The Sun. — London, England, 1852-01-10 00:00:00

LOSS OF THE AMAZON. - - - PLYSIOOTEr, FRIDAY. —The improper s'owage of some tal low on board the unfo, tunate Amazon is now given as the Muse of the destruction of that ill-tated ship The tallow Was in ea:Au, placed on bags on the coal, and it is asserted that the tatow was so much heeted by the engine fires that I t molted through the casks, on the bags and coal, and thus l'elidared the whole easily iguitible. One of the passengeis, Mr. Allen, of the West Indies, was Observed pacing the deck with his hands in prayer, patiently 'Waiting that inevitable fate from which he knew there was leo escape. A gentleman and lady, in their night dresses o nly, both on fire, came on deck, and with their arms round each other, walked over to one of the ship's hatches, and fell together into the flames. , After getting possession of the life-boat, no rowloc ks could IA found, but Mr. Vincent, the young m id s hipman, who ;re tained his self-possesion throughout, coolly took a spar, and with his knife soon cut sufficient fur their purpose. If the strange barque, seen after leaving the Amazon, had borne down towards the life-boat, she could not have taken Out the men, so tempestuous was the sea, and the probahi litY is, that when the crew of the life -boat thou g ht the t "argue answered them she was replying to the gig, the crew which it now seems she has raved. 'When the life-boa' first made out the brig Marsden the was thought, probably from her name, to be a Dutch 3 hip, and Nerenk, one of the Amazon's crew, hailed her lo that language. Captain Evans on this hesitated to re ceive them, thinking they might be pirates, whereon Mr. addressed him in English, and on finding they 'were shipwrecked mariners he instantly received them on board, and treated them with every humanity, SueeiesupToN, FRIDAY.—The investigation held here yesterday by the Court of Directors of the Royal Mail steam Company, and the evidence then received added but little to the intelligence and particulars previously published. The facts elicited, beyond testitying to the perfect efficiency , of the ship and her engines, and to the high state of disci pline of the officers, engineers, and crew, were manifestly Insufficieat to enable the directors to arrive at any conclu sion either respecting the origin of the fire on board the Amazon or the thrilling events which preceded the einkieg of the ship. The prudence of adjourning the inquiry for further evidence is now fully apparent, and it is hoped the:: the portion of the passengers and crew who have landed on the French coast may be able to throw some additional light bpon the many points which are requisite to be cleared up. Besides the testimony of the crew, we hope that of the sur 'riving passengers will be invited—not alone for the interest of the company, but for the sake of supply ing to the public the greatest amount of information that can be procured. It is thought probable that the steamer due at Southamp ton from Havre on Tuesday morning next may bring the Sufferers from Brest, and in that case the investigation would be resumed in Southampton. A number of people congre gated at the docks to-day, awaiting the arrival of the French packet from Havre, but she brought no tidings whatever. We have much pleasure in having it in our power to announce that the directors of the Royal Mail Steam- packet Company have contributed 100 guineas to the proposed subscription for relieving the unfortunate sufferers by the wreck of the Amazon, and for rendering substantial aid to the widows and orphans left by the crew. Mr. Thomas Baring, M.P , the chairman of the Royal Mail Steam Com pany, has also given the munificent sum of 100 guineas, and other subscriptions from the inhabitants of Southampton Op to the present moment swell the total amount to nearle 4001. A large sum will be necessary for promptly and efficiently carrying out the objects of this subscription, and it is hoped that donations will flow in from all parts of the country. The following circular has been issued this afternoon, pre liminary to a public meeting at the Guildhall, on Monday, 'here a committee will be formed:— " LOSS OF THE AMAZON. " Southampton, January 9, 1852. " are requested by the Mayor to solicit your at tendance_ at a public, meeting, to be held at the Guildhall, on Monday next, at twelve o'clock, for the purpose of adopting such measures as may be deemed expedient for the relief of the widows and fatherless children of the unfortunate suf ferers by that awful calamity. , Subscriptions will be most thankfully received by the ay or and Hon. Secretaries, and vat ions banks in the town. " We are, Sir, your most obedient servants, "JOHN HENRY COOKSEY, "Jenne Levy, Hon. Secretaries." Among the crew of the Amazon who were saved is an able Neiman, named James Maylin. He arrived at Southampton s ca Wednesday night. He belongs to Wisbeach, in Cam bridgeshire. w lle is an intelligent and apparently a trust " Worthy,.. man. He states that soon after the ship left t h e - Needles they stopped two hours off Portland to throw water 4 ; , .a th e en g i nes; t h e ca ptain at this time was walki ng the s oridge. Maylin was on watch on Saturday nig ht in t h e 1 00k -out at the port bow. Mowatt, another man who was ' 4 ' 7 o, was looking out on the starboard bow. The second officer had cha rge of the watch. At a quarter to one on esurnlay morning he heard the fire-bell, which was rung by essmore, another of those saved. On turning round 4d fleeing whereabouts the ship was on fire, he imiam lhl.lately rushed t o ge t a t th e we t swa bs, which had been `elide ready the night before to clean the decks for Sunday Vrayers, and threw them o n th e f or eg r ating close to the fere funnel. He then, with another man, hove two trusses they overboard, which had taken fire. At that moment . captain came on deck in his shirt and trousers . , and Nrithout shoes or stockings, and Marlin assisted him in R h rowing water down the forecabin. The captain was per tly calm and co ll ecte d , and though working laboriously, giving orders t the various persona who were near him. scene of indescribable terror and confusion ensued ; and Maylin states, that the despairing and agonised screams l` sl the people, together with the cries of the tortured ani eals on board, seem yet to ring in his ears. He sew num of persons rush on deck, stricken with terror, many of them terribly burnt. Some dropped down dead immediately, swooned with fright and suffering. He remembers aeein g a boy rush on deck in a Guernsey frock, with his f ace tearfully bu rn t. Whil e gett i ng the boat ready in which s e escaped, a f ema l e passenger rushed on deck. She bad only her nightgown on, the bottom of which and her Me were much burnt. Three times she was placed in the peat that was saved—once by Quartermaster Dunford b ut she refused to remain. He heard several hurriedly say then ber, that they would soon giv e h er p l enty of clothing she got away from the ship, but modestly prevailed aver the love of life, ana she remained behind to perish. 4les,last words Maylin heard C ap t a i n S ymons say were, lt e all up boats with us—there is no h o p e , my men—get your ready." He then saw him fur the last time as he _ eat aft towards the wheel. Maylin then almost immedi iklely fell through the deck, and received a flesh wound in m e knee. What aided much to the disastrous consequences ac_ the fire, was the not being able to stop the engines, on count of the terrible heat in the engine -room. The speed Irlvblh she was going through the sea, rendered it &most oseible to launch the boats without their being swamped. e; c boat in which the 21 were saved, most fortunately and "4ngularly escaped swamping. After leaving the ship ;he li a r no living thing on board—he thinks that all but himself j d companions must have perished in the waves in attempt ing tb escape, or must have been disabled or killed by the li t tnes. It was break of day before the Amazon event down. 6 ave her distinctly when her magazine blew up. A large Iltireber of rocket s mounted up in the air at the time. voy TO THE ZDITOS OF TIIE TIMES. arto B i; —• Nothing could be more auspicious than the dep ure t t he Amazon from Southampton waters on tier first age, t the afternoon of Friday, th 2d of Jnuary, 152. She Pss accompanied by the mai e l tender,a crowdedBwith the p e nds of the ship, the passengers, and the capt a i n, b y whom : 4 eY bad just been hospitably entertained on board, and who 'vinc e d by their hearty cheers at parting how sincerely they / dated us a safe and prosperous voyage. The Amazon was a beautifully built ship o f 2,250 tons 'Orden, with a flush deck of nearly 300 feet in length, pro- Pelled by two splendid engines of 400-horse power each, !toted with a supply of 1,000 sacks of coal, and 1,000 tons in h ulk. She had on board 165 in all, including seven women s and two children—viz., 50 passengers and 106 crew and at tendants. The wind was right ahead, but she proceeded steadily ' 4l till about 9 o'clock, when the bearings of the cranks of the paddle.shaft became so hot that she was stopped :tabled Until by pumping water upon ti fo m ran hour she was to proceti. This operation was repeated during s 'ile night an d f o ll ow i ng morn i ng , an d on Saturday, at 12 'clock, oar position was lat. 49 12, long. 4 57. Towards evening the wind increased still ahead—our course, west Od by south half south. Between 8 and 9 o'clock I was svalking the deck with Mr. Best, of Barbadoes, speaking 0 , ,, f the state of the engines, on which they were then " You appear very anxious about those en sines," said he, "is there any danger ?" "None," said I, l as long as there is plenty of sea-room ; but with our €13.. glues stopped, on a lee shore, I would not give much for our chance of esc a p e i n such a night as we are likely to have „ from the appearance o f th e weat h er. " " I tope, said he, " there is no chance of fire, as we Should have two e l ements to contend with. " " I hope ' not," I replied, " for we should have three, as it is evidently " to blow a gale, and we must then look to thefourth for gong foro l ur refuge," "God forbid 1" said he, three to one are fearful Odds. Good night," and he went below. I then proceeded to the engine-room and found the he ariif a s i v aa er a y t.u hot. I men tioned to one of the engineers my appreh r the night, lead recommended to slacken speed ; while we were yet ° Peaking the bearings became so hot that the contents ofthe Ref burst off like so much steam. M s. An oe thief engineer, who, bads been raost constant in his aalten- Mons, was immediately on the spot, stopped the engines, 44, eked the caps, and applied the pumps for two hours before N re could proceed. I