The Sun. — London, England, 1860-11-28 00:00:00

THE ALLI .ED ARMIES IN CRINA. We ( ilnef ;) have been favoured with the follow ing conaram• nication, dated Pa-li-chias, the Camp, six miles f rom Pekin, Sept. 23 : "As I fear there is not now the slightest pro spect of • your receiving any letter from your corre sponde' it by this mail, it occurs to me that you may be Ow Ito receive some account, however brief and impe' ,•fect, of what has occurred since he despatched his 9 port supplementary note of the 11th inst. from YOJ ig-tsun, announcing the arrival of a communica tic n that morning for Lord Elgin from two new immissioners of the very highest rank. " The army proceeded the next day to Nan-tsei -bun, about seven miles further on, and the day sfter (the 13th) to Ho•si-wu, a town of some size, situated on the Peiho, about 10 miles beyond it. A second communication from the Commissioners came in before the army moved on the 12th, the great object of both this and the former one being to induce Lord Elgin to consent to a renewal of negotiations, and to prevent the troops advancing any further on the road to the capital. I believe it had been Lord Elgin's wish that they should, if possible, have been pushed on rapidly, and without stopping, except for the necessary rest, to the neighbourhood of Tung-chau, and had this been done he would in fact have brought his own an swer in person. It was found, however, after the arrival of the army at Ho-si-wu, that, owing to some difficulty connected with supplies, it would not be able to move for some days ; and, as it was not only most important that this should not be come known to the Chinese authorities, but also impossible for Lord Elgin to remain there receiv ing despatch after despatch without returning some sort of answer, he decided on sending Mr. Parkes and Mr. Wade to meet the Commis sioners at Ma-tow, a town about 12 miles off, where they were said to have arrived, for the purpose of making arrangements for the army's advancing to some position within easy reach of Pekin, and to let them know at the same time the precise terms which he would require the Chinese Government to accede to. " They started on this mission on the afternoon of the 13th with an escort of Irregular Cavalry, and, finding on their arrival at Ma-tow that the Commissioners had, on hearing of our advance, re tired to Tung-chau, they followed them up, and arrived there about noon the next day. They had an interview with them the same afternoon, and after a discussion, embracing all the subjects they had to treat of, which lasted many hours, they left on their return to Ho-si-wu in the firm conviction that everything had been satisfactorily arranged. Among the points which they had settled was one to the effect that the main body of the army should advance to the neighbourhood of Chang-keiawan, a small town four miles from Tung-chau, while Lord Elgin would only take beyond that the escort, in tended to amount to 1,000 men, which was to at tend him to Pekin. Mr. Parkes and Mr. Wade got back to Ho-si-wu early on the 15th, and it was ar ranged that the army should start for Chang-keia wan on the 17th, halting one night on the road at Ma-tow ; that Mr. Parkes should return to Tang chau to settle some matters of detail connected with Lord Elgin's arrival, and arrange for supplies for the troops ; and that the Ambassador should re main where he was until he heard from Mr. Parkes that everything was prepared for his presence at Tung-chaL This was, accordingly, carried into effect. Sir IL Grant started on the 17th, at day light, and reached Ma-tow early in the morning. Mr. Parkes started at the same time, accompanied by Mr. Loch, who went on to see that everything was properly arranged for Lord Elgin's reception, and by Mr. Bowlby, Mr. De Norman, Attache to the English Legation at Shanghai ; Colonel Walker, Quartermaster General of the Cavalry ; and Mr. Thompson, of the Commissariat, as well. They had an escort of 25 Irre gular Cavalry (Fane's), under Captain Ander son, the Adjutant, and a few King's Dragoon Guards. Mr. Bowlby and Mr. De Norman had asked Lord Elgin's leave to go the day before, which he had readily given them, little thinking what was so soon, to happen to them. On the 18th Sir H. Grant - moved towards his camping ground at Chang keiarran, and on approaching it was surprised to find it occupied by a large force of Chinese, both infan try and cavalry, with field guns in position behimd entrenchments, evidently recently thrown up. He halted to allow his infantry to come up, and in a few minutes afterwards Mr. Loch galloped in, accompanied by three irregulars. He brought letters from Mr. Parkes to say that everything had been, arranged satisfactorily ; they (Parkes and he) had left Tung-chau early that morning for the pur pose of meeting the General and showing him the camping ground agreed upon. Mr. De Norman and Mr. Bowlby remained behind, and Captain Anderson and his cavalry were left with them Colonel Walker and Mr. Thompson came out with them, with the King's Dragoon Guards and four sowars. On reaching Chang-keiawan they found that during the night works had been thrown up, batteries armed, and a large force assembled, occupy ing and flanking the ground upon which our troops were to have encamped, and between them and the river. Mr. Parkes expostulated, but, receiving no satisfaction, decided on returning to Tung. .chau to see the Commissioners. Mr. Loch came m to tell the General, and Colonel Walker, with the rest of the party, remained on the ground n the midst of the Chinese army. Mr. Loch, after giving his message, asked leave to return tc , Mr. Parkes, which the General allowed him to do, and Captain Brabazon, Deputy-Assistant- Quartermaster-General of Artillery, having volun teered to accompany him, they started together, with orders from S;r Hope Grant to direct Mr. Parkes and the whole party to return at once. This was about eight o'clock. A Chinese 'officer with some men came out, offering to con duct our troops to what they were pleased to call the camping ground, but they were sent away ; also a mandarin, who said he wished to see the Am bassadors. The General still halted, for the double object of getting his baggage collected, so that it might not be cut off by the cavalry in the rear, and from the very natural desire not to do anything which might compromise the safety of the English -and French then within the enemy's lines. " About 10 a.m. a sudden commotion was ob served in one peat of the enemy's front, and they o pened fire from several matchlocks. Our Dragoons Were seen galloping back, and presently out came Colonel Walker, 'Thompson, four King's Dragoon Guards, and one sowar. It appeared that Colonel had not seen Mr. Loch when he went back with Captain Brabazon, so he remained quietly among the C hinese, waiting for the arrival of either Mr. Parkes or the others of the party, without being annoyed or molested in any way by them, Shortly before 10 a French commissariat officer came up from Tung chau with a mule, which some of the Chinese soldiers attempted •to seize. The French man drew or fired—it, is uncertain which—a pistol, Upon this his horse was shot, and he himself cut down. Twice Colonel Walker got him up, and at tempted to lead him off, but each time the Chinese managed to prevent him ; his sword • was hitched out of the scabbard, returned to him by an officer, and again thrown out as he was assisting the French man. At the same time they seized his leg s and tried to pull him off his horse. Finding that h e would soon be overpowered, he set spurs to his horse and gave the word to ride for it, when a general fire was opened on his party. One of the King's Dragoon Guards was shot through the leg, a horse through the body, and Thompson received a thrust from a spear, but fortunately all got in. " This of course brought on a general action. Mr. Loch had been gone two hours, and there had been plenty of time to allow of his communicating with Mr. Parkes and returning with the whole party if no impediments had been thrown in their way. " Want of time prevents my attempting to give you any account of the action, beyond stating that it resulted in the entire rout of the Chinese—their intrenchments were taken, with scarcely any loss to ourselves, and, as they got the chance, our cavalry cat them up terribly. One charge of a troop of Fane's Horse, attached to the French army, is said to have accounted for between 600 and 700 of them. " Lord Elgiu received a, letter from the General a ~+' ..1$ c telling him what had occurred about midnight of the same day, and, starting at half-past 5, reached headquarters