COCHINCHINA. 335 
permanent establishment in the East. In fact, the peninsular 
promontory of Turon (or Hansan) is to Cochincliina what 
Gibraltar is to Spain ; with this difference in favour of the 
former that, to its impregnability, it adds the very important 
advantage of a convenient port and harbour, securely shel- 
tered from all winds and at all seasons of the year, possessing 
every requisite for a grand naval station, \vhere ships can at 
all times refresh and refit, and where abundant rills of clear 
fresh water fertilize the numerous vallies which open upon 
the shores of the bay. Near a small island, connected with 
the peninsula by a neck of land which is uncovered at low 
water, ships of any magnitude might conveniently be hove 
down and careened ; and opposite to it, on the peninsula, is 
a sufficient extent of level surface for a small town, with a 
naval arsenal, and magazines of every description : the whole 
capable of being rendered perfectly defensible by a handful 
of men. 
A small island called Callao, situated at the distance of about 
thirty miles to the southward of Turon bay, was also included 
in the territory to be ceded. This island completely com- 
mands the entrance of the main branch of the river on which 
Fai-foo, the ancient mart for foreign commerce, is situated ; 
and is completely inaccessible on every side but that w^hich 
faces the mouth of this river. Here a small but a fertile and 
well-watered valley opens upon a bay, wherein ships of any 
size may lie at anchor in perfect security. 
The views of France in fixing upon this part of the coast, 
which are obvious indeed from the whole tenor of the above- 
