Embassy to the Eastern Courts of Cochin-China, Siam, and Muscat In the U. S. Sloop-of-war Peacock, David Geisinger, Commander, During the Years 1832-3-4

"Embassy to the Eastern Courts of Cochin-China, Siam, and Muscat" by Edmund Roberts is an adventure into early 19th-century diplomacy, following the journey of a special envoy tasked with opening trade routes in Southeast Asia. Sent to Cochin-China, Siam, and Muscat, the author paints a picture of political and economic landscapes through his encounters and observations. The narrative unfolds with the envoy's departure from Boston, charting interactions with islands and their people while highlighting the dangers faced by American traders, like piracy and unfair taxation. The story emphasizes the need for trade agreements to protect American commerce, and the nuances of culture revealed on the trip.