Hamilton Fish to Frederick F. Low, April 20, 1870
Mr. Fish to Mr. Frederick F. Low.
Sir: It has been decided to authorize negotiations to be had with the authorities of Corea, for the purpose of securing a treaty for the protection of shipwrecked mariners, and to intrust the conduct of the negotiations to you. Should the opportunity seem favorable for obtaining commercial advantages in Corea, the proposed treaty should include provisions to that effect; but the President principally aims in this mission to secure protection and good treatment to such seamen of the United States as may unhappily be wrecked upon those shores.
The inclosed copies of the treaties concluded with Japan at Kanagawa in 1854, and at Yedo in 1858, will serve to point out the kind of protection which you will seek to secure as well as the commercial articles which it may be desirable to enter into. These copies, together with the copies of dispatches from Consul General Seward, which are inclosed, indicate fully what you are to endeavor to obtain.
Little is known of the shores or internal waters of Corea, or of the people who inhabit that country. Before leaving to carry out these instructions, you will endeavor to gather all the information on these subjects that can be obtained in Pekin. Some political connection exists between China and Corea, which may make it advisable for you to secure, in advance, the good will and, possibly, the good offices of the Pekin government. You will, of course, do whatever can be done in that way.
Admiral Rogers will receive instructions, a copy of which has been forwarded you in my No. 8 from the Navy Department, to place at your disposal accommodation upon the flag-ship, and to accompany you himself upon this mission, with a display of force adequate to support the dignity of this Government. You will maintain entire frankness and unreserve with Admiral Rogers, conferring freely with him in every stage of the negotiations.
In arranging the time for carrying out these instructions, it is also desirable, if possible, to secure the presence and coöperation of Consul General Seward, who has had great experience in oriental character, and who has also made a study of this question. Admiral Rogers has instructions to take that officer with him in case he returns to China before you go. It is not supposed here that you will be able to comply with these instructions before next year, in which case Mr. Seward will probably be at his post.
It will also be necessary in making your arrangements to consult the convenience of Admiral Rogers, and to defer to his superior knowledge of the best season for navigating those waters.
The Department relies upon you, in fulfilling these instructions, to exercise prudence and discretion, to maintain firmly the right of the United States to have their seamen protected, to avoid a conflict by force unless it cannot be avoided without dishonor, and to seek in all proper ways the harmonious and friendly assistance of the Chinese government.
You will keep an account of your necessary expenses in carrying out these instructions, and draw upon Messrs. Baring Brothers & Co., of London, for the amount thus expended, and furnish the necessary vouchers therefor.
INCLOSURES.
1. Treaty between the United States and China, concluded July 3, 1844.
2. Same between same and same, concluded June 18, 1858.
3. Mr. George F. Seward to Mr. W. H. Seward, No. 281, April 24, 1868.
4. Same to same, No. 282, April 24, 1868.
5. Same to same, No. 292, May 25, 1868.
6. Same to same, No. 294, July 3, 1868.
7. Same to same, No. 317, October 14, 1868.
[Inclosure No. 1 will be found in the United States Statutes at Large, vol. 8, page 592.]
[Inclosure No. 2 will be found in the Statutes at Large, vol. 12, page 1023.]