CG Visits Envoy’s Tomb, Whampoa Academy

At the cemetery site of Everett’s tomb, CG Goldbeck noted the approaching Tomb Cleaning holiday on April 4 and China’s respect for its ancestors, adding that this was a fitting time to visit the tomb of Alexander H. Everett, the second U.S. envoy or ambassador to China following  the formal establishment US and China diplomatic relations.  He expressed thanks to the Huangpu District and the Foreigner Cemetery Museum staff for respecting and preserving Everett’s grave. 

Placing flowers at the tomb, CG Goldbeck said Everett arrived for his assignment to Guangzhou, then and now one of China’s key trading centers, but died on June 28, 1847, shortly after his arrival.  The CG read a brief excerpt from one of Everett’s poems entitled “The Young American,” which, ironically, was published just before Everett left the U.S. for China.  It speaks of Everett’s willingness to serve the United States and perhaps die doing so, as in fact he did.

Happy if celestial favor
Smile upon the high endeavor:
Happy if be thy call
In the holy cause to fall.

Following the visit to Everett’s tomb, CG Goldbeck toured the Whampoa Military Academy Museum.  At the conclusion of the visit, CG Goldbeck told accompanying media that he hoped the U.S. and China can improve their military-to-military relations to increase trust and reduce risk. He said he had requested an opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the Guangzhou region military commander.