Copy of Telegram received at Navy Department

June 13, 1871

Hon. Secretary of the Navy
United States of America
Washington

　Our Minister and Coreans’ Envoys exchanged professions of amicable intentions. Coreans made no objection to proposed examination of their waters. Monocacy, Palos, four steam launches under command (of) Blake sent June 1st to examine River Salée at Bend called Difficult Passage on French chart 2750, where navigation is most perilous batteries manned by several thousand Coreans unmasked and opened heavy fire without warning. French in advance fought gallantly. Larger vessels bearing up drove enemy from works. Tide swept all past batteries. They anchored and threw shells among retreating enemy. Eight inch shells evidently not expected. Monocacy had holes knocked in bottom by rock; is now temporarily repaired, wherefore vessels returning to this anchorage received no fire in reshelling forts. Great gallantry displayed by our people. Through enemy’s bad gunnery only two men slightly wounded, Jas H. Rochran and John Someretyk. Coreans met peaceful overtures with unprovoked war. Small vessels needed and increased force for land operations. Shall land all available men, defeat army, assault fort, and destroy works. Communications today secured which may open negotiations. Otherwise plans will be executed.

John Rodgers