The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-08-07
TIE EXPEDITION TO C0REA.
Views Of Consul General Seward-Secrctary
Fish's Instr uctions to Minister Low.
WASHINGTON. AUGUST Q, 1871.

Views Of Consul General Seward-Secretnry
FisIi's Instr ucti0ns to Minister Low.
WASHINGTON, August 0. 1871.
The Navy Department does not expect to receive,
until \he 18th inst, dispatches from COrea concern
ing the second days light, and the Department OF
State also expects at tnat time an official communi
cation from Minister Low.
CONSUL GENERAL sEwARDs VIEWS.
The proposition Tor an expedition to Corea was
first brought to the attention Of the Department of
State in April 1865 by Consul General George F.
Seward at Shanghai. In his communication he
said in his opinion there was no sufficient object
attanable to render 1t advisable to use force or
even the show Of force, to procure a commercial
treaty with the Coreans. 1t might be considered,
however, that the interests OF shipping require
that least treaty providing for the kind treatment
OF shipwrecked people should be entered into; but
If the COreans were prepared to go TO the extent OF
opening up their country to our merchants that OPP
pOrtunity was not one which should be lost. The
first object OF mission would be to procure infor-
nation OF the loss destruction OF the American
schooner General Sherman and, In case the reports
OF the wrongful treatment or the should prove
correct, indemnity satisfaction therefor. ION
the other hano, he added, "Lhere Is something due
from us to the Coreaus. We should assure th EN- OF
our appreciation OF their Kindness to the wrecked
crew of the Surprise In 1866; and disposed as we
are not only to our dignity, but as well our
intent deal justly. cannot be Indifferent to the
propriery OF Offering to Corea an explana-
ton OF Views and conduct in regard
to the recent expedition OF an armed
force for the purpose OF exhuming and holding for
ransom the remains OF one or more sOverelgns OF
that country IN which one OF our citizens has been
charged leader. 1t Is satisfactory to know that
we have only TO ask from COrea proof that she has
dealt honOraby with us in the Sherman case as we
haxn har m IA LAT
OF the sherman affair and a commercial treaty may,
1t to me, be obtained without great dittculty;
but q considerable show OF force would pro-
badly be needed to secure general treaty.
But, OF course, l contemplate only the display OF
1t may be used. | know well there should be no
Irregular action, and that J will be time enough for
the United States to determine on the exercise OF
force when peaceful efforts shall have been eX-
hausted and al the circumstances broadly con-
Other suggestions were made by Consul Seward,
and he says that Admiral Rowan had himself pro.
posed to INN that authority and Instructions in
their Joint names TO prosecute the mission should be
SECRETARY FISH TO SECRETARY robson
On The 4th Of April, 1870, secretary Fish wrote
letter TO Secretary Robson, In the conclusion OF
which he says
This department. prepared the Minister the
Corea for the conclusion Of such treaty 90
bs to entst sh. duty the diplomatic Of
the United instead OF the Admiral Of the eet because
to make desirable to first obtain the good will and pos
good Offices OF the Chinese government. This
Admiral Rodgers to place himself in communication with
with HIM time when be shall transport that gents-
% eFma to pE M the &c nSe
authorities and that Admiral Rodgers will accompany It in
him with the frankness and confidence
as III n this o @ NaST
Department wl instruct Adma Rodgers IN such case to
responsibility of war or peace
seer sTARY FIsHs INSTRUCTIONS TO MINISTER Low.
The letter OF Secretary Fish TO Minister Low, dated
April 20. 1870, Is as iolows:-
Suit been decided authorize negotiations to be
bad with the authorities Of Corea for tne purpose Of secnr
TO conduct the expedition you. Should
tases Corea proposed treaty should provision
70 that effect, but the resden, principally aims in this NUS
of the United States as may unhappy be wrecked upon
at in & s e. YsS in @ w s
as well as the commercial articles which It may
s with
s4: to rass % s @ Ta ss
shores internal waters OF Corca of the people who
ssse e,s w 0s sna and cocs wS may
advisable tor to secure in advance the good WILL
w OF % wSaieScr can Be done way
% r sssys ms % rom 'Gp s "a yhSa
place your disposal Accommodation upon the
with display Of adequate support dignity q
You will MAINTAIN eutire rankness and
Rodgers comforting freely with him
in every stage OF the negotiations.
the time carrying out these INSTRUCTIONS
is also desirable possible TO secure the presence anu CO.
operation Consul General Seward who has great expe
rience In Oriental character and who has made study of
this Admiral Rodgers has Instructions to take that
officer with he to China before you 60
supposed here that viii be able to comply WIN
before In which case MT seward
will probably be at his post IL VIII also be necessary In
making your arrangements TO consult the convenience Of
the best season for navigating these waters.
The der aItment relies upon YOU tuinng these inruc
ops exercise prudence and discretion to maintain ormy
the tight United States 10 have their scamcn pro-
teced 10 avoid force unless cannot be avoided
without dshonor and seek In all ways the harino-
NOUS friendly assistance of the Chinese government
will keep account OF your necessary expenses IN
carving instructions, and draw upon Messrs bar
ing Brothers Co.. OF London, for the anounh's cxpend
Gus ""' ''''"'' ' HAMILTON FISH.
The above are believed 10 be the only general IN
structons on subject since the date OF April 20,
1870
EX.SECRETARY SEWARD FOR PRESIDENT.
NEW YORK, August s, 1871.