96.
to secure to Handstein the payment of such amount as he shall be able to prove in the Supreme Court to be due to him Handstein from H. M. the King of Annam.
If as is deposed to the Commodore said to have been sold to H.M. In Duc and the Dauphiné which H. M. claims to have given up to him, be the same vessel then it is clear that H. M. In Duc has possession of a steamer once the property of Landstein and Handstein, and as it is not alleged in the letter to the Governor or to the Chief Justice that the price for the Commodore has been ever paid then it would seem that H.M. In Duc has the steamer of Handstein in his possession and that the price for it ought to be paid.
A like remark applies to the account current for goods supplied. If H. M. has received them there may be questions between H. M. and his servants as to them but if these articles reached H.M. In Duc it would seem just that H.M. should pay Handstein for them.
It is quite open to H. M. to prove that the prices charged were too much or that he never received the goods or that Handstein is not entitled to payment for reasons to be shown but until such reasons shall be shown why H. M. In Duc should not pay to Handstein the sum claimed.
His Excellency
I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedient humble Servant
(signed) W. H. Alexander
Registrar.
The Minister of the Mercantile Marine of the Kingdom of Annam