The correspondence with the local officials, copies and translations of which
are herewith inclosed, will show the earnest and persistent efforts that
were made to adjust the difficulty amicably, and the stubborn reticence of
the government touching this particular affair, as well as all matters
connected with my mission.
I deem it proper to observe, in this connection, that the history of
negotiations and intercourse between western nations and oriental
governments goes to prove that every artifice which human ingenuity can
devise will be resorted to to maintain their own superiority, and prove to
their people the absolute inferiority of foreigners. Refusal to negotiate is
usually the first step, and when compelled by force or otherwise to recede
from that position, every effort is made to induce foreign ministers to
treat with native officials of low rank and position. In illustration of
this peculiarity, I beg to call your attention to the communication from the
King of Corea to the board of rites, Peking, (inclosure 5.) You will observe
that a reply to my letter is evaded rather than refused. The King affirms,
however, that “a minister of the Emperor must not have relations with a
foreign state,” and prays “that the Emperor (of China) will send forth a
special edict to exhort and instruct” me in my duties.
My own observation add experience, as well as the experience of others,
convinced me that concession on these points would lower my position, lessen
my influence, and thus render the task more difficult; I therefore
determined to adopt a firm and dignified policy—to demand as a right, and
not solicit as a favor, those acts of courtesy due from one nation to
another; to submit to no semblance of inferiority by consenting to consult
or correspond with officials of inferior rank that might, [Page 128] and probably would, be put forward to meet
me; to seek such guarantees as would render reasonably safe the lives and
property of American citizens that might be wrecked upon these shores as a
right which the United States could properly claim for its citizens and not
as a concession which Corea could grant or refuse with equal propriety. This
course I have steadily pursued; and when officials of low rank came in
person or wrote letters the secretaries were deputed to meet them and reply
to their communications. This will explain why it is that the correspondence
with the local officials has been conducted in the name of Mr. Drew.
The local Official near here and his superior, the governor of Kang-Hoa, were
informed that a disavowal of responsibility for the outrage was expected
from the government, and that, to enable this to be done, a reasonable time
would be allowed; and it was clearly intimated that the failure of the
government to comply with this reasonable demand would leave the admiral at
liberty to pursue such a course as he might deem proper to obtain redress.
(See inclosures 2 and 6.) The replies of these officials (inclosures 3 and
4) contain, you will observe, nothing that can be construed into an apology.
They simply express regret at the necessity, but approve of the acts of the
military authorities. Indeed I feel sure that the governor of Kang Hoa has
military as well as civil jurisdiction, and is really the person who planned
the attack and issued the orders to fire upon the vessels. So great was the
anxiety of the admiral as well as myself to avoid, if possible, further
hostilities, that orders were given to Captain Blake and Mr. Drew
(inclosures 7 and 8) to cause hostilities to be suspended whenever they
could obtain any reasonable assurance that peaceful negotiations would be
assented to by the government. They did receive, while on the way up to the
forts and before the attack was made, a communicatian from the Kang-Hoa
magistrate, (inclosure 9) but as it contained only a repetition of his
former statement they very properly paid no attention to it.
The expedition started on the 10th and returned on the 12th instant. The work
it was sent to do was successfully and fully accomplished. Five forts were
taken, which, with the munitions of war found in them, were completely
destroyed. About two hundred and fifty of the enemy’s dead were counted
lying on the field, fifty flags and several prisoners were captured and
brought away; among the latter were some-wounded. Several books,
manuscripts, orders, &c., were found. The contents of these documents
are interesting, and enable a better and more reliable estimate to be made
respecting the attitude and action of the government than was possible from
our previous sources of information.
It was deemed advisable to bring away but few prisoners, only a number
sufficient to demonstrate that we do not treat prisoners that fall into our
hands cruelly, and that wounded men, although enemies, are humanely and
tenderly cared for. Our loss was three killed and nine wounded. For full
particulars of the engagement I beg to refer you to the Navy Department,
where complete reports of the admiral will be found.
All accounts concur in the statement that the Coreans fought with
desperation, rarely equaled and never excelled by any people. Nearly all the
soldiers in the main fort were killed at their posts. They exhibited a
bravado and recklessness that it is hard to account for upon any other
hypothesis than that finding there was no chance for escape, and believing
that no quarter would be shown by us to prisoners, they concluded to perish
fighting, even after all hope of success was gone; either this, or that
their government had threatened the soldiers defending that particular fort
with dire retribution in case of defeat. Some [Page 129] such reasons must have existed, because there were outside
of the fort, but in the immediate vicinity, several thousand troops which
were kept at bay by the field artillery with small effort. Instead of
recklessly rushing on to destruction, these troops showed little inclination
to come within the range of the weapons of our troops. A proposition was
made to release the prisoners on parole, (inclosure 10.) to which a reply
was returned (inclosure 11) saying that the prisoners had incurred a severe
penalty from their own government by surrender, and it was immaterial
whether they were released or not. After a detention of a few days they were
all unconditionally released. It is to be hoped that our humane treatment
and release of these prisoners may disabuse the minds of the common people
of their unjust suspicions regarding foreigners, and induce the government
to spare the lives of those who may by misfortune or reverses in war fall
into their hands.
The officers and men engaged in the expedition all behaved nobly. Their
gallantry and heroism were conspicuous, reflecting upon themselves great
credit, and upon the Navy and the Government represented by it honor and
renown. I should be doing less than my duty were I to omit to add my
testimony to these acts of devotion, or to acknowledge my obligations for
the cheerful co-operation of Admiral Rodgers, and the zealous and efficient
support of the officers of the fleet in all things where the honor or
interests of the United States are involved.
On the 15th instant, addressed a dispatch to the King, (inclosure 15,) and
caused it to be sent to the prefect of Foo-Ping-Foo with a request that it
should be sent to the capital. It was returned on the 17th instant with a
note from the prefect (inclosure 16) saying that, he dare not forward a
dispatch to his sovereign. To this I caused a reply to be sent (inclosure
17) requesting him either to send the dispatch or inform the court that I
desired to communicate with His Majesty or a high minister. This met with
the same refusal as the former one had, (see inclosure 18.)
The first opportunity that offers will be availed of to open communication
with the government, if it can be done without discredit, nor will my
efforts to accomplish, what the Government desires be relaxed until all
reasonable and honorable means are exhausted, and I am convinced that
further delay will serve no useful purpose. I have, however, little hope of
bringing the King to any proper terms. Everything goes to prove that the
government from the first determined to reject all peaceful overtures for
negotiation or even discussion; and that the recent demonstration, which
would have produced a profound impression upon any other government, has
little or no effect, favorable or otherwise, upon this. The operations of
the 10th and 11th were more significant than those of the English and French
in 1858, when the capture of the Taku forts at the mouth of the Peiho River,
caused the government of China to immediately send ministers and conclude
treaties at Tientsin, and yet this government shows no sign which leads to
the belief that there is any change in its attitude of defiance to all other
nations.
