When Admiral Robley D. Evans of the United States Navy visited Seoul on Aug. 8, 1902, he was very impressed with the American Legation. He described Horace Allen's residence as being “a charming, refined house full of exquisite old things.” He was undoubtedly correct. Allen was known for his various Korean collections (mainly pottery) and for his tendency to gossip. I can easily imagine Allen regaling the American naval officer with all sorts of tidbits he had gleaned from his friends, staff, servants and his own imagination.