had several times during the day con versed with Mr. Angus on the state of the engines, which b e ol d me he did not expect would get settled to their bearings or at least a week. briFr_orn the necessity of keeping the bearings constantly lu th e ared, a very large vessel of grease stood at the door of store.roorn, which was under the galley. At about on 11 the engines were again put about and I went is it deck and joined Captain Symons. who stated his appre- . l' e !laion of a heavy gale before morning, when he expected, aiji and a change of wind to the northward. We conversed "it midnight, when he went below. „Being partially conversant with machinery, I felt anxious Tle!ut the state of the engines, and walked the deck until if past 12, when I again went to the engine-room, leaving . Vincent, midshipman of t h e watch, on deck. tss t'e engines were then goi ng at three-quarters speed, an d s's','neineer in attendance, putti ng hi s h and on the bear i ngs —„ e Me t a ll es was going quite comfortabl e , and I accord i ng l y Ted rt proceeded 0 Minutes after I had left the deck Mr. Vincent .whe below to set the time by the Captain's directions, pa he be perceiv e d s moke and fire coming up th e fore-hatch ea V a st the ship' s ga ll e y. lie immediately gave the alarm wh o '? °Meer of the watch, and ran aft to inform the Captain, to tstnatantly came on deck and directed his whole energies rs.'" sntspression of the fire eb had n et b . at om been in bed for five minutes . when I first heard diedbY th bell, and the cries of " Fire," which . were accornpa and rush .e shrieks of several of the female cabin passengers, ak endie in g from my berth I saw the sparks and flames ss.. _JP _ t s he isa %, e `te main hatchway above the engines, and many t b: reti red hurrying on deck in their night-clothes. e sta nnse a ,i ° n 'ilY cabin and put on part of my clothes, whmi. "eb t :iAt thaVonfusion warned me to lose no time in net, os q •i e Pera e `' l ' rcut k i h .naid, d I saw on reaching the deck was Mr. Bur belt i n un,wi si ' standing in his night-shirt with a life-buoy rnv wrought tim e , / to my mind that I had left a life the the imipdesfltl the saaju rltea to : 0 11 1(th I might perhaps recover if I had yet oil store-ro ds the flames, which were rising from saso t a i lenveays in so bright a mass as to con cabin, ss bi e % --, and es i :t the fire had originated in or near the 'nap p i ng ri h I seenetat there might be time to regain my I could n g " k anll e t t e vi d .in doing though the windows were Jus t as I had at br at la, With the heat of the flames. each of the ef the di • fo und it t nY hand on the belt, it being dark ; Pr division at tre mendous Oa l eavin fire aft, tilhot attem the end dous crash of the glass panels of the cabins announced the ap pt the PP cabin p a a seu g cabin Jeers, ass a ed at tt dared regain the deck several of the ie approach of the fire, era for aPProaeh f th e ward in v e i n ° the companion -stairs; I urged PPer deck unhurt, nnd drawing a long breath I gained ap. a ° desert on could Kelso • rf cb convey any adequate impression of " ther e Presented itself. With the excePtion of T 11 P, S N, of the (Bars and men of the night watch, I was the only one even partially clothed. Wh a t eve r human exertion could effect was attempted by Captain Symons, regardless of himself, to induce the assist • ante of others to extinguish the flames ; butin vain, for solrapi I was their progress that all communications fore and aft, was already obstructed. The last order I heard him give was, " For God's sake, Mr. Roberts, put her before the wind." This Mr. Roberts immediately attempted, and young Vin cent, who was lowering down the dingy, jumped to the helm and put it hard up until the ship paid off. In the mean time the aftermost boat on the port side (I think the mail boat) was lowered down, with probably 25 people in her; but the moment she touched the water she swamped and all hands that were in her drifted astern, all clinging together with dreadful shrieks. The next boat forward (the pinnace) was also lowered full, but by some accident the after tackle alone got un hooked, and she was dragged forward by the fore tackle with such rapidity that the sea swept wend her sides and washed every soul out of her. The next boat on the same side was a No. 2 life-boat, at which I observed several bands trying to get her into the water, while the fire was rapidly coming aft, and on the platform of the paddle-box was a White's life boat so secured as to render it almost impossible under such circum stances to get her loose. In the meantime Mr. Vincent, with three of the crew and one passenger, had got into the dingy, which was hanging over the stern. A similar number of boats were on the starboard side. The atterniost boat (which I think was the gig) was lowered only half full, and got away. A second cutter was lowering full of people. In the next boat (a Green's life-boat) were about 12 of the crew, most of them dressed, trying to get her launched, which, however, they could not effect, owing to her keel being socketed in the keel-crane, which projected from the ship's side. My first intention on coming on deck in my life-belt, and seeing the confusion that prevailed, was to wait until a lout had got clear and then jump overboard and swim to it; but, on observing the coolness with which the men in the life boat were working, I determined to share their fate, and accordingly got into the boat to assist in launching her. Our united of proved ineffectual; the fire bad reached the companion, when one of the men, seizing my arm, said, " Jump on deck, and haul away that tackle fall." We both did so at the after tackle, two other men being at the fore tackle. We raised the boat, with the men in her, out of the gripe of the crane, and one of the men loosing the bolt, I got over the ship's side and shoved the crane in, and the boat began to lower. At this time the second cutter had reached the water, when a sea struck her bow, and as the ship rose from the swell of the waves she lifted the boat perpendicularly by the stern tackle and discharged all the unfortunate inmates but two, who hung, shrieking, across the thwarts. The flames were now rushing up the companion with such fury that they caught the two men who were lowering the fore tackle dour life-boat and burnt the hair off the face cf one of them, who immediately jumped into the boat, fol lowed by the man at the after tackle. I sprang from the side, and slid down the tackle into the boat as she reached the water, and as the other man at the fore tackle did the same, I gave the word to cut away. " Hold hard !" said one of the sailors, who had far more presence of mind. " Fend her off! if we drift under the cutter, she'll stave through us. Now cut away," said he, and we drifted clear, the doomed ship rushing madly forward, the sport of the com bined fury of the three elements, so sadly alluded to in my remark to Mr. Best. But far above the roaring crash of wind and wave and fire rang the shrieks of the helpless suf ferers on board the ill-fated Amazon. From a moment of deep and heartfelt gratitude to Pro vidence we were roused by the cries of our drowning fel low-creatures around us, to whom, alas ! we could render no instant assistance, for the oars were lashed amidships, and the rudder was stowed away. Of two loose cars that had been thrown into tLe boat N;e pushed one to a poor creature who was within five yards of us, but the shrill bubbling cry which accompanied his effort to reach it told too sadly it was in vain. We were now hailed by the dingy, which had left the vessel about the same time as we ourselves. She was fast tilling with water, which Vincent was baling out with his boots, having cut the tops off. We called them to come alongside, and took them into the life-boat, laying Mr. Sisley, the passenger, who was more dead than alive, at the bottom of the boat. We took the dingy in tow, and got our rudder shipped, threw the masts overboard (for we had no sails), got the oars out into their crutches, which we had not been able to find till then, and pulled away for the burning ship, to try to save some more lives. The fire gave us plenty of light, though the moon was obscured by clouds. The wind, how ever, had now increased to a severe gale, and before we had proceeded far on our mission a heavy sea struck the dingy snd capsized her, drove her on our stern, broke away our rudder, and nearly half filled us with water. I was in the bow, and sang out to cut away the dingy, and get her head to wind, which Mr. Vincent, who was in the stern, bad already commenced doing, and scarcely was this accomplished ere the approach of a tremendous sea through the surf, and over the top of which our boat gallantly rode, gave us ground for hope that we might still live through that awful night. It was, however, vain to attempt the rescue of those who were drowning round us. The slightest deviation from the wind's eye, in such a sea, would have swamped our boat. Bahind us tue burning ship shed a light which illumined the sky and sea for miles round. Before us the sky and sea seemed to meet in one dark un distinguishable mass, the immediate approach of the waves being indicated by a rushing sound as their crests broke far above our heads in a long white line of foam, glaringly re flecting the light of the burning ship behind us. In this po sition, without food or water (for we staved our only small water-cask to bale the boat when nearly swa mped), without compass or rudder, and several only half-clothed, we re mained for about three hours, Vincent in the stern and I in the bow, watching the approach of the waves and giving the orders to the men to pull starboard or pull port, so as to keep her head dead to windward. During this time we were drifting towards the ship, which was burning broadside on to the wind. Her mainmast went first, and then the foremast, and a considerable time elapsed before her mizeumast went ; directly after which I noticed a slight explosion of gunpowder. Previous to this a barque hove in sight, and passed between the stern of our boat and the burning ship. We judged her to be outward-bound, from her being under close-reefed topsails. As she passed, between 300 and 400 yards distant, we several times hailed her with our united voices, strengthened by all the energy of despair. She answered us, and bridled her spanker, and we thought was preparing to bear up to our rescue. I shall never forget the deep sob of hope with which I noticed these preparations, or the bitterness of feeling with which I saw him spread his canvaes to the wind and wear round past the stern of the burning vessel as he left us to our fate. For some short time past I bad noticed a boat a short dis