Inclosures.
No. 1. Paper found attached to a pole on Guerriere Island, from the
prefect of Fu-Ping, 3d of June, 1871.
No. 2. Reply of Mr. Drew to prefect of Fu-Ping, an explanation or
disavowal of the attack of June 1 required, 5th June, 1871.
[Page 130]
No. 3. Prefect of Fu-Ping to Mr. Drew. Reply to foregoing will be made by
his superior officer, 7th June, 1871.
No. 4. Kang-Hoa high magistrate’s reply to No. 2; attack of June 1
regretted but justified, 6th June, 1871.
No. 5. King of Corea to board of rites, Peking.
No. 6. Mr. Drew to Kang-Hoa high magistrate; his letter (No. 4) not
satisfactory, 7th June, 1871.
No. 7. Admiral Rodgers’s instructions to Captain Blake for Fort du Conde
expedition, 9th June, 1871.
No. 8. Mr. Low’s instructions to Mr. Drew, for same expedition, 9th June,
1871.
No. 9. Kang-Hoa high magistrate, to Mr. Low in reply to No. 6, 9th June,
1871.
No. 10. Mr. Drew to Kang-Hoa high magistrate, prisoners will be released
on parole, 13th June, 1871.
No. 11. Prefect of Fudging to Mr. Drew, in reply to No. 10, 14th June,
1871.
No. 12. Prefect of Fu-Ping to Mr. Drew; indignant comments on the capture
of Fort du Conde, 12th June, 1871.
No. 13. Memorandum of intimations that a reply is wanted to No. 12, 13th
and 14th June, 1871.
No. 14. Mr. Drew to prefect of Fu-Ping, in reply to No. 12, inclosing
dispatch from Mr. Low to King of Corea, 15th June, 1871.
No. 15. Mr. Low’s dispatch to the King of Corea, 14th June, 1871.
No. 16. Prefect of Fu-Ping to Mr. Drew; he declines to forward and
returns Mr. Low’s dispatch to the King, 17th June, 1871.
No. 17. Mr. Drew to the prefect of Fu-Ping, 18th June, 1871.
No. 18. Prefect of Fu-Ping to Mr. Drew; reply to No. 17; still declines
to forward the dispatch to the King; reasons assigned, 20th June,
1871.
No. 1.
Translation of
paper found, attached to a pole on Guerriere Island,
June 3, 1871, and brought
on board the Colorado.
In the fourth month of the year, Mow-chew, [1868,] Captain Febiger,
captain of your honorable country’s admiral’s vessel, came and
anchored in the Barrier Cantonment of the marine guard of Jaw-Ho
prefecture, Ping-Yang province. I was at that time the prefect. The
communications between us offered no cause of offense, the one to
the other, and the captain went away peacefully.
Now, again, your honorable country’s vessels come and anchor within
the borders of the prefecture of Foo-Ping, and truly in a different
manner. I avail myself of this communication. Do not hold back your
valued reply.
Our kingdom is placed east of the Eastern Sea. Your honored country
is located west of the Western Ocean. All winds and sands for the
extent of more than 70,000 li. (23,000
miles.) How can there ever have been vessels coming and going
between us? From Tan-Chi [early Corean king] down these 4,000 years
there has been no communication between your country and ours. It
may then well be said that it is Heaven’s limitation that has placed
us so remote from each other, and earth that has hung us so far
apart as to cut us off from each other.
Our respective dispositions are mutually dissimilar; our guiding
principles are not alike.
We find that in the autumn of the year Ping-Yin [1866] there suddenly
arose a troublesome involvement [of us] in a matter of mutual
concern. The destruction in the Ping-Yang river [of the General
Sherman] was brought swiftly on by themselves; and for the wreck in
the Kang-Hoa prefecture, who is to be blamed?
There was formerly not a particle of ill-feeling existing between us.
Why should arms now drag us into mutual resentment? Yet, unless
destruction leave [you] to repentence, you will again be taking upon
you to constantly return toward us. What affairs would you transact?
What words speak? Will you wish to take possession of [Page 131] our land and people, or will you
wish to consult upon and carry out friendly relations? If you are
going to want us to give away laud and people, then let me ask how
can 3,000 li [1,000 miles] of river, hill,
city, and country be lightly thrown away? If you will desire us to
agree to negotiate and carry out friendly relations, then let me ask
how can 4,000 years’ ceremonies, music, literature, and all things,
be, without sufficient reason, broken up and cast away? It does not
consist with right, it cannot be spoken of.
You do not hold the course of justice, [lit.,
as the bear keeps to his native hill, and the fish keeps his native
water,] but, on the contrary, dare to consult mere expediency, [lit., act as the heron with the shell-fish.]
Having experienced every difficulty and danger in tossing over
billowy seas [to our country,] how long, let me ask, can you annoy
[lit., ravage] district and
prefecture?
It would be better early to mark out a right course of action and
each remain peacefully in his own place.
We inform you, that you may ponder and be enlightened.
From the general guardian of Foo-Ping prefecture. [No name
signed.]
No. 2.
Reply to a communication found on
Guerriere Island, on Saturday morning,
June 3.
A reply from Edward B. Drew, acting secretary of legation of the
United States.
A communication was found on shore two days since, purporting to come
from the guardian general of Foo-Ping prefecture, which has been
read, and the contents thereof made known to the minister and
admiral.
They have instructed me to make reply, that our intentions in coming
to your country were peaceful, as was announced to your sovereign by
letter from Peking in advance. He was told that the minister had
important business with the government, and hoped that a person of
high rank would be sent to meet him when the vessels reached the
coast of your country, to whom the full particulars could be made
known, and with whom all matters could be arranged and settled. This
course is still open if the King chooses to avail himself of it.
We do not want your land or men, nor anything that will affect your
ceremonies, music, or literature.
Your people have met our peaceful overtures by an unprovoked and
wanton attack. The admiral hopes that it will prove that all this
was done by the common people, without the sanction of the
government; and has concluded to allow sufficient time to pass to
enable the King to learn of it, and send an apology for this outrage
if it was unauthorized, before taking any further steps. It now lies
with your government to say whether it will disavow this outrage,
and send a high officer to meet and consult with the minister, and
endeavor to settle the business in an amicable manner, or whether,
by failing to do so, leave the minister and admiral to pursue such a
course as they may deem proper to obtain redress for the wrongs done
to us. It is a question which His Majesty should seriously consider
before taking up a warlike attitude. Five or six days longer will be
allowed the government to consult and determine what it will do.