by 9 o'clock on the 19th. The allied force was in occupation of the town of Chang keiawan, a wretched place, and their pickets were some distance outside on the roads leading to Pekin. That day and the next the armies re mained where they were, and reconnaissances were made with a view of ascertaining whether the enemy were still in force in the neighbourhood. Mr. Wade also was sent on the 19th with a large escort to Tung-chau with a letter from the allied Commanders-in • chief to the Prefect, desiring him to request Mr. Parkes and his party to return to their respective headquarters, and saying that if any obstacle were offered by the Chinese Pekin would certainly be taken. The Prefect assured Mr. Wade that after Mr. Parkes had returned to Tung -chau, about 9 a.m. (this would be correct), he had had an interview with the Prince of I, and again left the city. Beyond this Mr. Wade was unable to obtain any intelligence either of him or of any of the others. We now began to fear the worst, for there was just the possibility of the whole of them having reached the Chinese lines just as the action had commenced, and of their having been attacked and possibly cut up. On the 20th a Tung chau man was brought in by some soldiers, who said he had seen some half-dozen Englishmen being sent along the Pekin road in a cart the day before ; but, although this gave us some hope of their safety, he became confused when cross-examined, and knew nothing of the Sowars. " The reconnaissance of the 20th having esta blished the fact of the enemy being in great force at the place I am now writing from, and over the whole neighbouring country, Sir Hope resolved upon attacking them again on the 21st. The French had received since the 18th strong reinforcements of both infantry and artillery, bringiflg their force up to nearly 3,000 men and three batteries. Ours must have been about the same, but with the ad vantage of some 600 of them being cavalry. " The result of the action was precisely the same as on the 18th, the Chinese making scarcely any stand after the first attack, and sustaining immense losses, and we scarcely losing a man. " A communication was received yesterday from Lung, a brother of the Emperor, announcing his appointment as Commissioner to meet Lord Elgin' in place of the Prince of I and Muh ; but I imagine no negotiations will take place until Mr. Parkes and the rest of the prisoners make their appearance. That they are certain to do so is, I believe, now beyond a doubt, for the officers who brought in this communication said that upwards of 80 of our people were in Pekin, in good health, and well cared for. " It is perhaps almost idle to try and arrive at the real truth respecting the occurrences of the last few days, which, had they happened in any other coun try than this, could only be considered as the result of a long planned and deliberate act of treachery ; but I am by no means inclined to think, after dis cussing the matter with those who understand them best, that this is necessarily the case. It is just as likely to have arisen from some most stupid bungling between the civil and military authorities as from any foregone intention to catch us in a trap. If they had desired this, why not wait until they had the two ambassadors safe in Pekin ? However, a few days more and we must see our friends again, when we shall, no doubt, have a full explanation of the real cause of what every man now has his own pet speculation about, which never by any chance agrees with that of any one else." By a letter dated from the British camp, six miles from Pekin, Sept. 22, we learn the following par ticulars as to the recent events in China : On the 13th of September the troops marched into Ho-si-wu, and letters were received from Lei, Prince of I, and Muh, President of the Board of War, begging for answers to the letters they had previously sent in. As these officers were newly appointed Imperial Commissioners ad hoc, Messrs. Wade and Parkes, Lord Elgin's Chinese secretaries, pushed on to Tung-chau the same night (25 miles distant) to negotiate a treaty; they arrived there at noon the following day and had an interview of eight hours, the result of which was that the Impe rial Commissioners yielded in all points, and con sented that Lord Elgin and Baron Gros should ad vance with escorts of 1,000 men each to a place within one mile of Chang-si-wan, and five miles of Tung-chau. The convention agreed upon with Kweilang was to be signed at Tung-chau, and then the ambassadors were to proceed with their escorts to Pekin to ratify the treaty. On the 17th the army continued its advance to Matow, 12 miles from Ho.. si-wu, with an effective force of about 5,000 men. Mr. Parkes, Mr. Loch, Mr. Bowlby, Mr. De Nor man, Lieut. Anderson, who commanded 20 Sowars of Fane's Horse, and five King's Dragoon Guards as an escort, Col. Walker, Quartermaster-General of cavalry force ; Mr. Thompson, of the Commissa riat ; Count de Bartard, of the French Embassy ; and some French officers, with a small escort, marched at daylight on the same day to Tung-chau to make arrangements for the reception of the am bassadors. They observed nothing particular on the road; but it appears that during the night about 20,000 Chinese troops moved down and occupied the ground which had been marked out, we pre sume, by the party mentioned above for the Allied camp. The enemy, though it might be considered an armistice had been agreed upon, threw up works on the ground, and placed 70 guns in position in various places commanding the approaches. It does not ap pear there was any intention of marching the whole of our force to Tung-chau, or that there was any in fraction of the understanding that the ambassadors were to come up with only 2,000 man. However that may be, the movement of such a force of Tartars and Chinese secretly in the night, with a numerous and heavy artillery, looks like treachery. When Mr. Parkes and Col. Walker, Mr. Loch, Mr. Thompson, and four of the King's Dragoons, who returned to mark out the ground for our camp on the following morning with a Chinese officer, saw what had hap pened they remonstrated at their ground being taken, and Mr. Parkes went back to Prince Lei to expostulate with him, at the same time sending Mr. Loch back with letters to Lord Elgin and Sir Hope Grant, and leaving Colonel Walker and Mr. Thompson with the dragoons on the ground till he returned from the Prince—with which party Mr. Bowlby remained our letters do not state ; but it is probable he accompanied Mr. Parkes, as he would naturally desire to see all that was to be seen, and is a gentleman of great personal activity. There is room to surmise that he stayed with others of the original party at Tung-chau. After Mr. Parkes had left the Chinese were civilly inclined, to all appearance, and did not molest Col. "Walker or his men. Unfortunately, an officer of the French lntendence came up with a mule, which some of the Chinese immediately claimed. The French officer resisted the seizure of his beast, but a Tartar suddenly cut him down from behind. Colonel Walker remonstrated in vain ; the Chinese pressed round the little party ; they twice disarmed the colonel, and tried to dismount him ; so, seeing that things were looking desperate, he gave the word to his men to cut their way through the Tartars and to ride for their lives. The dragoons did so, and, although the Chinese opened fire on them,and wounded two men and a horse, the whole party got safe back to the army. They had marched from Matow in the morning, but were stopped by the sight of the Tartar army already mentioned, which iwas disposed in an enormous semicircle for over t a o p f p a in ce g t e h u e r en fl e a ni nks. The baggage was accordingly brought up and packed, and the force was disposed and were content t though with the d r allies vin imaden theno attack ,Tartar .. pickets. Just at this time Mr. I g och arrived wan the letters, and told Sir Hope Grant what had Hope accordingly w oc i c t u h rr e e r d d . er H s, e a v n o d lu s n ir te u e ree i t yh o ed i e l ds r i . r P ed ar h, k i e rn s to tell the latter he was to come into g wit q h ua a r fl ,e a r s at once. Mr. Loch started accordingly of truce, and Captain Brabazon, of the Royal g party had ty g one some A r tillery, volunteered to accompany hi m . were seen They on ly took warstwoshoenv with er them.and hisl They ar laik sseoeniertiiugme, w towards our troops, and the noise of tiring was beard. And here, again, according t o our accounts, the proceedings are not so very in telligible. "It was evident," says one writer, THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 28, 