Globalization of the United States, 1789-1861

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Cooper, James Fenimore. History of the Navy of the United States of America. Continued to 1853. New York: G.P. Putnam, 1853.

James Fenimore Cooper. History of the Navy of the United States of America. Continued to 1853. New York: G.P. Putnam, 1853. Title page.

Cooper depicted the United States Navy as steadily acquiring the capacity to send squadrons as well as expeditions throughout the globe by the 1850s.

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At the present time, 1853, the resources of the Navy are directed in quite an unusual degree to projects which contemplate the safety and the extension of American commerce and the maintenance of the rights of humanity. The most prominent of these projects is that which has in view the establishment of commercial relations with the empire of Japan. The government of that large nation has for a long period denied to other nations, with a most insignificant exception, all access into its ports or territory; has refused hospitality and succor to unfortunate mariners, and has treated with great cruelty such citizens of the United States, as well as those of other countries, as have been cast by shipwreck upon the well-guarded shores. It has been therefore deemed obligatory by the government of the United States, to make an attempt to obtain from this jealous and secluded people, a recognition and observance of the rights of humanity, and also to induce them, if possible, to abandon their present absurd commercial policy. The extension of the territory of the United States along the shore of the Pacific, and the presence of a large whaling fleet in the seas which surround Japan, make these objects highly important. A squadron of unusual size has consequently been placed under the orders of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, the Commander-in-chief on the East India station. It consists of the steam frigate Mississippi 10, flag-ship; steam frigate Susquehanna 9; steam frigate Powhatan 9; sloops-of-war Macedonian 20, Plymouth 20, Saratoga 20, Vandalia 20; and store-ship Supply 4.

An expedition is also under orders to sail, for the purpose of thoroughly exploring and surveying the China seas, the North Pacific, and Behring’s Straits. This expedition will probably be absent three years or upward. It is under the command of Commander Cadwallader Ringgold, an officer who has acquired a high reputation in connection with the former Exploring Expedition under Commander Charles Wilkes. It consists of the sloop-of-war Vincennes 20; brig Porpoise 10; both of which vessels were engaged in the first Exploring Expedition; the steamer John Hancock 3; and schooner Fenimore Cooper 3, a pilot-boat, purchased for this particular service.

An expedition for the exploration and survey of the River La Plata, and its tributaries, which have lately been opened to foreign commerce, has also been undertaken. For this purpose the steamer Water Witch 2, has been placed under the command of Lieutenant Thomas J. Page.

Commander William F. Lynch, who conducted the expedition to the Jordan and the Dead Sea, is also under orders to make preparatory explorations on the western coast of Africa, in view of an expedition designed to penetrate into the unknown regions lying to the eastward of Liberia. The small steamer Vixen 3, has been ordered to join the African squadron, in order to facilitate the operations of Commander Lynch.