이순신 통제사교서 Eng

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

Yoo Jamie Jungmin

Official Appointment Certificate to Yi Sunsin
To the joint position for the regional naval commander at the Ch'ungch'ŏng,Chŏlla, and Kyŏngsang provinces.

The King said,Alas. The naval force is the only means that this dynasty could rely on tomaintain security. The heaven has not ceased the calamity, and the fierceswords got ablaze again. As a result, our great armies of the three provincesgot exhausted in one battle. After this diaster, who will be able to defend thetowns near the ocean? The Hansan island is already captured by the enemy and inthis situation what are they going to fear? The impending danger is pressing usday and night, and our stretagies for now are to gather together the scatteredarmies and put together our vessels, occupystrategic points, and thenbuild a big military post as soonas possible. By doing so, scattered people will be able to know where toreturn, and the forceful enemy will be able to stop the aggression. Whoever takes this responsibility shouldhave leadership and wisdom and also should be respected from others all thetime; otherwise how could he successfully carry out the great task? You had agreat reputation even before you received the official position, and after theImjin war your accomplishment came into full flower. The military sentiments atthe frontier rely on the stability of the Great Wall. However, recently you youlost your position because you are entrapped… What can I say? I’m trulyspeechless. Now I made a special case to summon you from your grieving periodand also call you back from your commoner status, and then appoint you to the joint position for the regionalnaval commander at the Ch'ungch'ŏng, Chŏlla, and Kyŏngsang provinces. Today I wouldconsole you first and then gather togetherthe scattered people, and make a complete naval base in order to control thecurrent situation. Once we make the good reputation of our military be heardlongreach, then the mind of scattered people will be able to recovered. Theenemy also will hear about that we are fully equipped then they would not dearto rum rampant again. Could you take the task for me? Everybody under the navalcommander will be regulated according to the proper principles. If there isanyone who violates the law, they will all be punished by the military law. Asto you sacrificing yourself for the country and then apply military at thebattle, your ability has been already guaranteed. So I don’t have anything toteach you. Alas, Liu Kang was able to carry out imperial order by the Zhenriver, and the Wang Shun exculpated himself from a charge of guilt and accomplishedthe great victory at the war. You will be able to reinforce the loyal andrighteous mind and complete my wish of saving the world. Therefore, I send thisinstruction. Wish you consider this.