Sir:

Two days since, at an interview with the Ministers of the Foreign Office, I brought up the Corean question with a view to learn what the attitude of this Government would be and what assistance might be expected from it, in our proposed negotiations for a treaty with Corea.
I conceived that it was of importance to secure some information upon these fruits, since all the assistance and encouragement which has hitherto been given to-Commodore Shufeldt has come from the Viceroy Li Hung-chang who, though a person of great influence and power, is only a Provincial Officer and not a number of the Central Government. It was desirable to learn how far his assurances of support and assistance would be borne out by the Imperial Authorities.
The Ministers answered with more freedom and readiness than I had anticipated, and furnished some information which has an important bearing upon the proposed attempt to negotiate a treaty by our Government.
The Department is doubtless aware that hitherto all business between China and Corea has been transacted through the “Board of Rites”- here in Peking. This is the highest, and most conservative, of the six bureaus or departments of the Government, and in past years has played the part of a most effective- obstruction to any intercourse, by means of the Government of China, between Powers and Corea. This was notably main fact in the attempts made here by Minister Low to pave the way for his mission to Corea in 1871.
The Ministers informed me that their Government had recently become convinced of the desirability of the establishment of commercial relations between Corea and Foreign Powers. About a year ago Prince Kung-effected the transfer of the charge of Corean matter from the Board of Rites to the Foreign Office. Immediately thereafter a letter was addressed by the Emperor of China to the King of Corea strongly urging him to enter into treaty relations with Western Powers and advising him to first conclude a treaty with the United States.
The Ministers frankly said to me that the action of their Government was mainly influenced by the belief that sooner or later the autonomy of Corea would be threatened by the aggressions of Russia and Japan, and that this serious danger could be best met by bringing the Peninsular Kingdom into the family of nations. And they were desirous that the United States should be the first to enter-into treaty relations with Corea because, in general, they counted much upon the conciliatory and moderate disposition and policy of our government, and because in particular, they were anxious that Corea, like Japan and unlike China should be spared the opium curse. They doubted not that our Government would willingly consent to the introduction of anti-opium article in a treaty made with Corea, which action on our part, would determine that question in any treaties made later.
Hence the Emperor’s letter was prepared as indicated, and it was put into the hands of Viceroy Li to be forwarded.
The Ministers said-further that a reply had been received from the King of Corea, who expressed himself as willing and even anxious to conclude a treaty with us. They added that the King and a large portion of the people of Corea understand the situation and are ready for foreign intercourse, but that in Corea, as in China, there is an anti-foreign faction.
The Ministers concluded by expressing the readiness of their Government to aid the United States in any proper way to open friendly and commercial relations with Corea.
In absence of Commodore Shufeldt, to whom the proposed negotiations are entrusted, I did not think it wise to pursue the conversation further at the moment. After thanking the Ministers warmly for this information, and for their expressions of confidence in, and good will towards our government, I allowed the subject to drop.
It is perhaps unnecessary to warn the Department that, while there is much ground for satisfaction and encouragement in the attitude assured by China, Oriental Governments are not noted either for their frankness or consistency, and it is always possible that in the future, for reasons which cannot be discovered by us, the Imperial Government may see fit to assume an entirely different attitude and policy in this business.
I am expecting the arrival of Commodore Shufeldt in this city shortly, when we shall consult together in regard to these matters to the end that all possible cooperation and assistance may be afforded him by this Legation.
I have the honor to be Sir. Your obedient servant.

Chester Holcombe