No. 479.
Mr. Halderman to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Bangkok , October 24, 1882. (Received December 21.)
Sir: I have the honor to report, that on Monday, 23d instant, I was received in public audience at the Grand Palace by His Majesty the King of Siam.
[Page 752]My arrival had been notified to the minister for foreign affairs on the 16th, and that high functionary, in making acknowledgment, had been pleased to say that the King and Senabodi were gratified at my return to Siam as a diplomatic representative, and that the royal princes, ministers of state, dignitaries, and officers of the realm in full uniform, would honor the occasion of my reception by their presence.
As previously appointed, my boat was convoyed by the foreign minister’s steam-launch from the legation to the international court-landing, a distance of 4 miles, whence I was conducted in an open carriage, under escort from the foreign office, to the Grand Palace. I was accompanied by Dr. N. H. McDonald, vice-consul, Mr. I. W. Torrey, clerk of the consular court, Rev. Dr. William Dean, chaplain, and I. G. Torrey, acting interpreter. Our line of march was flanked by a brigade of imperial troops, under command of the King’s brother, his royal highness Prince Dissaworkumarn. Military honors were accorded. * * *
Arriving at the palace I was received by his excellency the foreign minister and other dignitaries.
Refreshments were served, after which I was ushered into the royal audience-hall, where appeared the King in robes of state, standing upon a raised platform, surrounded by princes and nobles of every degree, clad in uniforms of cloth of gold.
His Majesty extended to your representative a gracious and cordial reception.* * *
The court speaker indulged in complimentary discourse, and made formal introduction of your representative, who addressed the King in words following:
“That the friendly relations which have so long existed between Siam and the United States may be strengthened and made more enduring and the prosperity of both nations advanced, the President has commissioned me to reside near your Majesty’s Government in the quality of minister resident of the United States.
“This initial step, expressive of warm friendship for your Majesty’s dynasty and Government, recognizing Siam as an equal in the fraternity of sovereignties, fittingly comes from that younger commonwealth beyond the sea, whose Government and people are content with their great inheritance, and who would invoke for this Kingdom the fullest measure of peace, happiness, and prosperity.
“I have now the honor to present my letter of credence, and to express the wish that your Majesty’s life and health may be long continuing.”
To this short address the King replied:
“We are very much pleased that the President of the United States of America has exalted and honored Siam by the appointment of a minister to reside near our court, in order that the friendly relations between the two countries may be strengthened and made more intimate, and we are especially rejoiced that this important position has been conferred upon you, with whom we are acquainted, and in whom we have confidence. We know that your chief desire is to maintain friendly relations and to develop the same by preventing those things which might cause difficulties between the two countries.
“We beg to assure you that this act of the United States, in showing this consideration for Siam, gives us and the royal family and the nobility universal satisfaction.
“We pray that the United States maybe blessed with increasing prosperity, and that her relations with Siam may be still closer and [Page 753] more intimate. We trust that the commercial relations between the two countries will be extended to our mutual advantage.
“This we desire as a consequence of our close friendship.”
After the delivery the King indulged in friendly inquiries of a personal nature, and terminated the audience by retiring.
The ceremonial throughout was unusually imposing, and possessed phases rarely if ever before witnessed in an oriental pageant.
I esteemed it a marked distinction to my country through me.
I have, &c.,