셰난도어호 조사 결과 보고
U.S. Steamer Shenandoah (2nd Rate)
Cheefoo, China, May 19, 1868
Cheefoo, China, May 19, 1868
Sir:
In obedience to the orders of Commodore J.R. Goldsborough dated the [____] of February 1868, to proceed in this vessel to the Ping Yang river, Corea and demand the delivery of four of the crew of the U.S. Schooner General Sherman, said to be detained as prisoners in the Provincial city and also to further investigate the case of the said Schooner, I have to report as follows, viz.
Having secured the services of the Rev’d Mr. Mateer (an American Missionary located at Gung-Chan,) and E.G. Sanford (U.S. Consul at Cheefoo,) as interpreters, together with a Chinese pilot, I left Chefoo on the afternoon of the [____] of April and commenced running a line of soundings across the Yellow Sea, at midnight of the 8th, came to another on the coast of Corea; finding that the pilot was not well acquainted with land marks or depth of water, we were compelled to [round] the way amongst the Islands and into the river, not making our first anchorage inside until the 12th commenced at once the survey of the river with the intention of gradually advancing until I could either get into communication with the authorities, or reach the point at which the Sherman was reported to have been destroyed. On the morning of the 15th, a communication was found attached to one of our Signal Staffs on Station Island, requesting information as to our Nationality, our purposes for coming &c (enclosed with translation
and reply, Marked “A”).
On the morning of the 16th, another communication was found attached to the Staff from the Magistrate of San Hoa, giving an account of a vessel [_____] entered the River, of her having in opposition to their request made their way to the Provincial city, that while on their way they robbed and destroyed merchant junks and murdered their crews, seized upon an Official personage and confined him on board the vessel, and otherwise behaved as outrageously, that the people in large numbers made an attack upon them, fire arms being used on both sides, the Coreans losing several Gens killed, and the vessel being eventually fired and blown up, all on board perishing (enclosed with translation and marked “B”).
On the afternoon of the 19th, a Corean boat came alongside bringing a communication worded by the Magistrate of Chung Leen; this communication is from a High Government Official addressed to Commander Shufeldt of the Wachusetts in reply to his Dispatch to the King of Corea in relation to the Sherman affair, and in effect the same as that previously received from the Magistrate of the San Hoa marked “B”; acknowledged the receipt of the communication enclosing a Dispatch from the King of Corea, demanding the delivery on board this ship of four (4) of the crew of the General Sherman reported to be held as prisoners in the Provincial city of Ping-Yang. (The letter to Comdr. Shufeldt with translation
and my letter acknowledging receipt are marked “C,” also a copy of my Dispatch marked No. 1, are enclosed herewith).
On the 21st, the survey of the river had been carried about twenty five (25) miles, the ship dropping up with the tide; on the afternoon of that day the [Third] Cutter while on her return to the ship from establishing [Point] was twice fired upon by Gingalls from a Military Post some three or four miles above her anchorage, fortunately no one was injured, and although the boat was armed, no shots were fired in return; no notice had been given by the authorities of their intention to fire upon us, should we attempt to pass their Post, as had any cause been given by the action of the boat for their as doing (a report of the officers on duty in the boat is enclosed and marked “D”); a Dispatch was received from the Magistrate of Lung-Ching inquiring into our nationality and the purpose of our coming, (the Dispatch, translation and Reply marked “E” are enclosed); a letter was also received from the Magistrate of San Hoa informing me that a Dispatch had recently come from the Chinese Board of Rites to the Corean Government informing them of the object of my mission and complaining of my not allowing his people to come near us to attend the matter &c; acknowledged the receipt of the letter and reported our Boats having been fired upon, and my intention in case of a repetition to recent such outrage by Force of Arms (The letter, translation and reply marked “F” are enclosed).
On the 25th I forwarded through the hands of the Magistrate of San Hoa to the King of Corea a copy of my Dispatch No. 1, and also a report of our Boats having been fired upon without warning or giving cause for their so doing, demanding an apology for the outrage and the punishment of the offender, (Copy enclosed marked Dispatch No. 2); on the 25th and 26th received Dispatches from the Magistrate of San Hoa, the former informing me of the receipt of my letter, reporting the fact of my boat having been fired upon and rather supporting that act of the Military Authorities, the latter stating that he had received information from the Magistrate of Chang Leen of his having forwarded my dispatch No. 1 to its address and also stating that the four men therein demanded, did not exist (These dispatches with my reply marked “G” [are enclosed]).
Finding that the further prosecution of the survey up the River, would in all probability bring on acts of hostility, which I should be forced to retaliate, I got underway on the morning of the 27th, steamed down the river, came too inside its mouth, and commenced the survey seaward. On the 29th received from the Staff on Station Island a letter from the Magistrate of San Hoa, acknowledging the receipt of my Dispatch to the King of Corea, stating that he had forwarded them and requesting me not to leave like the Wachusetts before the reply could be received, in answer stated that I would not leave before that time (Letter, translation and answer marked “H” enclosed). On the 30th shifted anchorage to the eastward of Don Chan Island for the purpose of survey. On the 2nd of May received a letter from the Magistrate of Chang-Leen, enclosing a copy of a Dispatch from the Corean Government to the Chinese Board of Rites. In his letter he stated he could not forward my dispatch No. 1 to his Sovereign as it was not from my Government and also that he had under arrest the Man Kin Tsy Ping, who was said to have given the information of four of the crew of the Sherman being still alive and held as prisoners, that he would bring him on board this ship that we might interrogate him in reference to that matter (The copy of Dispatch to Chinese Board of Rites and letter of Magistrate with translation and my reply marked “I” are enclosed). On the 3rd a message was received from the Magistrate of Chang Leen that the man Kin Tsy Ping was old and sick and could not come on board, requesting that we would come ashore and interrogate him. On the following day sent [Ministers or Messer] Mateer and Sanford on shore for that purpose; upon their arrival were received by the officials, one of whom represented himself as the Magistrate of Chang Leen, and the other as the Prefect of Chang Yuen. A man whole they called Kin Tsy Ping was produced asa prisoner with a heavy board canage around his neck who stated that he was 79 years of age and was a fisherman at a place called [Leon Faou] in the Prefecture of Chang Yuen and that he had not seen the Pilot Yu [Wun] Tai since the Wachusetts was on the coast. The magistrate not allowing a private examination, no questions were put in relation to the reported survivors of the schooner. I think it probable that this old man is not Kin [_sz] Ping, but the head man of the village, off which the Wachusetts anchored, mentioned by Commander Shufeldt in his report (a statement of the interview by Mr. Mateer marked “J” is enclosed).
On the 16th having finished the survey [seaward] got underway and ran off the mouth of the river in order to communicate with the Magistrate of San Hoa, on the following day received a letter from him stating he had forwarded my dispatches to his Officials Superior, who had not felt authorized to send it to his Sovereign, as it was not from our Government, that I was in receipt of several dispatches, which ought to be satisfactory in relation to the Sherman affair, that the so called Kin Tsy Ping had been beheaded and expressing surprise that I should object to the firing on our Boat (Letter and Translation marked “K” enclosed.)
From all the information I have collected I am of the opinion that none of the Crew or Passengers of the Schooner General Sherman are now living, but do not think that the statements given by the Corean Authorities as leading to the destruction of the Sherman are at all probable. A schooner of 60 tons whose object was trade would hardly care to proceed slowly up such a river as the Ping Yang, destroying and robbing junks and murdering their crews; it is probable they seized upon and confined the Official spoken of for their own protection, and that they were fired upon first, and by retaliating brought on the result.
The firing upon our Boat at the Military Post up the River was unprovoked and without notice of their intention to do so should we attempt to pass and as satisfaction has been given for the outrage.
During the time of our visit we have succeeded in making a fair survey of the Ping Yang river and its approaches, which I will forward as soon as the sheets are finished. On the 18th got underway and started a [____] of deep sea soundings from [Chode] Island, across the Yellow Sea, arriving here this afternoon.
In obedience to the orders of Commodore J.R. Goldsborough dated the [____] of February 1868, to proceed in this vessel to the Ping Yang river, Corea and demand the delivery of four of the crew of the U.S. Schooner General Sherman, said to be detained as prisoners in the Provincial city and also to further investigate the case of the said Schooner, I have to report as follows, viz.