When Captain Febiger was here, he was told that the King could not
treat with him because he did not come by order of the President.
Now the high minister of the United States to China is sent by
special orders of his sovereign, with the most peaceful intentions
and friendly assurances, and without warning you fire upon the
vessels and try to destroy them. How is this? The vessels now here
are part of a large fleet that is constantly kept by the Government
on the coasts of China and Japan. When they need repairs, others are
sent to take their places. They are constantly within two or three
days’ sail of your country, and if they choose, can destroy your
towns and annoy your districts and departments for an unlimited
number of years. But this is not our wish. We desire peace and
friendly feelings to exist between our country and all others. China
and the United States are friends, and the high ministers of each
country are received in the other and treated with respect. If
anything occurs which may lead to trouble, it is discussed and
settled in a friendly manner, without resorting to hostilities.
If the government sends any notifications of its intentions, the
communication should be sent to the ship. No boats or messengers
will be molested that bring letters or persons who desire to discuss
matters with us.
A necessary communication.
To the Guardian General of Foo-Ping
Prefecture.
[Page 132]
No. 3.
Li. Guardian General of Fu-Ping Fu to
Mr. Drew,
June 7 th.
A communication in reply. On receipt of your dispatch in answer to my
former one, I read its contents carefully.
I have control of local matters only, and dare not take on myself to
discuss any matters belonging to the central government; I have
accordingly transmitted your reply to my superior officer, the
minister, who is general and governor of Kang-Hoa prefecture; and
have to-day heard that a dispatch from him has just been sent on
board your honorable vessel.
I trust that all future correspondence will be carried on with the
official above named, as I cannot presume to interfere in it
further.
A necessary communication in reply to Mr. Drew, acting secretary of
legation.
Tung-Chih, 10th year, 4th
moon, 20th day, (June 7,
1871.)
No. 4.
Translation of dispatch brought on
board Colorado from Kang-Hoa high official.
Cheng, guardian of the prefecture of Kang-Hoa, Corea, ex
officio general and governor, sends a
communication to his excellency the American minister.
In the spring of this year the board of rites, Peking, forwarded a
dispatch conveying a letter from the honorable American envoy; to
this my government speedily sent a reply, fully discussing the
matters referred to, which it was requested might be transmitted
through the same channel [board of rites] to your excellency.
We feel that—inasmuch as politeness and deference are held in such
general estimation in your honorable country that she has long
possessed a fame far beyond all other states—your excellency must
most probably so clearly comprehend the propriety of things as to
take no light or hasty action. Why now do you cross from afar the
vast ocean to penetrate another country? Even though you disclaim
all purpose of killing or harming us, who can help being puzzled and
suspicious?
The barriers of defense of a country are important places, within
which it is not allowable for foreign vessels to make their way
[without some previous understanding.] This is the fixed rule of all
nations. Hence it was the ascent [of the river] to the sea-gate by
your vessels the other day that brought on the engagement between
us, [literally, the affair of mutual firing and alarming,] which, as
you say that your intentions in coming [to this country] are good,
it is much to be regretted should have occurred. On the arrival of
your vessels, the court warned the civil and military authorities
along the coast to avoid most carefully any thing which should cause
trouble or arouse ill-feeling, yet when your honorable vessels, not
considering the fixed regulation of another country, penetrated its
important pass, how could the officers, appointed to guard [the
closed portals of] the frontier, whose duty it is to take measures
of defense, calmly let it go by as of no consequence? Pray do not
then be offended at what occurred.
It is not perhaps because the board of rites at Peking had not yet
transmitted our reply, [to your letter to the King of Corea,] thus
leaving your excellency unacquainted with the various circumstances
of my country, that [your coming to Corea] has taken place.
Therefore, I now have the honor to inclose duplicate of this reply,
from the perusal of which you may perhaps derive full and complete
information. The non-intercourse of Corea with foreign states is a
settled principle, established by our ancestors five centuries ago;
a principle of which the whole world has heard, and of which the
Emperor of China also is graciously aware. It is precisely because
we must not break through the ancient policy [of our ancestors] that
we cannot discuss and cannot settle that which the honorable envoy
desires to discuss and to settle, whatever it may be. Why do you
then wait for a high official to meet you?
The myriad lands and the countless living sustained on the earth, and
canopied by the sky, should all act in consonance with the nature
originally bestowed upon them, and it is the will of Heaven and
earth that the states of the East, and the nations of the West,
regulating each in its own way its administration and its doctrines,
and governing each its own people, should move on prosperously and
concordantly without encroaching upon and taking away what is
another’s. Surely your excellency is acquainted with this truth.
Appreciating the hardships of a voyage of 10,000 li of wind and wave,
I send some worthless articles as a trifling assistance to your
table, as becomes the host. I trust [Page 133] you will not refuse to receive them, though
insignificant. I am aware of the deficiencies of this dispatch.
A necessary communication.
Tung-Chih, 10th year, 4th
moon, and 19th day, (June 6,
1871.)
[Note.—With the foregoing were brought
three bullocks, fifty chickens, and one thousand eggs, which
were declined.]
No. 5.
Translation of duplicate of the King
of Corea’s dispatch to the board of rites, Peking, in reference
to his excellency Mr. Low’s letter, of 7th March, sent to the King through the board.
A communication in reply. On the 10th April I received the honorable
board’s dispatch forwarding copy of the record of its bureau of
foreign relations to this effect: “This board on the 22d March
memorialized the Emperor in reference to the transmission of a
letter to Corea, and on the same day the great council returned a
minute stating that it had reverently received the imperial will. We
have taken due note. This minute being received by the board, its
duty is to send copies of its original memorial, the imperial edict,
the Tsury-li Yamen’s original memorial, and the American letter to
the King of Corea for his cognizance in the premises,” and
accordingly inclosing copies of the Tsury-li Yamen’s memorial, the
board’s memorial, and the American envoy’s letter.
Besides acknowledging receipt of the board’s dispatch, with its
several inclosures, I would humbly observe that the service of
forwarding the letter is indeed out of the usual course. I ascribe
it to the board’s anxiety that no mistake should be made in a matter
of such delicate concern. The board has performed this special act
in respectful intimation of the Emperor’s fostering favor toward me;
and for such perfect attentiveness I am inexpressibly grateful.
The letter forwarded by the admiral’s envoy has reference primarily
to two merchant vessels which came to this country in 1866, one of
which was wrecked and her crew saved, while the crew of the other
was killed, and the cargo destroyed; the American Government not
knowing why such very different treatment as this was exhibited,
wishes to inquire into the circumstances. Furthermore, it desires
that some arrangement be devised for the relief of any American
merchant vessel which may in future meet with disaster on this
coast, and that friendly treatment should be accorded, &c.
