U.S. Legations
Japan, Tokei March 12, 1880
Commodore R.W. Shufeldt
U.S. Flagship Ticonderoga
Special Service
Hong Kong

Sir:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt last evening of your communication of the 14th inst. in-relation to your telegram to me on the 13th inst.
I note your statement that your telegram was based on the “State Department instructions dated Nov. 9, 1878 addressed to the Hon. Secty of the Navy” and by him transmitted to you for your guidance “in a proposed effort to open negotiations with the Corean Government” and from which instructions, among other things you quote the following: -
“I (the Hon. The Secty of State) have consequently addressed an instruction to the Minister of the U.S. in Japan, directing him to apply to the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, for such personal or official letters to the authorities of Corea in favor of Commodore Shufeldt as may tend to smooth his way, and contribute to the success of his errand.”
This extract from the letter of the Hon. the Secty of State not only explains your telegram to me, but also discloses the entire propriety of it.
It is proper that I should acquaint you, that I have made examination of the records of this legation, but find no instruction to me, on to the legation, from the Department of State requesting me to make an application to the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs for such personal or official letters to the authorities of Corea in favor of yourself. I was absent on leave from the 25th of Oct. 1878 until the 21st May 1879, but am advised by Mr. Secty of this legation, who was left in charge during my absence, that no such instruction came from the Department.
I regret that I did not receive the instruction, and beg leave to thank you for bringing the same to my knowledge. I have today communicated with H. E. the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and hope to be able to obtain from him such letters BC- as may materially contribute to make your missions to Corea a success. Be assured that it will give me pleasure to see you in this capital at any time and especially in May next and to give you all advice or assistance possible in furtherance of your mission to Corea. May is a very good time in which to visit Japan.
I have received from H. I. J. M. Prime Minister Mr. Sanjo a proclaim action of date the 28th Jan. last, in which it is notified that the port of Geuzanshiro in Kan-Kodo. Corea, will under the 5th Article of the Treaty of Febry 1876 between Japan and Corea be opened for trade &c to Japan on the 1st May next.

Hoping to meet you as proposed and to be of service to you, I have the honor to be Sir
Your obt svt,
M.A. Bingham