tance from our starboard beam, which I believe was the gig, with apparently about half a dozen hands in her. She now began to call for assistance, which also we could not attempt to offer, the sea was running so high. This continued for some time, when the hailing suddenly ceased, and as I never saw her afterwards, though I often looked most anxiously in that direction, I cannot resist the sad conviction that she shared the fate of the other boats. About 4 o'clock it began to rain heavily, which beat down the sea, and as the wind, which bad hitherto been S.W., got round to the N., it blew more steadily and with less violence. We according'y put the boat's head down the wind and pulled away astern of the burning ship. ifler chimneys were red hot, and as wo crossed her stern at the distance of about half a mile, her magazine exploded, discharging a consider able number of rockets, and in about half an hour after her funnels went over her side she sank beneath the waves, and the red lurid light which for the laA five hours had illumined the dreary expanse of ocean, and formed the strong ground of hope tor the attraction of succour, was succeeded by a gloomy darkness. Remembering Captain Symons's observation as to the change of wind in the event of rain, and having frequently noted our course by the compass during the previous day, I was enabled to form some notion, though a vague one, of the position of the coast of France and the British Channel, and we pulled away in that direction during the remainder of the night. The morning broke bright and clear, and never was a rising sun hailed by an eastern devotee with more fervent gratitude than that with which we blessed Almighty Pro vidence for having preserved us from the complicated dangers of such a night. And though our position and prospects were by no means those which would have been selected from choice, the buoyancy of hope induced us to think only of the chance of being picked up by a passing vessel. I joined Vincent in the stern, and we proceeded to con over our probable distance from land, and as we knew that unless picked up we could not make it for five or six days, even with a favourable wind, we arranged for a division of t h e men into watches, taking one each. The wind considerably ahtated,ile we pulled steadily on for about three hours longer, when forward cried out that he saw a sad. lu t a i least on a the look-out s tter of an hour elapsed before it could be again sighted, and still longer ere it showed by its increased size that it was outward bouud. We immediately altered our course, and commenced pulling dead to windward, so as to intercept her, which with a couple of hours' hard pulling we managed to accomplish, and hailed her before she was aware of our approach. She was an outward-bound brig, and from her white sails and green caboose we took her for a foreigner, and one of our men hailed her in the Dutch language. As we had been approaching her, thinking of the barque that had left us during the night, we were speculating on our chance of obtaining assistance, but we little ex p ected that our first hail would be followed by every exertion to get away from us. The wind had, however, completely lulled ; I saw that we had the speed of her, and I shouted to the men his berth to give way and we would board her by force. This was unnecessary , alongside, wcaessantdad for the captain, whom the gale had kept on deck all.the previous night, and had been asleep in his mainsail when we first hailed, now came on deck, backed it a difficultr e main-topsai l, fastand te e callingur boat . us t o comeT hThough g u h p were thrown the wind nwn, there was so much sea on as to s render lly on s e ecu o r f ed o matter to board the brig. Several ropes its only being Pa v rt e i r ; w l h te ic ll h ev l erb s e e e iz r e d d , , bu b t u w t as f i r m om . mediately pi c k ed ceeded in getting up,Onbnoot a bit the worse, and we all suc bound to Carolina. Nothing the brig Marsden from London, which Captain Evans treatnegd could exceed the kindness with providing the best resourcesui'l- all, giving up his beds and first tried to land us on the is vessel could afford. Ile shifting, lie was obliged to coaststaniteof France, but the wind falling in with an inward-bound salt' to see in the hope of be determined to land us on the coast of This te not occurring, for Falmouth The weather became hazy , t h e and tried blow, and as he had not been able to get% i' wind began to at noon on Tuesday , and the weather thickeningst of the s un in the di rection of the Engli sh coast, towards evening tfe sto Channel, made the Edd y stone Lighthouse about eleven, up and anchored in Plym outh Harbour betwe en twelveaennj one o'clock. It seemed as if every vestige of the unfortunate Am azon was destined to destruction, tor the lite-boat in which we had been saved—and a better boat never was built—after being towed to within thirty miles of the British coast, wore through the rope and went adrift. We all bewailed her loss for the moment like that of a true friend. We landed at Plymouth, and found our wa y to the Glob e Hotel, wh ere we were received by Mr. Radmore, notwith standing our very questionable appearance, with the most hospitable attention. Supper, beds, and money were at once offered to us, and the f o llowing morning he received our 18 fellow-travellers with the same kindness. The Mayor of Plymouth also called the following morning with offers of every assistance, and I take the opportunity through your columns of acknowledging the grateful sense I entertain of the kindness we have received. But a far deeper debt of gratitude than can be thus acknowledged is due to that Almighty Power who by His mercy has thus preserved us from the perils which that awful night saw so fearfully combined against us. I cannot close my narrative of this event without ad verting in the strongest terms of nraise and admiration to the conduct of young Vincent. Throughout the whole of the dreadful scenes through which we passed, he never showed the slightest symptom of fear or hesitation, or uttered a sin gle murmur or complaint. His whole care seemed for the men, of whom he took the command with the calmness of an old officer, and having on him, as Otte of the officers of the Watch When ho 'moped, the ; . full complement of cljthes, he give his pea jacket to one of Cie men who had only ,a shirt on, a flannel shirt to another, and his handkerchief to a third. I have been in scenes which have tried the nerves of hardened men, but never in any more calculated to try them than those through which this young officer passed unruffled. I must speak also in the highest terms of the steadiness, firmnes9, and unwearied exertions of our boat's crew, who, notwithstanding the heavy sea and the crowded state of the boat, with 21 in her, were most eager to brave every danger for the chance of offering still further aid to their drowning comrades, while the possibility of a chance still remained. There are two or three points to which I wish to call atten tion in connexion with all steam-vessels. There ought to be some means available on the upper deck of opening the feed-cock of the boilers (the man who did it on board the Amazon gave me a fearful account of his narrow escape), and also of working the fire hose from the upper deck, but still more the means of being able to stop the engines. Had this last been done, and half the energy displayed by the gallant commander in lowering the boats that was ineffectually expended in attempting to check the progress of the fire, there was ample boat accommodation, and of first-rate quality, to have saved all hands. There were two of White's life- boats on the platforms be hind the paddle-boxes, capable of holding thirty-five men each, but they were so stowed away as to render it difficult for any ship's company to have lowered them under ten minutes each even in broad daylight; two other life-boats, in one of which we were saved,which would carry safely twenty five lima each, a mail beat, pinnace, and cutter twenty men each, a gig fifteen men, and the dingy. Seven of these at least, and perhaps the gig if well managed, would have lived through that night if proper crews had been appropriated to each so as to lower and take charge of them ; yet of all these, as far as I can judge, only one survived the wreck. Though I know little or nothing of nautical affairs, I can not help thinking that the two best lifeboats might have ' been sufficiently secured and more available when wanted. Of the origin of the fire I can say but little. There was a number of new coal sacks very much tarred lying between the steam chest and the oil store, above the grated pathway over the coals; but at half-past twelve I stood opposite to this, and all was safe, and at that time the engines were quite cool. No blame can attach to the engineers, who were particu larly attentive, and Mr. Angus, the chief engineer, was almost constantly on duty. All the lights abaft the en gine-room were out when I retired to rest, and I had bid good night to the officers of the watch and several of the men on deck when I went below, at half-past twelve. The fire first appeared coining up the fore hatchway, and within two minutes of the first cry, before the bell was sounded (for I was wide awake), I saw the fire rushing up the main engine hatchway. When on deck the second time I had intended to leap overboard and swim to the first boat that got clear of the ship, and I stood there for a short tima before turning to the life-boat in which I escaped, and had there fore au opportunity of watching the heroic conduct of Cap tain Symons and several of his officers and men in attempt ing to suppress the flames, in which, if human exertions could have availed anything, he would have succeeded. Fate, however, had decreed otherwise, and unless the other life-boat was got away, or the gig escaped, I have too much reason to fear that our party of twenty-one who were landed at Plymouth on Tuesday morning, are all that are left of those who had sailed from England on Friday afternoon in the ill-fated Amazon.