Mr. Foulk to Mr. Bayard.
Seoul, Corea, July 10, 1885. (Received August 15.)
Sir: I have the honor to report that orders have been received here by the Chinese authorities in Seoul from their Government to effect the complete withdrawal of the Chinese troops now in Seoul on the 22d instant. [Page 350] They will embark at Masanpho in vessels of the firm of Russell & Co., of Shanghai.
The Japanese Government removed its soldiers a week since, leaving a guard of but eighty men for the legation.
It is now understood that an embassy will at once go to China to bring back the Tai wen-Kun, the father of the King, and the ex-regent, who has been retained in China since 1882.
Unquestionably, the return of the Tai-wen-Kun is eagerly hoped for by the people of Corea, and equally dreaded by a large class of nobles, chief of whom are of the Queen’s or great Min family. As to the future influence of the Tai-wen-Kun or his policy of action after his long absence in China, nothing can be definitely known.
As the withdrawal of the Chinese and Japanese troops includes that of the Chinese instructors who have served with the Corean soldiers of the capital, the latter are to be left without any assuredly competent directing officers. Under the circumstances the foreign representatives unanimously regard the departure of the Chinese and Japanese with some feelings of apprehension and regret.
I am, &c.,
Ensign, U. S. Navy, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.