The
Sir,
I am directed by Earl Russell to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that it appears from a letter dated July 14, which has been received from H. M's Consul at Canton, that there is reason to apprehend that the Taeping rebels who have been driven out of the northern Provinces may make a descent on the Province in which Canton is situated and attack the city.
Secretary to the Admiralty
State Department
Was despatched on Dec. 17, 1864