The Sun. — London, England, 1848-01-03 00:00:00

OVER LAND MAIL INDIA. (From the Herald.) We have received by express from Marseilles our letters from India in anticipation of the Overland Mail of the Ist of December. The advices so re ceived are from Bombay to the Ist of December, Madras to the 20th of November, and Calcutta to the 19th of November. Our intelligence from India is varied, but by no means important. Lord Hardinge, as was noticed by the last mail, had reached Cawnpoor from Simla. The King of Onde had passed from the left bank of the Ganges to the British station, where he was received in state durbar by the Governor-General. His Ma jesty's camp was pitched on the opposite bank of the river, within the Oude territory. The camp is described as highly gorgeous in its appearance. Public entertainments have been given by the Go vernor- General in honour of his regal guest, and, Lord Hardinge was shortly to accompany the King to Lucknow, where great preparations had been made for the reception of the Governor-General. Nothing, it appears, had transpired of a political nature respect ing this intercourse, but which appeared to be marked by the highest cordiality and confidence on both sides. There is no doubt, however, that every effort will be made by Lord Hardinge to ameliorate the affairs of that oppressed and distracted state, and some good fruits may be hoped for, although only measures of counsel and friendly arrangement are employed. In the kingdom of Hyderabad affairs continued at the climax of confusion. The arrangements for pro curing money had totally failed, the Arab mercena ries plundered throughout the country, and the estrangement between the King and his Minister was greater than ever. The Nizam had quitted Hydera bad, and declared that he would not return to the capital until our Resident consented to the removal of. the Prime Minister, a step which would probably be conceded, but which is without promise towards any issue of affairs. There is nothing new from the Punjaub. From Rajpootana there is intelligence that Doon gur Singh has at last been secured. As our readers are aware, the hunt had been continued for many months with considerable detachments of troops in the field. The capture was effected by Lieutenant Hardcastle, who, with his party, thereby becomes entitled to the large rewards offered by the British and native Government for the apprehension of this noted robber. The intelligence from the Goomsoor Jungles is unsatisfactory. The insurgents, increasing in auda city by the leniency lately shown them, have congre gated to the number of several thousands to plander the districts defended by our posts. A force of three native regiments was about to be marched into Goomsoor, but the difficulties presented by the nature of the country render the success of any . offensi ve o p e rations there very doubtful. We call to memory, however, the more difficult achieve ments formerly of Colonel Outram in the Bheel Jungles, leading us to hope that some officer equally daring and able may be found to bring under this disturbed tract, the stronghold of the most inhuman Practices of paganism. The projected tour of inspection in Sinde by Mr. Clerk, the Governor of Bombay, had been deferred, arising, it was understood, from the fact that the document which annexed the province of Sinde to the Bombay Presidency, had not reached India. The Governor's tour is intended to embrace the whole of Sinde from Kurrachee to Khisarpore. The intelligence from China is of the most pacific character. Accounts are given of a much better state of feeling at Canton, the factory residents having in a number of instances perambulated the city, and even gone outside of the walls without molestation. Trade had also somewhat improved. Sir John Davis had left Hong-Kong in her Majesty's steamer Vulture, on a voyage to the coast of Cochin China, with a view of making arrangements, if possible, for the furtherance of commerce along that coast, more especially with Hue. The Go vernor was attended by Mr. Guttslaff, as inter preter. Admiral Inglefield had left the coast in the Vernon, intending to refit in India. The 18th awl 42d Native Infantry Regiments were on the point of embarkation for Hindostan. It appears that the approaching departure of these troops had removed suspicions previously entertained by the Chinese to the effect that we only waited for the cold weather and additional troops to make another attack upon Canton. Letters which have been received in India from Borneo announce that her Majesty's vessels on that station were looking forward to an attack in force on the pirates at Sooloo early in the next year. The town is believed to be well fortified, having before now beaten off two Spanish frigates. The Phlege thon had visited Sarawak, where all was going on well. Our commercial advises, alluding to the effect in India of the home failures, state that the conso quences were not likely to extend further than the failures which had already occurred in Calcutta. It is affirmed that in the other presidencies none of the houses are implicated, except as partial re mitters. (From the Bombay Times of Dec. 1.) SUMMARY. The outlaw Doonghur Singh has at last been cap tured. He was tracked to his lair by Lieuteaan Hardcastle, and his person seized. He endeavoured to commit suicide by stabbing himself in the belly when he found escape hopeless, but without success. The Governor-General was by latest accounts at Cawnpore, about to proceed to Lucknow : beyond the interviews between his Lordship and the King of Oade at the former place on the 10th and 11th of November, we know nothing of his pro ceedings. The Punjaub is