DescriptionJohn Mahelm Berry Sill's role as the American Minister to Korea (1894-1897) is one of controversy. He has been described as weak, ineffective, and reluctant by some and as independent, proactive, and alert by others, depending on the researcher. He served during an extremely turbulent period of Korean history, a span of time that encompassed the Sino-Japanese War, the Gabo Reforms, the murder of the Korean queen, and King Gojong's subsequent refuge in the Russian legation. While this book does utilize some diplomatic despatches, it generally relies upon the personal correspondences between the Sills in Korea and their family in the United States. These letters provide a candid view of life in not only the American community in Seoul, but also in the Russian legation, where King Gojong and the crown prince sought refuge following the murder of Queen Min. The letters also give evidence of the rumors and speculation that plagued the daily lives of not only the Western community in Seoul but the Korean community as well.   Table of Contents Preface Part One 1894Chapter One    The BeginningChapter Two    The Arrival in KoreaChapter Three    The Prelude to WarChapter Four    The Months of WarChapter Five    The First Winter Part Two 1895Chapter Six    Trouble with SoldiersChapter Seven    The Problems with ReformsChapter Eight    From the Mouths of BabesChapter Nine    Unmentionable ScandalsChapter Ten    The FallenChapter Eleven    Picnics and ExcursionsChapter Twelve    Life at the LegationChapter Thirteen    The MissionariesChapter Fourteen    Cholera: The Rat GodChapter Fifteen    A Trip to JapanChapter Sixteen    The Murder of the QueenChapter Seventeen    The Return to Korea Part Three 1896Chapter Eighteen    A New Year, a Year of LossesChapter Nineteen    Life at the Russian LegationChapter Twenty    Fears and Russian Military AdvisorsChapter Twenty-One    Social Functions in a Time of UnrestChapter Twenty-Two    The Great Rainy SeasonChapter Twenty-Three    The Second Leave of AbsenceChapter Twenty-Four    The Last Christmas The Finale Bibliography

A fascinating journey to Korea's most dramatic times in history.