Office of the Historian

Mr. Sill to Mr. Gresham.

No. 11]
Legation of the United States,
Seoul Korea, June 1, 1894. (Received July 21.)

Sir: Referring to my dispatch of May 17, I have now the honor to inform you that I am in receipt of advices this morning from the palace to the effect that a considerable Government force marching from Chon-ju, the capital of Cholla Do, was met by a part of the rebel [Page 19] forces at Yun won, a town 40 or 50 miles to the south of Chon-ju, and defeated, the rebels capturing the guns of the soldiers. Meanwhile the other portion of the rebel forces made a detour and captured the capital, which the King’s forces had left unprotected.

I had received a reply from Admiral Skerrett to my communication mentioned in my dispatch of May 17, in which he informs me that the greater part of the squadron under his command has been detailed for duty in Bering Sea, and that he is unable at present to act on my suggestion to send a ship to Chemulpo. He adds:

Disturbances are continually arising among the people of Korea, but it has generally been found that the authorities have been able to afford the needed protection, and I trust such may also be the case in this instance. As soon as it is possible a vessel will be sent to Chemulpo.

I have written again to Admiral Skerrett (see my inclosure herewith), informing him that the rebellion is daily gaining strength, that the Government is helpless to compel order, and that there might at any time be urgent need of a ship at Chemulpo to protect American interests and to make residence in Korea safe; since if the insurgents should approach Seoul they would meet with little effectual resistance. I may add that within the past few days the British, French, Chinese, and Japanese have sent vessels to Chemulpo.

I further informed Admiral Skerrett that I would telegraph him for a ship only in case of such pressing need that a favorable response would be necessary to the safety of Americans.

I have, etc.,

John M. B. Sill.
[Inclosure in No. 11.]

Mr. Sill to Admiral Skerrett.

Legation of the United States,
Seoul, Korea, June 1, 1894.

Admiral: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication No. 46, of the 7th ultimo.

I am aware of the great extent of territory guarded by your squadron and of the difficulties in the way of detailing a ship to Korean ports, but I still adhere to the opinion that such detail would be most desirable in view of present circumstances. The rebellion in the southern provinces, especially in Cholla Do, is growing in strength and daily extending the area of disorder and turbulence. I have official information that within a few days a considerable body of soldiers sent by the Government marched out from Chon-ju, the capital of Cholla Do, and attacked the rebels at Yung-won, a town some 40 to 60 miles to the south. The rebels divided their forces, one part remaining in Yung-whan, defeating the Government forces, killing many and capturing their guns, while the larger force made a wide detour and captured Chon-ju.

The King has absolutely no adequate means of restoring quiet by force of arms, and Seoul may at any time become the center of revolution and a most dangerous place for the seventy or eighty Americans residing here.

I may at any time be compelled to telegraph you for aid. I shall not do so unless the necessity shall seem urgent and a favorable response necessary to the safety of American interests here.

I have, etc.,

John M. B. Sill.