perfectly peaceful, and we hear only of plots and disquietudes from the London Morning Chronice and the Mofussilite of Merut. The stetements of both seem equally apochryphal and are got up apparently as the foundation of the appropri ation system both equally advocate. Matters con tinue quiet in Sinde, the Commissioner proceeding with his task industriously and unobtrusively. lie has already sent in one very valuable report to Go vernment, recommending that the country be for a time ruled on the plan pursued by Mr. Elphinstone in the Deccan, which is pretty nearly as wide as pos sible of the politico-military system hitherto main tained. The Governor of Bombay proceeds to Kurrachee about a month hence, and will make a sojurn of some weeks on the Indus. The marauder Ragojee Bangria, who occasioned so much annoyance near Bombay three years since, has again got abroad ; this season his career is not likely to be an enduring► one. The news of the commercial crisis at home - took the Indian community at large by surprise. At Calcutta the mischief occasioned by it has been extensive—the houses of Cockerell and Co.; Lyall, Matheson, and Co.; Church, Lake, and Co.; and Shearman, Mullens, and Co., having im mediately announced themselves insolvent. At Bom bay only a single firm has gone down—the local branch of the house of Livingston and Co., of Liverpool. The Governor of Bombay has returned to the presi dency, and Sir W. Cotton is expected to arrive shortly. Slight disturbances have again broken out in Goomsoor. The_ Nizam continues absent from his capital, and his minister to be dunned by the credi tors of the state The wreck of the Indus is about to be abandoned ; her machinery and one of her boilers has been saved. General Leslie, of the Fourth King's Own, has resigned his command at Cannanore to proceed home with his corps. The cold weather has set in, and the country throughout is healthy and tranquil. MILITARY INTELLIGENCE. Casualties by death in the armies of India, reported since the departure of the mail of 15th November: — HER MAJESTY'S TROOPS.—Captain Bligh, 61st Regi ment, at Umioallah, on the 22d October.—Major H. Grimes, 98th Regiment, at Cawnpore, on the 29th October. Bomn.!Y.—Lieutenant T. A. Colyear, 3d Regiment, at Sukkur, on the 12th November.—Lieutenant and Adjutant E. Glennie, 25th Regiment, at Malligaum, on the 14th November. MADRAS.--Lieutenant-General Sir John Doveton, u . " 8., 4th Cavalry, at the Presidency, on the 7th No vember.._Lieutenant F. Edwardes, 30th Regiment, Ad jutant of the 2d Regiment, Frontier Brigade, at Kangra, on the 20th October.—Lieutenant G. Gladstone, 30th Regiment, at Vizianagrum, on the 4th November. BENGAL.—Enaigu C. Aiken, 9th Regiment, at Be nares on the Ist Nov.—Captain C. J. IL Perrcau, 58th Regt., on board a boat near Nuddea, on the Ganges, on the 10th Nov.—Colonel J. Frushard, Ist European Fusi liers, at Umballah, on the 11th Nov.—First Lieutenant J. F. Gilmore, Artillery, at Jhansee, on the Bth Nov.— Lieutenant and Adjutant E. Boileau, 35th Regiment, at Jehanaltd, en route to Bewares, on the Bth TTIE SUN, LONDON, COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE BOMBAY MARKETS, FROM THE 15TH TO THE 30TII of NOVEMBER INCLUSIVE. TIiESDAY AFTERNOON, FIVE O'CLOCK, Nov. 30. Since our report per last mail, our market for im ports generally has been very steady, while that for exports has been quiet, pending the arrival of the overland mail from London of the 25th of October. This reached us only yesterday, and the accounts brought by it have .realised the worst apprehensions that were created by the intelligence received by the two preceding mails. A confident hope is, how ever indulged in that the ensuing one will be the messenger of more welcome tidings, i❑ consequence of the measure that was resolved upon being adopted by the Bank of England, at the recommendation of Government, for alleviating the commercial distress of the country, and restoring confidence, by discounts and advances upon approved securities. Bombay has escaped in a most wonderful manner the conseauences of the fearful crisis at home, for, with the exception of one firm, which has been under the necessity of suspending its payments. we do not hear that our mercantile community have suffered. losses to any serious extent. Our market fur imports is not likely to be much, if at all, prejudicially affected by the intelligence received, as most descriptions of British manufactured stocks are now low, and, as far as we ca❑ ascertain, in the hands of parties not disposed to realise hastily, except at paying prices. On the other hand, the effect of the home accounts upon our export market, and upon freights, must be of a very depressing nature, but it is yet too soon for its development. The exchange upon London has experienced a decline, ap proved bills having become muck dearer since the arrival of the mail yesterday. Cotton Piece Goods—The demand has been steady, but scarcely so general or brisk as in the first week after the Dewallee. Holders, however, have shown great firmness, and the sales made have been at full, and for some kinds of grey goods slightly improved, prices : the inquiry has continued to run upon 40-inch shirting of low quality, Madapollam, low to middling, and jaeconet, all in the grey, and for the two first named a further sdvance has been established—say, for shirting two annas, and for Madapollam one to two annas per piece, the same being scarce. Coarse heavy domestic 40-inch is still wanted by the Arabs, but 36-inch width does not participate in the demand, nor do the finer makes, owing to the continued absence of the Persian dealers from the market. Longcloth for dying is also