總署를 통해 조선 국왕에게 전달할 서신 보고
Frederick F Low to Department of State
Peking March 8, 1871
Enclosing copy of a letter to the King of Corea, informing him of the intention of the Minister of China to visit Corea for the purpose of negotiating a treaty.
별지: One Enclosure
Legation of the United States
Peking March 8, 1871
Peking March 8, 1871
Sir:
I have the honor to enclose copy of note which I have written to the King of Corea, original of which and a translation in Chinese have been forwarded to His Majesty through the Chinese Government.
This step seemed to me advisable for several reasons;
1st I deemed it wise to inform the Corean Government in advance of our intended visit and its objects, and that our intentions are peaceful [unless], compelled by their action to pursue a difficult course.
2nd By adapting this mode of sending the note the Chinese Government would gain a full knowledge of our plans and purposes, and would be likely to accompany it with wholesome advice to the Coreans; ― to accede to the moderate demands we would make rather than risk the consequences that would come, sooner or later, of a peremptory refusal.
3rd It seemed in every respect desirable in the present [______] condition of affairs in China, that the Government should be thoroughly convinced of the peaceful nature of the expedition, so that in case of non success the result could not be construed as a defeat in any proper sense, and thus lessen the Chinese estimate of our national power. To ask Prince Kung to send the letter, which an invitation to read it prior to sending, seemed[or assured] the best mode of accomplishing what I had in mind, and at the same time not disclose my real purpose so far as this Government is concerned.
The French lost prestige with the Coreans and also with the Chinese, by their failure in 1866, to punish the former, after announcing by proclamation and otherwise their hostile intentions and warning the Chinese not to interfere. Many here affect to believe that to this move than any other cause is to be attributed the hostile attitude of the Chinese towards the French. My opinion, however, is that while the Corean defeat has undoubtedly had some influence for evil, the real cause is much deeper rooted and more serious than any reports of success or non success in chastising the Coreans.
Trusting that my action will meet the approval of the President.
I have the honor to enclose copy of note which I have written to the King of Corea, original of which and a translation in Chinese have been forwarded to His Majesty through the Chinese Government.
This step seemed to me advisable for several reasons;
1st I deemed it wise to inform the Corean Government in advance of our intended visit and its objects, and that our intentions are peaceful [unless], compelled by their action to pursue a difficult course.
2nd By adapting this mode of sending the note the Chinese Government would gain a full knowledge of our plans and purposes, and would be likely to accompany it with wholesome advice to the Coreans; ― to accede to the moderate demands we would make rather than risk the consequences that would come, sooner or later, of a peremptory refusal.
3rd It seemed in every respect desirable in the present [______] condition of affairs in China, that the Government should be thoroughly convinced of the peaceful nature of the expedition, so that in case of non success the result could not be construed as a defeat in any proper sense, and thus lessen the Chinese estimate of our national power. To ask Prince Kung to send the letter, which an invitation to read it prior to sending, seemed[or assured] the best mode of accomplishing what I had in mind, and at the same time not disclose my real purpose so far as this Government is concerned.
The French lost prestige with the Coreans and also with the Chinese, by their failure in 1866, to punish the former, after announcing by proclamation and otherwise their hostile intentions and warning the Chinese not to interfere. Many here affect to believe that to this move than any other cause is to be attributed the hostile attitude of the Chinese towards the French. My opinion, however, is that while the Corean defeat has undoubtedly had some influence for evil, the real cause is much deeper rooted and more serious than any reports of success or non success in chastising the Coreans.
Trusting that my action will meet the approval of the President.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obedient servant
Frederick F Low
Sir
Your obedient servant
Frederick F Low
Hon Hamilton Fish
Secretary of State
Secretary of State
별지: Enclosure
Frederick F. Low to the King of Corea, March 7, 1871
Frederick F Low, appointed by the President of the United States of America as his special Envoy to the King of Corea, wishes His Majesty health and peace.
During the past years American merchant vessels have, in their voyages between China, Japan and their own country, been obliged to pass by the coasts of your Kingdom in the seas lying [adjacent]. In the further prosecution of such voyages, their vessels may, perhaps meet with dense fogs in which there would be danger of losing their way among the islands and channels, so as to be exposed to such hazards, and would need pilots to show them the way; or they might spring a leak and need repairs; or in some cases founder altogether and their crews need succor; or lastly they might be in want of provisions;
In all such cases it would be necessary to go on shore, and these men ought, in such emergencies, to be received and treated with humanity. Neither Corea nor the United States can be indifferent to such contingencies which would affect them both.
It is the usage of the Government of the United States to take great care of its sailors and traders who go to other countries; it tries to devise means for their protection or to seek ways to rescue them as soon as it hears of their misfortunes and misery, and bring them home. It is for these reasons that the President has directed me to temporarily leave my post as his Minister to China, and go to your country in order that we may consider and manage about these matters.
