Mr. Foulk to Mr. Bayard.
Seoul, Corea, October 20, 1885. (Received December 7.)
Sir: In accordance with the customs of official etiquette in this country, I have asked for and had an audience with the Tai-Wön-Kun, ex-regent, and father of the King of Corea, reported in ray No. 237 as having recently been returned from China by the Chinese Government.
The audience was held in the private residence, a small palace of the Tai-Wön-Kun. The Tai-Wön-Kun received me with pleasing dignity on the steps of the audience chamber, and taking me by the hand, led me within, where a light collation was prepared.
I found the Tai-Wön-Kun a very remarkably well-preserved man, sixty-eight years old, but appeared to be not more than fifty. His face shows great decision and firmness, with high intelligence. He is active in speech and motion of body.
His conversation was frank and agreeable. He stated that he was not civilized in the Western way; that he had lived in seclusion in China, and had met only one or two foreigners while there; that he had been advised to lead a life of retirement in Corea, content with the honor due him as father of the King of Corea. He asked me many questions, [Page 361] a few touching upon political affairs, to which I replied as guardedly as possible. When I withdrew he stated that he was old and lame, and possibly could not return my call, and asked me to come often informally to see him.
However, the Tai-Wön-Kun returned my call on the 11th instant, together with the calls of the other foreign representatives who had asked for audiences with him. During this call he stated the Chinese and the King did not wish him to use his own name, but the simple title Tai-Wön-Kun (great prince of the royal house). As he was leaving the legation, I overheard him say to one of my head servants:
Remember always that you are a Corean, and do all you can to help your country, though you serve in a foreigner’s house.
The result of my observations is that I believe the Tai-Wön-Kun to be a man who cannot, with his present strength and activity of mind, avoid being drawn into active participation in the affairs of the Government.
The Chinese authorities treat him with great deference and kindliness, and without doubt it has been their endeavor to cause him to lean towards their policy in regard to Corea. However, they show much anxiety, and are vigilantly watching him.
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It is possible that the Chinese have already observed that the Tai-Wön-Kun cannot remain inactive in Corea, and that he may endeavor to release Corea from their oppressive interference, for on yesterday an envoy started for China with a request from the Corean Government for the stationing of Chinese troops in Seoul, a request most reasonably to be inferred as having been dictated by the Chinese themselves.
I have, &c.,
Ensign, U. S. Navy, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.