Having secured the services of the Rev’d Mr. Mateer (an American Missionary located at Gung-Chan,) and E.G. Sanford (U.S. Consul at Cheefoo,) as interpreters, together with a Chinese pilot, I left Chefoo on the afternoon of the [____] of April and commenced running a line of soundings across the Yellow Sea, at midnight of the 8th, came to another on the coast of Corea; finding that the pilot was not well acquainted with land marks or depth of water, we were compelled to [round] the way amongst the Islands and into the river, not making our first anchorage inside until the 12th commenced at once the survey of the river with the intention of gradually advancing until I could either get into communication with the authorities, or reach the point at which the Sherman was reported to have been destroyed. On the morning of the 15th, a communication was found attached to one of our Signal Staffs on Station Island, requesting information as to our Nationality, our purposes for coming &c (enclosed with translation
and reply, Marked “A”).On the morning of the 16th, another communication was found attached to the Staff from the Magistrate of San Hoa, giving an account of a vessel [_____] entered the River, of her having in opposition to their request made their way to the Provincial city, that while on their way they robbed and destroyed merchant junks and murdered their crews, seized upon an Official personage and confined him on board the vessel, and otherwise behaved as outrageously, that the people in large numbers made an attack upon them, fire arms being used on both sides, the Coreans losing several Gens killed, and the vessel being eventually fired and blown up, all on board perishing (enclosed with translation and marked “B”).
On the afternoon of the 19th, a Corean boat came alongside bringing a communication worded by the Magistrate of Chung Leen; this communication is from a High Government Official addressed to Commander Shufeldt of the Wachusetts in reply to his Dispatch to the King of Corea in relation to the Sherman affair, and in effect the same as that previously received from the Magistrate of the San Hoa marked “B”; acknowledged the receipt of the communication enclosing a Dispatch from the King of Corea, demanding the delivery on board this ship of four (4) of the crew of the General Sherman reported to be held as prisoners in the Provincial city of Ping-Yang. (The letter to Comdr. Shufeldt with translation
and my letter acknowledging receipt are marked “C,” also a copy of my Dispatch marked No. 1, are enclosed herewith).On the 21st, the survey of the river had been carried about twenty five (25) miles, the ship dropping up with the tide; on the afternoon of that day the [Third] Cutter while on her return to the ship from establishing [Point] was twice fired upon by Gingalls from a Military Post some three or four miles above her anchorage, fortunately no one was injured, and although the boat was armed, no shots were fired in return; no notice had been given by the authorities of their intention to fire upon us, should we attempt to pass their Post, as had any cause been given by the action of the boat for their as doing (a report of the officers on duty in the boat is enclosed and marked “D”); a Dispatch was received from the Magistrate of Lung-Ching inquiring into our nationality and the purpose of our coming, (the Dispatch, translation and Reply marked “E” are enclosed); a letter was also received from the Magistrate of San Hoa informing me that a Dispatch had recently come from the Chinese Board of Rites to the Corean Government informing them of the object of my mission and complaining of my not allowing his people to come near us to attend the matter &c; acknowledged the receipt of the letter and reported our Boats having been fired upon, and my intention in case of a repetition to recent such outrage by Force of Arms (The letter, translation and reply marked “F” are enclosed).
On the 25th I forwarded through the hands of the Magistrate of San Hoa to the King of Corea a copy of my Dispatch No. 1, and also a report of our Boats having been fired upon without warning or giving cause for their so doing, demanding an apology for the outrage and the punishment of the offender, (Copy enclosed marked Dispatch No. 2); on the 25th and 26th received Dispatches from the Magistrate of San Hoa, the former informing me of the receipt of my letter, reporting the fact of my boat having been fired upon and rather supporting that act of the Military Authorities, the latter stating that he had received information from the Magistrate of Chang Leen of his having forwarded my dispatch No. 1 to its address and also stating that the four men therein demanded, did not exist (These dispatches with my reply marked “G” [are enclosed]).
Finding that the further prosecution of the survey up the River, would in all probability bring on acts of hostility, which I should be forced to retaliate, I got underway on the morning of the 27th, steamed down the river, came too inside its mouth, and commenced the survey seaward. On the 29th received from the Staff on Station Island a letter from the Magistrate of San Hoa, acknowledging the receipt of my Dispatch to the King of Corea, stating that he had forwarded them and requesting me not to leave like the Wachusetts before the reply could be received, in answer stated that I would not leave before that time (Letter, translation and answer marked “H” enclosed). On the 30th shifted anchorage to the eastward of Don Chan Island for the purpose of survey. On the 2nd of May received a letter from the Magistrate of Chang-Leen, enclosing a copy of a Dispatch from the Corean Government to the Chinese Board of Rites. In his letter he stated he could not forward my dispatch No. 1 to his Sovereign as it was not from my Government and also that he had under arrest the Man Kin Tsy Ping, who was said to have given the information of four of the crew of the Sherman being still alive and held as prisoners, that he would bring him on board this ship that we might interrogate him in reference to that matter (The copy of Dispatch to Chinese Board of Rites and letter of Magistrate with translation and my reply marked “I” are enclosed). On the 3rd a message was received from the Magistrate of Chang Leen that the man Kin Tsy Ping was old and sick and could not come on board, requesting that we would come ashore and interrogate him. On the following day sent [Ministers or Messer] Mateer and Sanford on shore for that purpose; upon their arrival were received by the officials, one of whom represented himself as the Magistrate of Chang Leen, and the other as the Prefect of Chang Yuen. A man whole they called Kin Tsy Ping was produced asa prisoner with a heavy board canage around his neck who stated that he was 79 years of age and was a fisherman at a place called [Leon Faou] in the Prefecture of Chang Yuen and that he had not seen the Pilot Yu [Wun] Tai since the Wachusetts was on the coast. The magistrate not allowing a private examination, no questions were put in relation to the reported survivors of the schooner. I think it probable that this old man is not Kin [_sz] Ping, but the head man of the village, off which the Wachusetts anchored, mentioned by Commander Shufeldt in his report (a statement of the interview by Mr. Mateer marked “J” is enclosed).
On the 16th having finished the survey [seaward] got underway and ran off the mouth of the river in order to communicate with the Magistrate of San Hoa, on the following day received a letter from him stating he had forwarded my dispatches to his Officials Superior, who had not felt authorized to send it to his Sovereign, as it was not from our Government, that I was in receipt of several dispatches, which ought to be satisfactory in relation to the Sherman affair, that the so called Kin Tsy Ping had been beheaded and expressing surprise that I should object to the firing on our Boat (Letter and Translation marked “K” enclosed.)
From all the information I have collected I am of the opinion that none of the Crew or Passengers of the Schooner General Sherman are now living, but do not think that the statements given by the Corean Authorities as leading to the destruction of the Sherman are at all probable. A schooner of 60 tons whose object was trade would hardly care to proceed slowly up such a river as the Ping Yang, destroying and robbing junks and murdering their crews; it is probable they seized upon and confined the Official spoken of for their own protection, and that they were fired upon first, and by retaliating brought on the result.
The firing upon our Boat at the Military Post up the River was unprovoked and without notice of their intention to do so should we attempt to pass and as satisfaction has been given for the outrage.
During the time of our visit we have succeeded in making a fair survey of the Ping Yang river and its approaches, which I will forward as soon as the sheets are finished. On the 18th got underway and started a [____] of deep sea soundings from [Chode] Island, across the Yellow Sea, arriving here this afternoon.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
(Signed) John C. Febiger
Commander.
Your Obedient Servant
(Signed) John C. Febiger
Commander.
Rear Admiral
Stephen C. Rowan
Commanding U.S. Asiatic Squadron
U.S. Flag-Ship Piscataqua
Stephen C. Rowan
Commanding U.S. Asiatic Squadron
U.S. Flag-Ship Piscataqua
별지: A
Mouth of the Ping Yang River
April 15th 1868
April 15th 1868
The following communication was given by a Corean petty official to Mr. Cotton on Signal Station.
Of what country are you? For what purpose do you come here? On what month and day did you start and from what place did you come all the way here? Are you all well after your journey of ten thousand le (3 le = 1 mile,) through winds and waves? Is it your plan to barter merchandize or is it simply your plan to take a general view of the hills and rivers, or do you rather wish to pass by to other places and so return to your native land? All under heaven are of one original nature; clothes and hats are very different and language is not the same, yet they can treat each other with mutual friendship; what your wish is please make known and do not conceal anything. A particular reply returned to this Island will be very acceptable.
