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English Officer of rank and experience was allowed last week to visit the arsenal at Canton. He informs me that the manufacture of shells, torpedoes, war and all other munitions of war is proceeding with much activity and precision, and that the Chinese artificers appear to have acquired almost all the aptitude of their former European instructors. The banks of the Canton river bristle with Forts and batteries; and the stream has been blocked in a narrow part in two places with only a passage left open for the present, but which could be immediately obstructed in case of need. Similar preparations for defence have been undertaken at the other chief Ports of China.
I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's most Obedient Humble Servant, SM Bowen
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