the Boxer Rebellion. Furthermore he discusses positioning gunboats along the rivers near Peking due to further disturbances. Rodgers also mentions meeting the Prime Minster of Japan encounters with the Japanese navy, and various dignitaries, princes, and barons. Here are some snippets: U.S.S. New York -March 27th, 1902 Cable arrived from Hong Kong French Cruiser Arriau called on the American Consul no information from him - he informed me that there was nothing new to report here. A missionary who had just returned from an extensive trip into the interior had informed the consul that he had been treated with much consideration. U.S.S . New York - March 31st, 1902 Woosung China - Visited Chinese Cruiser Hai Chai cable from Widdes asking change of officers from G.C.M. not practicable - one case of Cholera in Cavite - condition in Manila improving. Glaicer arrived Cavite - Drake commanding Muntrey officially visited ship brought in 3 cases for G.C.M. U.S.S. New York April 2nd , 1902 Left ship at 3 pm for Shaug Hai 30 min from ship to station Woosung road is bad anchorage . The tides were up to more than four knots - ships at single anchor are liable to drag. Went to French hotel De Collmines - it is fairly good but the rooms are most uncomfortable - Captain Tah of the Chinese navy accompanies us. Friday April, 1902 Intelligence reports from Monterey Fortifications of the Yangsee River - Forts on Silver Island Black Dragoon forts -Forts at Chu San Knan Forts at Kiaung Yri Required examination of the county between Woosung and Shanghi copy of railroad maps mark chart examination of Woonsung river regards fortifications. U.S.S. New York- April 22nd 1902 New York sailed for Yokahma at 9am Weather raining: A German steamer came in last night with Prince Imperial on board - made preparations for a national salute address ship but found steamer had carried no distinctive flag boarding officer at 4am countermanded order for salute and dressing ship. U.S.S. New York Yokahama Japan Monday April 28th, 1902 Rear Admiral Evens hoisted his flag exchanged salutes Went to Tokio Made official visits to US. Minister To Prime Minister of Japan To Minister of War Called on Baron Kaneko. Wednesday June 18th, 1902 Arrived off Tokio and anchored nearly 10 miles out - Tug ordered previously met ship - left the ship at 10:15 am and went to Tokio took the train to Peking. Col Brown of the British Army Kindly offered the use of his car which was accepted. Taku forts are still being leveled by the international force those on the south side are all destroyed. Arrived at Peking at 7pm.was meet by a gentleman from the legation and a guard of honor from the 9th infantry. Went to the U.S. legation with my personal staff as a guest of Hon E.S.Conger. Thursday June 19th Visited the temple of Heaven discussed affairs with minister he informed me that the principal questions now between the Chinese Government and the internationals are: First as regards the transfer back to civil administration of the Tuiu Suen and Peking rail road and 2 the return of the city of Tien Sien to civil administration. The rail road is now under English military management. Called on the various foreign ligations - only met two personally the German and the Japanese. Friday June 20th, 1902 Visited the Summer Palace of the Emperor. A special permission from the Foreign office was required to visit the Palace it is the most interesting place about Peking but the effects of the results of the trouble in 1900 is very apparent and the destruction was very great - Repairs have been made to a very limited extent this place was occupied by the Italians and Russians who must have looted it to the fullest extent. Peking Sunday 22nd, 1902 Diplomatic dinner at the legation - meet the English Minister than the Austrian Charge of Affairs also the Russian Minister. Peking Tuesday June 24th, 1902 By Previous arrangements was given was audience by the Empress Dowager and the Emperor at the Winter Palace. The logbook has one torn page, one page detached from the binding and four blank pages and is overall G+.; Manuscript; 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall; KEYWORDS: HISTORY OF, ADMIRAL FREDRICK W. RODGERS, ASIATIC SQUADRON, LOGBOOK, CHINA STATION, JAPAN. TURN OF THE CENTURY, EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY, NAVAL, MARINE, MARINERS, WARSHIPS, SOUTH CHINA SEA, UNITED STATES NAVY, USN, FLAGSHIPS, DIPLOMACY, NAUTICAL, PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN WAR, POST SPANISH AMERICAN WAR, COMMODORE MATTHEW PERRY, U.S.S. 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