ABSTRACT
Of all the Consulates, Shanghai was the most important, judging from the Consul-General who resided there and the size of his staff. A brief examination of some cases in which he was directly involved will illustrate his fiery style and independent trend of thought, but also the fact that he was highly regarded and exceedingly respected by the Chinese, his Western consular colleagues and his chiefs, both in China and Paris. When Captain Johnson returned aboard and heard the story from his wife, who also complained about Sullivan's lack of manners, he rushed to complain to the Consul de France, Dabry de Thiersant, who asked for a written report. But Johnson objected strenuously, arguing he had only one superior, the Consul de France. French Consuls in China were empowered to command troops, deal with merchants, interfere in China's domestic affairs, and make diplomatic representations as well.
