이순신 통제사교서 Eng

원문

• 이순신 통제사교서

번역

Östberg Sigfrid

Decree to appoint Yi Sunsin Concurrent Tri-Provincial Naval Commander of Ch’ungch’ŏng, Chŏlla, and Kyŏngsang.

The King speaketh: Alas! The security of the realm hinges on naught but the naval forces. Heaven is yet to repeal calamity for the wicked blade has come ablaze once more, [threatening] to exhaust the great armies of the three provinces on the fields of battle. From here on, who shall restore the protective walls of the coastal cities? With the loss of Hansan Island, what does the enemy have to fear? Facing this immediate crisis, hard-pressed day and night, this is the strategy before us: to summon those scattered, to assemble a fleet, to swiftly retake positions of strategic importance, and to rigidly establish a military headquarter. Hence, the fleeing masses will know that there is a place whereto they may return. Will this not serve to halt the building momentum of the enemy? Whoever takes on this task, unless he is mighty, compassionate, wise, talented, and always compels submission from those internal and external, how should he be able to fulfil this responsibility victoriously?

My minister, your splendid reputation had spread far and wide, even before that day when you assumed your high military post, and your merit bore fruit anew in the wake of the great victory of the imjin year, when the military situation in the borderlands was as stable as the Great Wall. Yet, around that time you were stripped of your title, that you be subjected to the rule of criminal law, but this stemmed from a person’s unrighteous scheming and became the cause of the humiliation of defeat in the present. No words! No words! Now I ask you especially to take off your mourning dress and cast off your commoner robes, appointing you Concurrent Tri-Provincial Naval Commander of Ch’ungch’ŏng, Chŏlla, and Kyŏngsang.

From this day onwards, go forth and rally the troops, seek out the dispersed [soldiers], rebuild together the naval bases, move to seize the terrain, and sound the battlecry. Then the scattered people will have peace restored to their hearts and when the enemy hears that we are rallying, they will no longer dare to wreak havoc. Endeavour to do this, my minister! Bring the navy commanders and all below them under your command and punish those who get out of line in accordance with martial law. Ready to die for your country, without regard for yourself, your ability to read the flow of battle has been duly proven. How should I dare to lecture you on this? Woe unto me! Lu Kang rebuilt the garrison on the riverbank, completely carrying out the way of the imperial decree. Wang Sun rose again from his criminal status, successfully quelling the rebellion. Fortify your loyal heart and nurture the wish to bring about our salvation. Thus, apply yourself to understand these instructions well.

23rd day of the seventh month, 25th year of Wanli