THE EARL OF CARNARVONI wish to put a question to the Government on a subject which at the present moment is a source of great anxiety to the people of this country. It is reported that a packet has, within the last few hours, arrived from the United States, bringing intelligence of importance with regard to our relations with that country. I should feel obliged if the noble Earl would inform us whether any such packet has arrived, and if it has, and it be convenient to the Government, if he would give us information as to the intelligence brought.
§ EARL GRANVILLEsaid, I understand that the Asia has arrived, and that by that packet some news of a private character has been brought, which is not quite clear—not quite intelligible. There is a report, on the one hand, that letters have been received to the 27th announcing the departure of Mr. Crampton; and, on the other, that a telegraphic message was sent on the 28th stating that there was no further news. But it is not quite clear as to what the telegraphic message alludes—whether it means that there is no further news except the dismissal of Mr. Crampton, or that Mr. Crampton's dismissal had not taken place. Her Majesty's Government have received no official information on this subject. Letters, however, will arrive either to-night or to-morrow morning from Mr. Crampton to the 27th; but until then Her Majesty's Government will not be able to give any authentic information on the subject.