inquired for, and prices are well supported. In bleached goods there is a good inquiry for low shirting and Madapor lam, but without improvement in prices, and the offers being low and unremunerative, holders are very tena cious of selling, so that sales of these are limited, as in deed they are of all kinds of bleached goods from the same cause. For low to middling Jacconet there is a fair demand. but at low prices. All descriptions of fancy goods are as before reported. Dyed twill cloth in Turkey red of all widths is much wanted, and would command higher prices. Plain cloth is without change, the range of prices for current qualities of 23 124 inch 28 yards, being 8i rs. to 84 rs. per piece. Prints of all kinds are very dull, and difficult of sale. Cotton Yarn—The large sales made on the eve of the last mail's departure has given a quiet tone to the market since, and the transactions reported for the present one are limited, but at prices similar to last quotations. Dyed—Orange is again inquired for, and some of good quality is reported as sold at from annas 11i to 12 per lb., for an average of 405., say 100 hales containing 40,000 lbs. at the former, and 12 bales containing 2,200 lbs. at the latter price. Turkey red of the hest quality, in 12i1b. bundles, has also been sold to the ex tent of 55 hales, at 1 r. 9 as. per lb. ; but inferior con tinue unusually depressed. Woollens—Since last mail there has been no transac tions, but in the early part of the month a somewhat large sale of cloth was effected, say 250 pieces scarlet, at I r. per yard ; 250 pieces ditto at i r. per yard ; 300 pieces ditto at r. per yard, which prices are rather under previous ones for smiliar qualities. Metals—There has been a demand for Swedish bar iron, and sales to the extent of 2,000 candies have been effected at 49 rs. per candy. British is dull and not in quired for at present. Nail rod, both round and square, is steady, but only a sale of 150 candies of the former re ported at 46 rs. per candy. Of sheet, 600 bundles have been sold at rs. 3 as. per cwt —this description is rather dull just now. Hoop is steady, as are also nails, but in neither have we heard of any transactions. Swedish steel is very dull, and has further receded in value, 900 cwt. tub with 100 cwt. Faggot having been sold at 8 rs. 13 as. per cwt. Spelter has been sold to the extent of 2,500 cwt. at rs. 121, and 250 at rupees 12 rs. 5 as. per cwt. There is some disposition on the part of dealers to ship this article to Calcutta, where the price is much in advance of our quotations. Lead in de mand, but no sales. Copper—Nothing has been done in it, and the market looks somewhat dull for it just now. _ . Cochineal— There is none in first hands, and the price is nominally, 41 rs. per lb. Further sales to arrive have been effected at 4i rs. at 3-16ths per lb. deliverable in two months. Saffron continues saleable at 13 rs. per lb.. at which 2001bs. are reported sold. Spirits—The inquiry for brandy is still limited, and the sales made show a further decline in price. Beer—The stocks of all kinds in importers hands are exhausted, and until the new makes its appear • ante in April next, no further supplies can be looked for. Marine Stores—We have heard of no doings under this head, but prices may be considered as quoted. Sundries—Red Lead has been sold to the extent of 300 cwt. at rupees 13i, and 200 at rupees per cwt., at which the market is steady. Of Lametta, 25,000 corges have been parted with in one sale at 2 rs. 9 as. per corge, for silver and gold, which price is a slight im provement upon the last sale. EXPORTS. Cotton Wool The market has been very dull throughout the fortnight, with gradually declining prices; and the accounts to hand yesterday, by the Overland Mail, cannot fail to accelerate their downward course. To-day prices are nominally as quoted, but there is nothing doing. A few days previous to the mail's arrival a purchase of about 6,000 bales was re ported, say 3,000 Omrawutty at rs. 90 per candy, 2,500 Compta at rs. 85 to 86. With another of 1,700 bales Broach at rs. 90 per candy. And which, with a few trifling lots of various descriptions, comprise the transactions since our last. The stock is now fast ac cumulating. Opium—The last accounts from China have kept the market depressed, and we quote the value of the drug nominally, at from, rs. 800 to rs. 950 per chest, according to quality. None of the new crop has yet appeared. Sheep's Wool—Khorassan arrives very slowly ; as does also Mekran, the quality of which is very much mixed, and is selling at from rs. 70 to 90 per candy. What there is of Persian at market is also very inferior, and we have not heard of any sales in it. Tonnage—Although the small quantity of shipping that was in port at the date of our last has not been in creased by a single arrival, the rate of freight to Great Britain has continued to decline. Shortly after the departure of the last mail an engagement for 1,000 bales sheep's wool to Liverpool was made at 51. per ton, and within the last few days 41. 