| Description |
1 online resource (xiii, 255 pages) : illustrations, map, portrait. |
| Physical Medium |
polychrome |
| Description |
text file |
| Series |
Maritime currents : history and archaeology
|
|
Maritime currents : history and archaeology.
|
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 199-248) and index. |
| Summary |
George B. Gideon Jr. served as second assistant engineer aboard the USS Powhatan from 1852 to 1865. From his position on the steam frigate, Gideon traveled to Singapore, Labuan, Borneo, Hong Kong, and many other Asian lands. During his time at sea, Gideon penned dozens of letters to his wife, Lide, back home in Philadelphia. Recently discovered in the attic of his great-great-grandniece were fifty-one letters penned by Gideon providing thorough and insightful commentary throughout the voyage. Through these correspondences, Gideon laboriously documents the details of his daily life on board, from the food they ate to the technical aspects of his work, as well as observations concerning the historical events unfolding around him, such as Chinese piracy, the Taiping Rebellion, the Crimean War, and the devastation of Shimoda. [This book] is a rare first-person account of the landmark American naval expedition to Japan to establish commercial relations between the two countries. Gideon's letters have been meticulously transcribed and annotated by the editors and are an invaluable primary historical source. Gideon's letters are candid and revealing, delving into the rampant dysfunction in the navy of the 1850s--sickness and disease, alcohol abuse, and poor leadership, among other challenges. Gideon also unabashedly share his own cynical views of the navy's role in supporting American economic interests in Japan. This firsthand account of the political mission of the Perry expedition is a unique contribution to naval and military history and gives readers a better view of life aboard a navy ship. -- Dust jacket flap. |
| Contents |
Chronology -- February 13-April 19, 1853 -- August 30-December 29, 1853 -- January 1-June 23, 1854 -- July 3-December 28, 1854 -- January 1-June 27, 1855 -- July 2-December 23, 1855. |
| Local Note |
eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - North America |
| Subject |
Gideon, George B., 1827-1863 -- Correspondence.
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United States Naval Expedition to Japan (1852-1854)
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United States Naval Expedition to Japan (1852-1854) |
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Perry, Matthew Calbraith, 1794-1858.
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Perry, Matthew Calbraith, 1794-1858. |
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United States. Navy -- Officers -- Correspondence.
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United States. Navy. |
| Genre/Form |
Correspondence.
|
| Subject |
United States. Navy -- History -- 19th century -- Sources.
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History. |
| Chronological Term |
19th century |
| Genre/Form |
Sources.
|
| Subject |
Marine engineers -- United States -- Correspondence.
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Marine engineers. |
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United States. |
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Seafaring life -- History -- 19th century -- Sources.
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Seafaring life. |
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Japan -- Description and travel -- Sources.
|
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Japan. |
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East Asia -- Description and travel -- Sources.
|
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East Asia. |
| Chronological Term |
1800-1899 |
| Genre/Form |
Electronic books.
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History.
|
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Personal correspondence.
|
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Personal correspondence.
|
| Added Author |
Gideon, Eliza, 1827-1871, correspondent.
|
|
Sauer, M. Patrick (Michael Patrick), 1972- editor.
|
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Ranzan, David A., editor.
|
| Other Form: |
Print version: Gideon, George B., 1827-1863. To my dearest wife, Lide. Tuscaloosa : The University of Alabama Press, [2019] 9780817320232 0817320237 (DLC) 2018054794 (OCoLC)1078994035 |
| ISBN |
9780817392376 (electronic book) |
|
0817392378 (electronic book) |
|
9780817320232 |
|
0817320237 |
|