It is a fact that the Japanese, about twenty years ago, misused some American sailors so that they died under their hands; whereupon the President in the year 1853 sent an Admiral as his Envoy with a fleet to that country, and he made a treaty with it. Since that time there has been no cause of strife; which is a clear demonstration of the beneficial results of such a course of action.
It is also known that two American vessels went to Corea in 1866. One of them was wrecked and the vessel lost but the crew was rescued and treated with kindness. The crew of the other vessel was killed and the cargo destroyed. The American Government does not know whether the Coreans knew what flag these vessels carried nor can it learn why such very different treatment was exhibited towards them; but it wishes to inquire into the circumstances; and in doing so the same method is adopted that it took formerly with the Japanese Government.
The undersigned will therefore proceed to Corea with men-of-war under the command of an Admiral, in order to add dignity to his mission, and not with any intention to cause terror by martial display. We can then consult with respect to these matters interesting to both countries.
The object of this mission is to guard against causes of any distrust in the future, so that if any American vessels or their crews meet with trouble, some mode of conduct for relieving them may be agreed upon at an early day and they suffer no hardship or ill treatment. The Government of the United States has so much regard for its sailors and countrymen, that it will not permit other countries to misuse or destroy them.
When the ships of war reach the coasts there need not be felt the least suspicion of their designs, not the least alarm among the common people. As they come with the most friendly intentions, so will they expect to be received with the same kindness; but if strong precautions are taken to keep them away, then will Corea itself bring down such treatment as the case may require; and on whom will the blame rest?
The American Government and China having been on amiable terms for many years, the undersigned has obtained its good officers to send on this letter in order to inform the Corean Government of the orders of the President, and that he expects to reach the coast of Corea within the next two or three months. The Admiral will accompany him with his squadron. He will expect to meet a high officer at the outport with whom he can confer and through whom he can communicate.
He feels assured that His Majesty the King of Corea will regard this mode of procedure as the best to affect the end in view. He avails himself of the opportunity to wish His Majesty every happiness.
Dated and sent from the Legation of the United States at Peking on the 7th day of March 1871.
During the past years American merchant vessels have, in their voyages between China, Japan and their own country, been obliged to pass by the coasts of your Kingdom in the seas lying [adjacent]. In the further prosecution of such voyages, their vessels may, perhaps meet with dense fogs in which there would be danger of losing their way among the islands and channels, so as to be exposed to such hazards, and would need pilots to show them the way; or they might spring a leak and need repairs; or in some cases founder altogether and their crews need succor; or lastly they might be in want of provisions;
In all such cases it would be necessary to go on shore, and these men ought, in such emergencies, to be received and treated with humanity. Neither Corea nor the United States can be indifferent to such contingencies which would affect them both.
It is the usage of the Government of the United States to take great care of its sailors and traders who go to other countries; it tries to devise means for their protection or to seek ways to rescue them as soon as it hears of their misfortunes and misery, and bring them home. It is for these reasons that the President has directed me to temporarily leave my post as his Minister to China, and go to your country in order that we may consider and manage about these matters.
It is a fact that the Japanese, about twenty years ago, misused some American sailors so that they died under their hands; whereupon the President in the year 1853 sent an Admiral as his Envoy with a fleet to that country, and he made a treaty with it. Since that time there has been no cause of strife; which is a clear demonstration of the beneficial results of such a course of action.
It is also known that two American vessels went to Corea in 1866. One of them was wrecked and the vessel lost but the crew was rescued and treated with kindness. The crew of the other vessel was killed and the cargo destroyed. The American Government does not know whether the Coreans knew what flag these vessels carried nor can it learn why such very different treatment was exhibited towards them; but it wishes to inquire into the circumstances; and in doing so the same method is adopted that it took formerly with the Japanese Government.
The undersigned will therefore proceed to Corea with men-of-war under the command of an Admiral, in order to add dignity to his mission, and not with any intention to cause terror by martial display. We can then consult with respect to these matters interesting to both countries.
The object of this mission is to guard against causes of any distrust in the future, so that if any American vessels or their crews meet with trouble, some mode of conduct for relieving them may be agreed upon at an early day and they suffer no hardship or ill treatment. The Government of the United States has so much regard for its sailors and countrymen, that it will not permit other countries to misuse or destroy them.
When the ships of war reach the coasts there need not be felt the least suspicion of their designs, not the least alarm among the common people. As they come with the most friendly intentions, so will they expect to be received with the same kindness; but if strong precautions are taken to keep them away, then will Corea itself bring down such treatment as the case may require; and on whom will the blame rest?
The American Government and China having been on amiable terms for many years, the undersigned has obtained its good officers to send on this letter in order to inform the Corean Government of the orders of the President, and that he expects to reach the coast of Corea within the next two or three months. The Admiral will accompany him with his squadron. He will expect to meet a high officer at the outport with whom he can confer and through whom he can communicate.
