Ans. “Our business is with your king. This is a ship-of-war, (or king’s ship,) not a merchant’s ship.”
Priest. “Have you any presents?”
Ans. “I cannot answer that question.”
Priest. “Do you remain here, or go to our king at Hué?”
Ans. “We shall go to your king, at Hué, when we hear from him.”
Priest. “The prefect sent me to learn whether you have business with our king, what it is, and of what nation you are?”
Ans. “Our business has been communicated to your king, and it is with him alone. We are from the United States of North America. Have you any knowledge of North America?”
Priest. “I have no knowledge of North America. I know England, France, Spain, &c. Will you tell me whether you have a minister (nuncium ad visitandum et cognoscendum) authorized to negociate.”
Ans. “We have a minister (nuncium) to your king, to be acknowledged by him.”
Priest. “Has your king sent you to our king with presents or empty-handed?”