Looking back to a time when the U.S. Navy was Russia’s honored guest

Looking through the prism of modern-day geopolitics, there are stories that appear so outlandish to us now it is hard to believe they happened. Perhaps, for this reason, the following story from the annals of American-Russian relations has been almost completely forgotten in both countries. 

Indeed, who would believe that an American naval contingent approaching Russian shores would be enthusiastically invited to observe Russian Navy training maneuvers, troop reviews and a gun factory? Who would believe they would be greeted with “Hail Columbia,” fireworks displays, and toasts to America’s well-being and prosperity? Who would believe that on every occasion the American sailors would be tossed in the air, wined and dined, and showered with gifts?

But back in 1866 this happened, as did this: An avenue in Moscow was named the Avenue of Americans; the head of the U.S. Navy delegation was made an Honorary Citizen of Moscow and of St. Petersburg; American sailors were shown the Young Oak that grew in St. Petersburg from an acorn taken from the tree that shades the tomb of George Washington.

The warmest of welcomes

The amazingly warm reception given to the naval delegation can partially explained by the noble purpose of the visit. The naval contingent, headed by President Andrew Johnson’s Special Envoy, Gustavus V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, was to dispatch a Congressional Joint Resolution to Tsar Alexander II, congratulating him on surviving an assassination attempt. The American delegation certainly expected to be met with appropriate diplomatic protocol, but the Russian hospitality was beyond even their wildest expectations.

U.S. Naval Historical Center PhotographG.V.Fox, A.Murray and J.C.Beamont, 1866

U.S. Naval Historical Center PhotographBanquet in Moscow, Russia, 13 (25) August 1866. The banquet was given for a delegation of the Congress of the United States.

U.S. Naval Historical Center PhotographA view of labels affixed to the original print.

U.S. Naval Historical Center PhotographA view of labels affixed to the original print.

 

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The USS Miantonomoh and the USS Augusta crossed the Atlantic and as they neared the port of Kronstadt, on Aug. 6, were greeted with a 21-gun salute by the Russian fleet and solemnly escorted into the harbor, decorated with U.S. flags.

That was just the beginning of a month-long celebration of the U.S. guests in Russia.  On Aug. 8, the American delegation was received by the tsar. At that time Gustavus Fox presented him with the historic Congressional Resolution. 

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The same words that were voiced that day during the exchange of solemn speeches were repeated many times during the sojourn of the U.S. delegation on Russian soil – pacts of partnership, brotherhood and love between the American and Russian people.

Later that day, a telegram (the first ever sent from Russia to America via the transatlantic cable that had just been laid) was dispatched:  “William H. Seward, Secretary of State, America, Resolution of Congress presented personally to Emperor of Russia at one to-day. Fox”

On August 17, the tsar wrote to President Johnson:  “I have received by the hand of Mr. Fox the resolution of the Congress of the United States of America…. This mark of sympathy has touched me deeply…. It is a new attestation of the sentiments which unite the American Nation to Russia….  It is with a lively satisfaction that I see these bonds continually strengthening. I have communicated my sentiments to Mr. Fox. I pray you to express them to Congress and to the American people.… Tell them how much I – and with me all Russia – appreciate the testimonials of friendship which they have given me, and how heartily I shall congratulate myself on seeing the American nation growing in power and prosperity by the union and continued practice of the civic virtues which distinguished it.”

A tour of Russia’s provinces and society

Many incredible things occurred during Fox’s visit. He and his crew were invited to visit St. Petersburg, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Kostroma, Uglich, Tver and other smaller places in the European part of Russia. The American guests met Russian aristocracy and merchants, clergy and peasants, members of the military and workmen.

Many issues were discussed: international relations, politics, commerce, and the U.S. Alaska purchase. The U.S. sailors were invited to the Bolshoi Theater, to Russia’s best museums, libraries, archives, and cultural festivities.  

More than 60,000 Russians appeared at a festival in Sokolniki Park which the Americans attended. Everywhere they went the Americans were greeted with loud hurrahs and embraced: They exchanged heartfelt speeches and even shared poems. Fox read a poem entitled “From America to Russia” by Oliver Wendell Holmes, which was translated without delay by the Russian poet Apollon Maykov. 

And, as if summarizing the sentiments of the American delegation, Secretary Fox expressed his feelings at the dinner in his honor at the Great Annual Fair in Nizhny Novgorod with these eloquent words: “Like a bee wondering among flowers we have tasted everywhere the delights of a Russian welcome, and shall return to our country laden with the sweets which have been gathered from the hearts of the Russian people.”

Inspired by the optimism of our ancestors, the American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation, est. 1992, in Washington, D.C., will commemorate this joint page from history by the event with the optimistic title “Tying the Knots of Friendship.” It will take place on June 7, 2016, at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C.

Alexander P. Potemkin is executive director of the American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation.

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