Before leaving, they were again requested to forward the despatch for the king speedily; and, at the same time, to report to their superiors that the envoy would require to be accompanied by a party of at least fifteen or sixteen persons, and considerable baggage. As the boat pulled off, they set out, with their retinue of elephants, palanquins, and ponies; and, as we afterward found, returned at once to their superiors, at the capital of Foo-yan. [Sidenote: CATHOLIC PRIEST.] _January eighth._ In the forenoon, a Cochin-Chinese Roman Catholic priest came off, and held a written conversation, in Latin, with Dr. Ticknor, of which the following is the substance:-- _Priest._ “I am a Catholic priest. The prefect (or governor) has sent me to inquire whether you are Catholics, and of what nation you are, whether French or English?” _Answer._ “A few of us are Catholics. We are from North America.” _Priest._ “On what business has your king sent you? On business to our king, or for the purpose of trade?” _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?” _Ans._ “This is a question which I am not permitted to answer.” _Priest._ “Is your visit here friendly?” _Ans._ “We have come here with the most friendly motives.” He laughed and said--“A ship-of-war come with friendly motives!” Here the conversation ended; he said he would return to the prefect who sent him. The priest’s age was probably about sixty-five. He said he was educated at the college of Jadent. He was attended by six persons. _January ninth._ Going on shore to-day, Mr. Morrison was informed that two deputies had left, the same evening they received the letter for the king, and that the old head-man of the town, who first came on board, was under arrest, for not having been sufficiently alert in reporting the ship’s arrival. In reply to a question concerning the priest who was on board yesterday, he was informed that he had been sent by the governor of the province. He was informed, also, that two or three Chinese junks, from Hainan, visit this port annually.