Historical Presentation on Caleb Cushing by Jim Dyer

The Alliance of The First Religious Society extends an open invitation to a presentation by Jim Dyer, local historian and long time student of the life and times of Caleb Cushing.  On Wednesday, September 11 at 1:00pm in the Parish Hall of the First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, Jim Dyer will highlight the “Five Reasons Caleb Cushing Needed to go to China in 1843.”  Mr. Dyer will illustrate the importance of Cushing’s success to the United States’ global diplomatic posture, the American mercantile community, and to his own political aspirations. 
 
Caleb Cushing is certainly Newburyport’s most accomplished public servant. He possessed boundless energy and curiosity. He was fluent in ten languages, an expert in Spanish romantic poetry, and in international maritime law. He was an omnivorous reader. His love of order, precision, and punctuality combined with his disdain for wasted time all combined to comprise the dynamo that was Caleb Cushing.
 
President John Tyler appointed Cushing Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to China in 1843. He traveled around the world to the Celestial Empire and returned a year later with the important, bi-lateral Treaty of Wanghia. There are five reasons Cushing needed to go and needed to succeed in this mission.
 
At noon, prior to the lecture, there will be an opportunity to socialize and enjoy your own brown bag lunch.  Desserts and coffee will be provided.