Frederick F. Low to Hamilton Fish, May 31, 1871
Mr. Low to Mr. Fish.
Sir: Referring to my No. 65, of 25th ultimo, and No. 69, of 13th instant, I have now the honor to report my safe arrival at this point yesterday afternoon. The other ships of the squadron are also at this anchorage. The ships left Nagasaki on the 16th instant, Ferrierès Islands, off the coast of Corea being designated by the admiral as the place of rendezvous. From there to this anchorage our progress has been slow, it being necessary to send the smaller vessels and the steam-launches ahead to explore the channels before proceeding with the larger vessels. Dense fogs for several days further hindered our progress. This accounts for the length of voyage.
A map which is inclosed herewith will give you a general idea of the configuration of the coast, the position of the squadron at the present moment, and an outline of the water approach to the capital, as well as the general direction by land and the approximate distance by either route. This map is made from the explorations and surveys of the French squadron when here in 1866, and has been found as far as verified substantially correct. The distance from here to the capital by water is about fifty miles; by land about half as much. It is believed that it will be found impracticable to move the Colorado, Alaska, and Benicia any farther up without great risk. The Monocacy and Palos can undoubtedly go to Sèoul by taking advantage of the tides, the rise and fall of which varies from twenty to forty feet. These extraordinary tides cause very rapid currents, varying from four to eight miles an hour in velocity.
When we reached an anchorage off Eugénie Island the Palos and four steam-launches were sent northward to sound the channels as far as this point. They met with no resistance, nor was any attempt made by the natives to communicate with either the launches or the vessel. I inclose herewith copies of my instructions to Captain Blake, of the United States steamer Alaska, who was placed in command of the surveying expedition. I also sent with him as interpreter Mr. John P. Cowles, jr., acting assistant secretary of legation. Inclosed you will find his report of the incidents that occurred on the trip. While lying at the anchor-age, near Eugénie Island, boats were sent out sounding in the immediate vicinity. The first day the natives fled to the hills upon the approach of the boats to the shore. The second day curiosity evidently overcame their fears, and some came down to the beach near the boats and handed to the officers some slips of paper written in Chinese, inquiring where we were from, what was our business, &c., &c. As their actions appeared to be friendly I ordered a reply to be returned, giving assurance of our friendly intentions, and sent Captain Nichols, chief of the admiral’s staff, and Mr. Drew, on shore to deliver it. They met the people assembled about fifty in number, and had some conversation with them. No official appeared acknowledging himself as such.
Soon after the ship anchored here, yesterday, a native boat made its appearance near by, the men on board holding up a letter and beckoning for some one on the ship to come and get it. Mr. Drew went off in a boat, boarded the junk, and got the letter, a copy of which, together with my reply, I have the honor to enclose. The men in the junk were invited on board the ship, where they came without hesitation, and a considerable conversation ensued between them and Captain Nichols and Mr. Drew. They said that three officials of the third rank were waiting at a place near here, having been sent down by the government to see and inquire into our particular business, and that they had been sent by the three officials to bring their note. These men were informed that the officials referred to would be received on board whenever they chose to come. In the reply which was returned the officials were informed that a surveying party would proceed up towards Kang-hoa; that the common people need not be alarmed at their approach, as our intentions were entirely peaceful. The messengers were verbally requested to ask the officials to send word up the river to the people not to molest the surveying vessels, and thus avoid all chance of trouble. This assurance of our peaceful disposition was accepted with indications of much satisfaction.
To-day the three officials came on board, and as they appeared to be of minor rank and failed to exhibit any authority from the government I declined to see them, and substituted Mr. Drew and Mr. Cowles to meet them in my stead. They were again informed that the surveying vessels would go up higher to-morrow, and were assured of our desire to avoid trouble in every way. They made no objection, but, on the contrary, gave tacit assurances that the expedition would meet with nothing but civility and kindness from the natives. Mr. Drew also informed them that the minister on board had important business with the government, which would be made known to a person of equal rank duly appointed by the King, and that it was our desire to establish peaceful relations between the two countries which would be lasting. They acknowledged having seen my letter written at Peking, and stated that while the King desired to maintain friendly relations, he did not desire to make treaties—a treaty in their estimation meaning trade.
In reply they were informed by Mr. Drew that he was not authorized to discuss these points, and that all this could with propriety be left for discussion when a high official came to meet the minister. They were shown over the ship, and upon their leaving Mr. Drew requested that a report of the interview might be made known to the King, to which they made no objections. What the result will be it is as yet premature to predict. I place little confidence in oriental professions of friendliness. Every effort will be made to avoid trouble, unless forced upon us in a way that cannot be escaped without dishonor.
I have, &c.,
List of inclosures.
No. 1. Map West Coast of Corea.
No. 2. First letter of instructions to Captain Blake.
No. 3. Second letter of instructions to Captain Blake.
No. 4. Report by Mr. Cowles of surveying voyage from Roze’s Roads to Island Boisée.
No. 5. Note of May 30 from Corean officials.
No. 6. Note of May 30 to Corean officials.
No. 6.
A note inquiring into the circumstances of the American ships coming into these waters has been received, and the purport communicated to the minister and the admiral.
His excellency the minister instructs me to send a reply, saying that the ships have come to bring a high envoy, who has important business with the government of this country; that he does not doubt that persons of high rank will in due time be appointed to confer with him, to whom it will be proper to make known his business; that he will remain on board the ship here for several days, to wait for any communication the government may make; but in the mean time the smaller vessels of the fleet will make explorations further on, in order that the large ships may move nearer the capital, in case the minister deems it necessary; that the common people need not be afraid of the ships harming them so long as the people on board are treated with civility and kindness; and the minister and admiral hope that such instructions will be given to the people, so that no trouble may occur.