—l am Sir, your obedient servant, Halewood, Jan. 8. ROBE= NEILSON. ROYAL MARIONETTE THEATRE. What we like in the intended performances at this theatre, at a private dress rehearsal of which we were present last evening, is, that though the manager has a most obedient company, a prima donna, who never has a cold, and a tragedian who is never sulky, a comic artist who never loses his voice and strikes for salary, and a premiere danseuse who cannot, by any possibility, commit a faux pas, though he is certain that there will be 110 squabbling or jealously in his large troupe of 150 performers, and that each lady and gentle man will accept the part allotted to them, yet, never theless, he shows no disposition to take advantage either of them or the public, but has determined that his pieces and performances shall be as excellent in literary merit as they are remarkable in the character of those who are to act them. The initiatory address is exceedingly neat and pointed, and the dramatic hits in the opening sketch, The Manager's Room, are certainly the production of no wooden head. The performances are really wondrous. Boinbastes Furioso becomes doubly funny when represented, and the ballet is capitally executed. The little people who play must surely have been cut from fairy trees, and have some natural magic in them. The whole performance is en tirely novel— no one has seen anything like it before—and all should go on Monday, when the " Marionette Theatre" opens, for anything more humourous and whimsical cannot be imagined. The theatre itself is a perfect gem, the orchestra excellent, and all the other accessories, as scenery, decorations, dresses, &c., have been got up in a manner so regardless of expense, that it is plain the proprietor has the greatest confidence in the permanent success of his very singular experiment. COURSE OF EXI Anaster:.i,n .......•.. 11 t 8 HANGE.-FRIDAY. Ditto, three months 12 0 iott,crdarG ........ .. 12 0 25 47% 25 47N, Elataburgh ••M.B. 13 10% Paris, 3 clays'aight •• 25 32% Dittc. 3 months .... 25 50 Marseilles .......... •• 25 52% - • tl`ranklorton Mains.... Vienna, ease. fib...—. 12 8 Trieste, ditto 12 10 Potersburgh, Elle.. 36% Yhtirld 49 % Wiz • • 49% 3arce:oma • • I.lP)raltar-•••••• •• •• •• Leghorn ........•••••• 80 90 Genoa ..•••• ••• ••••• •• 25 65 Allan .. • • • • •• •• • • •• •• Venice............... „ Naples .......• ...... 40% Palermo, peroz 120 Messina .............. 1203( Li5b0n................ 52% 0p0rt0.... •• .......... 52% Rio Janeiro • • I;uenos Ayres New York, 60 days'sighi Philadelphia .... • • .... •-• ?WWI Of BULLION, PEI 01. Foreign Gold in bars...ES 17 9 Portugal Gold Coin •• 0 0 0 I:spanish Doubloons .. 0 0 .0 New Dollars ••..•• 0 4 111,(, ISilvor in bard ........ 0 5 ON itIv1.11;•••••••• 6.. •• •• •. 120% A constant associate of the Marquis of Lansdowne said yesterday, without reserve or hesitation, that the Mar quis had resigned, and merely held office until his successor was appointed.—Herald. DEATH OF SIR DAVID BAIRD.—We regret to announce the death of this well known and highly-respected baronet, which occurred yesterday. morning. As was pre viously announced, Sir David met with a serious accident while following Lord Elcho's hounds on Saturday, the 20th ult. He had dismounted to remove some obstruction, when his horse, becoming restive, gave him a severe kick in the leg. The unfortunate baronet was carried to a house in the vicinity, where it was ascertained that the injury was so serious as to prevent his removal at the time, and the symptoms became so alarming in the sequel as to render any change out of the question. The best medical aid that Edinburgh could render was given, but it has un happily proved all in vain. Sir David Baird was in his 56th year, having been born in 1795. He was a scion of an ancient family. The celebrated Sir David Baird, who distinguished himself at Seringapatam, Egypt, Copen hagen, and in the Peninsular war, having been the second in command at the battle of Corunna, was uncle to the decased baronet, who succeeded him in the baronetcy ou his death in 1829. Sir David Baird married in 1821 Lady Anne Kennedy, eldest daughter of the late Marquis of Ailsa, and had issue seven sons and three daughters. The two eldest sons both lost their lives on the same day. having been drowned in England in October, 1845, while bathing. He is, therefore, now succeeded in his title and estates by the third son, David. Sir David Baird espoused the Liberal side in politics, and took an active interest in the contests for Haddingtonshire. On the last election he stood candidate for this county against the Hon. F. Charteris, the eldest son of Lord Eicho, and grandson of the Earl of Wemyas, but was unsuccessful. Caledonian Mercury. FORTIFICATION OF THE CoAsT.—A battery of 100 guns of heavy metal, is ordered to be constructed at the Nab Light, off Bembridge, near Spithead, as well as a bat tery (temporary) at Lumps, also off Spithead, on the Ports mouth shore, and also for 100 heavy guns, with the least poss ibl e d e l a y I A new fort at Browndown, opposite Ryde (Isle of Wight), on the Gosport shore, is in course of con struction by two companies of Royal Sappers and Miners stationed at For Moncton, every dispatch being used to com plete the works in two months.—Portsmouth Times and Naval Gazette. EXI:LOSION OF POWDER MlLLs.—About five o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, the inhabitants of Feversham were alarmed by the explosion of three powder-mills, the property of Messrs. Hall, situate at the north-west extremity of the town. The mills contained what is called green charges, but having been worked nearly twelve hours, had acquired a considerable degree of strength, and consequently the reports were unusually loud. The buildings were totally destroyed, some of the materials being thrown to a consider able distance. The shocks also broke windows of houses rather distant. The accident was occasioned by sparks falling from the chimney of a steam-engine near the build ings, and by which they were worked. The workmen, having observed the danger, had escaped; but two men, who were approaching to warn the workmen, were struck by some of the materials, and slightly injured. ACCIDENT TO LADY BEDDINGFIELD.—On Thurs day an accident occurred to Lady Beddingfield, which for tunately was unattended with serious consequences. Her Ladyship was proceeding from Windsor Castle in one of the royal carriages to the Windsor station of the South-Western Railway, and on arriving at the bottom of Thames-street, in a very narrow part of the road, the axletree broke and let the body of the carriage on the paving. The coachman, who was driving a very spirited pair of horses, fortunately pulled them up on the instant, and thus prevented the serious con sequences which otherwise might have ensued. Her Lady ship was immediately got out of the carriage, and she after wards returned to the Castle. Thames-street has been for some time in a dangerous state, as the whole of the houses on one side are being pulled down for the purpose of widening it and lowering the hill. SEAMAN'S HOSPITAL SOCIETY.—The quarterly court of the governors of this institution was held yesterday, at the offices, King William-street, City; Mr. John Wild, vice-president, in the chair. The report stated that the number of patients admitted into the hospital ship Dread nought, from the Ist of October to the 31st of December, 1851, was 768, of whom 155 were still under medical treat ment; 2 were convakscent ; 3 fit for duty; and 608 had been discharged. The number received since the first estab lishment of the hospital, in 1821, was 65,373. The number of out-patients fur the last quarter amounted to 372. The statement of accounts showed that the expenses amounted to 1,6221. 2s. 2d., and the receipts to 1,2521. 12s. ld., leaving a balance against the society of 369/. 10s. ld. The report was adopted, some routine business transacted, and after a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting separated. SOUTHAMPTON, JAN. 9 —The Royal Mail Corn pany's steam-ship Teviot, Captain Revett, with the Bra zilian mails, left this afternoon. She had an exceedingly large general cargo. specie to the amount of 135,0001., and 66 passengers. The Royal Mail Company's steam-ship Ayon, under the command of Captain Wilson, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the loss of the Amazon, is preparing with all speed, and will leave for St. Thomas on Sunday or Monday. The Dee, Royal Mail steam-ship, with the usual West India mails, will leave on the afternoon of the 17th inst. SHIP ON FM B AT BELFAST.—On Wednesday evening, about eight o'clock, a fire was observed to have broken out in the cabin of the brigantine Horsford, the pro perty of Mr. John Potts, now discharging a cargo of coals at Donegan Quay. A small engine from the docks was promptly on the spot, and soon afterwards the town council engine, with a body of the fire brigade, arrived. The flames were soon got under, but not until considerable damage was done to the timber -work of the cabin, the captain's nautical instruments, &c. A letter from Vienne, of the 2d, states that intel ligence has been received in that city of the suicide at Con stantinople of Colonel May, who commanded the Artillery at (Hungary), when that fortress was in the power of e of having entered into a revolutionary plot under a charge with of the The matanthneertiomfehinispdreisaotnh he having rolled himself up in his sheets and the insurgents. It appears that he was ends. He died in great agony. set fire to the tr'Q other refugees. was singular, SAT ET R A 1" NA YT AL INTELLIGENCE. Tam ARCTIC EXPEDITION OF 1852 Among tbo volunteers to take command of the LOW Arctic cap edi tion, to be fitted out this year, is Captain E. Omman. iey, who commanded the Assistance, under Captain Au itin, C. 8., who has offered to give up his comfortable appc f ihnti ment as Deputy Comptroller of the Coast Guard, is services should be accepted. The Commander-in-Chief of the West Indies was. at St. Thomas's December 21, and would sail for Jame liaa on the arrival of the mail from England. Rear-Admiral Reynolds, C. 8., the ex-commader chief on the Brazil station, arrived at Devonport in the Southampton, 50, and hauled his flag down on Wednes day, and went ashore at that port. Commander Wood, who was promoted on paying off the Pantaloon, surveying -vessel in th e P ac ific, is to c =- mission the Pluto, as assistant to Captain Denham, in the Herald, in his survey in the South Seas. THE ADMIRALTY MAIL AGENT Or THE AMAZODU.