Exchange Database
The Terranova Affair
A Chinese woman selling items to an American ship was killed when a sailor on the American vessel threw a pitcher overboard that struck her, knocking her out of her small boat into the water, where she drowned. Local authorities demanded that the guilty party be surrendered for trial and punishment, but at first the ship’s captain and other merchants refused to comply.
Outcomes:
It became clear that their resistance was damaging trade, the Americans relented and offered up an Italian crewman named Terranova. Soon thereafter, Terranova was executed, and trade resumed.
Contact Info:
U.S. Department of State, City Paper
Source:
Government?:
No
Type of Exchange:
diplomatic
Partners:
United States and Chinese Governments
Participants (Types):
Chinese and American traders, local Chinese authorities
Exchange Date:
Monday, January 1, 1821
Continuing:
No
Location:
Canton
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