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France and China, I have the honour to report that Admiral Meyer, Commanding the French Naval Forces in China and Japan, arrived at Hongkong from Tonquin on the 28th instant, with a squadron consisting of his Flag-ship, "La Victorieuse," (a powerful Ironclad), and three smaller vessels.
Admiral Willes is just now with the larger portion of his squadron in the North of China; and has with him Commodore Cuming at Hongkong only three small ships fit for immediate service. Under these circumstances, some unnecessary and exaggerated alarm has been expressed in a portion of the local Press.
It is, however, satisfactory to learn from English journals received by the last Mail, that Her Majesty's Government have decided on despatching to this quarter of the Globe, at least one more Ironclad, - making two in all with the "Audacious," the Flag-ship of Admiral Willes. It is manifestly inexpedient that the English Squadron on this important station, where the English ...