No. 305.
Mr. Dinsmore to Mr. Bayard.
Seoul Corea, June 25, 1888. (Received August 8.)
Sir: I have the honor to report the occurrence, within the past ten days, of serious disturbance in Seoul, which has given rise to grave apprehensions and alarm to the foreign residents. The disturbance had its beginning some weeks ago, when it was rumored among the common class of natives that young children were being stolen from their parents. The excitement continued to grow, until last week it reached a point of intensity that culminated in the killing on the streets by the populace of native men at different times and places upon a charge of being engaged in the stealing of children. The accusation took form also involving foreigners, it being declared by the people that the children were being stolen and sold to foreigners to be eaten by them and converted into medicine and material to be used in the making of photographs. In all, it is said, seven men have been killed. We know of some certainly; at least one was seen by reliable foreigners lying on the street mutilated and dead, where he had been slain by the mob.
Among the killed there were doubtless innocent persons, as it has been definitely ascertained that innocent people were attacked, carrying their own children in their arms.
The most absurd and unreasonable stories were circulated, supported, it seems, by persons who claimed to be eye-witnesses of boiling of children in the houses of foreigners. It was declared that the schools of [Page 449] the American missionaries were mere agencies for procuring children for the purposes above mentioned.
The accusations seemed to be chiefly against the American missionaries and the Japanese generally. On Monday of last week (June 18), I learned from various sources, apparently reliable, that threats were being made of an attack on “Chong Tong,” the locality in which the Americans reside and the legation is situated.
The natives employed by our residents seemed greatly alarmed, in some instances refusing to go upon the streets and in others declaring their intention to quit their service, as it was said employers and servants were to be killed alike.
Feeling that the circumstances were of sufficiently serious character to justify decided action, I telegraphed to Commander T. F. Jewell, commanding the U S. S. Essex, then in port at Chemulpo, on Tuesday (June 19), to send a detachment of twenty men for the protection of our people, at the same time sending by courier an explanation in writing to reach him before the departure of the troops. On Wednesday morning (June 20), at 10 o’clock, in compliance with with my request, a company consisting of three officers, twelve men, and thirteen marines, Lieut. C. D. Galloway, commanding, arrived quietly at the legation having made a night march from Chemulpo in twelve hours; similar detachments were sent from the Russian corvette Bobre, and the French gun-boat Aspic upon requests of Mr. Woeber and Monsieur Colin de Plancy, respectively.
As was anticipated by me the arrival of the forces has had the most salutary effect, the excitement having begun immediately to subside until at this time comparative quiet prevails.
The coming of the troops seems to have met with the full approval of the Corean Government. His Majesty the King sent a messenger to me to commend my action as timely and judicious.
At present there is a public examination of students gathered in the city from all parts of the country contesting for degrees, and I think it best to retain the guard until these people have returned to their homes, when Lieutenant Galloway will return with his command to his vessel.
During the disturbance I was in constant communication with the foreign office and with my colleagues. Not having time to make a full report by the present mail I reserve a detailed account to be forwarded hereafter.
At present there seems to be no ground for further alarm.
I have, etc.,