Our humble country has the sea on three sides, and whenever stranger
vessels of a foreign nation come to our shores in distress, they are
either assisted with food and whatever they require, and enabled to
sail away again; or, if the vessel is disabled or lost, her crew are
escorted through by land to the supreme capital, [Peking,] thence to
be sent to their homes; in each case the wishes of those concerned
are regarded, and no obstacle is raised. In this we do not fail
reverently to give effect to the exceeding benevolence and plenteous
virtue of our holy dynasty, [the present dynasty of China,] which
desires all things without exception, under heaven and upon the
earth, to follow out their original nature, and the outpost state
[Corea] has held this custom as to vessels in distress as its firm
rule and established policy for a long period. Moreover, there have
been from first to last three occasions of American subjects
particularly having been rescued in distress, and sent forward under
protection, viz, in the 5th year of Heen Feng, the 4th of Tung-Chih,
and the 5th of Tung-Chih, [1855, 1865, and 1866.] The dispatches are
all in the archives of the honorable board, and as the affairs were
comparatively recent, the country in question can hardly fail to
have a knowledge of them. When men have come from afar through the
dangers of the sea, they are objects of sympathy; how then could any
one think it right to maltreat and destroy them?
The statement about a vessel being destroyed, and her crew killed in
Corea, has reference, no doubt, to the event of the autumn of 1866,
in the Ping-Yang River, [General Sherman.] The details of that
affair were all set forth in the dispatch to the board of the 22d
day, 8th moon, 5th year Tung-Chih, [September 30, 1866,] and need
not now be reiterated. Again, on the 25th day 3d moon, 7th year of
Tung-Chih, I wrote in reply to a dispatch from the board of rites
still more explicitly, and inclosed copy of the answer of Poo
Cheng-hwuy, intendant of Hwang-Hai province, to the American
commander, [of the Wachusett,] winch answer had been prepared and
held in readiness for delivery; on this occasion the board was
further prayed that the American envoy might be so admonished [by
the Emperor of China] as to resolve his doubts and suspicions and
prevent further confusion.*
Again, in the 3d moon of the 7th year of Tung-Chih, the American
Commander Febiger came, saying that he wished to inquire into this
affair, and presented dispatches to the different local magistrates
of Ping-An and Hwang-Hai. These magistrates answered very clearly,
giving the circumstances of a strange vessel having [Page 134] pushed her way in the autumn of
1866, of wounds and injuries inflicted on the inhabitants, of the
detention with indignity of an officer, and of the consequent
exasperation of the people, resulting in self-provoked disaster and
destruction; they made a complete explanation to dispel all doubts,
and Captain Febiger, on receiving the reply, went away. I ventured
to think that thenceforth the people of that country, knowing fully
the affair, and understanding the right and wrong of it, there would
be no more occasion for coming with doubts and suspicions to make
inquiry. Why now does the American minister, in his letter, again
express ignorance as to the rescue of one of the crews, and the
destruction of the other?
He says that the Government of the United States has so much regard
for its sailors and countrymen that it will never permit other
countries, as they please, to misuse or destroy them; this, surely,
is a point in which all nations are alike. America will not allow
its people to be maltreated; nor will this country allow its people
to be maltreated. In this respect, if we exchange places and
reflect, there is surely no difference. Such being the case, the
reason for the self-provoked destruction of the vessel in the
Ping-Yang River is perfectly intelligible without stopping to
discuss it. We appeal to the natural public sentiment of justice
among men, and to the controlling presence of God and the spirits.
If the American vessel had not abused our people how could the
Corean officials and people have wished to maltreat them first?
The letter under consideration expresses the hope that friendly
treatment will be accorded. If the strange states of the extreme sea
desire a relationship of good will with us, then, in reverent
imitation of the virtue of the great dynasty which treats kindly men
from afar, we shall prove not to be ignorant of the usages of
hospitality. But as to the expression, “consult and arrange about
intercourse,” I do not know what it is wanted to “consult and
arrange,” and what the intercourse desired is to be about. “A
minister of the Emperor must not have relations with a foreign
state.”
For kindly commiserating and sending home the crews of foreign ships
which have met with disaster, not only has our country a constant
rule of its own, but it also imitates, in this regard, the profound
benevolence of the heavenly dynasty [of China;] then, without
waiting to “consult and arrange,” the minister may feel secure from
all apprehension. But supposing he does not cherish good will, but
comes to commit wanton violence, then in keeping them off or
destroying them we shall also be discharging our natural duty of
shielding the heavenly dynasty. It is quite enough for the American
Government to hold in control its own people, and keep them from
improper interference with others; why go so far as to discuss
whether there shall be intercourse with foreign states or not?
Heretofore foreign nations have been in ignorance of the character
and productions of this country, and we have been repeatedly
pestered with applications for commercial intercouse; but that is
entirely out of the question with this country, and that merchants
would not find it profitable was set forth in a communication to the
board in the fifth year of Tung-Chih, somewhat as follows: It is
universally known that our humble state is a small dependency in a
corner of the seas; that the people are poor and the articles of
commerce scanty; that the precious metals and previous stones are
not found here, while grains and cloth fabrics are not abundant;
that the productions of the country are insufficient to meet
domestic wants; and if they were permitted to flow out abroad, thus
impoverishing us at home, this insignificant land would certainly be
in extreme danger, and difficult to protect from ruin; furthermore,
that the habits of the people are sparing and plain, the workmanship
rude and poor; and that we have not a single article worthy of
commerce with foreign nations. The constant wish for commercial
intercourse, while the utter impossibility of this country’s
entering into relations of trade, and the unprofitableness of it
also to foreign merchants, are such as are above described, is no
doubt to be ascribed to the want of full knowledge on the part of
the people of remote countries on the subject.
Now, although this letter of the American envoy has not spoken out
fully, yet as it asks for an official to consult and arrange
[business] affecting both countries, it most likely allndes to this
sort of thing, [viz, commercial intercourse.] As the rescue and
forwarding home of shipwrecked crews is provided for by existing
laws, it is unnecessary to take further trouble to make a fixed
arrangement. Besides this subject, there is nothing else to consult
and settle, and it is not necessary to come and go to and fro to no
purpose.
I humbly hope that the honorable board will lay before the throne all
the facts connected with this matter, and that the Emperor will send
forth a special edict to exhort and instruct the envoy of the nation
in question so as to overcome the doubts and dispel his anxiety, and
thus each of us be left to himself without trouble. I shall then be
inexpressibly happy. In my insignificance, relying on the Emperor’s
love and affection, I have emptied my whole heart in extreme fear
and reverence.
