My Life in China and America · Chapter
My Mission to America to Buy Machinery explained
Yung Wing is commissioned by Viceroy Tsang Kwoh Fan to purchase machinery in America, receiving the fifth official rank and Tls.
What happens
Yung Wing is commissioned by Viceroy Tsang Kwoh Fan to purchase machinery in America, receiving the fifth official rank and Tls. 68,000. He travels via Europe, meets Mr. John Haskins in Shanghai, and together they journey to the U.S. During his time in America, he attends his Yale class decennial reunion and offers his services to the Union in the Civil War, but is advised to focus on his mission.
Themes in this chapter
Modernization vs. Tradition
Yung Wing's mission to purchase Western machinery represents China's attempt to modernize its military and industrial capabilities.
Patriotism and Loyalty to China
Yung Wing's dedication to his mission for the Chinese government, even while in America, shows his loyalty to China.
The West as Model and Mentor
Yung Wing relies on American expertise (Haskins) and machinery to advance China's industrial development.
Characters to notice
- Yung Wing
Commissioned to buy machinery, travels to America, attends Yale reunion, offers to serve in Civil War.
- Viceroy Tsang Kwoh Fan
Issues the commission and confers official rank on Yung Wing.
- Mr. John Haskins
American mechanical engineer hired to supervise machinery production.
- Brigadier-General Barnes
General in charge of Volunteer Department; declines Yung Wing's offer to serve.
Key passages
“I felt as a naturalized citizen of the United States, it was my bounden duty to offer my services as a volunteer courier to carry despatches between Washington and the nearest Federal camp for at least six months, simply to show my loyalty and patriotism to my adopted country.”
As a naturalized U.S. citizen, I believed it was my duty to volunteer as a courier for six months to demonstrate my loyalty to my adopted country.
Yung Wing expresses his dual loyalty to China and the United States.