Of what country are you? For what purpose do you come here? On what month and day did you start and from what place did you come all the way here? Are you all well after your journey of ten thousand le (3 le = 1 mile,) through winds and waves? Is it your plan to barter merchandize or is it simply your plan to take a general view of the hills and rivers, or do you rather wish to pass by to other places and so return to your native land? All under heaven are of one original nature; clothes and hats are very different and language is not the same, yet they can treat each other with mutual friendship; what your wish is please make known and do not conceal anything. A particular reply returned to this Island will be very acceptable.
The region of the Yellow Sea
District Magistrate of San-Hoa
District Magistrate of San-Hoa
C.W. Mateer
Translator.
Translator.
별지: U.S. Steamer Shenandoah
U.S. Steamer Shenandoah
April 15, 1868
Your communication of yesterday was received and examined, and affords us pleasure to say that we are Americans. Our country lies to the far west so 50,000 le from this. We came by way of Canton, Shanghai and Cheefoo. We left Cheefoo for this place on the fifteenth of the third month. We do not come here to trade, but have been sent here by our government and have important business to transact with the Corean government concerning one of our trading vessels, which was destroyed in this river, some two years ago. We have ready an important dispatch which we wish forwarded to the King of Corea and ask that you will at once inform the proper officer and request him to send a messenger to bear it with all dispatch to the Capitol. We come with feelings of peace and friendship and we hope that your government will so act towards us, as to continue the peaceful relations of the two countries. We wish to buy from the people some fresh provisions for which we are ready to pay a fair price. A reply to this communication will find us a short distance up the river whither we will move today.
April 15, 1868
Your communication of yesterday was received and examined, and affords us pleasure to say that we are Americans. Our country lies to the far west so 50,000 le from this. We came by way of Canton, Shanghai and Cheefoo. We left Cheefoo for this place on the fifteenth of the third month. We do not come here to trade, but have been sent here by our government and have important business to transact with the Corean government concerning one of our trading vessels, which was destroyed in this river, some two years ago. We have ready an important dispatch which we wish forwarded to the King of Corea and ask that you will at once inform the proper officer and request him to send a messenger to bear it with all dispatch to the Capitol. We come with feelings of peace and friendship and we hope that your government will so act towards us, as to continue the peaceful relations of the two countries. We wish to buy from the people some fresh provisions for which we are ready to pay a fair price. A reply to this communication will find us a short distance up the river whither we will move today.
별지: B
The following communication was tied to the Signal Staff on Station Island during the night of April 15th, and brought on board the Shenandoah by Mr. Conie.
The Honorable American Open and Examine
Having just made inquiry concerning your purpose and received a reply saying- We are an American man-of-war searching the way to Ping-Yang; after reaching Ping Yang we have an affair to enquire into; for the present we have no communication in reply to yours. What is the occasion of this course? Since San Hoa is also within the bounds of Ping Yang why not ask here at San Hoa? What is this business that you wish to enquire into? As to an American vessel said to have been grounded and burnt in Ping Yang River, the incumbent local magistrate supposed that they were driven here by distress of weather and wished assistance, but being about to enquire into the thing, the men on the vessel became exceedingly hateful, both officers and men refused attention to our words, shutting their eyes and lying down to sleep, clearly wishing to offer insult; our people restrained their shame and rage and after the most humble speech and earnest entreaty ascertained that the vessel was not driven hither by adverse winds. There was one man named Tony calling himself a Frenchman and another said to be an Englishman, they declared that France was about to send a large number of war vessels; if you permit us to open trade it will be the occasion of the dispersion of the soldiers of the two countries. The local magistrate replied that it did not pertain to him to promise such a thing, upon which the man Tony became more and more unreasonable and violent. The water in the Ping-Yang River is shallow and unfit for large vessels, but he disregarded this, and everyday riding on the tide, worked his way up the river; our people showed their friendly feelings by supplying meat, vegetables and fruit, but he would not return (is down the river) but on the contrary gradually pushed his way up to the capital of the province, there by means of grappling irons and cables they captured the vessel of the Adjutant General and put him in confinement and by the time an official letter arrived they had shattered to pieces with their cannon, I do not know how many merchant vessels, robbing them and killing the men. The whole city, several ten thousands of soldiers and people could not restrain their indignant rage but came altogether to the river and made an attack with all their might desiring to rescue the Adjunct General. Several tens of men were killed by the cannon balls and all becoming enraged and furious their combined power was irresistible. Guns and cannon were used on both sides and rafts of burning wood were floated (in, against the vessel) and finally the powder magazine exploded, tearing the vessel to fragments and sending the smoke on high, burning up the vessel entirely and not leaving a single man alive. To this time we do not know whether or not this vessel belonged to your honorable country. This man Tony without sufficient cause pushed into a strange country and stirred up this affair and even to this time inquiry has failed to discover his motive. According to the laws of this country, if merchant vessels of a foreign country are driven on our shores, in case the vessel is still bound we are to assist them with provisions and furnish what they need while they wait a wind to depart, in case the vessel is destroyed we are to send them at their pleasure by land, protected by an officer to Pekin, which thing has occurred more than once. We thus act as according with the principles of true benevolence; heaven above treats the people of different nations as all his own people and it is hard to suppose that we should make a special point of maltreating the people of your honorable country. We have heard from the Chinese that the custom of your country gives special attention to the rules of propriety. Careful examination into the beginning and end of this affair will show it not to be so much as a particle of autumn dust to be kept in mind as a matter of doubt of solitude. The present local magistrate of San Hoa is also the magistrate of Ping-Yang so that what you have to ask when you reach Ping Yang you may also ask here at San Hoa.
Having just made inquiry concerning your purpose and received a reply saying- We are an American man-of-war searching the way to Ping-Yang; after reaching Ping Yang we have an affair to enquire into; for the present we have no communication in reply to yours. What is the occasion of this course? Since San Hoa is also within the bounds of Ping Yang why not ask here at San Hoa? What is this business that you wish to enquire into? As to an American vessel said to have been grounded and burnt in Ping Yang River, the incumbent local magistrate supposed that they were driven here by distress of weather and wished assistance, but being about to enquire into the thing, the men on the vessel became exceedingly hateful, both officers and men refused attention to our words, shutting their eyes and lying down to sleep, clearly wishing to offer insult; our people restrained their shame and rage and after the most humble speech and earnest entreaty ascertained that the vessel was not driven hither by adverse winds. There was one man named Tony calling himself a Frenchman and another said to be an Englishman, they declared that France was about to send a large number of war vessels; if you permit us to open trade it will be the occasion of the dispersion of the soldiers of the two countries. The local magistrate replied that it did not pertain to him to promise such a thing, upon which the man Tony became more and more unreasonable and violent. The water in the Ping-Yang River is shallow and unfit for large vessels, but he disregarded this, and everyday riding on the tide, worked his way up the river; our people showed their friendly feelings by supplying meat, vegetables and fruit, but he would not return (is down the river) but on the contrary gradually pushed his way up to the capital of the province, there by means of grappling irons and cables they captured the vessel of the Adjutant General and put him in confinement and by the time an official letter arrived they had shattered to pieces with their cannon, I do not know how many merchant vessels, robbing them and killing the men. The whole city, several ten thousands of soldiers and people could not restrain their indignant rage but came altogether to the river and made an attack with all their might desiring to rescue the Adjunct General. Several tens of men were killed by the cannon balls and all becoming enraged and furious their combined power was irresistible. Guns and cannon were used on both sides and rafts of burning wood were floated (in, against the vessel) and finally the powder magazine exploded, tearing the vessel to fragments and sending the smoke on high, burning up the vessel entirely and not leaving a single man alive. To this time we do not know whether or not this vessel belonged to your honorable country. This man Tony without sufficient cause pushed into a strange country and stirred up this affair and even to this time inquiry has failed to discover his motive. According to the laws of this country, if merchant vessels of a foreign country are driven on our shores, in case the vessel is still bound we are to assist them with provisions and furnish what they need while they wait a wind to depart, in case the vessel is destroyed we are to send them at their pleasure by land, protected by an officer to Pekin, which thing has occurred more than once. We thus act as according with the principles of true benevolence; heaven above treats the people of different nations as all his own people and it is hard to suppose that we should make a special point of maltreating the people of your honorable country. We have heard from the Chinese that the custom of your country gives special attention to the rules of propriety. Careful examination into the beginning and end of this affair will show it not to be so much as a particle of autumn dust to be kept in mind as a matter of doubt of solitude. The present local magistrate of San Hoa is also the magistrate of Ping-Yang so that what you have to ask when you reach Ping Yang you may also ask here at San Hoa.