The contents of the letter of the American envoy do not indicate that
a reply is expected; nor should I. The ruler of a colonial state
dare not commit such a breach as to trouble the honorable board to
forward a reply.
I solicit your intelligent glance and your indulgence.
[Page 135]
No. 6.
Edward B. Drew
to guardian of Rang-Hoa and ex officio general and
governor, June 7,
1871
The undersigned has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter addressed to his excellency the minister, inclosing a copy of
one from the government to the board of rites, Peking. The contents
thereof have been made known to the minister and admiral; and I am
instructed to reply that they regret to see a disposition on the
part of the government to decline ail friendly discussion of the
business which his excellency is sent to transact; and instead of
apologizing for the unprovoked attack upon our vessels, the course
of the military authorities is justified.
The admiral hoped it would prove that the attack was unauthorized,
and that when the news of it came to the King he would disavow it,
and send a high official to consult with the minister.
The admiral concluded to allow sufficient time to elapse for this to
be done before taking any further steps. Three or four days of the
time allowed still remain, and if, at the expiration, no disposition
is manifested on the part of His Majesty looking to peaceful
consultation and arrangement, the admiral and minister will then
feel at liberty to pursue such a course as they may deem proper. In
consequence of the shortness of the time now remaining for you to
come to a decision, I deem it better to send this short reply rather
than wait to make a full answer to your note.
The minister and admiral direct me to say that while they highly
appreciate the kindly disposition manifested in sending the
presents, they cannot, under existing circumstances, be accepted,
and are therefore respectfully declined.
No. 7.
Admiral Rodgers to Commander H. P. Blake
U. S. S. Colorado, Isle Boisée
Anchorage, Corea,
June 9, 1871.
Sir: The attack to be made upon the Corean
forts on the Salée River, which recently treacherously fired on our
surveying party, is committed to you.
The attacking force will consist of the “Monoeaey,” “Palos,” the four
armed steamlaunches, and the armed launches and boats of the fleet;
the latter conveying the landing force detailed from the ships,
under the immediate command of Commander L. A. Kimberly.
The vessels are to approach the point selected for anchorage,
shelling the forts and drawing out the soldiers occupying them,
before the boats are permitted to leave the ships to make the
landing.
When the enemy shall have been driven out of their works, the force
under Commander Kimberly will effect a landing, the armed launches
supporting and covering the debarkation. The most serious
difficulties which I apprehend lie in the natural obstacles of
rocks, shoal water, and furious currents; and if it should be found
impossible to hold the vessels in the position necessary to secure
the boats and to cover the force on shore, you will embark the
landing party at your discretion.
The object sought in this expedition being simply to take and destroy
the forts which have fired on our vessels, and to hold them long
enough to demonstrate our ability to punish such offenses at
pleasure, it is my present purpose to withdraw the whole force after
a period of about twenty-two hours has elapsed, or at the last of
the flood-tide of the day following the capture.
Should you decide that the position gained may be held indefinitely
long, or that there is a prospect of any material advantage in doing
so, you will then, by steam launch, communicate with me.
The only object sought by the expedition to this country is to make
such a treaty as the minister has been instructed by the Government
to secure, if he may; and you will therefore take advantage of any
overtures which may be made toward peace, if they shall seem to you
to offer a reasonable opportunity of attaining the ends which the
Government has in view, or to afford a cover for the withdrawal of
your force should that be desirable; referring, of course, the
matter of terms to be granted to the minister and myself.
All that I have here written has been amply discussed; but should
incidents arise giving an unexpected complexion to the aspect of
affairs, you must use your discretion.
Anything you shall decide upon will, I am sure, meet deserved
approval.
Wishing you and your command success and a safe return,
I am, &c.,
JOHN RODGERS.
A true copy.
H. G. B. Fisher, Secretary.
[Page 136]
No. 8.
F. F. Low to Edward B. Drew
Sir: It is the intention of the admiral to
send an expedition to-morrow to Fort du Conde to take and destroy
it, if possible. The whole will be under the immediate command of
Homer C. Blake, esquire, U. S. N., who will be furnished with full
and explicit instructions by the admiral. I desire you to accompany
Captain Blake on the “Palos” to facilitate communicating with the
native officials, if opportunity offers.
As the object of my visit to Corea is to open negotiations with a
view to making a treaty, this fact should be kept prominently in
view; and the admiral has so instructed Captain Blake. The naval
forces are simply a means to an end. If, therefore, at any time
during the absence of the expedition, overtures should be made by
which it would appear that there is a reasonable prospect of a
minister being sent to confer and con suit with me, and that further
offensive operations would be likely to embarrass friendly
negotiations, it is my desire that all hostile action should cease
as soon as it can be done with safety and honor. The decision
touching this latter point will rest with Captain Blake, guided by
his instructions; but you are at liberty to make known my views to
him if you deem it advisable.
I am, &c.,
True copy: Edward B. Drew.
No. 9.
Translation of dispatch brought by a
junk and intercepted by the expedition to Fort du Conde,
on the 10th June.
Cheng, guardian of Kang-Hoa-fu, Corea, ex-officio general and
governor, makes a reply to his excellency the American minister.
I beg to observe that your honorable dispatch contains many things I
had not anticipated. I am still [as when writing you before]
perplexed and pained. As your excellency said you were coming on a
peaceful and friendly errand, our court proposing to treat you in a
befitting manner, before [receiving from you information of your
arrival,] sent officials of the third rank to inquire whether your
voyage had been prosperous, and further to ask what the business was
which you wanted to discuss and arrange.
This was the course of politeness, but contrary to expectation your
subordinate officials said that those persons were not of high rank,
denied them an interview, [with your excellency,] and sent them
back. Before the officials who had been sent to inquire of the
fatigues of your voyage got back to the capital, your honorable
vessels suddenly entered our narrow pass [from the sea.] Although
you had said that you would inflict no injury, yet, as the vessels
on board which you came [up the river] were vessels of war, and were
full of implements of war, our people and soldiers could not but be
filled with alarm and suspicion, and knew not what to make of it.
Now, I apprehend that the way of concord and the rule of propriety
in entering another country do not justify this. As this place has
before been the scene of battle, it is always strictly guarded.
Although I deeply regret the firing affair—induced by the sudden
sight of an unusual thing—and the alarming of your people, still, to
defend a pass leading into your territory is what you would do were
the case your own.
