Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 5, 1898

Mr. Allen to Mr. Sherman.

Legation of the United States,
Seoul, Korea, February 19, 1898.

No. 74, Diplomatic]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have received the following telegram from Captain Wildes, of the U. S. S. Boston, at Chemulpo:

Battle ship Maine destroyed by accident at Habana 15th instant. Will half-mast colors until further orders.

Wildes.

In consequence of which I have placed the flag of this legation at half-mast for to-day, and the other legations and consulates here have done the same in response to my circular giving them information as to the cause of our flag being at half-mast. I may add that for three days, beginning with to-morrow, our flag will be at half-mast for Prince Akira Yamashina, who died at Kyoto, Japan, on the 17th instant.

I have, etc.,

Horace N. Allen.