It is said that there are 800 men of the Black Flag assembled in Sontay. The Chinese seem to be terribly frightened, and there is a general stampede in Hanoi. steamer Saichum alone brought ov members of different families here. Every one who can runs away for safety to Haiphong.
Tt appears' that just beneath our cole-brated river bar called Bamboo Village, situated about half way betwoon this port and Hanoi, the Avnamites have collected some 200 large baskets filled with stones, probably intended to make a barrier, which would have been easy of accomplishment and rather serious for the navigation of the river. The gunboat Massue proceeded to the spot with a detachment of marines, On the Ist instant Count Kergaradec, his Chancellier, M. Aumoisso, and three officers, all on' horseback, made a recon-noirring expedition to Sontay. When about one hour's journey from Hanoi they were stopped by a party of 50 to Annamite soldiers, and had to turn back after firing a revolver, which wounded one Annamite. This little stronghold of the Annamites was to be taken on the 3rd instant.
The two Chinese who were taken prisoners the other day when attacking the Mission, after having been marched through the town, were shot in front of the Custom House by a company of soldiers as a warning and example to others, An immense crowd of people witnessed the execittion.
All possible arrangements are now being the French Authorities to put affairs in order. Plans are being prepared for having the towns laid out properly, ete., ete, Count Kergaradec has proved himself the ablest and most energetic Consul we have had, and I hope he will be rewarded, as he deserves, by being made Governor of one of the provinces. We have indeed to thank the Count that the miserable state of affairs so long tolerated by his predecessora in office has at length been brought to an eud.—Daily Press Cor.
Haiphong, 6th May.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.