Frederick F. Low to Homer C. Blake, May 23, 1871
Frederick F. Low to Homer C. Blake
Sir: Herewith I beg to hand you a sealed letter, written in Chinese and directed to the King of Corea, which I desire you to forward to its destination by an official of the highest rank you may meet, if you find such a course practicable. If no official makes his appearance during your explorations south of the island of Kang-hoa, you will retain the letter until you reach an anchorage opposite the city of the same name upon that island. If, upon your arrival there, no officials make their appearance, through whom you can communicate with the capital, it is my wish that you shall write a note in your own name, with your rank attached, to the highest official resident at Kang-hoa, informing him that you are the hearer of an important dispatch from the minister of the United States to the government of Corea, which it is desired shall reach its destination without unusual delay, asking him at the same time whether it will be more convenient for him to forward the letter, or whether, by declining this service, he will leave the United States minister free to seek such other means of communicating with the capital as shall be by him deemed advisable.
If an official undertakes to deliver the letter, you will endeavor to procure a proper acknowledgment, in writing, of his promise, and, if practicable, get him to name the time when and the place where the answer will be returned.
If, during your trip to Kang-hoa, you find no one who will undertake to perform the service, you will return the letter to me with a report of your proceedings.
It is not unlikely that you will be visited by natives, both official and unofficial, who will make inquiries concerning the visit of the squadron, and the objects we have in view. It is my desire that neither you nor the officers under your command shall hold conversations with any except officials, with reference to the object of my visit or that of the squadron. In conversation with officials, and in reply to the inquiries they will probably make, you are at liberty to say that I am sent by the President of the United States to arrange important matters with the government of Corea, the particulars of which will be fully and frankly made known when a person of suitable rank and station is duly appointed to meet and confer with me; that I desire nothing but what is reasonable and proper, and which I cannot doubt will be agreed to after the government shall be made acquainted with my requests; that I do not expect this can be done in a few days, and therefore I have come prepared to spend a considerable time upon the coast, in order that a thorough understanding may be arrived at which will render the friendship of the two countries firm and lasting; that considerable delay will undoubtedly be necessary in order that the difficult channels may be explored and sounded, and thus rendered safe for the larger vessels to approach nearer to the capital, where it is my wish that negotiations may be carried on; which delay will afford ample time for the government to consider and discuss the matter, and enable it to give an answer, probably, by the time I shall have reached the capital or some point in its vicinity.
If they ask why so many ships of war have come on a professedly peaceful errand, you can reply that a minister of my rank does not travel except in a dignified manner befitting his mission, with force sufficient to repel attacks, and chastise all who may molest or insult either the minister or the flag of the country he represents.
Mr. John P. Cowles, jr., acting assistant secretary of legation, will accompany you as interpreter.
Relying upon your good judgement and tact to successfully carry out my wishes, I am, &c.,