GOCHIN CHINA. [Prom the China Mail, April 29.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 220, 8 September 1847, Page 3

GOCHIN CHINA. [Prom the China Mail, April 29.]

The French frigate Gloire at Macao, and corvette Victorieuse at Hongkong, arrived on Monday from Cochin China, where they went - for the purpose o( demanding the release of a 1 missionary, who however it was found had never been in confinement. It does not appear whether or not the French merely sought an excuse ; but the ostensible cause of tbe expedition having vanished, they resolved not to leave the place without something. Accordingly d demand was made, that as the Cochin Chinese were tributaries of China, they also should form commercial delations, with foreign countries. A proposition to this effect was submitted, a deputation went on shore to consult about it, when it was reported that the Cochin Chinese treacherously intended to cut them off. The French thereupon took to their boats, and demanded an explanation ; but the reply being considered unsatisfactory, they opened a fire upon the town and upon the war junks in the harbour, two of which they sunk and other two disabled. Having thus taken vengeance, the French departed. This is the most credible account we have been able to obtain of an affair, which, happening almost simultaneously, affords a strong contrast to the proceedings and result of the British expedition at Canton.