Your blaming us recently—as is shown by the [demand for an] apology
is truly incomprehensible. Your excellency’s insistance upon meeting
a high official with whom to consult and settle matters, I presume
from your letter of last spring, had reference solely to the affairs
of the two merchant vessels in the year 1866. Of these, one was
destroyed, while the crew of the other was rescued; and you wished
to get at the reason for this difference of treatment, and to make
provision for future cases of disaster to American vessels on our
coast. That one of the vessels [alluded to] was a trader of your
country was not known to us; and the violent and lawless
Tsuy-Lan-heen, who came in her, himself brought on the destruction
that occurred—it was not our people who maliciously commenced it.
The dispatches that have passed first and last to clear up your
suspicions [in this case] have not been few, and it is not now worth
while to discuss it further.
As to rescuing American vessels in distress, our country already has
a regulation on this point, and there is, therefore, no necessity
for going further and laying it down after consultation.
Again, as our country and yours are separated several myriad li, as
if our borders were under a different heaven, we do not interfere
with each other’s tranquillity; then [Page 137] without waiting to lay it down in a definitive compact*
peace exists already in the very fact [of our
distance and non-interference.]
To go into a lengthy discussion and debate for more or less, while
friendship is what is wished for, will only lead to trouble. With
these considerations your excellency can clearly decide which course
would be advantageous and which the reverse. Instead of taking such
steps as you please, you should rather reflect and consider well
what I have said.
Why should you have been so narrow as to decline the trifling
presents offered? I cannot sustain my regrets at this.
A necessary communication, 10th year of Tung-Chih, 4th moon, 22d day, June 9,
1871.
No. 10.
Mr. Drew to Cheng, guardian of Kang-Hoa prefecture, ex-officio general and
governor
The soldiers and officers of your honorable country who were taken
prisoners by us in the fight of the 11th instant, are now held on
board our ships, where they are being supplied with food and taken
care of. If your excellency desires their return, they will be
released on requisition by you, accompanied by a distinct
undertaking that they shall not fight against us again.
A necessary communication.
Tung-Chih, 10th year, 4th
moon, 26th day, (13th June.)
A list of prisoners—15 in number, wounded and
unwounded—accompanied the above.
No. 11.
Translation of a dispatch
received 15th June, 1871, on Guerriere Island, by
hand of two messengers from the magistrate of Fu-Ping
prefecture.
Li, guardian general of Fu-Ping prefecture, Corea, makes a
communication in reply I have received and read the dispatch handed
upon the sea-shore, viz, that which was to be forwarded to his
excellency the authority of Kang-Hoa. Your honorable ships, coming
with professions of friendliness and amity, delayed our military
plans and caused us consequent loss. His excellency the magistrate
of Kang-Hoa, has already incurred our court’s severe reprimand. He
already is under punishment, but is retained at his post. He is
calling out and selecting soldiers and braves, and is steadily
preparing picked and keen (men and material) with the purpose of
satisfying in the fullest degree his anger; I therefore do not dare
to forward your communication for his perusal. The question as to
whether or no our soldiers taken prisoners shall be released and
returned rests alone with you for decision. At the beginning of the
breach between us, the joining of battle was first from your honored
part. How then do you now say “joining battle will not be allowed?”
(See note.) If you shall come to join battle, then with battle will
we meet you, and there’s an end (of the discussion.) He therefore
makes this reply.
A necessary reply is above
communicated to his excellency the American imperial
commissioner, Tung-Chih, 10th year, 4th moon, 27th day, (June 14,
1871.)
Note.—He takes the passage of Mr.
Drew’s dispatch stating that a condition of the release of the
prisoners would be a promise that they shall not again take up
arms against us, and making the phrase apply generally to all
Corean soldiers, asks “Since fighting was at first upon your own
motion, with what propriety do you now say ‘joining battle will
not be allowed?’”
No. 12.
Translation of dispatch brought on
board United States steamer Colorado, June 12, 1871.
Li, guardian general of Foo-Ping prefecture, makes a
communication.
Politeness, of course, characterized our reception of you since your
honorable ships came professing friendship and amity. But the course
of friendship and amity, where shall we find in your abrupt
dismissal of our officials who came with inquiries as to your
suffering, [on the voyage;] in your wrongly entering the territory
of Kuan-Hai, [Page 138] (locality of
the action of 11th instant,) ignoring your ship’s short-comings from
the right, and only blaming our soldiers for attempting to ward off
calamity; in your utter unwillingness to listen, and your sole
interest upon raising a disturbance, when the affairs had already
been completely solved in correspondence?
Looking at it now, one can know thus much for certain: under outward
professions of friendship you cherish false and deceitful designs.
To come to your landing, and thoroughly displaying your forte of
committing public buildings to the flames, burning cottages,
stealing property, sweeping up everything to the veriest trifle.
These are the actions of thieves and spies. In your ships you have
brought many of our kingdom’s outlaws, rebellious brigands who have
forfeited life, to connect yourselves with and collect such a
following as guides to our neighborhoods. This is to become the lair whither pirates flee.
The upshot will be a wild and disorderly discharge of gun and cannon,
the battering down of walled town and fort, the slaying and injuring
army and people. Where was such unsparing and implacable savagery
ever exceeded? You come with professions of friendship and amity,
and wish us to treat you with politeness, and your actions,
forsooth, are such as these. Not only will every urchin of our
kingdom spit at and curse you, but more yet in the world but will
indignantly sympathize with us, and debar you from intercourse, and
break off such as you already hold. I had not thought that such as
these would have been the actions of one intrusted with his
kingdom’s commission to bind in friendship another kingdom.
In those sea-ports where your ships shall bereafter arrive, who will
be willing again to meet you with politeness, discuss the
obligations of good faith and renew friendship? I conceal the shame
I feel for your honorable vessels, the shame I feel for your
honorable country.
A necessary dispatch is above communicated to the secretary of the
American imperial commissioners.
[Dated.] Tung-Chih, 10th
year, 4th
moon, 25th day, (11th June,
1871.)
No. 13.
On Tuesday morning, 13th June, a paper was found attached to a pole
on Guerrière Island, which read thus:
Messengers from the guardian general of Fu-Ping Prefecture [are in
want of a reply to the letter brought by them on Monday, 12th
June.]
On Wednesday morning, 14th June, a paper was found attached to a pole
on Guerrière Island, in which the Fu-Ping Prefect again urges for a
reply to his letter of the 12th June. It reads thus:
To his excellency, Mr. Drew, chief secretary of the minister: On the
25th day of this moon (June 12) I sent your excellency a letter. I
cannot sustain my anxiety that it has not yet been answered, and
again send this to trouble you for a reply.
Sin Wei
year, 4th moon, 27th day. (14th June,
1871.)
From Li, guardian general of Fu-Ping
Prefecture.
No. 14.
