U.S. Flagship Ticonderoga
Special Service
Nagasaki, Japan
April 26, 1880
Hon. R. W. Thompson
Secty of the Navy
Washington, D.C.

Sir:

I have the honor to inform the Department of the arrival of the Ticonderoga at Nagasaki on the 15thinst. from Hong Kong.
It was my instruction to proceed direct Yokohama, but owing to the prevailing strong headwinds outside I decided to put in here.
I telegraphed Mr. Bingham, our Minister in Japan, of our arrival and, as much time could be saved by going direct to Corea, asked him in case it was not important that we should first come to Yokohama, if he would kindly send me here by first mail all communications that could be obtained which might be of service to us in our future movements.
He replied that he would answer by next mail.
That mail is just to hand and I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. Bingham informing me of his request in behalf of our mission to Corea, and enclosing copy of the reply thereto from His Imperial Japanese Majesty’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, and also a letter to the Japanese Counsel at Fusan, Corea. Copies of both are herewith enclosed.
Fusan, has occurred to me as being the best point in Corea from which to communicate with the Capital, and we will accordingly leave here about the 1st proximo for that port.
After dispatching a letter to the Capital we will return here, or perhaps visit Yokohama, preceding again to Fusan about the end of May for the purpose of receiving a reply from our communication.
I have been informed here that prominent officials in China have recommended the Coreans to make treaties with foreign powers, owing perhaps to the dread of aggression by Russia and possibly Japan, but while I feel this to be an opportune time to attempt the opening of negotiations, I am not over sanguine of success.
The officers and men are all well.

I have the honor to be very respectfully your obedient servant,
R. W. Shufeldt
Commodore U.S. N.
On Special Service