10s. has been accepted for a few hundred bales of cotton. For London there is no vessel on the berth. We quote the rate to-day to Great Britain nominally at 41. ss. per ton. To China present quotation is 171 rs. per candy. The attempt to introduce the system of freight per measure niit, as noticed in our last, has been unsuccessful, the native merchants being generally averse to it. Exchanges—On the arrival of the mail from China with a good supply of bills, large transactions were done at Is, Ild. for Bank, and is. 1 lid. for Baring's paper, six months' sight ; but since the arrival of the mail from England the rate has considerably receded, with an in- creased demand for bank bills, owing to the increased want of confidence in mercantile paper, and to-day the rates cannot be quoted over ls. 10d. to ls. 101 , 1. for the former, at six months' sight, and Is. 9}d. to Is. 91d. at three months' sight—whilst Baring's bias are obtainable with first rate local endorsements at Is. lOid. to Is. I Id. six months' sight, at which a large amount has been ne gotiated. Bombay Times office, Tuesday, Nov. 30. Freighta,—To London and Liverpool, per ton, 41. ss. nominal; to Clyde, —; to China, per candy, rs. 17k. Exchanges—London, at 6 months' sight, is 10d to Is 11d., at 3 months' sight, ls. 91d. per rupee. China, at 60 days' sight, 212 rs. Madras, at 30 days' sight, 98 rs. per 100 Spanish dollars. Calcutta, at 60 days' sight, 9S rs.; 30 days' sight, 99i rs. per 100 rs. Cal cutta, at sight, par. Prices of Bullion—Sovereigns, each, 11 rs. anna; dragons, each, 11 rs. 2 annas; Bank of England notes, per £, 10 rs. 14 annas; Spanish dollars, per 100, 222} rs.; German crowns, per 100, 216 rs.; Syce silver, per 100 tolas, 1031 rs. to 104 ri.; geld leaf, per tola (range of quality), 161 to 17+. Bank Shares—Bombay Bank Rs. 36 per cent. prem.; Oriental Bank, Rs. 1,000 each (500 paid up) Rs. 20 ditto; Commercial Bank Rs. 5k ditto; Agra Bank (Rs. 500) Rs. 30 ditto; Bank of Madras (Rs. 1,000) R. 15 ditto. Government Securities Five per Cent. Transfer Loan, 100 rs. per Sicca nl. ; Fire per Cent. Loan 1825 • 26, 121 rs. per 100 Sicca; Five per Cent. Loan 1829-30, 103 rs. per 100 Sicca; Four per Cent. Loan 1832 33, 89 rs. per 100 Sicca; Four per Cent. Loan 1835-36, 66 rs. per 100 Co.'s; Five per Cent. Loan 1841-42, 991 S. per 100 Co.'s; Four per Cent. Loan 1842.43, 861 rs. per 100 Co.'s. passing events, can regain its usual calmness, so as to admit of business proceeding with customary regularity and in the usual channels, and the immediate effect of the precnt unfortunate state of affairs will doubtless be a severe tightness of money and a general fall in prices. The Import Market has been less brisk than its active opening after the holidays promised. This lessened animation may perhaps be attributed partly to the occasional holidays which have interrupted business, and partly to the disorganised state of credit and want of confidence which has prevailed. Towards the end of the past week, however, a good deal of business was done in cotton goods and mule twist, generally at previous, but in some instances, at slightly advanced rates. Metals have maintained their position. In our Money Market there is but little change to notice ; accommodation has been readily available on undoubted security, and in the Bazaar advances could be procured on Government securities at 6i to 7 per cent. The news by the mail will have a very unfavourable influence in the Money Market, which for some time may be expected to continue tight and unsettled, there being a considerable amount of acceptances now consi dered bad or doubtful, floating in the Bazaar. A further decline of 8 annas per cent. has taken place on 2d 5 per cent., 3d 5 per cent.. and on Company's and sicca rupees 4 per cent. The Bengal Coal Company have announced a profit at the rate of 17 per cent. per annum, one half of which is to be divided, and the remaining moiety retained by the directors as a working fund, an equiva lent for which will be given in newly created shares. A dividend at the rate of 12 per cent. per annum for the past half-year is now in course of payment by the North-Western Bank. For the current half-year 16 per cent. is expected, 5 of which will be carried to the re serve fund, in conformity with the resolutions passed some time ago, and under the operations of which the reserve fund, already existing and invested in Govern ment stock, amounts to nearly 8 per cent. on the paid-up capital of 40 lace. The Bank of Bengal's profits for the past four months are equal to rs. 10-11.31 per cent. per annum on stock. Exchange has been in a most anomalous state, and we can quote no ruling rates. Uncovered mercantile paper is quite neglected,:and bills of the Agra, Oriental, and North-Western Banks are much sought after. Transactions have taken place in this kind of paper at 1-15 to 1-10 k for six months' sight. Bills covered by shipping documents are inquired for, and at six months' sight would command 1-11 to 1-11 k. Freights have been firm, and tonnage has been in good demand; a slight fall took place after the arrival of the last mail, but afterwards rates regained their for mer level, and have continued firm at our quotations. Indigo—The new indigo has begun to arrive. There is!nothing to add to our previous reports as to the ex tent of the general crop, which we are still inclined to think will be rather under than over 113,000 reds. We have to report a sale by private contract of 100 chests Boogie W.W., at rs. 125 per md. It is understood that this sale was made in connexion with a bill transaction, which may perhaps have had some influence in fixing the price. A public sale of 26C chests was announced to take place yesterday. The news by the mail, how • ever, induced the proprietors to withdraw them ; 2OO chests of this parcel were from the new crop, and con sisted of Kishnagur K.D. The quality of this parcel is so far promising, that it possesses a mellow paste, but is wanting in brightness and richness of colour. The re maining 60 chests were from last year's crop. Exports from Ist instant up to date: — Chests. Fy. Aids. To Great Britain ... France ... North America ... Foreign Europe ... Red Sea, Bombay, and China ••• 12 Total Sugar—Transactions in this staple have been compa ratively of small amount. Prices have given way to the extent of 4to 6 annas per maund. The market is bar© of fine qualities, and the stocks of inferior sorts are in creasing by the accession of fresh arrivals. Exports from Ist instant up to date: — To Great Britain ... ... 