Edw. B. Drew to Guardian of Foo-Ping Prefecture
I had the honor to receive your note, dated the 12th instant, in
which you complained in unbecoming language of the results which
necessarily followed the wanton attack upon our vessels.
Correspondence between officials, of whatever rank, should contain
none other than respectful and polite language; and as you choose to
disregard the rule in this respect, it did not occur to me, until
your communication came this morning, that a reply was expected.
The occurrences of the last few days, and the necessary consequences
of the evil acts of your officials, of which neither you nor your
government have just grounds of complaint. The minister and admiral
regret the necessity which compelled this action. They hoped your
government would make such reparation as would render forcible
redress unnecessary. Ample time was allowed for this to be done; but
instead of responding to our overtures for peace the government
remained silent, and the officials from whom we heard, yourself
among the number, apparently justified the attack upon our vessels.
Under these circumstances how could you expect immunity? The
operations of the naval forces have been confined to destroying the
places from which we were assaulted and routing the soldiers that
defended them; although you cannot fail [Page 139] to be aware that a large district of country,
which contains many villages, lies within the reach of the guns of
our ships, and which remains unmolested. This ought to afford
convincing proof that we have no disposition to make indiscriminate
warfare upon your country or your people.
The minister and admiral, as was announced to your government in
advance, desire peace. They are ready to treat all friendly
overtures in a reciprocal spirit, and it is to be hoped that your
government will adopt a wise and prudent course, so that in the
future all trouble may be avoided.
It is desired that you will forward the inclosed dispatch to His
Majesty, the King of Corea.
Tung Chih, 10th
year, 4th moon, 2th day, (June 15,
1871.)
No. 15.
The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of
the United States to China, charged with a special mission to Corea,
had the honor to announce by letter, written and sent from Peking in
March last, that the Government of the United States desired to come
to some definite understanding with that of His Majesty with
reference to the protection and rescue of seamen who might be
wrecked upon the islands and coasts of Corea, and thus remove in
advance all cause of a rupture of friendly relations between the two
countries. To carry out this intention and allow an opportunity for
all matters to be discussed and settled in a spirit of amity and
good will, His Majesty was informed that the undersigned would leave
his post in China temporarily and go to Corea; that he would go in
ships of war, accompanied by an admiral, in order to add dignity to
his mission, and not with any design of harming the people as long
as the vessels and the men on board were treated with consideration
and kindness. His Majesty was also informed that as we were animated
by friendly motives we should expect to be received and treated in a
friendly way, and the undersigned expressed the hope that a minister
of suitable rank would be deputed to meet him, upon the arrival of
the ships on the coast, to whom full particulars of the business
could be made known, and with whom it could be discussed with a view
to amicable settlement. Upon his arrival at this point no persons of
suitable rank presented themselves, nor were those who came
furnished with any evidence of their having been sent by the
government. These men were received with politeness by the person
next in rank to the envoy. They were informed that the undersigned
would remain at this place some days, in order that His Majesty
might send a suitable person to meet him; in the mean time some of
the smaller vessels of the fleet would be engaged in exploring the
channels and islands. They were requested to inform the local
magistrates and the people of the admiral’s intention, so that no
cause of difficulty might arise between the surveying vessels and
the people. The views and intentions of the undersigned were frankly
explained to the persons who came, in the full expectation that as
soon as His Majesty became aware of them no delay would occur in
taking steps to comply with the reasonable requests made.
After a delay of one day to allow the admiral’s intentions to be made
known, the surveying vessels started on their errand of humanity,
and after proceeding a few miles from the anchorage, they were,
without notice, wantonly fired upon by forts and masked batteries,
to which the vessels replied. No gun was fired from the vessels, or
menace made, until after the batteries on shore commenced the
attack. After silencing the batteries the vessels returned and
reported the outrageous conduct of the military, authorities. Even
after all this had occurred, so great was the desire of the admiral
and the undersigned for peace that it was concluded to allow ten
days to elapse before taking any further action, in the hope that it
would be found that the attack was unauthorized, and that His
Majesty would cause a suitable apology to be sent, and also a
minister, as had been suggested. The local magistrate here and the
magistrate at Kang-Hoa were informed of our lenient disposition in
order that future hostilities might be avoided. These peaceful
overtures being declined, or neglected, left no other Course open to
the admiral than to seek redress by arms, as is usual among all
civilized nations, for the wrongs and insults which our vessels had
suffered. This has been fully done. The forts have been destroyed,
and the armies defending them routed and scattered. Many hundreds of
the soldiers were killed and wounded, and others are prisoners on
board our ships.
The latter will be treated with humanity and kindness, and, upon a
proper engagement being entered into that they shall not again take
up arms against us, will be released and sent to their homes. It is
the custom of my country to treat all prisoners that fall into our
hands with humanity, and the undersigned begs to assure His Majesty
that those now held captive on board our ships will suffer neither
insult nor injury.
[Page 140]
The events of the past few days afford convincing proofs of our power
whenever we choose to exert it. In the present instance the admiral
concluded to go no further than destroying the fortifications that
had assaulted his vessels, although well-established precedent would
sanction the moving of our forces against any and all places of the
kingdom. Although possessed of the power, my Government does not
seek war or conquest. It does not wish to acquire a single inch of
your territory; nor does it seek control over your people. It has no
desire to disturb the institutions of the country, or interfere in
any matters of local concern. On the contrary, it desires to
cultivate friendly relations with His Majesty as the sovereign of an
independent nation. My Government wishes to be at peace with all
countries, neither giving just grounds for offense, nor allowing
unprovoked assaults or insults to its vessels or people to go
unredressed. When its citizens offend against the laws and customs
of other countries they are duly apprehended and punished. This
cannot be done unless some arrangement is made by which they can be
arrested and given up for trial and punishment. Arrangements now
exist for doing this in China and Japan. Why should not Corea enter
into similar engagements? Will not a definite understanding on this
point prevent irritation and ill-feeling? To discuss and arrange
this question, as well as to provide for the protection and rescue
of those who may, by misfortune, be cast upon the shores of your
kingdom, are the chief objects which the undersigned had in view in
coming here.
These objects he is still anxious to accomplish, and is prepared to
exercise patience and forbearance in order that further hostilities
may be avoided. It remains for His Majesty to decide whether the
ends aimed at shall be attained peaceably, in accordance with the
earnest desire of the undersigned and his Government, or whether our
peaceful overtures will be met in the future, as they have been in
the past, by force of arms.
The undersigned trusts that His Majesty will, upon a careful review
of the whole question, conclude to meet these advances in a just and
friendly spirit, and that a person of suitable rank will soon be
sent to consult, with a view of arranging the questions which are
likely to disturb amicable relations. The undersigned hopes for a
speedy and frank reply to this note.
