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Secretary of the Navy Report, 1867
The Murders onboard the Schooner General
Sherman
(The
official I believe to be the governor of Hae-Chow-Poo or some high officer. His
presence seemed to inspire the greatest dread, and I fear the old chief and his
son have by this time paid for their friendship towards us by the loss of their
heads.)
The Interview at Neu-To Island
Commander
Shufeldt
Where are you from and on what business have you come?
Corean
official
My name is Le-Ke-Yung; I reside at Kee-Chen Village where I am the ruler. I
have come to see your ship.
Commander
Shufeldt
This vessel came here January 24th. and sent a letter by the people of
Neu-to island to the officer of Chang-Yueng-Heen, accompanied with a
communication to the King, from which no answer has yet been received. Do you
know anything about this?
Corean
official
I know nothing about it whatever. On what business have you come?
Commander
Shufeldt
An American vessel was wrecked in the Ping-Yang river in the month of September,
and it was reported that this vessel was burned and all on board put to death by
the Coreans. I have come to investigate his matter, and have sent a dispatch to
the King to inquire whether the report his true of false, and whether any of the
people are still living.
Corean
official
How many li is it to your country? As it does not become your
excellency to remain long at this place, I earnestly hope you will depart speedily
and return to your own country.
Commander
Shufeldt
The ship is merely awaiting an answer to the dispatch.
Corean
official
You ought not to delay, but leave at once.
Commander
Shufeldt
Have you heard or do you know anything about the ship that was wrecked?
Corean
official
I know nothing about it whatever. I only hope you will immediately leave and
return to your native land.
Commander
Shufeldt
What objection can there be to our waiting? If I am obliged to leave without
an answer to my dispatch, many more armed vessels will return to your country.
Corean
official
To return with many armed vessels would be exceedingly unjust. To return to
your country would be praiseworthy.
Commander
Shufeldt
To allow your country to murder our men without cause or provocation cannot
be passed over uninvestigated.
Corean
official
I do not know anything about this business.
Commander
Shufeldt
If you know nothing, I have nothing more to say to you.
General
Sherman Index
America Hurrah home
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