107,730 mds. Saltpetre—The stock of this article in the bazaar is estimated, at present, at about 20,000 bags. The demand for the North American market continues good, and there has bees► some inquiry for French ports. There is nothing doing fir the English market. Export from Ist inst. up to.date : To Great Britain ... 27,053 mds. France 666 „ North America ... 12,557 „ Rice.—The shipments of rica consist of parcels pre viously contracted for, and there is nothing doing in the way of purchases ; some of the recent failures in London have disturbed the trade of the Mauritius, and there is therefore but little hope of any amendment in our trade with that island for the present. Exports from Ist instant up to date : To Great Britain ... ... 11,730 mds. Mauritius ... ... 15,035 „ Mauritius, 15,525 ; and Bourbons, 23,000. Raw Silk—The stock of the staple is unprecedent edly small. There is no transactions to report, and the article is entirely neglected. Exports from Ist instant up to date : To Great Britain 70 mds. ; North America, 3 mds. Silk Piece Goods—The stock of Combs goes on in creasing, while there is no outlet in the shape of sales, of which we have none to report. Exports from Ist in stant up to date :—To Great Britain, Corahs, 9,332 pcs. ; Chappas and Bandanas, 1,014 pcs. North America 814 pcs. Shell lac and lac dye—Shell lac is entirely neglected, and the trifling shipments reported are for America. The only demand for lac dye is for the same quarter. Exports from Ist inst. up to date—Tol Great Britain, 33 u J.. shell lac., 396 mds. lac dye ; France, 23 mds. lac dye ; N orth America, 298 mds. shell lac, 323 mids lac dye. Oil Seeds—The inquiry for America continues steady, but freights are too high to admit of shipments being made to England with any prospect of mar g in. For the best cleaned rs. 2 to 24 can be obtained, and rs. 1 to 1-10 for uncleared. Exports from Ist inst. up to date : Linseed. Mustard Seed. To Great Britain France . N. America - Jute—The shipments of this article are going ou briskly, and tonnage for it in eager request. The cur rent rates rs. 12 8 13 per bale. Exports from Ist instant up to date : To Great Britain, 16,106 mids. Hides—There is still a disinclination to operate freely for the British market, yet several good lots have been placed since the last mail went out, such as the Ameri cans could not reach at. Fair to good quality slaugh tered have been purchased for 28 to 35 rs. per corge, but as there are only a few parcels of that description come yet into the market, the quantity procured is not con siderable. Several parcels have also been taken of dead green, at rs. 12 to 20, but very few lots have yet arrived of the better descriptions of this kind of hide. The Americans are still considerable buyars; latterly, how ever, they have been operating with more caution. The French are doing but little. Exports from Ist inst. up to date:— To Great Britain ... ... 29,282 pcs. North America :... 30,734 Safflower—The market is quite bare of this vegetable dye, and nothing can be done till the new crops arrive. Exports from the Ist inst. up to date are—. To Great Britain ... ... 36 mds. Cotton—The late news from England has discouraged operations in this wool, aed there is nothing doing. The accounts received from the China market are rather better, and some shipments are in progress for that quarter. Exports from Ist instant up to date are— To Great Britain ... 248 bales 875 mds. Singapore and China 1,560 5,688 Opium—The news from China, per Bintinck steamer, via Grille, caused a fall of 20 to 30 rs. per chest, and the tendency is still downwards. Stock in the Company's Godowu on the evening of the 18th inst.i—Patna, new, 30 chests; old, 5 chests—Benares, new, 83 chests. CALCUTTA MARKET. Indigo Mart, Writers"-buildings, Nov. 19. The express via Bombay, with the mail of the 17th of October, arrived on the night of the 17th instant, bringing the painf u l i n t e lli gence o f a f res h ser i es o f heavy failures, some of th e p ar ti es b e i ng o f hi g h stand ing and deeply engaged in the East India trade. The pressure upon the money market continued with aug mented severity, and the Bank of England had increased its rates of discount to 5/ per cert, on bills having less than 15 days to run, 6 per cent. for those under 30 days, and 6/ per cent. above that d a t e , and had, moreover , refused to mak e the usual advances on Consols. i Th e melancholy nteingence above referred to has thrown the deepest gloom over the commercial commu nity of this city, and caused a total suspension of busi ness, which had received a check by tho n ews o f the previous mail, and been interrupted by nu merous holidays. On Saturday the 6th November, ber, the date of the last Overland Price Current , n o business ofimport ance was transacted. and the Bth, 9th, 11th, 16th and 17th were native holidays. The busin ess done in ex ports has, therefore, been very limited. The shock, however, which credit has sustained will probably induce remitters to resort to produce as the only secure me dium of remittance, which may give rise to greater ac tivity in our export market than present circumstances, or the state of the market at home would warrant. It will, however, be some time before the mind of the mer cantile community, greatly alarmed and disturbed by ....,., y..t~.~.. tea.