Mon Chin, third month, twenty fifth day
San Hoa, District Magistrate, Le
San Hoa, District Magistrate, Le
C. W. Mateer
Translater
Translater
별지: C
별지: D
U.S.S. Shenandoah (2nd Rate)
25 miles up the Ping Yang River, Corea
April 21, 1868
25 miles up the Ping Yang River, Corea
April 21, 1868
Sir:
I have to report that while in obedience to your order, Lieut. Wm. Starr Dana, Lieut. Robert L. Meade U.S.M.C. and myself were out surveying in the 3rd cutter, we were fired upon this afternoon about three miles above this anchorage and the right (East) bank of the river. We had been making some observations of the river near a small town located on the East bank, along which on the high bluffs, and extending from the town to some distance to the NW, is a wall apparently of stone or mud. The boat was pulling down to the ship and we were close to the East bank to escape the force of a strong flood tide, when we were startled by the sound to two bullets fired in quick succession from the cliffs over head. We pulled immediately out into the middle of the stream, and thus escaped a third shot, for we saw one of the natives loading his piece as rapidly as he could and he was deterred from firing only from having while in the act of aiming, lost something upon which the discharge of his depended, for which he stopped to look. The shots were fired by two persons from the limits of what seems to be a military enclosure or government grounds in the presence of 200 or 300 persons any one of whom could have prevented the act had it been an unauthorized one or one committed by persons actuated by individual malice towards us. We had no communication with anyone within several miles of that place; were making no demonstrations of any kind; had not landed; but were passing quietly by on our return to the ship. We had been signaled by people who seemed to be officials, to land at the village just above, but had not done so as we were desirous of returning to the ship as soon as possible. In our bearing towards the natives whom we have met while landing to angle, get bearing or make observations, we have always been kind and considerate, and have never given offence to our knowledge.
Repectfully Submitted
I have to report that while in obedience to your order, Lieut. Wm. Starr Dana, Lieut. Robert L. Meade U.S.M.C. and myself were out surveying in the 3rd cutter, we were fired upon this afternoon about three miles above this anchorage and the right (East) bank of the river. We had been making some observations of the river near a small town located on the East bank, along which on the high bluffs, and extending from the town to some distance to the NW, is a wall apparently of stone or mud. The boat was pulling down to the ship and we were close to the East bank to escape the force of a strong flood tide, when we were startled by the sound to two bullets fired in quick succession from the cliffs over head. We pulled immediately out into the middle of the stream, and thus escaped a third shot, for we saw one of the natives loading his piece as rapidly as he could and he was deterred from firing only from having while in the act of aiming, lost something upon which the discharge of his depended, for which he stopped to look. The shots were fired by two persons from the limits of what seems to be a military enclosure or government grounds in the presence of 200 or 300 persons any one of whom could have prevented the act had it been an unauthorized one or one committed by persons actuated by individual malice towards us. We had no communication with anyone within several miles of that place; were making no demonstrations of any kind; had not landed; but were passing quietly by on our return to the ship. We had been signaled by people who seemed to be officials, to land at the village just above, but had not done so as we were desirous of returning to the ship as soon as possible. In our bearing towards the natives whom we have met while landing to angle, get bearing or make observations, we have always been kind and considerate, and have never given offence to our knowledge.
Repectfully Submitted
Commander
(Signed) J.C. Febiger
Commanding
(Signed) J.C. Febiger
Commanding
(Signed) Charles S. Cotton, Lt. Comdr.
(Signed) William Starr Dana, Lieutenant
(Signed) Robert L. Meade, 1st Lieut. U.S.M.C.
(Signed) William Starr Dana, Lieutenant
(Signed) Robert L. Meade, 1st Lieut. U.S.M.C.
별지: E
The Lung Ching Magistrate to Capt. Febiger.
The Lung Ching Magistrate having heard of the arrival of your honorable vessel had determined to call himself, but being confined to his bed from the effects of a cold sent a messenger to enquire for what purpose you had come. The messenger learned that your honorable vessel had come from America, which is several ten-thousand le (a le is one-third of a mile) from here. For what purpose do you come so far? If it be that you are driven in here by the winds or waves, it is well; if it be not so for what purpose do you seek to penetrate into a foreign country and to ascend to the source of the Small stream? Do you wish to open trade or simply to view the scenery of our country? The laws of our country are that on the arrival of a foreigner, it is the duty of the local magistrate of each place or district, into which the foreigner may enter to enquire for what purpose he has come, therefore I trust that you will not be annoyed at the trouble of replying to my letter, but will quickly grant a reply informing me for what purpose you have come. This will be satisfactory.
Mon Chin 3d Moon 18th day Lung Ching Magistrate,
April 21st 1868
April 21st 1868
To the District Magistrate of Lung Ching,
U.S.S. Shenandoah
Ping Yang River, Corea
April 21, 1868
Ping Yang River, Corea
April 21, 1868
Sir:
I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your communication of today, asking for what purpose I have come to this place. I beg to say in reply that I am an American, my country lying to the far West some fifty thousand li (10 li, 3 miles) distant. I have not been driven here by adverse winds nor have I come to trade or to see the country but have been appointed and sent here for the special purpose of investigating thoroughly the matter of the destruction of an American vessel in this river two years ago. I have already prepared and placed in the hands of the District Magistrate of Chang Leen a dispatch to be forwarded to the Government and until an answer shall come I intend gradually to ascend the river with the tides peacefully and harming no one.
I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your communication of today, asking for what purpose I have come to this place. I beg to say in reply that I am an American, my country lying to the far West some fifty thousand li (10 li, 3 miles) distant. I have not been driven here by adverse winds nor have I come to trade or to see the country but have been appointed and sent here for the special purpose of investigating thoroughly the matter of the destruction of an American vessel in this river two years ago. I have already prepared and placed in the hands of the District Magistrate of Chang Leen a dispatch to be forwarded to the Government and until an answer shall come I intend gradually to ascend the river with the tides peacefully and harming no one.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
(Signed) Comdr. John C. Febiger
U.S. Navy
Your Obedient Servant
(Signed) Comdr. John C. Febiger
U.S. Navy
별지: F
To Captain Febiger,
A dispatch has recently come to our Government from the Board of Rites of China from which we have learned the business on which your honored vessel comes, but seeing your honored vessel will not suffer our people to come near for the purpose of inquiry only attending to this matter of working your way up the stream, our people are all in consternations. I have just received your note in reply to mine from which I learn positively that you do not come for any other purpose (than that specified in the note from the Chinese Government). Your note speaks of a dispatch which you have in readiness and wish forwarded, but it does not appear whether this other dispatch is still on board your honored vessel or whether the documents after leaving your vessel and before reaching me, were meddled with; the dispatch being lost and the accompanying note only retained. All this occasion for doubt is caused by your refusing permission to my people to come near to carry on communication. If this is to be the manner of procedure, how can our wishes be made to harmonize. If the dispatch referred to is still on board the vessel, it is quite unnecessary to trouble yourselves further in going on up the river among the shoals but simply remain at anchor in a safe place sheltered from the winds, putting the dispatch in my hand and awaiting the reply. Our seaboard guard acts in the same way in its treatment of all countries, and so at present all the local magistrates are holding their soldiers in strict readiness lest your honored vessel should again give rise to a disturbance of the peace. I now respectfully present this reply, asking that you will make all necessary allowances only adding that in case your provisions are short, we have a fixed custom with reference to the treatment of guests. Why should you speak of buying from the common people so occasioning me mortification. Hoping for a reply I am yours.
Intendant of the Ping An circuit, having charge of the Naval forces stationed at Ching-Nan and Prefect of San-Hoa.
U.S.S. Shenandoah
Ping Yang River, Corea
April 21, 1868
Ping Yang River, Corea
April 21, 1868
To the Intendant of the Ping An circuit having charge of the Naval Forces stationed at Ching Nan, and also Prefect of San Hoa
Sir:
I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your communication of today and beg to say in reply that as to my refusing your people the liberty of holding communication with one, you have been misinformed. To every one of your countrymen coming on board of my vessel bearing any communication I have replied, and such as have come not bearing a dispatch I have treated in a friendly manner; as to your inquiry concerning the circumstances under which I came here I have already replied in my dispatch this morning. I have the honor further to inform you that one of my boats while passing a point some three or four miles from my present anchorage, was fired upon twice this afternoon by persons appearing to be soldiers, but fortunately no one was injured, as my mission is a peaceful one the fire was not returned. As such conduct if repeated must be considered hostile I shall be ready to resent it by force of arms, the responsibility resting on those who have authorized this outrage on the flag of my nation. I shall on a proper occasion demand an apology for this offence and that the persons guilty of firing the shots be punished.
