our trade in future. For this purpose it was determined to send out
instructions, in case the armament should not have left the Chinese
coasts and have been dispersed, to reoccupy the Island of Chusan,[18]
a measure which appears to have had a great effect upon the minds
of the Chinese Government. It was also determined to recall Captain
Elliot, and to send out as soon as possible another officer with
full instructions from hence as to the views and intentions of your
Majesty's Government. Sir Henry Pottinger,[19] an officer in the East
India Company's Service, much distinguished in the recent operations
in Afghanistan, is designated with your Majesty's approbation for this
service, which he has signified his willingness to undertake. It was
also thought that it would be proper to entrust Lord Auckland[20]
with general discretionary powers as to the further conduct of the
expedition. These determinations Lord Melbourne hopes that your
Majesty will approve.

Lord John Russell informed Lord Melbourne yesterday that he knew that
it was not the intention of the Opposition to press Lord Stanley's
Bill; but it is not to be expected in the present position of affairs
that they will not determine upon taking some decisive and united
measure in advance.

In the present state of public measures and of public feeling, when
debate may arise at any moment, it would not be fitting for Lord
Melbourne to absent himself on any sitting day from the House of
Lords. But unless there should be anything so urgent as to prevent
him, he will come down after the House on Tuesday evening and stay
until Thursday morning.

Fanny is highly delighted and immeasurably grateful for your Majesty's
offer of the Lodge in Richmond Park, and most desirous to avail
herself of your Majesty's kindness, and so is Jocelyn. Lord Melbourne
has little doubt that they will thankfully accept it.[21]

[Footnote 18: The Island of Chusan, off the coast of China,
had been occupied in July 1840 as a base of operations, but
evacuated by Elliot in 1841. It was retaken in September 1841,
after Elliot's recall, by Sir Henry Pottinger.]

[Footnote 19: He had served in the Mahratta War, and been
political agent in Scinde.]

[Footnote 20: Governor-General of India.]

[Footnote 21: Lady Fanny Cowper, Lord Melbourne's niece, was
married to Lord Jocelyn on 27th April.]

[Pageheading: CHRISTENING OF COMTE DE PARIS]

_The Que