Robert Neff has another gem for history buffs, this time a tale of pearl schooners and imperial intrigue. Just to get you started:
In the early months of 1885, Russia and Britain were on the verge of war. In April, Britain seized the Korean island group of Komun-do (also known as Port Hamilton), claiming that they wanted to prevent the Russians from taking the islands. The British insisted that their occupation was only temporary and that the islands were sovereign Korean territory. The Korean and Russian government protested, but the British fleet remained, unchallenged, at least until July 19, 1886 when the small American schooner Pearl challenged Britain’s fleet. The full story of the “Pearl” may never be known, but what we do know makes a good story.
After you read that, I encourage you to check out the photos at this site, taken during the British occupation of Komun-do.
One Comment
Thanks for the publicity Robert - I am still hoping someone can find the Korean side of the story - I have checked with another person that is doing the history of the Customs Service at Pusan during the period and he can come up with nothing - oranckay - some help?