SIR MINTO FARQUHARsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether there is any truth in the reports that 700 British troops had been surrounded at Kahding by the Taepings, and that reinforcements were expected in China of native troops from India?
§ MR. LAYARDsaid, that the Foreign Office had not as yet received any Despatches relating to the events referred to. He had seen Despatches from a naval officer on the subject, but those did not allude to the rumour of Kahding being surrounded by the Taepings. They, however, confirmed the account of the capture of Ningpo. Full particulars had not as yet been received; but an attack had been made in the first instance by the Taepings on English vessels, upon which those vessels attacked the place, and drove the Taepings out. The Despatches also confirmed the 351 account of the death of Admiral Protet. He could give no information as to the arrangements with regard to reinforcements from India.