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there, I can add testimony that a more active and energetic officer does not grace the French Navy List,
A Man I should judge also of combined subordination and little troubled in the Services of the Emperor with scruples of conscience.
Her dire situation is a serious subject for consideration is this, not only that the French in occupying this extent of protectorate are treading close upon the heel of our empire, but that the bay highway of our trade is very likely to be greatly affected during war.
The number of gun boats I understand at present upwards of twenty, infesting the coast, and having safe harbours in Poulo Condore, and almost inaccessible lurking places in the river and canals leading to Saigon.
It strikes me also as it does Mr. Brerett, that our own possessions of Singapore and Hongkory, midway between which Saigon is situated, might at any time be pounced upon, and if not totally destroyed might suffer dreadful loss of life and property from...