1870-1871 – Three entertainment broadsides from the flagship of the Asiatic Squadron
Hong Kong: 1870-1871. Unbound. This lot consists of
A one-page 5.5” x 8.25” broadside that announces the “U.S.S. Colorado’s Minstrels Will give a Performance on Thursday Dec. 8th. 1870” It then continues with a “Programme” listing the performance and performers in each of the program’s two parts and finale. There is no indication as to whether or not the “minstrels” performed in blackface, although from some of the song and character names, it is quite likely that they did. In nice shape with some storage folds.
A one-page 5” x 8” broadside that invites “boats of all nations” to compete an “International Regatta} at Hong Kong on February 22, 1871, celebrating the “Anniversary of the birth of Washington,” and consisting of three separate races with seven prizes, ranging from $10 to $50. In nice shape with some storage folds.
A one-page 5” x 8” broadside containing 7-verse poem “Lines for the Day,” honoring the navies that were competing in the regatta: those of Great Britain and France.
. Very good. Item #010767The U.S.S. Colorado, a screw frigate, arrived in Hong Kong in April of 1870 to serve as the flagship for Rear Admiral John Rodgers, the commander of the U.S. Navy’s Asiatic Squadron. Rodgers was charged with expanding U. S. presence in the face of ever-growing efforts by France, Great Britain, and Russia to establish spheres of influence in China.
One year later, in June of 1871, shore batteries from Korean forts on the Salee River initiated an unprovoked attack of two Asiatic Squadron ships. When the Koreans offered no explanation for the attack, Rodgers mounted an operation that destroyed the forts and inflicted heavy casualties in the Battle of Ganghwa, known in Korea as Sinmiyangyo. The Colorado left Hong Kong in November of 1872 and returned to the New York Navy Yard, after first stopping at Singapore and Cape Town on the way.
.Price: $200.00