1860. "no time was to be lost. The enemy was at once attacked," &c. There can be no doubt but that Probyn and Fane with their scanty squadrons charged the Tartars, went through them, and doubled them up completely, and in the end the Tartars were driven off the field with the loss of 500 or 600 and 75 guns ; while we lost one killed and 19 wounded, the French one (officer) killed and 14 wounded. Next day Lord Elgin and Col. Crea lock came up from Ho-si-wu to the army, and the latter and Mr. Wade were sent on the same evening with letters from Sir Hope Grant to the Commis sioners at Tung-chau, under a flag of truce, escorted by 100 horse ; but the Chinese would not receive the letter, and fired at the flag of truce repeatedly, till Mr. Wade at length prevailed on them to take it into the Commissioners at one of the city gates. Great anxiety prevailed all this time about the mis , sing party, as nothing could be heard of their fate ; but on the 21st the troops marched for the Tartar camp at Pa-le, which stretched some four or five miles to the south, covering Pekin. Sin-ko-lin-sin commanded the force, which is estimated at 25,000 cavalry and infantry, the former greatly prepon .... derating. The Allies attacked them and drove them off the ground with the loss of 500 or 600 men, of their camps, and of 30 brass guns, and then con tinued their march till they were within four miles of Pekin, from which they fell back apparently to their camp, about six miles from the city. The King's Dragoon Guards made a capital charge and killed many of the Tartars, and Fane and Probyn dashed at them repeatedly and cleared them off the left flank and rear. The French on the right are said to have done immense execution, and their infantry actually got among their horse and foot and killed an immense number with musketry and bayonet, besides carrying the bridge over the canal. The Allies lost very few. The satisfactory result of the action was that next day Prince Kung, Imperial Commissioner, addressed a letter to LordElgin on the subject of peace, and conveyed the information that all the prisoners were perfectly safe. They were carried to Pekin as soon as they were captured, and were lodged in a large public building, where they got well treated. Lord Elgin sent back the reply that he would hear of no proposals till the pri soners were restored and safe in camp, and negotia tions were in that state when our letters left. The position of the force is most satisfactory. The weather is delicious ; supplies arc plentiful. The river is navigable for junks right up to the city, so that artillery, ammunition, and supplies can be conveyed to us from the fleet with ease. A most plenteous market has been opened, and ice is sup plied to the sick every second day. On the even ing of the 21st Captain Harris, with 200 of the 15th Punjaubees, attacked a Tartar fort defended by a heavy gun and some small pieces, killed 60 of the enemy, of whom three fell to his own sword, and captured the fort, The Count de Bartard got safe into the French camp 'before the affair of the 18th, and Baron Gros is at the French head-quarters. Under the circumstances, there need be little un easiness about the fair treatment and safety of any of the gentlemen who have fallen into the hands of the enemy. ANOTHER ACCOUNT. Camp on the Pekin-road, eight miles from Pekin, Sept. 22.' The town of Chang-tsia-wan is situated directly south of Tungchow, and east of Pekin. From it there are two roads to the capital ; one the direct one, the other passing through Tungchow. From 'Tungchow to Pekin runs a deep canal, navigable for large junks, and two miles from Tung chow the Pekin road crosses this canal by a sub stantial stone bridge. A mile or so above the stone bridge is another, constructed of boats. Yester day morning the allied forces were under arms at 5 a.m. The English army was nearly of the same strength as on the 19th, but the French had brought up reinforcements from Hooseiwoo, and numbered 3,000, with 12 guns. The English had 15 of the latter. The advance was along the high road, the direct one to Pekin, until the force was abreast of Tungchow. The French, as on the pre vious occasion, were on the right. The whole then obliqued to the right, till the extreme right of the French approached the town of Tungchow, which thus became the point for the subsequent operations. These consisted in gradually working the whole line round to the right, until at the close of the action in the afternoon the left had reached the south bank of the canal, four miles from Tungchow, where the British camp is pitched ; the French having crossed the canal at the stone bridge, are in camp on its north side. The road from Tungchow to Pekin is thus in our possession. We were opposed by the Tartar army, estimated to number from 8,000 to 10,000 men. It is difficult to appreciate correctly their numbers in the field, for having no regular formation, and extending as they do in loose order over a great extent of country, they appear more numerous than perhaps they really are. They were commanded yesterday by Sankolintzin, the Tartar commander-in-chief. The operations may be briefly described as a gradual advance, the left sweeping round or pivoting on the right, driving the Tartar hordes from position to position, capturing and de stroying several of their camps, taking 34 guns, mostly brass, which were chiefly found in the camps and were not used in the field, and killing, as nearly as can be ascertained, 1,000 men. Those opposed to the English' on the left were chiefly cavalry, while the French were engaged almost entirely with in fantry. The enemy's line broke into two portions —one party retreating across the canal by the bridges, the other by the Pekin road on the south side. The artillery practice, especially of the Arm strong guns, was excellent; and the cavalry made some brilliant charges, especially the King's Dra goon Guards, who, having got a good opportunity, got well in amongst the Tartar horse, and slew a considerable number. The 15th Punjaub Infantry did good service, a party of 200 of them having crossed the canal in the afternoon, stormed a village in which there was a gun, which they took and spiked, killing 50 or 60 of the enemy. Our casualties were again slight. We had two killed —one a dragoon, the other a trooper of Probyn's Horse—and 29 wounded, most of them slightly. Amongst the latter are two officers—Bradbury, of the King's Dragoon- Guards, and Baker, of the 15th Punjaubees. The French losses I have not heard, but they are also inconsiderable. Our camp was reached at 5 p.m., after a very dusty fatiguing day. The country passed over was much the same as on the 18th. The English troops en gaged were the King's Dragoon Guards, Probyn's and Fane's Horse, Barry's Armstrong Battery, Desborough's 9-pounder battery, and half of Stir ling's 6-pounders, the 2d Queen's, Royal Marine Light Infantry, 99th Foot, and 16th Punjaub In fantry—in all something more than 3,000 men. The Tartars are by no means deficient in courage. Several times yesterday their cavalry charged up to within 100 yards of our troops—cheering as they came on ; but they cannot stand against our artil lery, nor the charges of our cavalry. Their arms too are miserable, and they are wretched marksmen. Well armed they would be a formidable fee. To-day a letter has come in from Pekin to the ambassadors from Prince Ai, one of the royal family, and a leading man at the court. It is said that its con tents are peaceful, expressing a desire to treat ; but how far these people can now be trusted after their treacherous attack on the 18th seems very doubtful. We hear from the messenger that Parkes and his companions are safe and treated with courtesy at Pekin. It is much to be regretted that Mr. Bowlby is one of his companions in misfortune. The British public will miss the interesting and graphic account he would no doubt have given of the operations of the last few days. It is not impossible that they were carried to Pekin by Prince Ai, to protect them from the Tartar soldiery, who are not scrupulous. Had they fallen into their hands their peril would have been extreme. More troops and heavy guns are expected to-morrow or next day from Tientsin, and on their arrival we shall, it is expected, move on to Pekin. The future must depend greatly on the course of events and the conduct of the Chinese ; but we hope before next mail to be in Pekin, either as conquerors or as successful negotiators. (From a Supplement to the Gazette of Tuesday.) Mr. Secretary Herbert has received despatches with enclosures, of which the following are copies, addressed to him by Lieut.