He feels assured that His Majesty the King of Corea will regard this mode of procedure as the best to affect the end in view. He avails himself of the opportunity to wish His Majesty every happiness.
Dated and sent from the Legation of the United States at Peking on the 7th day of March 1871.
Frederick F Low
Special Envoy to
the King of Corea
Special Envoy to
the King of Corea
별지: 漢譯文
同治十年正月十七日 美國公使鏤斐廸照會稱 玆本大臣奉國家旨 於今年欽派本大臣充出使朝鮮之公使 偕水師提督 坐一幫兵船同往朝鮮國議交涉事件 本大臣知中國與朝鮮數百年之交好 可以音問相通 而本國與該國素無往來 遇有商議之件 難以逕達 本大臣擬先致函於朝鮮 以達國旨 請貴親王代寄至該國 玆特將函送交貴衙門 祈速寄 幷照錄函底一紙備査 須至照會者
照錄粘單
大亞美理駕合衆國欽命出使朝鮮之公使鏤 代本國君主問朝鮮國君主好 歷年本國商船往來日本 中國 美國之海洋面 必由貴國經過 或遇大霧 船隻危險 迷路於各洲島中 難尋路徑 須人引水 或船漏須補 沉溺須人援救 或採買食物 均須上岸各事宜 以人道相待 則美國與貴國非漠不相關之勢 本國常例 商民各水手往各國者 備悉其受艱苦 而不忍坐視 思設法保護之故 故派本大臣暫離駐華之任 前往貴國商議此事 前二十餘年 日本國瘦薨美國水手人 嗣於癸丑年 美國派水師提督充公使 前往日本國立一和約 至今兩國毫無衅端 可知辦法甚善 至於貴國 査丙寅年間 有美商船二隻 一在境內遭風被救 人生船沒 一在境內被害 人歿貨無 本國未知貴國識美國旗號否 未曉一救一害 何以如此相懸 玆欲訊根由 自與日本國事同一律 故本大臣及水師提督坐兵船一幫 以肅體統 非耀威武 前往貴國商交涉事 嗣後如有美船在境內遭一切苦難 如何設法相救 亟宜早圖 庶免美商被害 致啓衅端 此防預後患 本國體恤商民水手 甚不欲別國任意欺侮凌虐 將來兵船入境 貴國莫生疑慮 致駭平民 本國以和睦來 望以和睦相待 若多方拒絶 實自招不睦 又誰尤馬 至於本國與中國夙爲良友 先託代達是函 以述國旨大略 約三兩個月內 本大臣等入界 希望貴國大官在界商辦一切 專此達知朝鮮國君主 想必以此擧爲甚善也 順頌萬福
大亞美理駕合衆國欽命出使朝鮮之公使鏤 代本國君主問朝鮮國君主好 歷年本國商船往來日本 中國 美國之海洋面 必由貴國經過 或遇大霧 船隻危險 迷路於各洲島中 難尋路徑 須人引水 或船漏須補 沉溺須人援救 或採買食物 均須上岸各事宜 以人道相待 則美國與貴國非漠不相關之勢 本國常例 商民各水手往各國者 備悉其受艱苦 而不忍坐視 思設法保護之故 故派本大臣暫離駐華之任 前往貴國商議此事 前二十餘年 日本國瘦薨美國水手人 嗣於癸丑年 美國派水師提督充公使 前往日本國立一和約 至今兩國毫無衅端 可知辦法甚善 至於貴國 査丙寅年間 有美商船二隻 一在境內遭風被救 人生船沒 一在境內被害 人歿貨無 本國未知貴國識美國旗號否 未曉一救一害 何以如此相懸 玆欲訊根由 自與日本國事同一律 故本大臣及水師提督坐兵船一幫 以肅體統 非耀威武 前往貴國商交涉事 嗣後如有美船在境內遭一切苦難 如何設法相救 亟宜早圖 庶免美商被害 致啓衅端 此防預後患 本國體恤商民水手 甚不欲別國任意欺侮凌虐 將來兵船入境 貴國莫生疑慮 致駭平民 本國以和睦來 望以和睦相待 若多方拒絶 實自招不睦 又誰尤馬 至於本國與中國夙爲良友 先託代達是函 以述國旨大略 約三兩個月內 本大臣等入界 希望貴國大官在界商辦一切 專此達知朝鮮國君主 想必以此擧爲甚善也 順頌萬福
색인어
- 이름
- Frederick F Low, 鏤斐廸
- 지명
- Corea, China, China, Japan, Corea, the United States, China, Corea, Corea, Corea, Peking, 朝鮮, 朝鮮國, 中國, 朝鮮, 朝鮮, 朝鮮, 日本, 中國, 美國, 美國, 日本國, 美國, 美國, 日本, 美國, 日本, 中國