— Lieutenant Brady, who was mail agent on board the Amazon, and who took the place of Lieutenant V. Til kinson on very short notice, as we stated on Monday, was a lieutenant of 1815, and was very much respeete& in and out of the service. The following is O'Byrc As's sketch of his gallant career :---"William Hollinshied Brady entered the navy Dec. 6, 1807, as first-class eo lunteer on board the Leonidas, 38, Captain ibir Jar ses Dunbar, on the Mediterranean station, where he joie ad, in November, 1808, the Cumberland, 74, Captain II on. Philip Wodehouse. On the 28th of October, 1609, ,he witnessed, as midshipman. the self-destruction of tie French line-of-battle ships Robu st an d Li on , nea r Fr on ripen; and on the night of the 31st of the same ma o th he was slightly wounded while serving in the be t its at the capture and destruction—under a hot 6re from the batteries iu the Bay of Roses, aad in face of a resistance from the various en ras productive of a loss to the British of 15 men killed t I,lad 55 wounded—of the store-ship Lamporie, of 16 guns tc ad 116 men, with three other armed vessels and seven sail of merchantmen. He continued to be very actively jtn ployed in the Cumberland, under the command of C hap tame Thomas Baker, in the North Sea, and in escort ing valuable convoys to the West Indies and the Capi t of Good Hope, until paid off in August, 1815—a ft 'w months previous to which period, on the 20th of Mai b, he had been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Ile afterwards, from June 10, 1824 until 1827, ser ved son the coast blockade as Supernumerary Li eu t ena nt of .41 le Ramilies, 74, Captains W. M'Culloch and Hugh Pigs t; and since June 10, 1842, has been employed as Adna i ralty Agent in contract mail steam-vessels on the WIS 3t India station. Lieutenant Grylls, the other naval officer lost in 11 ie Amazon, is son of the Rev. Mr. Giylls, o f S t . Neo w s . What makes this case more distressing is, that lk Ir Grylls wished his son to remain at ho me , because allot/i er son was dying, who is since dead, but we are inforn aad has been receive d., Commod a re that the application was refused. The intelligence of the death of Mr. E. H. Garwo o d, Lambertmaster of , h i er e the Majesty's e3B tb year his age, Fos, He was attacked with fever on Oct. 26, and was invalid( al on Nov. 7, to proceed to England for the preservation of his life, and sent on shore to sick quarters to await: a passage in the mail steamer, but ulceration of the bow( ls came on, which destroyed his life on Nov. 13. Lieut. Henry Bacon (1841) has been appointed to the command of the naval apprentices' brig Wizard, at Queenstown, vice Barnard, promoted. Mates—John P. C. Clements, to the Hastings, 72, flag-ship, China; James Hardy, to the Leander, 50, Lisbon; Hon. M. H. Nelson, to the Retributi on ate am frigate, Portsmouth; and J. 11. Cary, to the Rapid„ 8, Devonport, for the East Indies. Clerks—Thomas Bradbridge, to the Impregnable flag-ship, Devonport; C. W. Harris, to the St. George, 120, ordinary flag-ship, DOVOIII/011; G. A. Welch, to the Victory flag-ship, Portsmouth. Gunner—John Blellock, acting; Boatswain Sohn Mellon, acting; Carpenter John Williams, acting. Paymaster Richard P. Beddek (1834) died at Porto bello, Dec. 25. Her Majesty's steam-sloop Heels, Commander Beau champ, may be hourly expected at Portsmouth from the coast of Africa. She was to leave Sierra Leone, December 10. Britannia, 120, Captain Goldsmith, flag-ship of Rear Admiral Deans Dundee, C. 8., will be out of the hands of the dockyard at Portsmouth on the 15th instant, and will be ready to go to Spithead by the 27th. She is about 200 blue jackets short of her complement. Comet, steam surveying-vessel, Commander Otter, is ordered to Queenstown, from Scotland. Sanspareil, 81, screw-ship at Devonport, will be complete in her machinery fittings by the Ist of April, when she will be commanded by Captain Horatio Austin, C.B. Southampton, 50, Captain Cory, remains at Ply mouth Sound waiting a fair wind to Chatham, to be paid off. Tweed, 18, Commander Lord F. Russell, is ordered to Rapid, 8, Command er Bl anc , be paid off at De von p ort . will go into Plymouth Sound this day, and will sail again for the East Indies, probably on Monday. PORTSMOUTH, FRIDAY.—It blew a bard westerly gale with very severe squalls last night; it still continues to blow a gale from the westward. A small steamer, sup posed to be the Fearless, anchored'in St. Helen's Roads, and the Victory had had the demand up all the morn ing, but the steamer's number cannot be made out. The examination into the preserved meats at the loyal Clarence-yard was resumed this morning, we be iieve with the same revolting results as already published by us, but we can furnish no definite report upon the subject, the Admiralty, ashamed of their responsibility in the matter, having deprived the press of obtaining authentic information. But the horse being now stolen their Lordships lock their Aegean stable- door too late. Some strong additions to the defences of this port huvo just been ordered to be commenced and completed with the least possible delay —a battery at the Knab light, cif St. Helen's, commanding the approach to Spithead from the eastward, to mount 100 guns of heavy metal, and a fort at Lumps, on the Portsmouth shore, also to mount 100 heavy guns. A new fort has been commenced some time at Browndown, on the Gosport side, where two companies of Royal Sappers and Miners are at work, to complete their task in two months. The battery at Lumps will be a temporary work. We are , also informed a barracks for artillery is ordered to be erected at the Powder 'Magazines, Biddy's Hard, Gos port, and that the guards on the Gosport side have been strengthened this week by posting an officer and an additional number of men at, the Double-gate, near the railway terminus, anuid a co c m o m rp a o n r d a e l r an j d . xisi.xiimseynes:t was Il s 13 sslar-gate. a The Tidhoff f fcr C ha mp i on, this w th Neptune, 120, C a pt a in Yates, were f r om the books of the Britannia. Th e Simoom iron troop st eam - sh i p will not b e t r ied before Mond a y , owin g to the foulness o f the weather. Th e Dasher steam-vessel arr i ved in har b our t o -day paid to-day the wages due to th em , on b e i ng removed from the Channel Islands. The Retribution steam-frigate, Captain Warden, received orders to-day to complete stores for foreign service. Woormics, JAN. 9.—The Fury steam-sloop, Comas and illi p t a i m dd a l t :w i mander Edward Tatham, left Woolwich to-day for y he th ei e is under orders to leave Woolwich for Chatham on Thursday next. B M te e a d m it . e s f o r o a p ne o n station. f n 33o . hor s e The Black Eagle steam-vessel was taken out of the west dock yesterday, and the Intrepid steam-vessel taken in. MALTA, JAN. power Th e BarraCOUta 2.—The news of the place is but scant, and limited almaet entirely t o the fleet. The exercises of Monday last were not of a very varied kind. We give below the time occupied in the musso urres:- 1. Launches of squadron with steam anchors andcables, and barges with hawsers, t o assemble round Queen.- 29th December, 1851: m. s. in. s. Queen ... ••• . 6 35 1 Albion ... ... 15 30 .. Superb ... • .-• 18 i3O Trafalg ar ... 25 30 15 Vengeance . 10 45 Bell erophon ... 31 50 2. Up topgallant masts; crossed topgallant and royal yards;-- m. S. M. 8. Indefatigable .. V Queen ~.. ••• 4 20 • engem :no ... 630 Superb ... •.. 4 20 Albion ... ... 10 0 Indefatigable ... 7 0 I Bellerophon ... 11 0 Trafalgar ... ... 9 0 3. Boats with engines and fir° apparatus to assemble . 9 0 round Belleropho n:— . M. a. Queen ... ... 3 0 Albion . .. M. B. . 8 0 17 . g 811 e P n er e b a * nc ;* •..... 3 8 0I 0 Trafalgar..Bellerophon Indefatigable ... 4 25 I •ea " (on fire.) * Superb's fire-engine did not w or k . Dec.w w ith field-pieces, mannedau r d ou a u r dn3ethd• and l aunc h es e Queen:-- m. 8. pie l t ats assemble,to Queen ... ... 7 30 Trafalgar.,, M. 8. ... 16 15 Superb ... ... 10 30 Albion ... .. 15 0 Indefatigable ... 10 0 1 14 0 Bellerophon . ... Vengeance ... 15 30 I "'"'Atter the exercises the field-pieces Were landedabreast the ship, and sent, with their crews, for exercise to Flo rian. Boats proceeded outside the harbou r . In landing and also in re.embarking field pieces the Queen was first. • The Spiteful is to leave port in a few days for Naples. The Albion and Superb are to go out on a trial of sailing about Wednesday. It is said they will go as far as Gibraltar. The Terrible, it is reported, wil l, accompany them, to bring back the Admiral, w h o goes . with h them. The Ceylon, the old receiving sh ip , had her ballast out. She is found to be in a much . _ be tter state than was supposed, and probably will still b e retained as the receiving ship, while the Hercules may be ordered to England. The Medina is in dock. The Medusa will be docked. ,late 18tb, left Ensign the Hon. Mr. ,. . . Malta by the Merlin for Corfu. n _e proceeds Lo join the 7th. da Lieutenant Boyle, R.A., leaves to- y on leave. Captain Craigie, R.E., haa returned to the island on leave. All the packets due have arrived except the French 1 from Alexandria. ———-•- - •_ .7" ----.— - --. .77 night, and 071 T w h a u s r v s i d si a t y ed by a violent , but fears are greater T iE part t L o E f 3 .; , , e 'r sce ..,;z7tf i o v o ei !Ti , gale from the north-west, acc ompanied by occasional drifts of hail and sleet. We have not at pr . esent heard of any serious entertained that numerous casualties must have ensued from damage sustained by the vessels in the river, the violence of the wind on the Welsh and Cheshire coasts. There have been, of course, no sailing from the port during such a state of the weather. PROPOSED DOCKS• AT Miaow:) 1-1 41 ",,„ ...The estimated cost of construction and completion of the intended wet dpc h 441 d flitting b iu At ADM:Id UAYOU 3s 190,0904 G, CASTLE. FROM THE COURT NEWSMAN.) WINDSOR, FRIDAY. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. COU - 1 - 11` CiiiCU LAIL WINDSOR, FRIDAY. The following had the honour of dining. with her Ma li jesty last evening:—llis Excellency the Count and Countess Walewski, the Alarquis of Lansdowne, the Duke of Newcastle, the Count and Countess Lavradio, the Marquis and Marchioness of Westminster, the Mar quis and Marchioness of Clanricarde, the Earl Do la Warr, the Earl and Countess of Sefton, Lady Emily do Burgh, and Lady Octavia Grosvenor. Tee band of the Royal Horse Guards attended in the Castle during dinner, and played the following selec tion : Overturo, Wunderwasser" ••• ••• Flotow. Selection, " Maid of Honour" ... Waltz, " Propl. ate" Ettling. Falcal Tanz Meyorbeer. Quadrille., "Grenada" ... D'Albert. Afterwards, in the evening, her Majesty's private band was is attendance, and performed the— Overture, " Yelva" Reissiger. ItomaneA —Airs de Ballot, " L'Enfant Pro digue" ..