I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your communication of today and beg to say in reply that as to my refusing your people the liberty of holding communication with one, you have been misinformed. To every one of your countrymen coming on board of my vessel bearing any communication I have replied, and such as have come not bearing a dispatch I have treated in a friendly manner; as to your inquiry concerning the circumstances under which I came here I have already replied in my dispatch this morning. I have the honor further to inform you that one of my boats while passing a point some three or four miles from my present anchorage, was fired upon twice this afternoon by persons appearing to be soldiers, but fortunately no one was injured, as my mission is a peaceful one the fire was not returned. As such conduct if repeated must be considered hostile I shall be ready to resent it by force of arms, the responsibility resting on those who have authorized this outrage on the flag of my nation. I shall on a proper occasion demand an apology for this offence and that the persons guilty of firing the shots be punished.
I have the honor to remain
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Comdr. John C. Febiger
Commander
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Comdr. John C. Febiger
Commander
U.S.S. Shenandoah
Ping Yang River, Corea
April 23, 1868
Ping Yang River, Corea
April 23, 1868
To the District Magistrate of San Hoa
Sir:
I have the honor to transmit herewith a dispatch to the King of Corea, with the hope you will forward it as soon as possible. You will greatly oblige by informing me of the possible time that must elapse before I can receive a reply from your Government.
I have the honor to transmit herewith a dispatch to the King of Corea, with the hope you will forward it as soon as possible. You will greatly oblige by informing me of the possible time that must elapse before I can receive a reply from your Government.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Comdr. John C. Febiger
U.S.N.
Your Obedient Servant
Comdr. John C. Febiger
U.S.N.
Dispatch No. 2
U.S.S. Shenandoah
Ping Yang River, Corea
April 22, 1868
Ping Yang River, Corea
April 22, 1868
Your Majesty,
I had the honor on the 20th inst. to forward through the hands of the District Magistrate of Chang Leen, a communication in regard to the delivery on board this ship of four (4) persons, part of the crew of the General Sherman. I now forward a copy of that dispatch through the hands of the District Magistrate of San Hoa, and also report that on the afternoon of the 21st inst., while one of the Boats of this vessel was pulling quietly in the river, she was fired upon twice by persons appearing to belong to a Military Station, some three miles above my present anchorage, fortunately no one was injured and as I wish for a peaceful termination to my mission, no shots were fired in return from my Boat.
This act of hostility occurring at a Government Military Station without notice, against the flag of a nation disposed to conduct their business in a peaceful manner, must be considered an insult, if supported by the Corean Government, if unauthorized. I shall expect an apology and the punishment of the offenders. I shall remain in the river as long as my stock of provisions will allow, in the hopes of a final settlement of the business that has brought me here. Should I be forced to leave without such settlement, my Superior Officer will probably be here during the summer with his Squadron to attend to the affair.
I had the honor on the 20th inst. to forward through the hands of the District Magistrate of Chang Leen, a communication in regard to the delivery on board this ship of four (4) persons, part of the crew of the General Sherman. I now forward a copy of that dispatch through the hands of the District Magistrate of San Hoa, and also report that on the afternoon of the 21st inst., while one of the Boats of this vessel was pulling quietly in the river, she was fired upon twice by persons appearing to belong to a Military Station, some three miles above my present anchorage, fortunately no one was injured and as I wish for a peaceful termination to my mission, no shots were fired in return from my Boat.
This act of hostility occurring at a Government Military Station without notice, against the flag of a nation disposed to conduct their business in a peaceful manner, must be considered an insult, if supported by the Corean Government, if unauthorized. I shall expect an apology and the punishment of the offenders. I shall remain in the river as long as my stock of provisions will allow, in the hopes of a final settlement of the business that has brought me here. Should I be forced to leave without such settlement, my Superior Officer will probably be here during the summer with his Squadron to attend to the affair.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
(Signed) Comdr. John C. Febiger
U.S. Navy
Your Obedient Servant
(Signed) Comdr. John C. Febiger
U.S. Navy
To His Majesty
The King of Corea
The King of Corea
별지: G
Intendant of the Ping Yang An district in charge of the Ching Nan Naval Guard and Prefect of San Hoa, makes this following reply to Capt. Febiger. I have just received your honor’s reply to my last with a note in reply to my former note, acquainting me with the fact that a dispatch has already been placed in the hands of the Magistrate of Chang Leen. It rests with my Sovereign to determine how this matter is to be adjusted. I could not from my position venture to conjecture, but your vessel having professed itself friendly ought in reason to have sought a safe anchorage and there await a reply, but now on the contrary disregarding the danger of getting aground. You keep ascending on the tide causing the minds of the neighboring people to be filled with doubt. Who will believe you have peaceable intentions? The officers in charge of the forts and appointed by the military regulations of the country to guard the river, not having received the orders of the King, how would they dare to relay their guard. We shall deem it a most fortunate circumstance if you will wave taking any offence at the firing of the soldiers. There was information given you already, I will be most happy if you will only anchor in some safe place and await a reply to your dispatch and hope that you will not on the contrary stir up a collision unbecoming the circumstances. The whole earth is not more than 72,000 li in circumference, yet you say that your country is 500,000 li distant, now although the way by sea may be roundabout, yet cannot exceed 72,000 li.
How is it you speak of 500,000 li. If everything is to be done after this style, it will truly nonplus not a little. I sincerely trust you will give me a reply explaining this matter.
A necessary communication addressed to the Captain of the U.S.S. Shenandoah
Mon Chin, 4th month, 3rd day,
April 25, 1868
How is it you speak of 500,000 li. If everything is to be done after this style, it will truly nonplus not a little. I sincerely trust you will give me a reply explaining this matter.
A necessary communication addressed to the Captain of the U.S.S. Shenandoah
Mon Chin, 4th month, 3rd day,
April 25, 1868
별지: Reply to No. “G”
별지: H
The intendant of the Ping Yang An district commanding the Naval Guard at Ching Nan and Prefect of San Hoa, makes this following reply to Capt. Febiger.
“This dispatch brought by the men of your honored vessel has been received and the accompanying dispatch addressed to my sovereign I have already forwarded. I hope you will make allowance for the fact that the journey from this place to the capital and back requires over ten days. It is necessary that the matter concerning which your honored vessel has come should receive a distinct reply that so your doubts may be thoroughly removed. Please do not be offended by a little delay, but by all means anchor in a place safe from the winds and waves and await a reply.
Do not by any means I pray you depart as the Wachusetts which came to Chang Yuen last year.
A necessary communication in reply, addressed to Captain Febiger.
Tung Chi, 7th year, 4th month, 6th day.
(April 28th 1868)
“This dispatch brought by the men of your honored vessel has been received and the accompanying dispatch addressed to my sovereign I have already forwarded. I hope you will make allowance for the fact that the journey from this place to the capital and back requires over ten days. It is necessary that the matter concerning which your honored vessel has come should receive a distinct reply that so your doubts may be thoroughly removed. Please do not be offended by a little delay, but by all means anchor in a place safe from the winds and waves and await a reply.
Do not by any means I pray you depart as the Wachusetts which came to Chang Yuen last year.
A necessary communication in reply, addressed to Captain Febiger.
Tung Chi, 7th year, 4th month, 6th day.
(April 28th 1868)
U.S.S. Shenandoah
Ping Yang River, Corea
April 29, 1868
Ping Yang River, Corea
April 29, 1868
To the Prefect of San Hoa
Sir:
Your unsealed dispatch which was deposited on Station Island has just been received from which I am happy to learn that my dispatch to your Government has been forwarded. Be assured I shall continue to await in this river the reply to the same.
My reply to your dispatch of the 25th inst., inasmuch as your messenger has not come to take it, I have placed together with a small present on Station Island, where it awaits your disposal. It is my intention tomorrow to move this vessel and anchor under Don Chen for a few days, but will afterwards return and await in the river the reply of your Government.
Your unsealed dispatch which was deposited on Station Island has just been received from which I am happy to learn that my dispatch to your Government has been forwarded. Be assured I shall continue to await in this river the reply to the same.
My reply to your dispatch of the 25th inst., inasmuch as your messenger has not come to take it, I have placed together with a small present on Station Island, where it awaits your disposal. It is my intention tomorrow to move this vessel and anchor under Don Chen for a few days, but will afterwards return and await in the river the reply of your Government.
