the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, a packet containing three copies of a letter addressed to His Lordship by the Chamber. I also enclose a separate copy of the letter, for Your Lordship's information, and in view of the great importance to the Colony of a favourable issue to the representation made by the Chamber, I venture to solicit Your Lordship's good offices in the matter, and to express a hope that, if possible, such steps may be taken as will result in the early attainment of the objects desired, viz:- the opening up of the upper branch of the West River to steamers of all nations, and the cities of Na-chow, Tsun-chow, and Nan-Ning-fu to foreign trade.
I have the honour to be, My Lord Marquess, Your Lordship's Most Obedient Humble Servant, W. H. Robinson