• ••• ••• Auber. The Queen slalked in the lloine..parl: and Slopes this morning. The 'Prince of Wales, the Princoss Royal, an d y ounger members of the Royal Family, took their usual pony and walking exercise. His Royal Highness Prince Albert went out shooting this morning, accompanied by his Excellency the Count Walew6ki, the Duke of Newcastle, the Marquis of Clan ricarde, the Earl of Sefton, and Earl Do la Warr, and at tended by Colonel F. H. Seymour. The Hen. Matilda Paget and the Hon. Mary F. Sy r2.our have relieved the lion. Beatrice Byng and Hon. Elsanor Stanley, as Maids of Honour in Waiting to her Majesty. A deputation of merchants of Liverpool, consist ing of the Mayor of Liverpool, Mr. Hugh Hornby, deputy chairman of the Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Charles Turner, chairman of the Dock Com mittee; Mr. Francis Shand, chairman of the West India Association; Mr. Rankin, chairman of the Shipowners' Association ; Mr. John Aiken and Mr. Bondi, accompanied by Mr. Cardwell, the Member for Liverpool, had an interview yesterday with Lord John Russell, at his official residence in Downing street, upon the subject of the present Custom-house system. The Rev. Dr. Seaman and Mr. John Benwell Seamar had an interview with the Right lion. Sir George Grey yesterday, at the Ilome-office. The Marquis d'Azeglio, the Sardinian Minister, had an interview with Lord John Russell yesterday. The Finance Committee of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 had a meeting yesterday at the Board of Trade. A deputation from the parishes of Poplar, Saint Anne, Limehouse, and the hamlet of Mile-end Old Town, oa the subject of the intended roads to Victoria Park from Bethnal-green and Cambridge-heath, had an interview with Lord Seymour yesterday at the Office of Public Works and Buildings. The deputation consisted of Edward Stock, Esq., local: magistrate, Poplar; Mr. Samuel Tirmen and Mr. James Bowley, churchwardens; Mr. Edward Coleman, trustee, Poplar; Mr. C. C. Coely, vestry-clerk, Poplar; William Henry Hawkins, Esq., and John George Hammack, Esq., magistrates, Mite-end Old Town; Mr. Snow, Mr. Philpot, Mr. Sadgrove, town-clerk; Thomas Henry muck, Esq., local magis trate; Mr. Frederick Young, trustee of Limehouse; Mr. William Nathan and Mr. James Barclay, churchwardens; and Mr. A. Norton, vestry-clerk of Limehouse. Mr. Miller, Commissary-General, had an interview with Earl Grey yesterday, at the Colonial-office. Mr. A. Baillie had also an interview with the Noble Earl. Dispatches were received at the Colonial-office yester day from the Governors of the West India Islands. Dispatches were sent off yesterday to the Governors of the North American Provinces. DRAMATIC PEI?FOI?MAIVCE AT WINDSOR A dramatic performance took place at the Castle this evening. A temporary stage had been erected for the occasion at one end of the Rubens Room, and at the opposite extremity of the apartment was placed a haunt pas supporting seats for her Majesty and Prince Albert and tneir illustrious visitors. The piece selected was Shakspere's comedy of Twefth Night, and the parts were tilled according to the following programme:— Orsino (Duke of Illyria...) Sebastian (a young gentleman, brother to Viola) .. Antonio (a sea captain, friend to Sebas tian) Roberto (a sea captain, friend to Viola) Mr. F. Cooke. Valentine ) (gentlemen attending on the f Mr. G. Everett. Curio f Duke) t Mr. Stacey. Sir Toby Belch (uncle to Olivia) Sir Andrew Aguecheek . Mr. Keeley. Malvolio (steward to Olivia). Mr. Meadows. Fabian Mr.p antes Vining. 3 (servants to Olivia) ... Clown***** *" Mr. Harley. Friar First Officer Second Officer Olivia (a rich countess) . Viola (in love with the Duke) Maria (Olivia's woman )..... Olivia's Pages—Miss J. Level, Miss Pevensey, Miss Hast ings, and Miss Hendrick. Scene—A City in Illyria and the Seacoast near it. Director Assistant Director Prompter The theatre was arranged and the scenery painted by Mr. Thomas Grieve. At eight o'clock her Majesty tho Queen and his Royal Highness Prince Albert entered the Rubens Room, accompanied by the elder royal children and his Excellency the Count and the Countess Walewski, his Excellency the Count and the Countess Lavradio, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Duke of Newcastle, the Marquis and Marchioness of Westminster and Lady Octavia Grosvenor, the Marquis and Marchioness of Clanricarde and Lady Emily De Burgh, the Earl De la Warr, and the Earl and Countess of Sefton—and the Ladies and Gentlemen in attendance. The performance immediately commenced. Her Ma jesty's private band was in attendance in an ante-room. Refreshmants were served to the assembled company during the evening in one of the royal saloons. The following had the honour of receiving invitations for the ovening:—.2 The Countess of Mansfield and two Ladies Murray, the Dowager Viscountess Ashbrook, the Lady Emily Seymour, the Lady Caroline and Miss Barrington, the Lady Mary Berkeley, Colonel lion. C. B. Phipps, Colo nel lion. Charles and Mrs. Grey, Sir Charles and Lady Couper, Miss Couper, Mr. Couper, Sir William and lion. Lady Middleton, the Right Hon. Henry Labouchere, Major-General Reid, Colonel Bouverie (commanding officer, Royal Horse Guards), and Mrs. Bouverie, Hon. J. B. Dormer, Mr. Billington, Colonel Craufurd (com manding officer, 2d battalion Grenadier Guards), Lieu tenant-Colonel Lewis, Captain R ona , t h e Rev. the Provost of Eton and Hon. Mrs. Hodgson, the Rev. Frederick and Hon. Mrs. Anson, Mrs. Crutchley, Mr. and Mrs. Cox, Miss Cox, Mr. H. Cox, and Mr. and Miss Greville. THE PRESENTATION OF THE REV. MR. BENNETT TO THE LIVING OF FROZE, SOMERSETSHIRE, BY THE MARCHIONESS OF BATH. Sin,—ln your recent comments on the presentation of the living ot Frome, it is stated that " the living is in the gift of the Marquis of Bath, who will be of age this year. His mother, as his guardian, exercises thus a few months before he has the power of doing so a right adverse, it is said, to her son's views of the doc trines of Mr. Bennett."—( The Sun, Jan. 7, 1852.) Perhaps, Sir, you will allow me to observe that, if the circumstances above stated be facts, the appointment made by the Marchioness of Bath as a guardian is not correct, because, although the Marquis of Bath is a minor, yet he is not only capable of presenting, but he is the only party legally entitled to present to the living. The text authorities and decisions on the subject clearly show that an infant may present to a church, and this must be done by himself, and cannot be done by his guardian.—(Co. Litt. 17 b. 29 Edw. 111., c. 5, .and 3 Inst. 156.) Also, a guardian cannot present to a vacant living in right ot the infant heir (" though it is sometimes prac tised," as the commentators observe), therefore the heir shall present, of whatever age.— (l inst. 89 a., and Shapland v. Ry oh, Cro. Jac. 98.) I may also observe, that the law on this subject was, to the full extent of Lord Coke's opinion, decisively settled by Lord Chan cellor King, in the case of " Hearle v. Green."—(3 Atkyns' Chancery Reports, p. 710.) I am, Sir, &c., THE AUTHOR OF " THE STATUS OF THE JEWS IN ENGLAND." SARAH ANN HILLS.—The Home Secretary has granted a respite of the execution of this unfortunate woman. now under sentence of death in York Castle for the murder of her illegitimate child, for a week. Mr. Milner, M.P. for York, and Mr. Alderman Leeman, had an interview late yes terday afternoon at the Home-office, and the respite was dispatched to York by a special messenger last night. PROSFECTS OF THE ENGINEERING TBADE.--It has been publicly announced that the operatives intend star c losingting a shop of their own, in the event of the employers their works ; and of course, if the men or their advisers have discovered any improved method of conducting an engineer ing business, so as to make a greater profit thtua previous capitalists have done, the public cannot but be benefited by the competition. One thing, at all events, is c, that there is no lack of concerns in the market for them to choose from. Of these, there are six in Londonaacn,dtthheemvaicoinriitty alone, besides others at Liverp ool, Bristol, j y of them old established concerns; which would absorb sums varying from 10,0001. to 50,000/. each, to put them in work ing condition. The reason for this is a very simple one— fromLoLndoonn- wages on the Clyde are about 25 per cent. lower than in trade away London, and there is no concealing the fact that the Scotch engineers are gradually drawing the Lon don, and the ultimate effect will be that the large houses will have to open country establishments or give up business altogether. 11Iessrs. Boulton and Watt ' have always - had their works at Birmingham, and their office In London, and Messrs. Miller and Itavenhill have recently opene d a The London shin-building esta blishment on the Tyne. trade will thus' be confined to repairs, which can only be done conveniently on the spot where they are required, and the great bulk c f the workmen will ha ve the option of " three courses __either to work in the country at country only hope wages, to change their trade, or to emi g r ate. they may reflect before it is too late, —The Artizan. We understand that the Marquis of Normanby, the British Ambassador at Paris, has been ii ordered to leave th a t c apital for L ondon—w e suppose w Lordship's be in g p resent at th e Privy Council unc t i h l e t v o ie b w e h o e f ld h a i t s Windsor to-day. Whether this has reference to the Minis terial arrangements now in progrelS re are amble to state.— , 1 Atorning raper. 4 t N.* 10, 1852. COMMISSION OF LUNACY, On Thursday the inquiry into the state of the mind of Mrs. Catherine Cumming, was resumed at the Eyre Arms, St. John's-wood, before Mr. Francis Barlow, and a jury of nineteen gentlemen. Sir F. Thesiger, Q.C., and Mr. Petersdortf, appeared for the promoters; Mr. Ince and Mr. Hooper (the sons-in-law of the alleged lunatic), and their wives. The petition was opposed by Mr. Edwin James, Q.C., Sergeant Wilkins, and Mr. Southgate. The examination of witnesses on behalf of promoters was resumed. George Vernon Driver, a surgeon, had been from 1840 to 1847 in the establishment of Mr. Ince. Was on inti mate terms with Mrs. Cumming and her family. Mrs. Cumming was then living at Maida-vale. Had visited her two or three times in company with Mrs. Ince. Mrs. Ince's conduct to her was that of a dutiful daughter. At an evening party, at Maida-vale, witness heard Mrs. Cumming speak disrespectfully of the old captain. Cap tain Cumming overheard her, and some excitement en sued which caused the party to break up econer than it would otherwise have done. That, however. made no difference in her conduct to her daughter. Afterwarde, when Mr. Ince was living in 13elgrave-place, and : wli( n Mrs. Ince was dangerously ill, Mrs, Cumming came into the house and ran up to her room without being asked. That male Mrs. Ince a great deal worse. •After then her conduct to her daughter became lees affectionate, and at length an estrangement took place between her and her family. Her conduct tenverd I her husband was very improper. The house was filthy in the extreme, go much so as to be prejudicial to health. Mrs. Cum miilgwa was on good ter m s w i t h Mrs. Hooper and her children, but afterwards she became estranged from them. Crose-examined by Sergeant Wee ram—Some of Captain Cumming'e nurses were recommended by Mr. Inca, who attend e d hi m as surgeon. Thomas Ince, cousin to Mr. John Ince, the