-General Sir J. H. Grant, G.C.8., commanding the forces in Ching, : Head-quarters, Cbang-tsia-wan, Sept. 20, 1860. Sir,—l have the honour to report that I left Tientsin on the, 9th inst., with 700 infantry, 600 cavalry, and two bat teries of artillery ; 3,000 French troops followed, one march behind me ; and two days later Sir John Michel marched, with a regiment of cavalry, a 9-pounder battery, and the 2d Infantry Brigade. On the 13th inst. I reached Hooseiwoo, 40 miles from Tientsin, and as several letters had been received by Lord Elgin from some fresh commissioners of high rank, I halted whilst Messrs. Parkes and Wade went on to meet them at Tangchow, 25 miles distant. On the 15th these gentlemen returned, having made satisfactory arrangements with the Chinese commissioners, by which it was agreed that the allied forces should halt at Chang-tsia-wan, 5 miles short of Tangchow, to which place the ambassadors should advance with an escort and sign the convention. On the 16th Sir J. Michel's force arrived, and on the 17th we encamped at Matow, 5 miles short of Chang-tsia-wan. The forces con sisted of Lieut.-Col. Barry's Armstrong battery, Capt. Desborough's 9-pounders, Capt. Stirling's 6-pounder bat tery, the cavalry brigade, and the 2d and 4th infantry bri - gades ; and 1,200 French, with a light battery. From the above, however, three 6-pounders and the 60th Rifles had been left at Hoosiewoo, to hold that place, where I have a depot. Mr. Parkes rode on to Tangchow to arrange matters for Lord Elgin's reception, and to make sure of the agreement as to our advance, that a collision might not take place by inadvertence, it having been settled that the Chinese army should fall back from Chang-tsai-wan. Mr. Parkes was accompanied by an escort of Fane's Horse, under Lieutenant Anderson, and by Mr. Loch, private secretary to Lord Elgin. On my part I sent Lieut.-Colonel Walker, A.Q.M.G., to fix the site of our camp with the Chinese authorities and the D.-A.-C.-Gen. Thomp son to receive the promised supplies for the force. At daybreak on the 18th I marched, and, after going about four miles, I came in sight of a very large force of Chinese, both cavalry and infantry. Whilst halting to form up my force, Mr. Loch galloped in with three sowers, and informed me that, on going into Tangchow, the previous day, they had found everything quiet on the road; the commissioners had agreed to all Mr. Parkes' arrangements ; and that, accordingly, leaving Lieut. Anderson and his sowers at Tangchow, Messrs. Parkes, Loch, Thompson, and Lieut.-Col. Walker, with five men of the King's Dra goon Guards, had come out to meet us, and show us our camping ground, which was a mile and a half south of Chang-tsia-wan. On arrival at that spot, however, they found it occupied by a large Chinese army, whilst batteries had been hastily thrown up and armed, so as to flank the proposed site of our camp. From the commanding officer Mr. Parkes could obtain no satisfaction, so he started back to Tangchow with an orderly of the King's Dragoon Guards, to see the High Commissioner and ask the reason of this move. Mr. Loch came on to tell me of this, and Col. Walker and Deputy Assistant Commissary-General Thompson remained on the ground with four men of the King's Dragoon Guards and one sower, where they were to await Mr. Parkes' return. It was only now that I learnt that Mr. De Norman, Attache to her Majesty's Legation, and Mr. Bowlby, cor respondent of the Times newspaper, had gone to Tangchow with Mr. Mr. Parkes and remained there with Lieutenant Anderson. Mr. Loch volunteered to return with any orders, and Capt. Brabazon, deputy assistant quartermaster-general, R.A., volunteered to accompany him. They accordingly started under a flag of truce, for Tang chow, with my orders for Mr. Parkes and the whole party to return at once to head-quarters. Meanwhfle the Chinese cavalry advanced in great numbers on both flanks, and their infantry poured down on our right front, which was enclosed ground and carefully entrenched. I was extremely anxious not to engage, for fear of compromising our officers, who were in their lines. I therefore covered both my flanks with cavalry and ordered the baggage to be hastened on, and massed on a village in our rear, where it could be defended by a small force. This latter operation occupied nearly two hours, during which time the enemy's cavalry had almost entirely surrounded our forces. Sufficient time had elapsed for all of our party to return from Tangchow, and I became anxious for their safety, when suddenly a commotion appeared in the enemy's line. The guns and matchlock men in their centre opened fire, and Col. 'Walker's party dashed out of the midst of their ranks. Col. Walker reported that, whilst waiting for Mr. Parkes, a French officer joined him, who was suddenly set upon and cut down by a Chinese soldier, and on his rid ing up to prevent his being murdered, his own sword was snatched from his scabbard, and some men tried to throw him off his horse. Seeing that it was a deliberate attempt to assassinate the whole of them, Col. Walker set spurs to his horse and galloped out with his party under the fire of the Chinese line. One of his men was wounded and one horse, Mr. Thompson receiving a spear thrust in his back ; but they fortunately managed to reach our lines, their wounds not being severe. It was now useless to wait longer, and the attack was immediately formed. Gen. de Montau ban advanced to turn their left, and with him I sent a .gondron of Fnne's nurse,. under Lieut. Cattley. On the centre the 9-pounder battery opened, supported by a squad ron of King's Dragoon Guards, and part of the 99th Regi ment advanced up the road. The Armstrong battery with the 15th Punjaub Infantry took ground to the left, whilst Sir John Michel, with the let Sikh Cavalry, three 6-pounder guns, and the 2d (Queen's), made a wide flank movement on the extreme left, so as to turn the right of the enemy. The action commenced simultaneously on all points, and it was now apparent that the Chinese had carefully prepared a very treacherous reception for our forces. An entrenchment, skilfully concealed by natural obstacles ex tended on our right and left for several miles, and was armed with numerous guns. Their cavalry hovered in largo masses on our entire left flank, so that Sir J. Michel was unable to perform the flank movement that had been intended until the Ist Sikh Ca valry had, by a brilliant charge, discomfited the Tartar Horse, and his force, advancing, had driven them back for some miles. Finding his position to be suck, I caused the Armstrong battery and the 15th Punjaub Infantry to take ground still more to the left, and with them I turned the right of the enemy's entrenchment, who thereupon fled with considerable precipitancy. I then sent the Armstrong guns and the reserve cavalry to join Sir J. Michel, who, after making a circuit of six or seven miles, joiucd me in front of Chang-tsia-wan at a later hour. Meanwhile the French had turned the left by a very extended sweep, and were advancing steadily up, capturing many guns, whilst the 99th, with the 9-pound battery, joined me in the centre of the enemy's position. The 15th Punjaub Infantry push ing on with much spirit, captured several guns in the act of retiring, and eventually advanced through Chang-tsia- wan, taking several camps on the outside. Here my force halted. The French being much exhausted by their extensive movement, had halted on the Chinese position. The enormous extent of country covered by the enemy, who showed more than 20,000 men, did not permit me to use my force with as good effect as I might have done, as it was too small to allow of its being scattered. The loss of the enemy is estimated at 600 killed, whilst 75 guns fell into our hands. The French force encountered chiefly infantry, who, on being driven back, were charged most gallantly by Lieut. Cattley's squadron, of whose conduct Gen. de Montauban has written to me in the very highest terms. The conduct of the rest of the troops was also most ex cellent; and I would more particularly mention the 15th Punjaub Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Randall, who, under my personal observation, advanced with great steadi ness, and kept their position to the front throughout the day. Mr. Wade went yesterday to Tangchow to try and gather tidings of Mr. Parkes' party, but the prefect denied all knowledge concerning them. A Chinaman, however, was brought in to-day, who states that he heard that upwards of 20 foreigners went after the fight to Pekin. If this is true, we have every reason to hope for their ultimate safety. I was compelled to leave a good force at Tiuntsin, lest the sudden withdrawal of so many troops should allow a dis turbance to arise there. This in effect took place, but being judiciously met by Sir R. Napier, everything is again quiet there, and I have directed that officer to join me with two regiments of infantry, leaving two and a half regiments with two batteries of artillery, under Brigadier Staveley, a Tientsin.