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with the chief resident merchants. All that I saw and heard fully confirms the reports contained in my previous despatches respecting the relations between France and China, and the present condition and prospects of this quarter of the world.
4. The warlike preparations of the Chinese Government are being pushed on with vigour. Large bodies of regular troops from the North, in addition to the local levies and Militia, garrison Canton and its suburbs; while there are several new fortified camps on the banks of the river; which is being blocked below the City (as I reported in despatch 299 of the 15th instant) by driving in strong piles and sinking junks laden with large stones. The opening to be left for the present in this barrier was at first announced to be only seventy (70) Chinese feet in width, but, in consequence of the remonstrances of Admiral Willes and of other Naval and Consular Authorities, the Viceroy has