-;.. :1~1 ; ~, _~~A ✓;- . w,~~.awrre-r.:l^.Mt - -'-,—. sA! IMPORTS FROM EUROPE. British Cotton Piece Goods—The business done has not been so extensive as might have been anticipated from the animated re-opening of trade atter the holi days this may be ascribed to the interruption of holi days before alluded to, and to diminish confidence on the part of the natives towards the European community. Towards the close of last week, consider able sales were effected. Since the mail came in there has been a total cessation of all transactions. White and Gray Shirtings continue in good demand at full prices. Twills are in moderate inquiry. In Jaconets we have little alteration to notice. Bleached have been in fair demand. Grays are not so much wanted, but holders are firm. The demand for shirtings has in fluenced the inquiry for Madapolams, which are also in demand at better rates. In Mull Mulls there has been no change. Books ate firm, and the better qualities of Lappets higher. i.ed Twills are improving, being in quired for, and the stock small. Cotton Twist—Mule Twist—A good deal has been done in this description of yarn during the last few days, and large sales are reported at improved prices in some numbers. In Nos. 30, 40, and 50, and particularly 30, an advance if to 1 pie in former price may be quoted. The demand is steady and the prospect of the article improving. We may venture to predict that a further rise will take place. In Turkey red we have only one sale to report of No. 30 to 60 at 1-6 rs. per lb. Woollens are flat. Metals—Copper—The demand is well maintained, with an advance of Ba. on tile, whick is quoted at 37r. Ba. to 38r. Sheathing at 48r. to 50r., old at 40r. 8a,., and yellow metal 40r. Spelter—A slight decline has taken place in this metal, and osr present quotations are 12r. to 12r. 2a. Iron is very firm for all kinds but hoop, which has gone back a little. Our quotations are 3r. 14a. to 4r. 2a. for Rnglish flat, square bar and hoop at sr. Lead—There is little doing, but prices are firm, our quotations are 7r. 9a. to 7r. 10a. for pig, and 7r. 10a. 7r. 14a. for sheet. Block tin is in fair demand, and sales are reported at 37r. 4a. to 37r. Ba. per fy. md. Beer continues to find free vent at 70r. per hhd. for Alsopp's and Bass. Subjoined is a statement exhibit ing the imports for the past three years, by which it will be observed that a great falling off has taken place this year : 1845. 1846. 184 i Bass ... ... hhds. 3,959 5,891 4,183 Allsopp ... ... do. 6,319 5,888 4,524 Hodgson ... do. 50 205 81 All other marks do. 5.886 11,131 353 Salt has improved in price, owing to the paucity of : arrivals. The sale of a cargo his been reported at 56rs. for common salt, being an advance of 10 rs. per 100 mds. on previous rates. Butter is quoted at 86 rs., and stoved at 88 rs. to 90 rs. __ Freights—Rates have been well supported, and stand firm iI,C our quotation. 7.0 \ ,►... t ,„ MONDAY EVENING, To London—Saltpetre, 61. 10s. to 6/. 15s. ; to Liver pool, 61. 10s. to 6/. 12s. 6d. per ton of 20 cwt. To London—Sugar, 6/. 15s. to 71.; to Liverpool, 61. 10s. to 61. 15s. per ton of 20 cwt. Rice nominal. Oilseed ditto. _ ToonciOn:Rum, Si. to 81.; to Liverpool, Si. to 81., ditto 5 hhds ; to London, juice and hemp, 51. 7s. 6d. to 51. 10s.; to Liverpool, 51. ss. to 5/. 7s Gd., ditto 5 bales. Indigo, silk, and silk piece goods, nominal. To London—Hides, 51. 10s. to 51. 165. ; to Liverpool, Si. 10s. to Si. 10s. To London—Shellac, 5/. 10s. to Si. 10s.; to Liverpool, Si. 10s. to 51. 10s. To London—Lac dye, 51. 10s. to 51. 155.; to Liverpool, Si. 15s, to 5L 15s. — To China—Cotton, 4 dolls. 50c. to 4 dolls. 75c.; opium 7 dolls. to 8 dolls. To Mauritius—Rice. Company's rs., 2 dolls. Bc. to 2 dolls. 10c. per bag; Meas, Goods, Company's rs. 32 dolls. to 35 dols. per 50 cubic feet. (From the Bengal Hurkaru, of Nov. 19.) Nothing of particular moment has occurred since the ith instant, to give our present dispatch an interest be yond that of the average of many of its predeceseors. It will hardly be expected that we should have much to report of the state of trade ; the great uncertainty which has prevailed, together with the intervention of several holidays, has kept business nearly at a stand still since our last. The Queen and Prince Albert, the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Court, and the domestic household, attended Divine Service this morning in the private Chapel of the Castle. The Hon. and Rev. C. L, Courtenay officiated. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent also attended the service, attended by her Lady in Waiting. Yesterday Mr. Moon was honoured by submitting to her Majesty and Prince Albert, the engraving by Samuel Cousins, A.R.A., of his Royal Highness Albert Prince of Wales, in the dress of a sailor, after the original picture by F. Winterhalter. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. EPSOM SPRING MEETING, 1848. Nominations for the Great Metropolitan Stakes. Prospect, 5 yrs—Walmgate-bar Without. 4 yrs— Rattrap, 5 yrs—Sweetsauce, 4 yrs—Remembrance, 3 yrs —Jericho, 6 yrs—Shawn Buidhe, 4 yrs—Atlantic, 4 yrs Mogador. 