Note 4 — Chapter XLIV · AMERICAN RELATIONS WITH COREA.
Reading edition
A broad streak of light was thrown upon at least one possible cause of the Sherman tragedy, by the statement of the natives that Chinese pirates frequently descend on the coast and kill and rob the Coreans. During the previous year, several natives had been killed by Chinese pirates near the Wachusett’s anchorage. As ten of the crew of the Sherman were Canton Chinamen, it is probable that the very sight of them on an armed vessel would inflame the Coreans to take their long-waited for revenge. ↑