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Writes that Canning's announcement of troops being sent home took him by surprise, though they can be fitted into the estimates. The behaviour of the French is puzzling; Louis Napoleon's proceedings with regard to Savoy acquiring the two semi-Swiss provinces has created alarm throughout Europe. It is said Louis Napoleon no longer cares about women and is diverting his energies into political adventures. The Government is alarmed at the number of men Canning is sending to China; and hopes to hear some part of the force has been left in India. The Government wishes if possible to keep the Commanders of the force from any adventurous attempt on Pekin [Peking]. Elgin has returned from Paris and will leave soon for China. He is moderate in his views, though bound to his own unwise Treaty. Lady Granville is dead. Lady Herbert's father is seriously il1. The Reform Bill comes up for the second Reading; the alarm about Savoy has almost put it out of mind. The Oudh Durbar seems to have had an excellent effect. Confidential.