U.S. Steamer Shenandoah
Ping-Yang River, Corea, April 19 1868
Your Majesty,
During the month of August of the year 1866, an Amer. trading Schooner named the General Sherman entered this river for the purpose of traffic. To this time she has not returned and it is reported that the crew were murdered by mob violence, the cargo stolen and the vessel destroyed. About a year since one of our Government vessels visited the coast of Corea to the south of this river for the purpose of investigating this matter; but did not get into communication with the proper authorities or receive information satisfactory to my Government. Recent information has been received by the Commander-in-chief of the United States Naval Forces in these seas, that a number of the crew of the Sherman are living, and held as prisoners by Corean Authorities, I have been therefore directed by him to proceed to this point with the vessel under any command, and to demand that all persons so detained be given up to my authority on the Deck of this ship. I further earnestly request that Your Majesty will appoint a proper officer with full authority to settle this matter. Hoping for a speedy and favorable reply, I have the honor to remain,
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
(Signed) Commander John C. Febiger
United States Navy
To His Majesty
The King of Corea