The papers of Harry Ervin Yarnell (1875-1959) span the period 1935-1939, when Yarnell was commander in chief of the Asiatic Fleet. The papers consist of correspondence, memoranda, writings, notes, cables, printed matter, and miscellaneous material arranged in three series: Personal Correspondence, Official Correspondence, and Miscellany. The arrangement of the files largely reflects the organization of the collection when it arrived at the Library of Congress.

The Personal Correspondence series is organized in three groups. The first, correspondence to and from Yarnell’s family and friends, reflects Yarnell’s personal and professional life between 1936 and 1939. The second, special correspondence with Admiral William D. Leahy, consists of an exchange of unofficial letters on Far Eastern matters as well as general observations on the United States Navy’s policy and administration during that period. The third group, correspondence between Yarnell and various associates, businessmen, and officials, concerns the Far East and Yarnell’s interests, contacts, and organizational commitments during his tour of duty.

The Official Correspondence series reflects the actions and military policy of the United States during the hostilities between China and Japan, 1936-1939. Included in the correspondence are cables and memoranda from Department of State and War Department officials guiding Yarnell’s relations with China and Japan. Orders and communications for removing American citizens from areas of hostility in China are extensive. Reports to and from United States vessels concerning the general situation and military actions are found in the war dispatches. The daily movements, conditions, and operations of Japanese and Chinese troops fighting on mainland China in 1937 and 1938 are located in the intelligence reports (with maps), which were compiled by intelligence officers at Headquarters, Fourth U.S. Marines, Shanghai, China. Correspondence pertaining to the specific subjects of the Japanese blockade and the situation at Kiukiang make up the final group in the official correspondence.

The Miscellany series consists of pamphlets and articles pertaining to the Far East in the 1930s. Also included is a scrapbook of clippings and military and official calling cards received by Yarnell. A significant item in this series is an unpublished report written in 1938 by Captain William A. Angwin entitled “The China Incident.” Angwin, who served on the staff of the Commander in Chief of the Asiatic Fleet, provides a firsthand account of events that occurred during the initial six-month period of Sino-Japanese hostilities, including an account of the sinking of the U.S.S. Panay , Dec. 12, 1937. The report has been illustrated with photographs.