—l have, &c., (Signed) J. HOPE GRANT, Lieutenant-General, Commander of the Forces The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for War, &c. Nominal Return of Casualties in the Force under his Ex cellency Sir J. Hope Grant, G.C.B, Commanding the Force in China, at the Action on the Chow-ho, Sept. 18, 1860 : WouNDED.-Ist King's Dragoon Guards : Private J. Collingwood, gunshot wound left thigh, severely; Trum peter J. Phillips, gunshot wound left leg, slightly. Pro byn's Horse : Pessaldar Acoope Sing, arrow wound, slightly ; Kilt° Duffadar Fuze Kan, slightly ; Duffadar Pestah Sing, matchlock ball, slightly; Duffadar Sunt Sing, slightly ; Sower Mik Sing, matchlock ball, severely ; Sowar Seewund Sing, slightly. Fane's Horse: Koto Dufladar Jowahir Sing, bullet in abdomen, dangerously; Duffadar Surroop Sing, bullet in leg, slightly ; Duffadar Duswund A. Sing, bullet in wrist, slightly ; Lance Duffadar Sundal Khan, spear wound, head, slightly; Sowar Low Sing, breast, slightly ; Sowar Jhunda Sing, bullet wound, arm, severely. Ist Battalion Military Train : Captain W. It. Goodall, contusion of right shoulder by large gingall ball, severely. 15th Punjaub Infantry : Naick Jeewund Sing, face and neck burnt by explosion of gunpowder, slightly ; Sepoy Sawun Sing, struck on chest by round shot, danger ously (since dead) ; Sepoy Kaser Sing, left fore arm broke by round shot, severely ; Sepoy Peshaura Sing, bullet in right thigh ; one niissing, name not ascertained. Total 20. FILED. STEPHENSON, Deputy Adjutant-General, Head-quarters, Camp near Tangchow, Sept. 22, 1860. Sir, I have the honour to report that after the action of the 18th inst. I remained in Chang-tsia• wan for two days, during which time the 1,500 French troops left at Hoosei woo joined us, and some convoys arrived in camp, together with intelligence of a flotilla of junks coming up the Yeiho with further supplies. From reconnoissances on the 19th and 20th we had Ascertained that the Chinese army was encamped in very large numbers about four miles off, on the road between Tangchow and Pekin, and on both sides of the canal which runs from the Peiho to the latter city. At daybreak on the 21st I marched from Chang-tsia- wan, and parking the baggage in a village two miles in front, I was there joined by the French, who advanced on the right. Soon after passing Tangchow the French troops got under fire of the Chinese works thrown up to protect a fine bridge crossing the canal, and on the Imperial high road to Pekin. At this point the enemy's infantry appeared in considerable force. On the left the Tartar cavalry showed in large masses, and advanced rapidly until within 200 yards of our guns, which, hastily unlimbering, drove them off with a fire of canister, assisted by skirmishers thrown forward from the 2d (Queen's). The Cavalry Brigade, which I had kept echeloned away on the left to guard that flank, was now moving up, and the enemy's cavalry driven away from the right by our fire hung in large masses on our left front, affording an excellent opportunity for our cavalry to charge, which they promptly seized, the King's Dragoon Guards, under Lieut.-Colonel Sayers, in particular, inflicting a very heavy loss on the enemy. On the left, Fane's Horse charged a similar body with great gallantry, whilst the Ist Sikh Cavalry, under Major Probyn, supporting Fane's Norse, effectually turned the right of the Chinese army. The enemy, though defeated on the spot, yet still remained in front, in clouds of horsemen, who though constantly re tiring from the advance of any party of our cavalry, however small, never allowed more than 1,000 yards to intervene be tween us, and showed a steady and threatening front. At this time I had with me the cavalry, the 4th infantry brigade, and three Armstrong guns; the rest of the artillery, with the 2d brigade, having been left in the centre, with directions to feel the French left. With the three Armstrong guns under Captain Rowley, we fired occasional single shots on their thickest masses. These shots, fired singly, at slow intervals, served admirably to illustrate the good qualities of the Armstrong gun ; not one failed to strike the thick masses of the enemy, at once dispersing them from the spot. Thus advancing, the cavalry was brought to a check by the fire of a camp, which was taken by the 19th Regiment, under Major Dowbiggin, and which proved to be the head quarters of some of the imperial princes. This, with several others in the neighbourhood, was burnt by our troops, and the Chinese army retired upon Pekin. We then rejoined our right, which had kept in line with the French, who had carried the bridge, inflicting much loss on the enemy. Forty-three guns were taken during the action, and the loss of the Chinese was very severe. On the right and left were their heaviest losses, but all along the centre small groups of dead showed the effect of the artillery fire which had followed their movements till they finally retreated. Our loss is two killed and 29 wounded—chiefly slightly. I should wish most particularly to bring to notice the very excellent service of the King's Dragoon Guards. The country is extremely unfavourable for cavalry at present, partly from the number of ditches, and partly on account of the crops of maize and millet having been recently cut, leaving sharp-pointed stubble, most injurious to horses, and rendering their rapid movement very difficult; their charge was however most effective, and they surmounted these ob. stacles in a most creditable manner. (Signed) J. HOPE GRANT, Commander of the Forces. The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for War, &c. Nominal return of the Casualties in the Force under his Excellency Sir J. Hope Grant, G.C.8., Commanding the Force in China, at the action on Sept. 21, 1860. KILLED.—Ist King's Dragoon Guards : Private John Webster. Ist Sikh Cavalry : Sowar Ahmud Khan. WOUNDED.—Ist King's Dragoon Guards : Captain E. Bradbury, severely; Private J. Davis, severely; Private C. Napier, severely ; Private H. Pollett, slightly ; Private D. Lawance, slightly ; Private G. Mason, slightly ; Private F. Hughes, slightly; Private H. Duckett, slightly. Fane's Horse : Lieutenant Luard, slightly ; Duffadar Purja Sing, slightly ; Duffadar Ameer Bey, slightly ; Duffadar Knornal Sing, slightly ; Sowar Buygorl Khan, slightly ; Sowar Dad Mahomed, slightly ; Sowar Luckmur Sing, slightly; Sowar Meer Sing, slightly; Sowar Shaik Buthoo, slightly; Sowar Mungloo Sing, severely ; Sowar Mauban Khan, slightly ; Sowar Utter Chund, slightly; Sowar Umsulla Khan, slightly ; Sowar Lookman Khan, slightly. 2d Queen's : Colour-Sergeant John Roberts, severely. 15th Punjaub Infantry : Lieut G. A. A. Baker, slightly ; Subadar Kur ruck Sing, slightly ; Sepoy Narain Sing, dangerously; Se poy Chundar Sing, severely; Sepoy Sahib Sing, slightly; Bugler Allah Sing, slightly. Total—Killed, 2; wounded, 29. F. STEPICENSON, Deputy Adjutant-General. Foreign-office, Nov. 27, 1860. The following despatches have been received at the Foreign-office from Col. St. George Foley, her Majesty's Military Commissioner at the headquar ters of the French army in China : French Headquarters, Chang-ken-Wang, Sept. 20, 1860. My Lord,—l have the honour to inform you that General do Montauban, with tho French army, accompanied by Baron Gros, arrived at Hoseewoo on the 14th inst., where Lord Elgin and Sir Hope Grant had already established themselves. On the 16th inst. it was agreed that both forces should march on the following day, en route for the encamping ground, about 22 miles off, five miles on this side of Tang chow, where we expected to be amicably received, and sup plied with provisions. Mr. Parkes, with some English and French staff officers and a small escort of cavalry, preceded us, to make the ne cessary arrangements for the requirements of the respective forces. We noticed nothing particular on the first day's march, except the absence of inhabitants in the different villages we passed through. On the second day, about half way, we were surprised to see a very large body of Tartar cavalry, numerous guns, and masses of infantry drawn up as if intending to dispute our further passage. The halt was sounded, and time given to concentrate all our bag gage. The return of the officers from Tang-chow was anxiously looked for, should treachery be intended. All doubt was soon dissipated by their firing upon Colonel Walker, who had escaped from their hands, after witness ing the murder of a French commissariat officer. The order for attack was immediately given ; the French to turn the enemy's left, and the English to attack the front. The movement succeeded admirably, the Tartars being completely routed, with great loss, the French killing great numbers in the village on the left, the cavalry cutting them up, as they were driven out into the plain beyond. Tho English occupied the town of Chang-ken- Wang, the French encamping on this side of it. Lord Elgin arrived yesterday morning and Baron Gros in the evening. Great anxiety prevails respecting the fate of Mr. Parkes, officers, and men, who still remain in the hands of the enemy. The generals-in-chief have written to threaten the capture of Pekin, should they be murdered or ill-used. To-morrow we are to attack an entrenched camp about three miles beyond Tang-chow. Your lordship will, I trust, excuse the shortness of detail in this despatch, owing to the little time I have had at my disposal since the 18th, and the sudden dei,artare of the mail.