4 yrs—Eagle's Plume, 3 yrs—Glen Saddel, 3 yrs—Alboni, 4 yrs—Executor, 4 yrs—Gannet, 6 yrs— Sutlej, 6 yrs—Auricula, 5 yrs—Vesta, 3 yrs—Antler, aged—Maid of Lyme, 5 yrs—Congress, 4 yrs—Tim Whiffler, 4 yrs—Headley, by Don John, out of Game Lass, 3 yrs—Peep o' Day Boy, 4 yrs—Premier, 5 yrs— Montpenster, 4 yrs—Ranelsgh, by Muley Moloch, out of Chelsea Lass, fi yrs—Cremorne, by Muley Moloch, out of Chelsea Lass, 4 yrs—Britannia, by The Tulip, 6 yrs —Marquis of Conyngham, 5 yrs—Daughter of the Star, 4 yrs—Self-Defence, 3 yrs—lnheritress, aged—Light ning, aged—Best of Three, aged—Rowena, 6 yrs—En chanter, 4 yrs—Snuff-Box, 3 yrs—Prince Charlie, 3 yrs —Tufthunter, 3 yrs—Tortoise, 3 yrs—Queen Mary, 4 yrs—Joe Lovell, aged—Sultana, 4 yrs— The Question able, 4 yrs—Bacchaualian, 3 yrs—Slug, 3 yrs—Mor peth, aged—Jonathan Wild, 5 yrs—Mirmillo, 4 yrs— Sir Arthur, 6 yrs—Blackbird, 5 yrs—Rufus, 5 yrs— War Eagle, 4 yrs—Marietta, 5 yrs—Clumsy, 6 yrs— Passionate, 4 yrs—Clermont, 4 yrs—Latitat, 3 yrs— Catherine, 4 yrs—Tit-bit, 5 yrs—Pottinger, 4 yrs— Milliner, 5 yrs—Columbus, 6 yrs—The Tartar, 4 yrs— Pyrrhus the First, 5 yrs—Marie Louise, 4 yrs—Moscow, 5 yrs—Blackball, 3 yrs—Cracow, 3 yrs—Spectator, aged—Reminiscence, 4 yrs—Fergus, 3 yrs—Joe o' Sot, 4 yrs—Bourton, 4 yrs—Miss Elis, 6 yrs—Antagonist, 4 yrs—Mountain Dew, 4 yrs—Widred, 5 yrs—Good Boy, 3 yrs—Vampyre, 4 yrs—Reflection, 3 yrs—Pro jectile, 4 yrs—Crozier, 4 yrs—Sagacity, 4 yrs—Bletch ington, 3 yrs—Senga, 3 yrs—Sister to ./Egis, 4 yrs— Stultz, 4 yrs—Lady Wildair, 6 yrs—Sampson, a yrs. Nominations for the Chester Cup. Cawrouch, 8 yrs—Keleshe, 4 yrs—Magnet (Irish), 4 yrs—Shawn Buidhe, 4 yrs—Gamester, 4 yrs—Eagle's Plume, 3 yrs—Glen Saddel, 3 yrs—Foxwhelp, 6 yrs— Lyme, 4 yrs—Great Western, 3 yrs—Sir Peter Laurie, 4 yrs—Bantam, 5 yrs—Clermont, 4 yrs—Executor, 4 yrs—Newcourt, aged—Counterfeit, aged—Milliner, 5 yrs—Grimston, 5 yrs—Comme-il-faut, 4 yrs—The Ad miral, 4 yrs—Blaze, 3 yrs—Peep o' day Boy, 4 yrs— Woodpecker, 5 yrs—Gannet, 6 yrs—Premier, 4 yrs— The Premier, 5 yrs—Malt, 5 yrs—Maid of Lyme, 5 yrs —Crim Con, 6 yrs—Sunny Side, 3 yrs—Primrose, 5 yrs —lnheritress, aged—Lightning, aged—Ulysses, 4 yrs— Poynton, 5 yrs—Antler, aged—Clarendon, 4 yrs—Queen Mary, 4 yrs—Tim Whiffler, 4 yrs—Conyngham, 4 yrs —Walmgate-bar Without, 4 yrs—Britannia, 4 yrs— Deloraine, 4 yrs—Duke of Richmond, 5 yrs—Hawke stone, 4 yrs—Lady Hylda, 4 yrs—Brandy Face, 4 yrs— Wanota, 4 yrs—Best of Three, aged—Foinnuala, 5 yrs —Chat, 4 yrs—Pantomime, 4 yrs—Valiant, 6 yrs—Tom Jolly, 4 yrs—Giselle, 5 yrs—King of Kildare, 3 yrs— Ballinafad, 4 yrs—Oxonian, 4 yrs—The Swallow, 4 yrs —Chanticleer, 4 yrs—Maid of Motherwell, 4 yrs—King of the Forest, 4 yrs—Jock o' Hazledean, 3 yrs—Whin stone, 6 yrs—lntrepid, aged—Ennui, 5 yrs—Grand Seignor, 5 yrs—Rufus, 4 yrs—War Eagle, 4 yrs—Otter burn, 3 yrs—Slug, 3 yrs—West Countryman, 5 yrs— Enchanter, 4 yrs —Rowena, 6 yrs—Black Ball, 3 yrs— Shelforth, 5 yrs—Spectator, aged—Snuff-box, aged— Cossack, 4 yrs—Foreclosure, 4 yrs—Pyrrhus the First, 5 yrs—The Tartar, 4 yrs—Joe o'Sot, 4 yrs—Reminis cence, 4 yrs—Fergus, 4 yrs—Cracow, 3 yrs—Mathema tician, 4 yrs—lonia, 4 yrs—Good Boy, 4 yrs—Widred, 5 yrs—Resolution, 4 yrs—Rainbow, 3 yrs—Dulcet, yrs—Mongrel, 6 yrs—Pillage, 4 yrs—The Widow, aged—Collingwood, 5 yrs—Red Hart, 4 yrs— Vampyre, 4 yrs—Hornpipe 3 yrs—Crozier, 4 yrs— Projectile, 4 yrs—King of Morven, 4 yrs—Clumsy, 6 yrs—Geraldine, 5 yrs—Jonathan Wild, 5 yrs—Clemen tina, 4 yrs—Lady Wildair, 6 yrs—Stultz, 4 yrs—Mrs. Taft, 3 yrs—Sampson, 3 yrs—Sultana, 4 yrs—Tit- bit, 5 yrs—Bingham, 4 yrs—Self-defence, 3 yrs—Latitat, 3 yrs—Prince Charley, 3 yrs—Sir Tatton Sykes, 5 yrs —c by Hetman Platoff, 3 yrs—Black Dwarf, 4 yrs— Infringe, 4 yrs—Montpensier, 4 yrs—Sally Maggs, 4 yrs—Raisthorpe, 4 yrs—The Conjuror, 5 yrs—Swiss Boy, 3 yrs—Sylvan, 3 yrs—Liberator, 4 yrs—Rob Roy, Bedlam, 4 yrs—Maid of my Soul, 3 yrs—Pet of the Fancy, 3 yrs. The above are supposed to include the final nomina tions; it is not impossible, however, that we may have some corrections or additions in the course of the day or two. MONEY MARKET. Bank of Bengal—Discount on Government Accept ances (three months), 6 per cent. Ditto on Private Bills and Notes (three months), 10 per cent. Interest on Deposit of Company's Paper 8 per cent. ; Ditto on Cash Credit Accounts 8} per cent. Government Securities—Transfer Stock Paper, Five per Cent., 7 to 8 pm. ; Bombay Five per Cent., 3to 4 dis. ; Old Sicca Five per Cents., according to numbers, 3 to 4 dis. ; New Company's Five per Cent., 0 8 to 1 0 dis.; Third, Four Sicca, 13i to 14i dis.; New Cy., Four Sicca, 12 to 13 dis. _ Bank Shares—Bengal Bank, Co.'s rs. (4,000) pm., 2,500 to 2,550 ; Union Bank, Co.'s rs. (1,000) dis., 550 to 600 ; Agra Bank, Co.'s rs. (500) pm., 190 to 200 ; Oriental Bank, Co.'s rs. (1,000) (500 rs. paid up), pm., 140 to 150 ; North Western Bank, Co.'s rs. (500) pm., 100 to 130. Price of Bullion, &c.—Syceo Silver, Co.'s 100 rs. per sa. wt., 104 to 104 13 ; China Gold Bars, per sa. wt., 16 11 to 17 6 ; Gold Dust, per sa. wt., 15 4 to 16 14; Spanish Dollars, per 100, 220 to 220 ; Mexican Dol lars, per 100, 219 4 to 219 10 ; Sovereigns, each, 11 1 to 11 2 ; Madras Gold Mohurs, 16 3 to 16 4 ; Old Gold hlohurs, 21 5 to 21 6. NEW YEAR'S DAY AT WINDSOR CASTLE. WINDSOR, SUNDAY.—Yesterday (New Year's Day) a distribution of the Queen's bounty of food, coals, and clothing to the aged, infirm, and necessitous poor of Windsor and its vicinity, took place in her Ma jesty's Riding-school. Several hundred families had been selected as deserving objects of the royal charity, by the Hon. and Rev. C. Leslie Courtenay, assisted by the clergy of Windsor and Clewer, and a member of each family was in attendance at the Riding-school. The Queen and Prince Albert entered shortly be fore ten o'clock, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, the Princess Royal, and the Princess Alice. