U.S.S. Wachusett
Shanghai, Jan. 8, 1867

To R. Admiral H.H. Bell

My Dear Sir:
　Since our arrival here, I have been actively engaged in pursuit of “Korean” information.
　First, I have seen Capt. Bochet of H.I.M.S. Primaguet, which vessel you will remember formed part of the French expedition in that country.
　His information in regard to the Genl. Sherman seemed to me to be very vague. He supposes that she went up the river “Tai ling Kong” in about the lat. of 88° 10’ N. The reasons why she went up this river, as the Missionaries gave them to him, were that the country to the Nth & Wst is all a desert and would offer no inducements for trade.
　Second, Capt. Haswell of H.R.M.S. Pelonis, when at “Chefoo” saw the Pilot referred to in this matter, and he (the Pilot) stated that the schooner ascended the river “Yalu Kiang.” This corresponds with the impressions of Mr. Knight our Consul at “Nienchwang” now here, who informs me that Messrs. Meadows & Co. the charterers of the Genl. Sherman, had spoken to him of their desire to explore that river.
　Third, I find that among others, the British Steamer “Emperor” has been to the Korea, and ascended the river “Kian Kang,” lat. 37° 30′ N. Long. 128° 53′ W. Messrs. Jardine, Matherson & les her owners very kindly gave me a chart of the river, and today I am going to see a Mr. Oppert, who went in the Steamer on this voyage.
　Fourth. The American Schooner Surprise, Capt. McCaslin, was wrecked in June last while attempting to enter a river in about lat. 39° 18′ N. Long. 128° [36′] West and this Capt. whom I have seen here thinks that the Genl. Sherman was attempting to ascend this river, from the fact that he had talked with Capt. Preston of his project of carrying arms into the “Korea” from this point.
　Capt. McCaslin, with his crew of eight men, after landing from the wreck of the Surprise, was taken charge of by the Korean Authorities and was in their hands for 43 days and transported on horseback to the “Korean Gate,” there turned over to the Chinese Officials, and finally found his way here &c. He speaks warmly of the kindness and hospitality of the Korean Officers and people contrasting them very favorably with the subsequent conduct of the Chinese.
　It will be remembered that this occurred only two or three months previous to the affair of the Genl. Sherman and hence it might be inferred that owing to the lateness of the season, the crew of the Genl. Sherman might yet be “en route” to China, and not heard of at the “Korean Gate.” The only reason to suppose that their treatment would be different from that received by the men of the other vessel is the course of subsequent events with reference to the French, which may have involved all foreigners at that time in the Country.
　Fifth. All of the foregoing persons, whom I have seen unite in saying that this coast is too much unknown and of too dangerous a character where it is comparatively known, to approach in midwinter, added to the fact that even if the coast could be reached, the rivers which are the principal means of communication with the interior would unquestionably be found frozen up.
　Conclusions. With all due allowance for hastily formed opinions, and imperfect knowledge, it occurs to me, that if we went to “Khangoa” in order to communicate with the “Korean” Govt. we should identify ourselves or rather be identified with the French, and received from the first in a hostile manner.
　If we do not go to “Khangoa,” where can we go? There are five rivers, each of which has its advocates, and each of which at this season it is dangerous to approach. My impressions at present, is that were I to act upon my own judgement, I should go to the harbor of “Chosan,” and there communicate with the authorities of Korea, thanking them first, as I think we are in duty bound, for their kindness to the crew of the Am. Schr. Surprise, wrecked upon their coast while unlawfully engaged in a contraband voyage, and then enquiring and asking for the crew of the Genl. Sherman, which until we get more knowledge we might suppose to be still alive and in the Country. Any subsequent proceeding would not be prejudiced by such a course, and in the meanwhile we might avoid a serious difficulty.
　Chosan harbor I am told is accessible at all seasons, and from its importance in connection with the Japanese trade, has I have no doubt constant communication with the capital of Korea.
　Knowing that you feel an immediate interest in everything pertaining to this matter, I have hastily for today’s mail jotted down these impressions, simply as the result of investigations at this port, and I regret that you were not in possession of more definite information before giving me my orders but if in the future I shall diverge from these orders I trust that you will consider the mist in which this whole thing has been involved and the absolute necessity for the exercise of individual judgement when removed so far from superior authority.
　We finish coaling tomorrow or next day and then sail at once for Chefoo. The weather here has been very boisterous, so as to render work until today almost impossible. Our Starboard boiler has given trouble from leaks &c. but will be in good order this eve.
　Your letter of Dec. 31st has just reached me. The Qr. Gunner referred to rejoined this Ship at Hong Kong.

Very Respectfully
(Signed) R.W. Shufeldt
Commander
Comdg. U.S.S. Wachusett