—l have, &c., (Signed) ST. GEORGE 'FOLEY, Commissioner, French Headquarters, The Lord John Russell, &c. French Headquarters, Pa Li liao, Sept, 22, 1860 My Lord,—The mail having been detained, I have the honour to inform your lordship that the French and Eng lish forces attacked and captured the Tartar camps situated near the direct road to Pekin, on the banks of the canal which runs from Tangchow to Pekin. The enemy met us in the open, their force composed of many thousand cavalry, large masses of infantry, and nu merous guns. The Tartar cavalry charged up to within 100 yards of the guns and infantry, the fire from which drove them back. On the French left, the King's Dragoon Guards arrived just in time to charge and cut up a groatnumber of them. The enemy, after much resistance, was gradually driven back to the canal, our artillery causing them great loss. They made a last stand on the bridge crossing the canal, having "10 guns placed there. The French 121 b. guns soon silenced them, and the whole Tartar army retired towards Pekin, leaving their camps in our possession. Sir Hope Grant's force was engaged on our left at some distance off, awl succeeded in inflicting great loss upon the enemy. Singolinsin is said to have commanded in person. We captured upwards of 40 guns. Our loss was comparatively small, the exact detail of which has not yet been sent in. I am happy to say there is every reason to believe that the English and French officers, &c., detained prisoners by Singolinsin, have been sent to Pekin. Official letters have this morning arrived from Pekin for Lord Elgin and Baron Gros. The Commanders-in-Chief propose stopping in our present encampment, about 11 miles from Pekin, for some days, in order to receive reinforcements, ammunition, and supplies, the two latter to arrive in junks by the river Peiho, which has been found sufficiently deep for water communication. —I have, &c., ST. GEORGE FOLEY, Colonel, Commissioner, French Head-quarters. The Lord John Russell, &c. [ADVERTISEMENT.] - Pills and medieine invariably ag gravate and perpetuate diseases ; their annoyance, dis appointment, and expense may be avoided by persons in indifferent health sending only their address to E. S. Barry, Esq., 77, Regent-street, W., London, and they will receive gratis and free by post the "INVALIDS' OwN GUIDE," or Natural Restorer, without medicine or ex p 'nee, of perfect digestion, strong nerves, sound lungs, and refreshing sleep, to the moat enfeebled, insuring the removal of indigestion (dyspepsia), constipation, liver complaints nausea, epilepsy, paralysis, debility, nervousness, palpitatior.. cough, asthma, consumption, dropsy, flatulency, diarrhoea, dysentery, biliousness, fevers, sore throats, catarrhs, colds, noises in the ears, rheumatism, gout, impurities, eruptions, hysteria, neuralgia, irritability, sleeplessness, acidity, palpi tation, heartburn, headache, despondency, cramps, spasms sinking, fits, licOnChitia —"Unquestionably the safest Guide Sq beaith.'? CR ICKETIN G DINA ERS. VICE-CHANCELLOR'S COURT, OXFORD, Nov. 23. (Before the Assessor, Mr. Montague Bernard, 8.C.L.) PIMM V. JOWETT. This was an action brought by the plaintiff, who is an innkeeper in Oxford, to recover the sum of £5 19s, for din ners, &c.,:supplied to the defendant, who belongs to Exeter College, and is a member of its cricket club. The case ex cited considerable interest in the university and city, and many undergraduates and tradesmen were present at tho. hearing. Mr. Latimer appeared as proctor for the plaintiff, and Mr. Pottinger for the defendant. Mr. Latimer, in opening the case, stated that the plain iff, an innkeeper of great respectability and long standing in this :city, had for many years past supplied the Nag• dalen and several other cricket clubs with dinners, &c., on their respective cricket grounds, and had catered so libe rally and charged so moderately that in the spring of this year a meeting of the captains of the different college cricket clubs was held at Christ Church, when it was agreed that the plaintiff should supply the various clubs on the same terms as he served the Magdalen Club, namely, 33. 6d. for dinner and is. for luncheon. Shortly after this - - - meeting the defendant and a friend called on the plaintiff, and wished him to supply the Exeter Club, but he said he could not undertake it, as he already had so many on hand ; but on their telling him that it was to be on the new system, and that Exeter was a large college, he consented to do so. Subsequently the defendant wanted him to pro vide dinner at 3s. per head, but the plaintiff refused to do so, and said he could not deviate from the price which he had always charged since be had catered for the university. The defendant then accepted the terms, and told the plaintiff he was to supply the Exeter Club. Ac oordingly he did so in his usual liberal and excellent manner throughout the season, and every one appeared to be highly satisfied until he sent in his bill to the defendant, who objected to the charge of 3s. 6d. for dinner, and con tended that the arrangement made was 3s. a head for dinner and luncheon. The plaintiff repudiated any such arrangement, and objected to make any reduction in his charge, and as the defendant refused to pay he had no alternative but to bring the present action. The following witnesses then gave evidence on behalf of the plaintiff : Mr. G. L. Hodgkinson, of Pembroke College, and tone of the ex-officers of the University Cricket Club, deposed that in the spring of this year he applied to the plaintiff to sup ply provisions on the college cricket grounds, as he had been in the habit of serving the University, Magdalen, and other clubs. A meeting of the captains of the various col lege clubs was held in the rooms of Mr. Lane, of Christ Church, to determine the rate of charge, when it was agreed that the terms should be—for luncheon and dinner, 4s 6d per head; or 3s 6d for dinner, and is for luncheon, being the same prices as were paid by the Magdalen Club. This arrangement was assented to by the representatives of the various clubs with the exception of Balliol and New College. The plaintiff accepted the terms and supplied the dinner and luncheon at those rates, and gave general satis faction, and be (witness) considered the charges were fair and proper. Mr. John Pimm, the plaintiff, stated that last spring Mr. Hodgkinson ap, lied to him to supply refreshments on the cricket grounds, and said there had been a meeting of the captains, when it was agreed that he should be asked to supply the clubs on the same terms as he served the Mag dalen. Plaintiff agreed to do so ; and Mr. Hodgkinson told him that all the colleges would come under the new arrange ment except Balliol and New College. Shoitly after, the defendant and Mr. Majendie, of Exeter College, called on him, and wanted him to supply the Exeter Club ; but he replied that he could not undertake it, as he had as much on hand as he could manage. They told him, however, that he must supply their college, as they came under the new arrangement agreed to at the captains' meeting. Plaintiff then said that, as such was the case, he would abide by the arrangement and supply the club, considering that by that arrangement he was to be paid the Magdalen tariff. After this the defendant wanted him to provide dinner at 3s. per head, as he thought 3s. 6d. too high, when in the country they only paid 2s. 6d. Plaintiff