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the Viceroy to order that the passage shall not be less than one hundred feet across.
4. The proposed obstructions in the river are, of course, below the city of Canton; but they are above the famous Bogue Forts, which were bombarded and taken by the English Fleet in the first and second wars with China; but they have now been greatly strengthened, as the river is, consequently, intended as a second line of defence, in the event of the Bogue Forts being forced. Of course, the passage now left open could be completely stopped in a few hours by sinking in it junks laden with stones.
5. I have further learned officially that the Chinese authorities are continuing active warlike preparations of all kinds, and have mounted heavy guns for the blocking of ...