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ANAM. 367
in boats, where, but the day before,
on dry ground.
they had passed
Our limits restrict us from entering into further
details. Mr. Crawfurd could not succeed in obtain,
ing an audience of the king of Cochin China.
He was told, that his business being entirely of a
commercial nature, it altogether precluded the pos-
sibility of his being admitted to the royal presence ;
that it was an affair for the cognizance of his minis-
ters ;
that had he been the envoy of the king of Eng-
land, or of any other king, he would have been presented
at court ; but that in his case, it was as if the
governor of Saigon had sent an envoy to the imperial
court. The presents of the Governor-general were
politely declined by his majesty, and the mission was
dismissed, not without evident manifestations of dis-
pleasure or contempt.*
Before many years, the British nation and the
court and good people of Hue will be better acquainted
with each other. His majesty has condescendingly
promised to accept of whatever presents may be agreeable
to him, next time, paying for the same. Who
can tell but that, in a few years, we may have a British
factory at Turon, steam-boats plying on the Saigon
river, or even ascending the unknown course of the
Mei-kong, and that a joint-stock company may be
formed to work the geld mines of Tongkin !
* Mr. Crawfurd had suffered the letter from the Governor-general
to be opened by the governor of Saigon, which evidently gave great
offence. In 1804, Mr. Roberts, an envoy from the Governor-general,
had been honourably received, and obtained two audiences of the
king.
END OF ANAM.