3.
386
Admiral Meyer, the late Commander-in-chief of the French Naval Forces in the China seas; who, on the expiration of his term of service, sailed for France this morning in his Flag-ship "La Victorieuse". Another heavy ironclad "La Tourville" has also started on its return to France. But France has still four large ironclads on this station, whereas England has only one ironclad fit for service, as I have already mentioned in my despatch No. 8171 of the 8th instant.
Admiral Lespès, the successor of Admiral Meyer, has arrived in his Flag ship La Galissonière, and dined with me last night. I fully expect to maintain the same cordial understanding (entente cordiale) with him as with his predecessor, and with the other Admirals.
3.
There has also been recently a change in the English and German Commanders-in-Chief, Admiral Willes having been...