landed 200
desperadoes at Guaymas, Mexico, in June, 1870, and these outlaws took
possession of the custom-house. They forced the foreign merchants
to furnish them with funds and goods, and compelled the United States'
consul to supply coal for their vessel, their purpose being to become
pirates on a large scale. Commander Low, of the "Mohican," upon
learning these facts, sailed from Mazatlan, and overtook the "Forward"
while still in the Gulf of California. She was attacked in the harbor
of Boca Teacapan by six boatloads of sailors and marines from the
"Mohican," and was captured and burned.

It seemed desirable, in 1871, that some arrangement should be made
with the people of Corea whereby sailors wrecked upon these shores
should have protection. With this end in view our Minister to China,
accompanied by Rear-Admiral John Rodgers, with the "Colorado," the
"Alaska," the "Benicia," the "Monocacy," and the "Palos," vessels of
the Asiatic squadron, sailed to Corea, anchoring in the Sale River.
The local authorities were assured that the visit was a perfectly
peaceful one, and they in turn gave evidences of a peaceful spirit.
But when a party engaged in making surveys and soundings for the
safety of commerce had got beyond a point where they could be
protected by the cruisers' guns, they were fired upon by the Coreans,
and were forced to re-pass the Corean forts under a fierce cannonade.
Admiral Rodgers and the minister determined that an explanation should
be at once demanded. No answer having been received from the Coreans
after an interval of ten days, it was decided that an attack should be
made upon the forts from which the shots had been fired. A party of
about 700 of the sailors and marines were landed, and after a march
through mud which rose to their knees, the first fort was captured
without serious resistance. The next day, other forts were easily
taken, and preparations were made to attack the horseshoe-shaped
citadel, which was defended by a garrison of a thousand Corean
soldiers. A few shells from the vessels, judiciously planted among the
Coreans, frightened and disconcerted them; but they made a stubborn
fight until their ammunition gave out. The attacking party swarmed
over the walls. Then ensued a desperate hand-to-hand fight The Coreans
expected no quarter, and fought till all who had not fled had been
killed or wounded. Lieutenant Hugh McKee, who was the first man to
climb over the ramparts, fell with