Embassy to the Eastern Courts of Cochin-China, Siam, and Muscat; In the U. S. Sloop-Of-War Peacock ... During the Years 1832-3-4 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1837 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XV. SUSPENSION OF INTERCOURSE-FAILURE OF MISSION-DEPARTURE OF EMBASSY FROM VUNG-LAM BAY-ENVOY'S TITLES-MODE OF HUSKING RICE-TOMBS OF THE DEADFISHING BOATS-ABSENCE OF PRIESTS AND TEMPLES-SUPERSTITIONS-WILD ANIMALS-MANDARINES' HOUSE-MODE OF TAKING LEAVE-GOVERNMENT OF COCHIN-CHINA-GRADES OF RANK. Two days having elapsed, on the third of February, without any official intercourse with the shore, the junior deputy again appeared; his colleague still remaining on shore on account of sickness. The professed object of his coming, was a mere visit; the real one, to propose another word to be used at the commencement of the President's letter, if the words previously suggested would not be adopted. This word was kin, implying reverence, solemnity, and veneration, &c., not differing materially from that which had before been proposed: it was also rejected. The expression as it already stood, contained, he was told, nothing disrespectful, and was a plain and simple version of the original. He was determined, however, that without the adoption of some derogatory expression, the letter should not be sent on to Hue; so that the business of the mission remained at a stand. The deputy now shifted his position, as indeed none of his fellows scrupled to do when needful, by adopting a false assertion: "While on shore," he said, "every word was assented to; why is the use of these words now refused?" This shows the convenient deafness or forgetfulness, which these little-minded politicians can assume, when occasion requires; for it had been specifically stated, that not a word would be altered without farther consideration, and the permission of the envoy. Thus baffled, he said that the obstinate determination of the envoy left him at a loss in what...