replied that he could not deviate from his price, and never made any difference since he had catered for the university. In answer to the learned Assessor, the plaintiff said that he gave the defendant distinctly to understand what his terms were ; and when he wanted him to reduce them, he told him plainly that 3s. 6d. was his price for dinners, and that he could not afford to supply them for less. The defen dant then accepted the terms, and said, " You will supply our college." This being the case for the plaintiff, Mr. Pottinger said that the ground of defence to this action was that a special agreement had been entered into with the plaintiff irrespective of any agreement with other colleges, and he should prove that fact by the witnesses he was about to call. Mr. Thomas Jewett, of Exeter College, the defendant in this case, said that when he called on the plaintiff he asked him if he were willing to supply dinners for their club, when he said he did not think he could, as he had undertaken to supply so many already. Witness said he thought he as Exeter was a large college, and then asked him his price. He said 4s. 6d., when witness told him that was too much, as in the country where he came from they paid only 2s. 6d. for dinner. The plaintiff then said he did not think ho ought to stand in the way of the order, and agreed to supply dinner at 3s. per head. The subject of luncheon was afterwards mentioned, and it was agreed that those who partook of luncheon only should pay is. per head. The plaintiff then agreed to supply both dinner and lun cheon for 35., but those who had luncheon only were to pay ls. _ Cross-examined by Mr. Latimer—Do you consider that 3s. per head is a fair price for a good luncheon and a capi tal dinner, with bitter beer ad libitum at both ? Witness—Yes, I do. (Much laughter from the under graduates, and tikens of dissent from the innkeepers and tradesmen present.) Mr. H. W. Majendie, of Exeter College, was then exa mined, and said that he was a member of the cricket club, and was captain of it last season. Was present with Mr. Jowett when the arrangement was made with Mr. Pimm, who agreed to supply both dinner and luncheon for 3s. per head. Witness, as representative of his college, never engaged to pay 4s. 6d. for dinner and luncheon. Cross-examined by Mr. Latimer—Took part in making the arrangement with Mr. Pimm, but Mr. Jowett was the chief speaker. When Mr. Pimm was first asked to supply their college, he said he could not do so as he had already undertaken so many. Witness was present at the meeting of captains in Mr. Lane's rooms at Christ Church, when they met to settle about the dinners, but had no recollec tion of any proposal being made there. Did vote for Mr. Pi,ntn's supplying the dinners. Did not know the prices charged on the Magdalen Ground when he called on Mr. Pimm. Had received a bill from Mr. Pimm, who had charged him 4s. 6d. for luncheon and dinner. Never pro mised payment when it was first sent in. Never told the person who brought the bill that if any of the gentlemen objected to their bills he was to refer them to bim. By the Assessor—Remember 2s. 6d. being mentioned by Mr. Jewett as the price paid in the country for cricket dinners, when Pimm said he could not do it for that. When they talked about the price of dinner, luncheon was not mentioned. Mr. Pimm first asked 4s. 6d., and after they had agreed that <7.s. should be paid for dinner he consented that the luncheon should be included in that charge. Mr. Pimm strongly denied the last statement as to the luncheon being included in the 35., when his charge for dinner only was 3s. 6d. Mr. Pottinger addressed the Court, and said that the first question was whether the agreement made was 3s. for dinner and luncheon, or for dinner only, and luncheon ls. extra. The custom was to make a charge to include both, and it amounted to the same thing, because if a man made a hearty luncheon he consumed less at dinner. (Laughter.) The Assessor reminded the Proctor that there was a con siderable iaterval, as well as some strong exercise taken be tween luncheon and dinner, and therefore he could not attach much weight to this latter argument. (Laughter.) Mr. Pottinger remarked that whether Ottoh v.. the caoc yr not, persons who supplied provisions on such occasions took no notice as to whether the parties partook of luncheon or not. It was proved by two witnesses that a special agree ment had been made with the plaintiff, and it w as entirely irrespective of any other. He (Mr. Pottinger) would not dispute the prices charged, or offer an opinion as to whether is for luncheon, 3s 6d for dinner, or 4s 6d for both, were fair charges, although in country clubs, where meat was dearer, the price was only 2s 6d ; but h e grounded his de fence in this case on the simple fact that the plaintiff had made a special agreement and ough t to abide by it. Mr. Latimer replied on thuwhole case, and said there could be no doubt that the defendant and his friend, M r. Majendie, had spoken to the b est of their recollection what was their impression of what passed at their interview with the plaintiff, but that they both laboured under a vet)* erroneous impression the facts of the case very clearly showed. In the first place, it was proved that in the spring there had been a meeti ng o f th e captains of the various college cricket clubs in Mr. Lane's rooms at Christ Church, where the subject of dinners and luncheons was discussed, and a cert a i n agreemen t was en tered into—viz., th at Mr. Pimm should supply the clubs on the same terms as he served the Magdalen Club. Mr. Majendie was present at the meeting, and did not dissent from the arrangement entered into ; and although he could not recollect that any specific proposal was made, yet he admitted that he voted for Mr. Pimm supplying the clubs, a resolution which could not have been passed unless the terms had been previously agree d on. I n th e nex t pl ace , Mr. Hodgkinson, who was formerly one of the members of the University Cricket Club, and who took an active part at this meeting, proved distinctly that the prices agreed upon were 3s. 6d. for dinner and is. for luncheon, the same as the Magdalen tariff, and that the terms were assented to by all except Banjul and New Colleges. He subsequently apprised Mr. Pimm of what had taken place ; the terms were accepted and fulfilled in a very satisfactory manner. After this Mr. Jowett and Mr. Majendie called on Mr ' Pimm and wished him to supply the Exeter Club, but he at first declined to do so, having already undertaken to sup ply so many others; but on being told that he must do so, as they were under the new arrangement, he consented and said he would abide by it, Some co:aeration, mod Mto 6 the price being higher than was charged in the country, and Mr. Pimm was naked to lower it ; but h e said he could not do so, as he hid only one price, and Llust not deviate from it, but', charge all the clubs alike. Upon that he was told by Mr. Jowett and Mr. Majendie that ho was to supply their club, and he had done so on the same liberal scale as he had served the other clubs, fuVY expecting to be paid at the same rate, and never doubting it for an instant until, on sending in his bill, the charge was disputed. Now, on what ground was it disputed ? Why, simply on the faint remembrance of a loose conversation which took place last spring ; and it was a remarkable feature in this case that while Mr. Majendie could speak so positively of all that took place there, yet he , could not trust his memory so far as to say whether or not any proposal whatever was made at the captains" meeeting, notwithstanding that he admitted having voted for Mr. Pimm to supply the college clubs. Another incon sistency in this case, and a very striking one, was that Mr. Majendie, in answer to a question put by the learned_ assessor, stated that after it was agreed that the dinner should be charged 3s. instead of 3s, 6d., as required by Mr. Pimm, the latter agreed to include the luncheon in the price. Was it at all probable, what Mr. Pimm was required to supply for 3s. a dinner equal in every way to that with which he supplied every other club at 3s. 6d., that, even if he kad consented to do Ell, he should agree to give them a good luncheon with pale ale ad abitum in the bargain ? There was no question, for it was admitted on all hands for years past that Mr. Pimm was a most liberal caterer and excellent host ; but no one w ould give him credit for carrying his liberality so far as to include a luncheon in a charge which was lower than he laid dow n for a dinner only. Both Mr. Jowett and Mr. Majend ie appeared to