He came in his yacht, the Don Quixote, a barque purchased from the Americans, and mounting a few guns for saluting. I waited on him on board her, and arranged a meeting for the day following.
The captain of the Venus, accompanied by his officers, and the American and English Consuls, with myself and such officers as could be spared, repaired at noon to the king's house, where we were received by the officers attendant on the king, in their state uniforms, similar to those worn at the time of Lord Byron's visit in 1825. The king wore a round blue jacket with lace straps on the shoulders, and an embroidered crown on the sides of the collar, with fawn-coloured drill trowsers.
The chiefs were seated on chairs, in line with the king; the lady chiefs on a bank of raised mats behind. Our party occupied a line of chairs fronting them.
The king has not grown much since 1827, but is confirmed in his formation, stout built, and about five feet six. His reception was very cordial, but I could plainly discern that he had been previously severely schooled for this meeting.
Before proceeding to business, both Captain de Petit Thouars and myself protested against the interpretation or interference of Mr. Bingham; indeed we requested his absence. This latter point was not conceded, and he took up a position where he could command the eye of the king; but the sharp glances of some of the officers of both ships were too