son-in law of Mrs. Cumming, had known her intimately fur three or four years, about the time her daughter was married. That was sixteen or seventeen years ago. When first witness knew her she was a person of lady like manners and appearance. She then appeared to behave exceedingly well towards her daughters and husband. About the time Mrs. Ince was married, Mrs. Cumming said she had been the best of daughters, and would be a great loss to her, but she hoped it would be for her own good. After the marriage of Mrs. Hooper, there was some estrangement between her and her mother. Mrs. Ince had exhibited great regret and sorrow at the estrangement which had taken place be tween them. Had intimately known Mrs. Ince 16 or 17 years, and had never known her behave unkindly to her mother. Had never known Mr. Inca guilty of any unkindness to Mrs. Cumming. Cross-examined by Mr. Jamas—Was aware that Ince and Hooper had taken out a commission of lunacy against Mrs. Cumming. Was not aware that they had commenced a Chancery suit against her, or charged her with perjury. G. Dangerfield, a solicitor, was applied to by Mrs. Cumming to manage her affairs. A Mr. Hawkins had been her solicitor previously, but she intimated that there was a want of confidence in her towards him. Witness recommended to her Messrs. Birch and Davies, of Newport, to manage her Monmouth property. Had seen nothing of her since October, 1844. In December, 1844, witness received a letter from her, in consequence of which he called upon her. She refused to see wit ness. Had paid over to her or on her account all the money witness had received, and had a claim against her for costs. Had certainly never robbed her of 3001,, or of any plate. Found that she always objected to every body she employed. See always spoke slightingly of her daughters and their husbands, and particularly wished that her address should not be given them. She seemed to consider Mr. Hooper was inferior to her daughter, but she made no intelligible charge against Mr. and Mrs. Ince. In 1844 witness compromised an action for her with Mr. Williams for misusing the fur niture in a house she had occupied in Maida-vale. It was a nicely furnished house, at a rent of 2001, a year. It was alleged that she bad had the washing done in the drawing-room, and the ironing on the 100 table; and that the pigeons had dirtied the furnitnre. She denied the truth of these allegations, but afterwards consented to compromise the action for 121. 2s. A much larger claim had been made. She said she would not sleep on the bed in that house because the landlord had weighed the feathers, but she would sleep in her own bed. Witness was the solicitor to the com mission of 1846. Captain Cumming was alive when the proceedings in lunacy were commenced. They were taken with his concurrence. Tho commission was not actually issued until after his death, but the order for her confinement in York House was signed by the Cap tain. After the commission had sat some days, an ar rangement was come to by the counsel on both sides. Supposing that arrangement had been carried out, her property would probably have been protected. On that occasion Mr. James was is support of the petition, and Mr. Petersdorff against it.—(Laughter.) Cross-examined by Mr. JAMES—Mrs. Cumming was rather litigious, and was a good client to some persons, but not to witness.—(Laughter.) Did not know that ho ever delivered her a written account except on one cc casioa. Her rental was about 400/., per annum. Had given her verbal accounts from time to time. She now owed witness from 50/. to 100/. Did not know whether it was usual in furnished houses to wt igh the feathers in order to guard against fraud. Thought what Mrs. Cum ming did was a simple piece of absurdity. Would not go so far as to say is was a delusion. Messrs. Ince and Hooper applied to witness about the commission early in 1846, while Mrs. Cumming was confined in York house Asylum. Witness went twith Ince. and Hooper and searched the house, but witness had no recollection of taking any property away. Captain Cumming had died before then. Winifred Todd had been in Mrs. Cumming's service as cook. She then lived at Gothic Villa, Queen's-road, St. John's Wood, where she still resided. Mrs. Cum ruing used to borrow money of witness. The greatest sum was 30s. She used to ccmplain that she was robbed. The house was in a very destitute state, but Mr. Haynes told witness, when she mentioned it to him, that when Mrs. Cumming came into it, it was completely furnished. Mrs. Cumming was in the habit of giving orders and countermanding them. Had known her to go a whole day without giving any orders whatever, or taking any thing except a little brandy or wine and water. On one occasion she ordered dinner at six o'clock in the evening, but she did not come home till one in the morning, and then she ordered it up. Their dinners were generally cooked in her bedroom. Sometimes she would order a slice of salmon, and then she would fancy a chop, and then a stewed eel, all at the same meal. She kept four cats and a kitten in her room, which was very disagreeable in consequence. She once told witness that she was seized with a fit, and that i whilst in that state Mrs. Haynes attempted to take the rings off her fingers; but she said, " For God's sake, don't rob me before I am dead." Each cat had a separate, plate placed for it, and meat and soup at the same time. Napkins were also placed for them. When they had milk they had it out of china cups. She was attended by Dr. Caldwell, who used to see her every Wednesday. One Sunday witness asked he what they were to have for the kitchen dinner. Mrs. Cumming replied that they might have a leg of mutton there was in the house. She then sent for it, and told witness to cut it in Three. Witness, not exactly understanding her, she took the knife from her threw it violent down, and began to curse and swear; then said that she had no dinner herself; and her servants might also go without. She once said that a servant named Clarke had attempted to poison her. Witness left be cause her health was beginning to fail. She was some times required to stand as much as eight hours together by her mistress's bedside. Cross-examined by Sergeant WlLienes—Mrs. Cum ming rose at different times of the day. Sometimes not till five in the evening. Her dirty habits might some times have been involuntary. She would sometimes ex press sorrow when she saw it made witness ill. The house was once broken into, and the kitchen n earl y stripped. much A letter from Dr. Caldwell was read by the Commis sioner, stating that Mrs. Cumming had been too " Good exhausted by her attendance yesterday to be able to bo present to-day. Mary Rainey had lived upwards of tw o months in the service eccen tricities. of Mrs. Cumming, and deposed to various w tricities. On the Ist of February last , after a visit f rom God!Mrs.what a tHutchinson, have IM doners. Cummin g bow; said to That pumpkin,itness, tire. H u tchinson, has been here, and persuaded me to s en d her son down to Wales to collect my rents." Wit ness went down stairs, and her mistress locked and bolted her door. She then began to scream out " Murder!" and three policemen came. Having with some difficulty effected an entry into her room, one of them said he had come to protect her, She replied with an oath, ,you person from the madhouse Come After this she was quiet. She had been talking the ious day about destroyin g herself. She prev • had then five cats, and would have had six, but she said that Mr. Jon es had strangled one of the kittens. The room w so filthy a nd had so affected witness's health that she as should feel it to the day of her death. The cats had a medical at tendant named "Dr. L (7, ( ou laughter.) Mrs. Cummings used to say that Mrs. Hutchinson came to hear all she could, and convey it to Mr. Robert Haynes, and witness thought so too.—(A laugh.) When Mrs. Cumming spoke of a will, Mrs. H. said her husband would make one for her, she h . d done afor another person, q u it e as well asa • a solicitor, and would save her six or seven pounds. Mrs. Cumming told wit ' nets that Mr. Robert Haynes had made a will, which he wanted to persuadefher was hers, but it was not so. She said that Mr. Robert Haynes had willed over all her property to himself and other persons of whom she knew nothing. She stated that Mr. Robert Haynes had sent her two dozen and a half of wino, but that it was like bog-water, and that it contained poison, so she sent it back. She was of opinion that all her servants were connected with Mr. Robert Haynes, and that ho was robbing her. She would not allow her food to be cooked down stairs for fear of poison. One day her favourite cat, which was named " kit," escaped into the garden. She offered witness a sovereign if she would catch it. Afterwards she offered her five. Wit ness was in and out after the cat all night, and at last suc ceeded in catching it. Mrs. Cumming was so delighted that she cried, and kissed witness's band twice.—( laugh.) She afterwards gave her five farthing.— (Laughter.) Cress-examined by Mr. E. JAMES —Had introduced a person named Vickie into the house: her duty was to read to Mrs. Cumming, and to wait upon the cats. — (Laughter.) Witness had sworn in her affidavit to the Court of Coancery that she (witness) was " an extremely mild person, and not of a quarrelsome temper."— (Laughter.) Mrs. Cumming did not charge her with ill-using her on the let February in the coachman's pre , e we. If the coachman said so he ought to be executed. ..