London Times, 18 November 1857, p. 8: [No title]. (Excerpts)
The Russians, who contemplate a great extension of their empire at the expense of China, and are labouring at the establishment of a naval and commercial power on the Pacific, have not been idle. We certainly do not see with much alarm these efforts of a State which has lately failed so signally in Europe. The Amoor is divided from the real seat of Russian power by thousands of miles of wilderness, and the settlement on the Pacific must, in case of a war, easily fall into the hands of an enemy....
Count PUTIATIN left St. Petersburg about the time that the British electors made their demonstration for Lord PALMERSTON, and arrived at the Amoor overland in 70 days. He steamed down to the mouth of the Pei-ho and sent a messenger to the Court of Pekin. The Russian Admiral has no force, and the embassy is of an ostentatiously pacific character. However, we do not know what influences may be brought to bear inland, nor how far the presence of a Russian emissary in the Pacific may not be a blind to other negotiations. The evident object of the Russians is to place an Embassy at Pekin, which may give them a power not obtainable by other nations. It is probable, however, that they will be foiled by the obstinacy of the Imperial Court.
Provided by Stephen McLaughlin