KOREA:
“Corean Expedition!!! Photographic Views by F. Beato, Artist
to the US Asiatic Squadron. Sample Book to be seen at Kelly
and Co’s, Canton Road Shanghai, 20th June 1871.”
In 1871, Beato served as the official photographer of an American expedition sailing from Yokohama to Korea. Their goal was to sign a trade agreement, as they had with Japan. However, Korea was in the midst of its own long period of isolationism and attacked American warships on June 1, 1871. So, the Americans sent five more ships, including the USS Colorado and the USS Monocacy.
Beato commemorates the decisive battle in his photograph of the Gwangseong Garrison, which the Americans renamed after Lieutenant Hugh McKee, one of their three casualties. Despite their superior firepower and success, the Americans’ diplomatic mission was a failure. It wasn’t until 1882 that they finally signed a trade agreement with Korea.
Council of War Onboard USS Colorado, Korea, May 19, 1871. Albumen silver print.