- ( L au ghter.) Did t e ll h er t h at s h e ( w itness) could f eas ily secure her. Th a t was a ft er th e police had e Mrs. Cumming wanted to go o u t of the room and wit ness told her that if she did not keep quiet she wou . SQQII settle her. Witness did not know who !!Dr.W4ll-1 was :ornE.:bo2y in thy; neighbourhood. They would find him fn the Court Guide." John Richard!, a policeman, confirmed a portion of the last witness's statement. The proceedings were then adjourned. The inquiry was resumed yesterday, and again ad journed. THE MINISTRY. (From the Times.) Upon the occurrence of the late change in one im portant department of the Government, it obviously became the duty and the interest of Lord John Russell to endeavour, if possible, to strengthen his Administra tion by the infusion of new elements to replace those which he had lost, or those which are likely to fail him. Hence a variety of rumours have been thrown into cir culation for the lust fortnight on the probable tchanges to be effected in the Government before the meeting of Parliament; and some of our contemporaries have de signatai the very persons and offices thus conjecturally disposed of. We entertain no doubt that some such at tempt has been indirectly made by the First Minister, and certain not very definite proposals have been ad dressrd to the surviving members of that party which Lord J. Russell has sought on two former occasions to unite with himself in power. But, whatever may have been t he pre eise extent of this negotiation, we also believe that it i ii t t h t p o s c = r t g en abandon e d, p ro b a bl y because h met ementorassent from the statesmen to w hem these communications were made. It may here after be a matter for consideration whether the cause of this repugnance to share the responsibilities of Lord John Russell':; Cabinet arose from the inadequate nature of this particuhr proposal at the present time, or whe ther any more patmanent and insurmountable impedi ment to such en union subsists. But at present we merely state the fact, as we believe it to he that the at tempt to effect a partial improvement in the ' Ministry, by the substitution of three or four new members for others of the present Cabinet, Rho would retire, has not led to any result. It scorns, therefore, to be the determination of Lord John Russell and his colleagues to meet Parliament on the 2d of February, if that ce the day announced to us by the proclamation of this evening, without any mate rial alteration in the composition of the Ministry ; a l. though we suppose that neither the present Ministers nor any of their adherents can look with much confidence ou the issue of such an undertaking. If the Government was weak last session, it is weaker now. If its authority over the Ministerial party was small and intermittent, that authority is now likely to be assailed and divided by the hostility of a former colleague and ally. If Lord John Russell floated onwards last year, when no great or decisive dis play of power and judgment was required of him, will it be the same when be has pledged himself to open the question of Parliamentary Reform at home, and when the most sudden and violent changes on the continent may be directed against our foreign interests, or even against the security of these islands? We have no dis position to underrate the public services which Lord John Russell may render to the country in this emer gency. On the contrary, he has recently shown a deter mination to make his authority more distinctly felt in the general policy of the Government; and perhaps no man is at this time equally qualified, both as a Minister and as a leader of the House of Commons, to maintain the principles of progressive improvement Ilithia the legitimate sphere of the Constitution. But, in the position in which he stands, and the country stands with him, we look with anxiety to the prompti tude of his measures and the extent of his resolution. Time, which it is often the object of statesmen to gain, is now working against him; and it remains to be seen whether that can be accomplished hereafter, under the pressure of necessity, and after fresh defeats, which might possibly be done at once by a vigorous and spon taneous effort. os ef The vsalutar yea, to gii countryvmept importance a y be d Government ce th is a p t disposed , d a y, credit s dai we nt nf for any n h a cu a elydl measures o o n our selves, h opening of Parliament. Bat be those measures what they may, it is a delusion to suppose that measures can impart strength to a Government which has lost the power to wield its weapons with efficiency. The Whig Budget of 1841 was a memorable example of that delu sion, which recoiled upon its authors. The doctrines of free trade, afterwards gradually and successfully applied by Lord Melbourne's illustrious avecessor,were powerless to prolong his own tenure of office; and the only effect of the premature discussion of a scheme which the Cabinet of that day could not carry was to render the ultimate tri umph of those measures more difficult, and their effect on parties more mischievous. No greater offence can be committed by a Minister than to let loose a force he cannot guide, or to open a question he cannot hope to terminate. It is for the Government to propose and carry its measures, not for the blind momentum of parti cular measures to support the Government; and, before Lord John Russell engages in new or arduous duties he will do well faithfully to estimate and ascertain the strength which he can bring to the discharge of them. To act without such knowledge and conviction is to set the tranquillity of the country and the duration of the Ministry upon the cast of a die. These and many other considerations arising out of this subject all point to the same conclusion. It seems vein to attempt, for it is already too late to effect, any partial ameliorations in the structure of the Govern ment. It is equally vain to expect that the present Administration should pass successfully through the ordeal of another session; yet, in the event of its defeat, we have an Opposition less than ever quali fied to take office, and Ministers more than ever disqua lified to return to it. Under such circumstances, the only course which seems to offer a solution of the diffi culty, and to provide, as is most necessary, for the dignity of the Crown, tho efficiency of the public ser vice, and the safety of the nation, is the entire recon struction of the Government upon a broad and liberal basis. It would be most desirable on all accounts to sweep away and efface the shortcomings, the infirmities, and the heart-harnings which necessarily accumulate upon a Government of six years' standing ; to make personal merit and actual services the only recognised claim for a prolongation or renewal of power ; and to include in this renovated Administration the most able and popular representatives of all shades of opinion, which concur in the leading principles of com mercial liberty and social reform. When Eng land feels the want of a strong Government, she does not appeal to the despotic authority of military l power, or thrust aside her constitution, or forswear her but she has a right to demand the sa crifice of per sonal differences, and the patriotic union of those who are not divided upon questions of vital import. We and whether he know not whether Lord John R ussell will rise to a true sense of the highest duties of his office, will choose the bold and manly course which might prove that the cou n t ry as k s with his salvation; but we are co nfident that p artial expe dients and narrow combinatio ns within the circle of his family connexions and his pe rsonal friends will no t suffice for t h a e m a crisis eo a e n su o mt wl w a b lb e ec f to o bt r ee e rri him,ea.Before it ca n b e affirmed i and ßritish statesman s h ip has dwindled that the elements of a powerful Government are not to be found and collected, we must be satisfied that they have been sought for far and wide, and that the head of the Government has displayed all the tact and firmness necessary to unite them. g c o The army will not be wanting if the Gen era l b e sw i ft and ut ready above a t 1 0 l act, siu e e t o t promote,be strength o fE direct,u tl English h m Gomv a e rn nd. B mea t s resides in their Parliament s , an d i n the last resort in the nation, it is of p aramount importance that the g eneral elect ion, whieh we aro rapidly approaching, should take place under an Admin . • istration that inspires c onfidence and hope. To fight the electoral battle under such circumstances as the present state of the Ministry is to fight it under the greatest disadvantages, and those disadvantages would be 'rather increased than diminish e d by the political passions con nected with a proposal for Parliamentary Reform. It may still be time to anticipate these evils. The next few weeks will d decide whether Lord John Russell is pre pared to avert them, to encounter h t em, or to sink under them; , and the course ho adopts in this interval will show whether he be indeed one of those men of mark who have gloriously governed the British empire, or a mere Parliamentary leader raised by accident to the highest office under the Crown. RAIL WAY INTELLIGENCE. RAILWAYS OPENED IN 1851. The following railways were opened in the y ear 1851 :—Buckinghamshire, May 20, from Islip to Oxford, 4 miles; Cork and Bandon, November, from Ballinhas. sig to Cork, 10 miles; Eastern Union, September (th o Trowse Extension to the Norfolk Railway), 16 miles; Exeter and Crediton, May, 5,;; miles; Great Northern, August 1 (Sheproth Extension), 5i miles; Gloucester and Dean Forest, September 19, from Gloucester to Grange Court, 12 miles; London, Brighton, and South Coast (joint line at Hastings), 21 miles; Middles borough and Redcar, July 6 (branch to E s t on ), 2 m il e s; Midland Great Western of Ireland, Au gus t 1, f ro m linger to Galway, 76 1 miles; Newmarket, October 6, from Newmarket to Cambridge, 10 miles; South- Eastern, from Ashford to Hastings, 27i miles, and from Tonbridge-wells to Robertsbridge, 15 miles (now to Battle) —together, 42f miles; South Wales, September 19, from Grange Court to Chepstow, IS miles; South Yorkshire, July 1, from Doncaster to Barnsley, 8 miles; Stirling and Dunfermline, June 3 (branches to Alloa Harbour and to Tillicoultry), 3 miles; Vale o f Neath, September 23, Neath to Aberdare, 19 miles; total, 2324 miles, of which 861 miles were Irish, 3 miles Scotch, anti 142; miles English railways. The French lines opened during the year 18 . 51 wer— The Paris and Strasbourg, May 27, from Vary te e : ar le-Duc, 19 miles; July, from Sarrebourg to Strftsbourg, 54 miles; and from ,ietz to St. Avoid, 35 miles —to gether, 108 miles; and the Tours and Nantes, July 1, from Tours to Poictiers, 63 miles; total, 171 miles. TE OXFORD, W ORCES R, AND lIAMPTON. WOLVEr i aigr e. Barnudn `-'1 titi,,oin for constructing this company • branches'sestimataterripton, the approach to Stour gsisi‘ in 16 10 ,0 1 0 (1. 0 a /. n , d an D d ;I T ! e e y e s x 6 pe o ri o s o e i , o b f ei t n h g e junction at Wolvercot, including land proposed br and contingencies, . . , the authorised line in lieu of Proposed deviations are made. The cost et iihich the the extension to Wolvercot. and new station at Oxford, t he branch . to join the Buckinghamshire Railway and ndeoveiaxteieosnssoinhe exyense. oi. including land and contingencies, is esti innea3tred°a; tie)Cir,d6oo/. CONSUMPTION OF TEA.—It appears from the official tables of the Board of Trade, issued yesterday by order of the House of C ommons, that there has been an in crease in the quantities of tea entered for home consumption. In the eleven months ended the sth December, 1849, the quantity was 46,077,6391b5. in 1850, 47,392,17 31 b5. ; and ; in 1851,49,764,1931b5. There has been a decrease in the quantities o f w i nes an d sp i rits entered for home consumpt i on ni tb throe years mentioned, I , i ' It it