Legation of
the United States,
Bangkok,
Siam
,
August 9, 1884. (Received Sept.
22.)
No. 110.]
[Inclosure in No. 110]
Mr. Halderman to
the President.
Legation of the United States,
Bangkok, Siam
,
August 9,
1884.
Mr. President: I have the honor to acquaint
your Excellency that on the 6th instant I forwarded to your address, in
care of the Department of State, by the American bark Charles L.
Pearson, of Boston, two boxes containing a Malay kris and two Malay
spears, presents through me from the Rajah of Tuluban to the Government
of the United States.
These rare weapons are of beautiful design and exquisite workmanship.
They will be valued, I doubt not, because of the sentiment which
inspired their presentation, as also because of the poetic interest
which attaches to the ruler, people, and land whence they come.
It will be remembered that in April, 1883, I had the honor of presenting
to this Malay chief, at his palace in Tuluban, in the name of my
Government, a gold medal and a magazine rifle, in recognition of his
friendly offices to shipwrecked American seamen on the Malay coast.
On the occasion of his recent visit to Bangkok, whither he had come, as
is the oriental custom, to pay homage to the King of Siam, who is the
suzerain of his state, he made frequent visits to this legation, where
he broke bread with your representative, and expressed a living
gratitude for high honors conferred.
He desired me to give assurance that the presents transmitted were
intended by him to symbolize his cordial friendship for the great
American Government and people.
I have, &c.,