I have the honor to remain
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
(Signed.) Commander John C. Febiger
U.S.N.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
(Signed.) Commander John C. Febiger
U.S.N.
별지: I
A copy of a communication from the Corean Government in reply to a despatch sent from the Board of Rites at Pekin.
We beg to forward the following reply to your honorable Board. During the month of April 1868, the dispatch of your honorable Board was received relating to the case in adjudication between host and guest stating that a report of the foreign office had been received, which said that on the 11th of February 1868 they had presented a memorial to his majesty to such and such effect.
Since therefore we have received this (viz. the recommendations of the foreign office in the memorial to the Emperor and approved by him.) We beg humbly to submit that as to the matter of the foreign vessel which by rash violence brought on its own destruction in our bounds in the Ping Yang River; it has already in the dispatch dated the fifth year of the Emperor, Tung Che, 8th month, 22d day (Sept 30th 1866), been fully stated from first to last so that it is unnecessary now to report.
Afterwards in the fifth year of the Emperor Tung Che 12th month, (January 1867), a report was made by Poo-ching Hwuy Intendant of the province of Hwang Hae submitting a representation prepared by Han Che Yung, the District Magistrate of Chang Yuen, in which it was stated that a strange vessel came and anchored off his district at a place called Moo [T]ung Poo and that two men calling themselves Yung Chow men, one named [T]u Wun Tae and the other [Ts]ung Yuin Shing came on shore with a communication from the American Naval Officer Captain Shufeldt, to the frontier officer of the Corean Government and calling to them, one of the natives of the place called Kin [T]a Ching, put this dispatch in his hands to be carried to a Magistrate. This communication was as follows; The commander of the Wachusette, now anchored off your shores does not come to disturb the people or begin hostilities, but in all sin[cer]ity because of the intelligence brought of one of our merchant vessels vis; that during the Summer of this year while passing along the coast of your country, she was wrecked on the rocks and the officers and crew were most fortunate in being rescued by your countrymen and escorted safely within the bounds of China and so all returned in safety home. Our countrymen on hearing this were unanimous in their expressions of pleasure at the good will and favor shown by your countrymen. I have recently received information that another of our merchant vessels during the Autumn of the present year anchored in the Ping Yang River also called the Tai Ping River and I have heard a report that the said vessel was burnt by the people of your country and that all on board (the owner and the crew being Americans and the passengers of other nationalities) were put to death so that to this time not one has returned. I have had the honor to be appointed by the Admiral representing our Government in these seas to make careful examination whether these things are so or not. If true or if false or if this merchant vessel of ours has been guilty of raising a disturbance within your border in consequence of which a quarrel arose, and they lost their lives, or if some may have survived I earnestly request your Government speedily to make investigation and give a reply, and further the survivors if still alive; please oblige me by placing on board this vessel if not alive, then I earnestly hope that hereafter as heretofore the countries may be at peace without any occasion of violence &c. &c.
On the receipt of this dispatch we first became aware that the vessel which provoked a mob in the Ping Yang River was an American Ship. This communication should have been answered but the local magistrate of the said place could not detain the vessel but occasioned its departure, which error was not small. Orders have already been given reprimanding him, and Poo Ching Huy the Provincial Governor has been enformed to prepare and keep on hand a reply that it may be in readiness in case the American Ship should return again to make inquiries.
Again in the report made by the American Consul included in the Memorial of the foreign office, the statement that a certain Chinese Pilot Yu Wun Tai had returned is undoubtedly made of the man who was with the vessel that came to Chang Yuen Heen; the statement that he had been in Corea clearly refers to the time he came to Chang Yuen and as to the statement that he there met with a Corean Merchant named Kin Tsz Ping we do not know to what individual refers. As to this Kin Tsz Ping’s saying that he saw two foreigners and two chinese in prison in the Pi Yang Province, the assertion is a falsehood with out proof and with out reason, moreover he speaks of the Pi Yang Province which must be a mistake for Ping Yang. At the time the explosion of the powder rent the vessel to pieces both men and vessel were all destroyed, how then could these four men make their escape, not only so but of what use would it be to us to keep such men in prison. As to the communication of the English Minister stating that after the war ships of the French came to Corea to wage war, an English Merchant vessel came to Corea for the purpose of trade and was destroyed by the Coreans and the men all killed &c, it is still more unworthy of belief (or consideration). Since the 9th month of the 5th year of the Emperor Tung Che (October 1866), when the French came to the District of Kyang Hoa to make war, not a single vessel either French or English either for a good purpose or an evil one has come near us. In the first place no vessel came, how then could it be destroyed. The men never were, how then could they all be killed. And if this affair had taken place could we have done otherwise than immediately report the circumstances to your honorable Board. That these flying rumors and manufactured lies without even waiting for a clear refutation may be known to proceed from some villainous fellow delighting in evils, whose purpose was to stir up a quarrel and excite confusion may be taken for granted. Since the man Kin TszPing is a Corean it is therefore for us to spy him out from amongst the hetereogeneous multitude of our people and arrest him and Yu Wun Lai being a [T]ung Chew man, it ought in reason to be investigated to the bottom in what year and month he came to Corea and where he met Kin Tsz Ping and so came his assertion to fall to the ground quickly dispelling the doubts of the foreigners, and forever calling off this occasion of enmity, and even this would probably not be the end of it for him.
The fact that the two masted foreign vessel lost in the Ping Yang River did without cause by its outrageous conduct procure its own destruction, and that our people did not unjustifiably injure the strangers, the american officers should not longer be left without the clearest information so causing each one to harbor suspicions. The reply prepared by Poo Ching Hung the Intendant and General Inspector of the Hwang Hai District and hold in readiness for the American Captains, we do now herewith forward. In case this shall be made known (viz, to the American Officials), it ought to be some where near clearly known who has the right and the wrong of this affair.
As to men shipwrecked and in distress our country has its established custom of rescuing and forwarding them so that if there were any spending their lives in pitiful exile, why should we retain them in such solitary loneliness. That there are no such supposed two Chinese and two Foreigners may be made clearly to appear and still more as no English vessel has been destroyed here, so it is useless to discuss that matter further.
We beg to trouble your respected body with a request to communicate this affair to his Imperial Majesty and specially presenting our most importunate entreaty that His Majesty will grant a public proclamation setting forth his mandate for the dissolving of suspicions and double that there may not again be a wilful seeking of difficulty and that we may never be without the protection of His Majesties illustrious grace.
On account of the above, a reply is sent abroad.
We beg to forward the following reply to your honorable Board. During the month of April 1868, the dispatch of your honorable Board was received relating to the case in adjudication between host and guest stating that a report of the foreign office had been received, which said that on the 11th of February 1868 they had presented a memorial to his majesty to such and such effect.
Since therefore we have received this (viz. the recommendations of the foreign office in the memorial to the Emperor and approved by him.) We beg humbly to submit that as to the matter of the foreign vessel which by rash violence brought on its own destruction in our bounds in the Ping Yang River; it has already in the dispatch dated the fifth year of the Emperor, Tung Che, 8th month, 22d day (Sept 30th 1866), been fully stated from first to last so that it is unnecessary now to report.
Afterwards in the fifth year of the Emperor Tung Che 12th month, (January 1867), a report was made by Poo-ching Hwuy Intendant of the province of Hwang Hae submitting a representation prepared by Han Che Yung, the District Magistrate of Chang Yuen, in which it was stated that a strange vessel came and anchored off his district at a place called Moo [T]ung Poo and that two men calling themselves Yung Chow men, one named [T]u Wun Tae and the other [Ts]ung Yuin Shing came on shore with a communication from the American Naval Officer Captain Shufeldt, to the frontier officer of the Corean Government and calling to them, one of the natives of the place called Kin [T]a Ching, put this dispatch in his hands to be carried to a Magistrate. This communication was as follows; The commander of the Wachusette, now anchored off your shores does not come to disturb the people or begin hostilities, but in all sin[cer]ity because of the intelligence brought of one of our merchant vessels vis; that during the Summer of this year while passing along the coast of your country, she was wrecked on the rocks and the officers and crew were most fortunate in being rescued by your countrymen and escorted safely within the bounds of China and so all returned in safety home. Our countrymen on hearing this were unanimous in their expressions of pleasure at the good will and favor shown by your countrymen. I have recently received information that another of our merchant vessels during the Autumn of the present year anchored in the Ping Yang River also called the Tai Ping River and I have heard a report that the said vessel was burnt by the people of your country and that all on board (the owner and the crew being Americans and the passengers of other nationalities) were put to death so that to this time not one has returned. I have had the honor to be appointed by the Admiral representing our Government in these seas to make careful examination whether these things are so or not. If true or if false or if this merchant vessel of ours has been guilty of raising a disturbance within your border in consequence of which a quarrel arose, and they lost their lives, or if some may have survived I earnestly request your Government speedily to make investigation and give a reply, and further the survivors if still alive; please oblige me by placing on board this vessel if not alive, then I earnestly hope that hereafter as heretofore the countries may be at peace without any occasion of violence &c. &c.
