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I have the honour to state that on the 14th instant, the Arikwan of the Two-Kuang provinces (usually called by Europeans the "Hoppo" of Canton—a term of ancient date and of unknown derivation)—paid me a visit in much state, being attended by a numerous suite, and having been escorted to Hong Kong by several Chinese gun-boats.
As on previous occasions of a similar nature, I gave an entertainment at Government House in honour of my distinguished visitor, who is a Manchu Tartar of high rank, and a member of the Imperial family and household. I had much friendly and interesting conversation with him on various topics affecting China. I found him strongly in favour of a peaceful settlement of the Franco-Chinese difficulty. But I did not think it expedient to enter at present upon the vexed question of the so-called "Blockade of Hong Kong".