12 June 1882
My dear Mr. Hallell

We have just rec’d the news of the treaty that has been made with Corea as it appears 3 ports are to be opened. I am very anxious to get the appointment of Consul or Vice-Consul to one of the ports. I understand the Home Government will select men of some experience in the East to fill the ports. I venture to hope that my long experience in Japan may have some insight and that I may have the good luck to be one of their appointers. I have had a good schooling of it with the Japanese & have followed closely every charge politics as otherwise through which this country has passed as the responsible position in which I have been placed in command of men belonging to the Japanese Naval & Marine Forces has given me an amount of influence that might prove of use to one holding the position of Consul in Corea a country which recent pass through a course of political change and trouble very similar to, though perhaps not so violent, as that through which Japan has passed. My knowledge of the Japanese language, also, is a great help I find toward acquiring the Corean Language, now I feel confident I could creditably fulfill the duties of the port of consul in Corea. Thought the Japanese service is very pleasant, & I can speak very well of the way the government treat me, still, there is no future attached to the career in it, and at the configuration of one’s agreement there may or may not be a removal & if it ceases, there is no retiring pension, I am therefore very anxious to get something permanent & possible, and now this chance of Corea has turned up Jane writing to all the friends I know to act them to exert their interest at the Foreign office on my behalf. I now could say how much indebted I have if your could help at all in the matter I do not.