On the receipt of this dispatch we first became aware that the vessel which provoked a mob in the Ping Yang River was an American Ship. This communication should have been answered but the local magistrate of the said place could not detain the vessel but occasioned its departure, which error was not small. Orders have already been given reprimanding him, and Poo Ching Huy the Provincial Governor has been enformed to prepare and keep on hand a reply that it may be in readiness in case the American Ship should return again to make inquiries.
Again in the report made by the American Consul included in the Memorial of the foreign office, the statement that a certain Chinese Pilot Yu Wun Tai had returned is undoubtedly made of the man who was with the vessel that came to Chang Yuen Heen; the statement that he had been in Corea clearly refers to the time he came to Chang Yuen and as to the statement that he there met with a Corean Merchant named Kin Tsz Ping we do not know to what individual refers. As to this Kin Tsz Ping’s saying that he saw two foreigners and two chinese in prison in the Pi Yang Province, the assertion is a falsehood with out proof and with out reason, moreover he speaks of the Pi Yang Province which must be a mistake for Ping Yang. At the time the explosion of the powder rent the vessel to pieces both men and vessel were all destroyed, how then could these four men make their escape, not only so but of what use would it be to us to keep such men in prison. As to the communication of the English Minister stating that after the war ships of the French came to Corea to wage war, an English Merchant vessel came to Corea for the purpose of trade and was destroyed by the Coreans and the men all killed &c, it is still more unworthy of belief (or consideration). Since the 9th month of the 5th year of the Emperor Tung Che (October 1866), when the French came to the District of Kyang Hoa to make war, not a single vessel either French or English either for a good purpose or an evil one has come near us. In the first place no vessel came, how then could it be destroyed. The men never were, how then could they all be killed. And if this affair had taken place could we have done otherwise than immediately report the circumstances to your honorable Board. That these flying rumors and manufactured lies without even waiting for a clear refutation may be known to proceed from some villainous fellow delighting in evils, whose purpose was to stir up a quarrel and excite confusion may be taken for granted. Since the man Kin TszPing is a Corean it is therefore for us to spy him out from amongst the hetereogeneous multitude of our people and arrest him and Yu Wun Lai being a [T]ung Chew man, it ought in reason to be investigated to the bottom in what year and month he came to Corea and where he met Kin Tsz Ping and so came his assertion to fall to the ground quickly dispelling the doubts of the foreigners, and forever calling off this occasion of enmity, and even this would probably not be the end of it for him.
The fact that the two masted foreign vessel lost in the Ping Yang River did without cause by its outrageous conduct procure its own destruction, and that our people did not unjustifiably injure the strangers, the american officers should not longer be left without the clearest information so causing each one to harbor suspicions. The reply prepared by Poo Ching Hung the Intendant and General Inspector of the Hwang Hai District and hold in readiness for the American Captains, we do now herewith forward. In case this shall be made known (viz, to the American Officials), it ought to be some where near clearly known who has the right and the wrong of this affair.
As to men shipwrecked and in distress our country has its established custom of rescuing and forwarding them so that if there were any spending their lives in pitiful exile, why should we retain them in such solitary loneliness. That there are no such supposed two Chinese and two Foreigners may be made clearly to appear and still more as no English vessel has been destroyed here, so it is useless to discuss that matter further.
We beg to trouble your respected body with a request to communicate this affair to his Imperial Majesty and specially presenting our most importunate entreaty that His Majesty will grant a public proclamation setting forth his mandate for the dissolving of suspicions and double that there may not again be a wilful seeking of difficulty and that we may never be without the protection of His Majesties illustrious grace.
On account of the above, a reply is sent abroad.
Poo Ting Ho, District Magistrate of Chung Leen, Corea makes the following communication in reply to captain Febiger.
“I have examined your two dispatches of the 28th received through my constables, one addressed to myself and one to the King, both which letters have respect to the matters of a vessel belonging to your country destroyed in the Ping Yang River in the year Ping Yiu 7th month (August 1866) and also referring to a vessel of yours which came afterwards and anchored on the coast off the district of Chang Yuen and sent a dispatch and received no reply. Moreover also inquiries are made in consequence of recent information that four of the crew of the said vessel are still alive and in prison at the Provincial city of Ping Yang. How a communication from the Inspector General and Intendant and of Circuit, which in the Winter of the year Ping Yiu (1866) failed to be delivered has already been placed in your hands, as that the affair from beginning to end ought in reason to be already sufficiently ventilated; but now there comes this renewed inquiry at which I cannot suppress my strong suspicions.
Meantime in consequence of a communication from the Board of Rites at Pekin a statement of the facts from beginning to end has been made out and forwarded. That four of the men of the said vessel have not been detained in prison is thoroughly settled (Lit[.] discussed). This account moreover being imperial is reliable and worthy of belief. The communication which was given me not being from your Government, I a frontier officer did not dare to forward it to the King. But if I should forward it, could a reply be any more explicit than this copy of which I now send you to serve as a thorough explanation of this affair. As to the recent information of which you spake in your dispatch since it came from Kin Tsz Ping I have arrested him for the purpose of conveying him at once on board your ship, that so, you may examine the matter to the bottom. The particulars of his false statement will of themselves lead out and so your formed suspicions will be dissipated, even as the quick melting of ice. I earnestly hope for a reply relieving me of this unpleasant business, which favor if I receive I shall be most happy, but if on the other hand you still consider that which is not as if it were, it must be because you are bent on seeking an occasion of difficulty (or hostility). In this case I must assume to know the issue. I beg your indulgence in making this reply
“I have examined your two dispatches of the 28th received through my constables, one addressed to myself and one to the King, both which letters have respect to the matters of a vessel belonging to your country destroyed in the Ping Yang River in the year Ping Yiu 7th month (August 1866) and also referring to a vessel of yours which came afterwards and anchored on the coast off the district of Chang Yuen and sent a dispatch and received no reply. Moreover also inquiries are made in consequence of recent information that four of the crew of the said vessel are still alive and in prison at the Provincial city of Ping Yang. How a communication from the Inspector General and Intendant and of Circuit, which in the Winter of the year Ping Yiu (1866) failed to be delivered has already been placed in your hands, as that the affair from beginning to end ought in reason to be already sufficiently ventilated; but now there comes this renewed inquiry at which I cannot suppress my strong suspicions.
Meantime in consequence of a communication from the Board of Rites at Pekin a statement of the facts from beginning to end has been made out and forwarded. That four of the men of the said vessel have not been detained in prison is thoroughly settled (Lit[.] discussed). This account moreover being imperial is reliable and worthy of belief. The communication which was given me not being from your Government, I a frontier officer did not dare to forward it to the King. But if I should forward it, could a reply be any more explicit than this copy of which I now send you to serve as a thorough explanation of this affair. As to the recent information of which you spake in your dispatch since it came from Kin Tsz Ping I have arrested him for the purpose of conveying him at once on board your ship, that so, you may examine the matter to the bottom. The particulars of his false statement will of themselves lead out and so your formed suspicions will be dissipated, even as the quick melting of ice. I earnestly hope for a reply relieving me of this unpleasant business, which favor if I receive I shall be most happy, but if on the other hand you still consider that which is not as if it were, it must be because you are bent on seeking an occasion of difficulty (or hostility). In this case I must assume to know the issue. I beg your indulgence in making this reply
A necessary communication addressed to Captain Febiger
Seventh Year of the Emperor, Tung Che
4 of month ---- day
Date omitted
Seventh Year of the Emperor, Tung Che
4 of month ---- day
Date omitted
Received May 2d 1868.
The Intendant of the Ping An District, Commandant of the Naval Guard at Ching Naw and Prefect of SanHoa, makes the following reply to Captain Febiger.
