Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 7.75 x 9.75, April 15, 1845. President Polk authorizes and directs the "Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to a power to exchange the ratifications of a treaty between the United States of America and His Majesty the Emperor of China." Neatly signed at the conclusion in ink by President James K. Polk. In fine condition, with a few small marginal stains, and a very faint block of toning to the signature.
Concluded on July 3, 1844, between U.S. Commissioner Caleb Cushing and Chinese official Qiying, the Treaty of Wanghia (or Wangxia), was the first treaty between the United States and China. It established formal relations and granted the U.S. most-favored-nation status, extraterritoriality, and fixed tariffs, similar to benefits Britain gained under the Treaty of Nanking after the First Opium War. This 'Treaty of Peace, Amity, and Commerce' opened U.S. access to Chinese markets and ports, following Britain's lead.
Although the treaty was passed by the U.S. Congress and ratified by President John Tyler on January 17, 1845, the official order to exchange ratifications came under the auspices of James K. Polk's administration on April 15, 1845. The Treaty of Wanghia was formally in effect until the signing of the 1943 Sino-American Treaty for the Relinquishment of Extraterritorial Rights in China.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
Third-party authentication service applies only to signatures and handwriting, and does not cover the addition of sketches, artwork, musical quotations, etc.
