AMERICAN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 477, 21 July 1871, Page 2

AMERICAN NEWS.

Washington, June 16; —A despatch from Admiral Rogers, of which this is the substance, was received at the Navy' Department, dated Borsee Island, Corea, June 3, sent from Shaughae : — " Our Minister and the Corean Envoys exchanged professions of amicable intentions. The Coreans made no objections to survey their waters. Tbe Monocacy, tho Polos, and four steam launches, under Commander Blake, were sent on the first of-June to examine the table at the point called " Difficult Passage," on French Chart No. 2,750, at a point where hi... .- .i g -. li. ■■ ■_■ imr )M rfl"TT^j —masKecl batteries, manned by several thousand Coreans, were unmasked, and opened a heavy fire, without warning to our people.

" The French ship in advance fought gallantly ; our vessels bearing up, drove the enemy from their works ; the tide swept all the vessels past the batteries, I hey anchored and threw three shells among the retreating enemy. Eight-inch shells were evidently not expected.

" The Monocaey was slightly injured by knocking against a sunken rock, but is now temporarily repaired. The vessel returning received no tire, the enemy having been driven from the forts. Our people displayed great gallantry. Only two were Blightly wounded.

"A communication was received to-day, which may open negotiations; otherwise, since the Coreans have met peaceful overtures with unprovoked war, our forces will land, and after destroying the forts will take such other measures as the interests of civilisation demand."