The dispatch which your Excellency requested me to forward to my Sovereign was forwarded in due time to my Superior. In as much however as it was not a government dispatch the frontier officer would not venture to forward it inconsiderably to his Majesty. Moreover the District Magistrate of Chang Leen has already given you a reply and has forwarded to you the undelivered dispatch of the Inspector and Intendant of the Hwang Hai district, prepared during the Winter of 1866, in which the burning of the vessel in the Ping Yang River was fully stated from first to last, so that Your Excellency must be fully enlightened on this subject. On the 24th of the 2d Month (March 17th) of the present year a dispatch was sent by the Board of Rites of the Chinese Government in which the matter of your Excellency's coming here, was stated. In my sovereigns reply to this dispatch it has been clearly shown that such men have never been held in confinement, and this most reliable reply has already been forwarded to the Chinese Government and will certainly be put in the hands of the American Minister. It is quite unnecessary therefore to continue waiting or trouble yourself with the business any further. ---- The individual called Kin Tsz Ping who without foundation told lies and raised suspicions has already been arrested by the Military Officers of the Intendant and Overseer of the Hwang Hai district. Examination has been made, the affair has been brought to light and the man beheaded. Your Excellency will no doubt understand this and be without any further doubt. As to the matter of the firing by the Soldiers I have to say that your Excellency's vessel being a man of war and the garrison of that place having standing orders, how could they dare to suffer you a man of war to pass within the barrier. Why your Excellency should be surprised at this matter I really cannot understand. I hope you will take no notice of this matter.
A necessary dispatch addressed to Captain Febiger Tung Chi, 7th year, 4th month [11]th day. (May 2d 1868)
The dispatch which your Excellency requested me to forward to my Sovereign was forwarded in due time to my Superior. In as much however as it was not a government dispatch the frontier officer would not venture to forward it inconsiderably to his Majesty. Moreover the District Magistrate of Chang Leen has already given you a reply and has forwarded to you the undelivered dispatch of the Inspector and Intendant of the Hwang Hai district, prepared during the Winter of 1866, in which the burning of the vessel in the Ping Yang River was fully stated from first to last, so that Your Excellency must be fully enlightened on this subject. On the 24th of the 2d Month (March 17th) of the present year a dispatch was sent by the Board of Rites of the Chinese Government in which the matter of your Excellency's coming here, was stated. In my sovereigns reply to this dispatch it has been clearly shown that such men have never been held in confinement, and this most reliable reply has already been forwarded to the Chinese Government and will certainly be put in the hands of the American Minister. It is quite unnecessary therefore to continue waiting or trouble yourself with the business any further. ---- The individual called Kin Tsz Ping who without foundation told lies and raised suspicions has already been arrested by the Military Officers of the Intendant and Overseer of the Hwang Hai district. Examination has been made, the affair has been brought to light and the man beheaded. Your Excellency will no doubt understand this and be without any further doubt. As to the matter of the firing by the Soldiers I have to say that your Excellency's vessel being a man of war and the garrison of that place having standing orders, how could they dare to suffer you a man of war to pass within the barrier. Why your Excellency should be surprised at this matter I really cannot understand. I hope you will take no notice of this matter.
A necessary dispatch addressed to Captain Febiger Tung Chi, 7th year, 4th month [11]th day. (May 2d 1868)
별지: J
U.S.S Shenandoah
Off the mouth of the Ping Yang River, Corea
May 4th 1868
Off the mouth of the Ping Yang River, Corea
May 4th 1868
The undersigned has just been on shore in company with Mr. Sanford for the purpose of seeing a man named Kin Tsz Ping declared by the Corean Authorities to be the man from whom the report comes that four of the crew of the General Sherman are still alive and held as prisoners. When we landed we found two officers waiting to receive us one calling himself the District Magistrate of Chang Leen and the other the Prefect of Chang Yuen. They presently brought forward a man which they called Kin Tsz Ping a prisoner, when our interview began. They volunteered in advance that we were not allowed to talk directly with the prisoner but must ask through them in writing. I at once asked the privelege of a private interview with Kin Tsz Ping but they answered evasively and without pressing the matter I proceeded to ask some general questions eliciting information to the effect that this said Kin Tsz Ping is 79 years old is a fisherman by profession and lives at a place called Leon Taon in the prefecture of Chang Yuen and province Hwang Hae. He has not seen the pilot Yu Wim Tae since year before last in the 12th month about the 20th at which time the said Yu Wim Tae was at Leon Taon in a ship probably the Wachusette having business with the officers after bandying back and forth various questions of a general kind which failed to elicit anything I returned to my original request stating that I had no more general question to ask and that for the purpose of going into the particulars of the business on hand I must have the opportunity of a short private interview which I earnestly requested. They at first evaded but when held to the point refused. Upon this I declined asking anything further and after some complimentary talk the interview closed. As soon as they saw that I declined any further questions they volunteered to say that Kin Tsz Ping said he never had said that there were four men of the crew of the Sherman in prison. Showing too plainly the answer they intended should be given to any question of mine on this point and that they intended to keep the power of making such an answer in their own hands. The man Kin Tsz Ping is bowed down with age and is evidently an unlettered and obscure man. He came before us with a large and heavy wooden board or caug[sor] on his neck and was altogether a pitiable sight. The strong impression made on both Mr. Sanford’s mind and my own is that this is not the man at all from whom our information in reference to the Sherman comes.
C. W. Mateer
U.S.S. Shenandoah
Off Don Cheen Island “Corea.”
May 2d 1868
Off Don Cheen Island “Corea.”
May 2d 1868
Sir:
Your communication dated the fourth month containing an abstract of a dispatch to the Chinese Board of Rites has been received.
As you state you will not forward my dispatch to your Sovereign dated the 20th Ultimo, there can be no further necessity of a correspondence between us.
Your communication dated the fourth month containing an abstract of a dispatch to the Chinese Board of Rites has been received.
As you state you will not forward my dispatch to your Sovereign dated the 20th Ultimo, there can be no further necessity of a correspondence between us.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Commander John C. Febiger
U.S. Navy
Your Obedient Servant
Commander John C. Febiger
U.S. Navy
To the Magistrate of Chung Leen, Corea.
색인어
- 이름
- J.R. Goldsborough, Mateer, E.G. Sanford, Kin Tsy Ping, Kin Tsy Ping, Kin Tsy Ping, Kin [_sz] Ping, Shufeldt, Kin Tsy Ping, Wm. Starr Dana, Robert L. Meade, Febiger, Febiger, Tung Chi, Tung Che, Poo-ching Hwuy, Han Che Yung, Moo [T]ung Poo, [T]u Wun Tae, [Ts]ung Yuin Shing, Shufeldt, Kin [T]a Ching, Yu Wun Tai, Kin Tsz Ping, Kin Tsz Ping’s, Tung Che, Kin TszPing, Yu Wun Lai, Kin Tsz Ping, Febiger, Kin Tsz Ping, Febiger, Tung Che, Febiger, Kin Tsz Ping, Febiger, Tung Chi, Sanford, Kin Tsz Ping, Kin Tsz Ping, Kin Tsz Ping, Kin Tsz Ping, Yu Wim Tae, Yu Wim Tae, Kin Tsz Ping, Kin Tsz Ping, Sanford’s
- 지명
- the Ping Yang river, Corea, Gung-Chan, Don Chan Island, the Ping Yang, the Yellow Sea, Canton, Shanghai, Cheefoo, Cheefoo, Ping-Yang, Ping Yang, Ping Yang River, France, Ping-Yang River, Pekin, Ping Yang, Ping Yang, Pekin, Ping Yang River, Tai Ping River, Ping Yang River, Poo Ching Huy, Chang Yuen Heen, Corea, Chang Yuen, Pi Yang, Pi Yang, Ping Yang, Corea, Corea, Kyang Hoa, Corea, Hwang Hai, Corea, the Ping Yang River, Chang Yuen, Ping Yang, Pekin, Ching Naw, Chang Leen, Hwang Hai, Ping Yang River, the Hwang Hai district, Leon Taon, Chang Yuen, Hwang Hae, Leon Taon
- 관서
- the Chinese Board of Rites, the Corean Government, the Chinese Board of Rites, Chinese Board of Rites, the Corean government, the Board of Rites of China, the Chinese Government, Government, the Corean Government, the Board of Rites, the Board of Rites, the Board of Rites, the Chinese Government, the Chinese Government, Chinese Board of Rites
- 기타
- the coast of Corea, the River, the King of Corea, the King of Corea, the King of Corea, the King, the King
