Earl Granville to Mr. Aston.

Sir,Foreign Office, March 17, 1884

THE Queen having been graciously pleased to approve of your selection for the provisional appointment of Her Majesty’s Consul-General for Corea, I inclose Her Majesty’s Commission to that effect. Your duties whilst so employed will consist in visiting the Corean ports opened to British trade by the Treaty of the 26th November last, and you will report on the Consular arrangements required for the future. In the meanwhile you will act as Consul-General for the country generally, and will exercise judicial powers over British subjects under the Orders in Council which are being prepared for the purpose.
You will continue to draw the salary of your post as Her Majesty’s Consul at Nagasaki, and a further allowance of 1ℓ. a day has been assigned to you, with house rent, office, and travelling expenses.
You will acknowledge to me the receipt of your Commission.

I am, &c.
(Signed)　　GRANVILLE