think that for a good luncheon, to be followe d by such a dinner as it was well known Mr. Pimm always gave, 3s. was a fair price ; but all who knew how well these things were done would entertain a different opinion, and consider that those gentlemen were very peculiar in their views. Mr. Latimer contended that there was no proof that any special arrangement had been made beyond a loose conservation which took place some months ago, and that in the absence of such proof they should be guided by the arrangement made at the captains' meeting, and by the termsr acted upon by Magdalen and other clubs. It was in evi dence that Mr. Pimm supplied all the colleges on the same terms, and what reason was there for his lowering them with respect to Exeter, when it was proved, both by' Mr. Jowett and Mr. Majendie, that he declined to under take it, and was only induced to do so en the understanding that be must under the new arrangement? Mr, Piram denied having accepted any lower terms than he had been in the habit of receiving, and it would be prejudicial to his position, as well as unfair to the old clubs`, if he supplied one on more advantageous terms tha n another. On these grounds he (Mr. Latimer) claimed a verdict for the plain tiff for the full amount of his bill. The Assessor, in adjudicating, said there was no ground at all for imputing wilful misrepresentation on either side, but there was evidently some misconception as to a conver sation which had taken place very loosely when the terms were proposed and discussed. There was evidence of some general arrangement which had been made at the captains' meeting with respect to the terms upon which the clubs should be supplied, and the Magdalen tariffwas agreed upon. All these thingswere settled, and communicated by Mr. Hodg kinson to the plaintiff before he was asked to supply the Exe ter Club, and no doubt had their influence on his mind. The whole question turned upon what took place at the in terview with the plaintiff, the defendant, and Mr. Majendie, and upon that the evidence was very conflicting. Mr. Jowett and Mr. Majendie gave a very clear account of what took place, although they could not speak to the precise words. They had not heard from Mr. Pimm much of what took place then ; there was a .want of clearness on both sides, but mostly on Mr. Pima's. Under these circum stances there was great difficulty in deoiding, but as it ap peared to him that the balance of evidence was in favour of the defendant, he felt that he must give a verdict accord ingly. The decision, under all circumstances, excited great as tonishment ; but the matter will not end here, a 8 the plain tiff means to appeal. There is a st ron g feeling in the uni versity, especially among the clubs, that Mr. .Pimm has served so well for many years, that he has been unfairly dealt with, and there is a determination to see him righted. COUNTRY MARKETS. BRISTOL—Nov. 27. We had a large attendance of buyers, who anticipated purchasing at a considerable reduction on good wheat, after seeing accounts of Mark-lane yesterday, w hich was down ss. As buyers, they pretended t o lose sight of the fact that it was upon unusable stuff only. A fair business might have been done in the wheat trade to-day if sellers had accepted is decline. Barley, beans, peas, and oats slightly in buyers' favour. • LEEDS—Nov. 27. Our market to-day was fairly attended by millers, but trade was dull. Good descriptions of new and old wheat held for former rates. Inferior sorts quite unsaleable. Fine barley maintains its value, but damp parcels must bit quoted at 3s to 45 below the rates of last market day. Oats and beans Is lower. NEWCASTLE-UNDER LYNE—NoT. 27. At this corn market there was a moderate show of old and new wheat, but the demand was sluggish, and prices declined is to 2s upon late rates—white making 60s to 704 red Ms to 665. The supply of barley shown was middling, .with of slow demand . Oats in fair supply, and the trade firm, rom 26s to 34s per 24 stone. Beans made from 48s to 54s per qr. SLEAFORD--Nov. 26. The attendance was moderate to-day, with a good supply of wheat, and sales to a fair extent effected, at is to 2s per qr lower. White wheat ruled at 45s to 635, red 40s a t e4s per qr. Barley a rather liberal supply, 32s to 442 ; oin small supply, with a dull demand, at 24s to 345; beans, 50s to 58s ; peas, —8 to —s. NORWICH CATTLE. The show of store cattle to-day was a pretty fair one far the season, but as buyers were not very numerous, little business was transacted, and the previous rates declined 5s to lOs per head, and a clearance not effected. Scots, 4s 6d to 5s Od ; shorthorns, 4s to 4s 6d ; Irish, 3s 6d to 4s Od ; Devons, 4s to 4s 6d (estimated weight when fat). Fat beasts scarce, 8s Od to 8s 6d per 141 b. Sh ee p—There was a good supply of sheep in the pens. Lambs, breeding ewes, and keeping sheep were a sew sale. Fat sheep, 8s Od to 8 s 6 d per stone ; prime, 9s to Os Pigs—A fair supply. Store pigs, 258 to 30s; fat pork, 8s Od to 8s 6d per stone. THE MA I LS. MAILS DUE. Australia, Ceylon, and Mauritius (via South ampton) .. .. .. .. .. .. Dec. 19. Do. (via Marseilles) Dec. 13. Brazil and Cape Verds .. .. .. • • Dec ' 5. .. Buenos Ayres, Monte Video, &c. .. .. Nov. —. Bahamas and Havana (via New York) .. .. Nov. —.. Canada, &c. (via Galway) .. . • Overdue. Cape of Good Hope, &c. .. . • .. .. Dec. 2. China, Penang, and Singapore (via S'amp . ton) Dec. 2. Do. (via Marseilles) Nov. 26. Gibraltar (via Southampton) • • . . .. Overdue. India (Calcutta), Ceylon, &c. (via Southampton) Dec. 2. Do. (via Marseilles) Nov. 26. India (Bombay), (via Southampton) .. .. Nov. 2 5 . Do. (via Marseilles) .. .. Dec. 6. Lisbon .. • . • • • • • • .. Dec. 1. Cuba and Mexico . • •.. • . .. .. Nov. 28. Malta, Egypt, and Aden (via Southampton) .. Overdue. Do. (via Marseilles) .. Nov. 26. Vigo, and Oporto , . .. .. . .. .. Dec. 1. United States, California, &T. .. .. .. Nov. 28. Western Coast of Atrica, Madeira, Teneriffe .. Dec. 10. West Indies and Pacific, Carthagena, Cuba, &c. Nov. 28. [ADVERTISEMENT.}—HoIIoway's Pills.—Confusion and Pain of the Head. —These premonitory signs of coming illness shoula have early attention, or palpitation and un real: feelings about theiraboutthe heart will succeed, and be followed in their turn by more ser i ous s y m pt om s. Holloway's must countauL and happiest effects in dispelling these disagreeable feelings, clearing the furred tongue, loosing the torpid bowels, and removing the languor and flatulency so oppressive after taking food. No medicine is so well calculated to restore the digestive func tions, or so potent to soothe the nervous system. The dys peptic, by taking these purifying Pills, will substitute ease for pain, and once more render vigour to the wasting body, and rekindle a healthy elasticity in the despondent or ex hausted mind. BIRTHS. ASTELL.—On the 26th inst., at 41, Eaton-place, the wife of John Harvey Astell, Esq., M.P., of a son. HULSE.—On the 25th inst., at Breamore, Lady Hulse, of a son. LAWI ORD.—On the 27th inst., at St. Anne's-hill, Wands worth, the wife of George Lawford, Esq., of a son. LOCKTIART.—On the 25th inst., at Cambridge, the wife of L. W. M. Lockhart, Esq., of the 92d Highlanders, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. HESKETH—FITZMAURICE.—On the 27th inst., at Auerley Church, Norwood, William Reginald Hesketh, Esq., son of Ll. H. B. Hesketh, Esq., of Gwrych C astle, Denigh shire, to Agnes Emily Isabella Fitz Maurice, the eldest daughter of Major the Hon. W. E. Fitz Maurice, of 12, Hyde-park-gate. SIMONDS—PERLEY.—On the 31st ult., at St. John, N. 8., Richard Simonds, Esq., second son of the late Hon. Charles Simonds, to Ada, sole daughter of M. H. Perley, Esq., Her Majesty's Commissioner for the North Ame rican Fisheries. DBATHS. BELL.—On the 23d inst., at Chelsea, William Boscawen Bell, 8.C.L., aged 70. BATHURST.—On the 26th inst., at his residence, Stepney green, Mr. W. B. Bathurst, clerk to the Stepney Union, aged 50. BARKER.—On the 25th inst., at Shaftesbury -crescent, Pimlico, Anne, wife of W. B. Bar ker, Esq., of the Office of Works, Whitehall -place, aged 72. MWONNEL.—On the 22d inst., at Merrion-square, Dublin, Sir Edward M‘Donnel. .or:DoN Printed and Published by NIURDO YOUN' )1 No. Strand, Printer 41 Tho Sun )thee. No. 13, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the oc ant , stiddlegez,Wedneaday, licerember 28, 1860. pe rig (' wt th( wi pis ' . , Pr 4 - riv the t Di dred Ai; and i Reel eca sults NOR mai Tr any re all any pril Ject K t Ni TI6 of j the ~.Pi e tutu 611 CC( Etur t ante thee: acv toßn 0 1 be gene .. .....T3 Alec men T 1 ( Got the 1 Tfi' e 11-err. Holt