The subject. I may mention that the rumour that our squadron in the China Seas is about to be strengthened has been received with great satisfaction by all "roughshod on this quarter of the globe.
8. It can scarcely be said that France would now find China in a very different state of warlike preparation from that of her last war with European Powers. Instead of the Chinese "punks" twenty years ago, China has now a fleet of excellent and powerfully armed gun-boats, built in England, and commanded, for the most part, by officers trained in the English Navy, at a Naval college presided over by an English Officer. Instead of disorderly and ill-equipped Militia of former times, China has a considerable number of regular Soldiers, well-drilled, and armed with rifles and bayonets of recent pattern.
9. I doubt not that the English Legation at Peking will keep the Foreign Office informed of the progress of affairs in China. I am aware, moreover, that telegraphic communications from adjacent points may render...