Haiphong, 13th April.
The Massagories Maritimes steamer Ilissus brought no troops here, and it is now said that the transport Lo Drac is to return to Saigon to bring those troops expected. If a coup was really intended, the French Authorities appear very slow about it.
The only effect the expedition has had so far is an evil one. Business is at a standstill in consequence: the Annamites are much frightened; the Chinese don't know what to make of it; and many shops are already closed at Hanoi. Women and children are being sent to the interior.
It would have been well if some kind of manifesto hai been published by the Commandant of the Expedition so that people might know what they are about, and what they have to expect.
Tt is said that Namdinh will be garrisoned by French troops.—Daily Press.
On the 22nd inst. news reached us of the safe arrival at Hanoi of the gunboat Fanfare.
By the steamer which brought th telligence an order came for the Commandant of the Forces in Hanoi to send further reinforcements. These left accordingly at yesterday afternoon in ihe river steamers Hanoi and Tonguin, each vessel talking about eighty men and offic of whom Gfty men were soldiers from garrison and the others were marines.
The steamers also took a quantity of shot and shell. The latter look very much like business; they weigh 28 kilogrammes each, and are exploding projectiles. Some mining powder was also shipped, to be used, I suppose, for undermining the citadel.
On Saturday evening the gunboat Sur fort "here for Hanoi. She will pass by wise, a similar vessel to the Fanfare, also
Namdinh, It is said that the Commandant intends to attack and storm the Citadel on Weduesday. He will by that time have a conerable force at his command, about seven hundred men and artillery, two gunboats, two river gunboats, and tro or three small men-of-war chaloupes.
The Paveeval leaves for Touron to protect the French Minister at Hug; and the transport Lo Drac proceeds to Saigon to bring further reinforcements.
It is reported that there are now 7,000 soldiers in the Citadel at Hanoi, Annamese and Chinese, and it appears' they have several mitrailleuses with them. There are certainly more difficulties to be overcome now than on the 2nd inst., when the expedition first arrived.
Phe Fanfare and Surprise will, it is expected, bombard the Citadel from the river, for it lies at no great distance.—Daily Press.
Haiphong, 24th April, Our advices from Haiphong, of date the 24th instant, merely state that "it is this week that the citadel of Hanoi is to be taken by assault, and there is no doubt that everything will pass off quietly." "How an assaitlt upon a citadel can pass off quietly, unless of course no opposition of any kind is met with, is not explained. demonstration against the Black Flag blackmailers will take place further up the river but eyen in the operations ayainst these lawless bands, the French do not, we be-anticipate any serious resistance,—China Mail.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.