“I have now the pleasure to enclose copies of the original, and a translation in Chinese, of the President’s letter to the emperor, for your excellency’s inspection. The important objects of the President, mentioned in the letter, are solely to ascertain, if the emperor is willing to admit the American commercial intercourse on the same terms as those of the most favoured nations; or on what conditions he will admit it, and into what ports. No exclusive privileges are asked for. And the envoy is not charged with any other matter or thing, excepting to establish a suitable commercial treaty between the two nations. These are the only objects of the mission.
“Had your excellency sent a written answer, requesting the above information, the envoy would have given these particulars previously; but certain persons inquired the object of the vessel’s coming, and asked for a copy of the President’s letter, to whom this information could not be given, as they could show no document or authority from your excellency.
“The envoy has already been here some time, and will be unable to delay much longer. He therefore requests your excellency to provide the means for himself, and others who are to accompany him, to proceed to Hué speedily. For unless, within seven days, permission be received, from the emperor, to proceed thither at once, the vessel must go to sea.
“Signed and sealed on board the U. S. ship-of-war Peacock, in the roadstead of Vung-lam, in the province of Fooyan, this thirtieth day of January, A. D., 1833, and of independence, the fifty-seventh.
(Signed,)
“EDMUND ROBERTS.”
“Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, to his majesty the emperor of Cochin-China:—
“Great and good friend—
“This will be delivered to your majesty by Edmund Roberts, a respectable citizen of these United States, who has been appointed special agent, on the part of this government, to transact important business with your majesty. I pray your majesty to protect him in the exercise of the duties which are thus confided to him, and to treat him with kindness and confidence; placing entire reliance upon what he shall say to you in our behalf, especially when he shall repeat the assurances of our perfect amity and good will towards your majesty. I pray God to have you, great and good friend, under his safe and holy keeping.
“Written at the city of Washington, the twentieth day of January, A. D. 1833, and in the fifty-sixth year of independence.
“Your good and faithful friend,