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war, and without fighting elsewhere. It is stated, indeed, that there was no formal declaration of war during the hostilities in 1858-1861 between England and France on the one side, and China on the other side. But, as I have reported in previous despatches, there is much exasperation against all Foreigners in the Treaty Ports, especially at Canton; where no foreigner is now safe except at Shameen, the European settlement on the bank of the river, and under the protection of Foreign men-of-war moored there.
The Viceroy of Canton keeps a strong guard of regular Chinese soldiers at Shameen, and seems to be using his best exertions for the preservation of order, but it is impossible to prevent isolated outrages in the interior of a city with more than a million inhabitants. It is reported in my despatch No. 331, there have been recently fresh disturbances, though hitherto without further loss of life. The Protestant Mission Chapel has been pulled down; an attempt...