The undersigned has the honor to wish His Majesty health and
happiness.
Tung-Chih, 10th
year, 4th moon, and 27th day, (June 14,
1871.)
FREDERICK F. LOW.
Note.—This dispatch was returned by the
prefect with a note, saying that he dare not forward it.
No. 16.
Translation of dispatch from the
magistrate of Foo-Ping-Foo, received from Guerrière Island
at 10 a. m. on Saturday,
June 17.
Li, guardian general of Foo-Ping Prefecture, Corea, makes the
following communication in reply to Mr. Drew, acting secretary of
legation:
Your dispatch has been attentively read. Its only purport is to place
the blame upon the local, civil, and military authorities. It is now
unnecessary to multiply elaborate discussions as to who has been in
the right, and who the reverse, in what has taken place; the duty of
us, the local authorities, is that we all (according to the commands
of His Majesty) should confine ourselves to defending [the districts
committed to our care] or to giving battle, and to these things
alone.
I dare not send up to the court the dispatch now to hand from his
excellency, and beg respectfully to return it herewith.
As you must have seen that we have not fired on the men of your
honorable ships landing for water, but have let them come on shore,
you must, I presume, be aware that we, too, do not pride ourselves
on our power to kill and injure people.
A necessary communication in reply.
Tung-Chih, 10th
year, 4th
moon, 30th day, (June
17.)
No. 17.
Mr. Drew, acting secretary of legation, makes the following
communication to Li, guardian general of Fu Ping prefecture.
I had the honor to receive, by the hand of a messenger yesterday
morning, your note of that day, returning a dispatch from his
excellency the minister to His Majesty the King. In your note you
say that it is not within your province to forward the dispatch [Page 141] to its destination, and
intimate that further correspondence will not be likely to serve any
useful purpose.
I am instructed by his excellency to say, in reply, that your refusal
to forward his dispatch to the government seems extraordinary, and
that he is unwilling to believe your course would have the sanction
of His Majesty were he aware of the real facts. It is hardly
possible that His Majesty would so far disregard the established
rules common among all nations as deliberately to obstruct all
channels of communication between an ambassador of a friendly nation
and the government of Corea; thus closing the door to all attempts
at the settlement of differences that now exist, or that may
hereafter arise, by amicable negotiation.
I am further instructed by his excellency to say that, as he
contemplates a prolonged stay in the vicinity of the capital, he has
concluded to retain the dispatch until means are found to forward it
to its destination; and he indulges the hope that you will, upon
reflection, conclude to transmit it, or make known to His Majesty
that his excellency desires to send one. This is especially
desirable; for if His Majesty frustrates all efforts to open
negotiation the situation will be relieved of embarrassment in case
the minister and admiral are compelled to seek other means to bring
the business with which his excellency is intrusted to the notice of
the court. A refusal by order of the government will also show to
the nations of Europe, as well as to the United States, that Corea
persistently declines to hold communication with an ambassador
especially sent on an errand of peace and humanity.
If, however, you conclude to adhere to the determination indicated in
your note, I deem it my duty distinctly to inform you that for your
refusal to perform a service incumbent upon all officials of every
nation, the same responsibility will attach to His Majesty as if the
act was done by his express order.
Tung Chih, 10th year, 5th
moon, 1st day, (June 18,
1871.)
No. 18.
Translation of a dispatch from the
prefect of Foo Ping to Mr. Drew; received June 20, 1871.
Li, guardian general of Foo Ping prefecture, makes a communication in
reply.
To the reply which I had the honor to send you the other day, I had
not expected there would be a rejoinder. But I have now to
acknowledge your answer, expressing surprise that I do not dare to
forward his excellency’s dispatch to the court, and inquiring into
the matter. An explanation of my reasons is therefore
indispensable.
Although the place where your honored ships came to anchor on their
arrival here* was amply suitable for intercourse and
correspondence, yet you, ascending the tide, entered the narrows,
and thus caused those holding the place to open fire upon you. As we
had written, expressing regret at the infelicity of that affair, you
might have passed it over; but no!—on the contrary, you went up a
second time and fought a battle, in which many of our people were
killed or wounded. Our court is terribly incensed at this, and no
longer believes in the [alleged] peaceful nature of your visit.
Under these circumstances, although his excellency wishes a dispatch
to be forwarded, yet, in view of the utter, irreconcilability of a
foreign minister’s writing our sovereign direct on terms of equality
with what is due to rank, dignity, and ceremonial propriety, how
could I, an humble official, venture to transmit it? Our court would
certainly severely censure and disgrace me for such an act; and how
could I escape this punishment? And is this a matter of no concern
to his excellency? It is, after repeatedly and unremittingly
revolving the matter in my mind, that, dreading the law and holding
to the canons of usage, I dare not recklessly forward the
dispatch.
The business which his excellency has encountered the hardships of a
long voyage to consult about and arrange can, in all probability, I
presume, be nothing else than that he does not fully know why, of
two vessels [which came to our shores] one was rescued and the other
destroyed; and because he is solicitous for the future, lest in the
course of their voyages vessels may perhaps again meet with
unforeseen disasters, he therefore desires to make a compact of
peace, [treaty,] forever preventing the infliction of injury, and
this is the way matters stand.
But can this be pronounced other than a manifestation of extreme
over-anxiety and the taking of unnecessary trouble? As to the case
of the vessel which was involved in misfortune by those on board
her, who brought the catastrophe upon themselves, this affair was
verily of a kind totally unexpected to us. As to vessels losing
their course in fogs at sea, or being driven in by stress of
weather, these, and all similar dangers and disasters, concern human
life; that this country will with fidelity rescue mariners and send
them forward by land, as they desire, is recorded as our established
law, enduring as the elements. In this we imitate Heaven’s fostering
care of mankind, and [Page 142] make
no discrimination between those nations which are remote and those
which are near. Therefore it is that the local officials along the
coast are, without exception, in a state of anxious concern day and
night; and among these officials I am an unworthy one. With the
spirits of heaven and earth watching above and about me, how dare I
use empty or deceitful expressions? I only hope that his excellency
will no longer be over-solicitous and needlessly trouble himself
about these matters.
Although you have not consulted about and settled any business, yet
granted that you had done so, the results would have been to the
above effect and nothing more, There is no need for a compact of
peace, and friendly feeling will be naturally found in what I have
above stated.*
Of what the unworthy officer writing has heard of as the discussions
of the crowded halls of our court he has now made frank disclosure;
yet, his own proper duties are limited to holding his jurisdiction
or doing battle, and to these things only.
A necessary reply. To the American Chief Secretary.
Tung Chih, 10th
year, 5th moon, 2d day, (20th June,
1871.)