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent was present ; and the royal visitors at the Castle, together with the Ladies and Gentlemen of the royal household, were also present at this interesting pro ceeding. Amongst those present were his Serene Highness Prince Lowenstein, the Marquis and Mar chioness of Abercorn, Viscountess Canning, Hon. Miss Stanley, Hon. Miss Dawson, Marquis of Or monde, Mr. G. E. and the Hon. Mrs. Anson, Colonel the Hon. C. B. Phipps, Admiral Sir Edward Codring ton, Major-General Bowles, Captain Francis Seymour, Colonel Bouverie, and Dr. Meyer. Her Majesty and her Royal Consort, together with their illustrious circle, having inspected the dif ferent articles, the distribution commenced. The lion. and Rev. C. Leslie Courtenay was present, and officers of the Lord Steward of her Majesty's Household, attended to arrange the distribution, which consisted of the following articles of food :- 1,684 lbs. of meat. 2,094 lbs. of bread. 228 pecks of potatoes. 478 lbs. of plum pudding. There were also given away 456 cwt. of coals. Blankets, winter cloaks, and calico were also bestowed on the recipients. The ceremony occupied an hour, and on its conclu sion her Majesty and Prince Albert, with the Royal Family, followed by the royal suite, returned to the Castle ; and her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent returned to Frogmore Lodge. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent visited the Queen and Prince Albert yesterday morning. The royal dinner party yesterday included her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, his Serene High ness Prince Lowenstein, the Marquis and Mar chioness of Abercorn, Dowager Lady Lyttelton, the Lady in Waiting of the Duchess of Kent, Lady Mary Howard, Baroness de Speth, Mr. G. E. and the lion. Mrs. Anson, Colonel the lion. C. B. and Mrs. Phipps, Captain Francis Seymour, Captain the Gordon,on. A. Gdon, and Dr. Meyer. The band of the Royal Horse Guards performed during dinner. After dinner the Queen had an evening party. The company arrived at the Castle soon after nine o'clock. The following had the honour of being present :—The Marquis and Marchioness of Downshire, Lord Marcus Hill, Hon. Henry and Mrs. Ashley, Hon. Miss Lyttelton, Miss C. Pole Carew, Sir George and Lady Couper, Miss and Mr. Couper, the Dean of Windsor, and Lady Char lotte Neville Grenville, two Misses Neville, the Provost of Eton and the Hon. Mrs. Hodgson, the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Hawtrey, Rev. William and Mrs. Canning, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Horse Guards (Colonel Bouverie) and Mrs. Bouverie, the Commanding Officer of the ,Grenadier Guards (Lieutenant-Colonel Craufurd), Mr. and Mrs. Chal loner, Mr. Glover, and Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bagot. • Her Majesty and Prince Albert gratified their noble visitors with the choral ode of Sophocles and the harmonies of Mendelssohn, by the performance of an abridgment of the dialogue of the Antigone, which was most expressively and effectively read by Mr. Bartley, aided by Mr. Bartholomew, the author of the English version, who assisted him as the speaker for a large chorus of the best-selected professional and amateur vocalists. Her Majesty's private band, most ably conducted by Mr. Anderson, and increased by the chief perfor mers of the Philharmonic orchestra, completed the admirable ensemble. The beautiful ode to Eros, as originally written by Mendelssohn, was f or th e fi rs t ti me (in this country) charmingly rendered by Messrs. Genge, Peck, Beale, and Smithson. At the conclusion of the performance her Majesty and his Royal Highness Prince Albert expressed their a pprobation to Mr. Bartley, and were graciously pleased to pay a similar compliment to Mr. Bar tholomew. The performance of the Antigone was preceded by a monody to the memory of the departed Mendels sohn, expressly written for the occasion, and printed by command of the Queen for the company assembled, to whom it was recited by its author, Mr Bartholo mew, who in it alluded to the principal compositions of this great lyrist. MONODY. Come, music -making Pan, from thine Arcadian meads Come with a cluster of thy deep-toned reeds, Cull'd on the marge o f R a d o n' s limpid stream: 0, bring them hither,—bind them side by side, And breathe in them thy sweetest, saddest theme! Methinks it should be that which Echo tigh'd, Plaining responsively Thy strains of melody, When she consenting thus, became thy bride. Or, let me rather hear the mournful lay Attuned by thee on that unhappy day, When Death changed Syrinx to the sweet pipe, the sings When Zephyr breathes. or fans it with his wings. Repeat again that lovelorn dirge to me ; And I will sing with thee, A melancholy song for ONE who died, — Died in the splendour of his manhood's pride,— Died, undecay'd by Time, — Died in his prime ! Tell Oberon, Titania, Puck the sprite, A n d all the Fays who danced that summer night Upon the flower-embroider'd green, Where Theseus wooed his amazonian Queen ; 0110, Bacchu s , an d hi s Ch o i r , Tell great Ap HE that restrung the Sophoclean lyre Of egdlpus, and sad Antigo ne ; Who beautified the solemn pomp of Athalie : H E , who re-sung thy Druid's minstrelsy, To charm the theme of their Walpurgi's night—is dead Yes; H E who blended his harmonious lays In Worldless Songs, and Zion's Hymn of Praise To Great JEriovAu— Pagan Pan bath fied;— Ile bath vanish'd, like a vision of the night; Thus Fable fades in Revelation's light; Thus Baal's priests on Baal vainly call ; They and their God before Juitovair fall. Alas, the Bard who sung these themes is gone ! Ill s lyre remains, but vacant is his throne; Who now can strike its chords like Mendelssohn? Oh, minstrel of Elijah and St. Paul ! Where shall we find a genius to entwine Cecilian harmonies profound as thine? Where is thy mantle? Did'st thou let it fall Upon that fatal day • When thou wast snatched away? Or did's thou only leave behind The emanations of thy mind ? Such as we sing this night I,y her command, Who sways the far-famed sceptre of our land : Whose presence here, Attended by the fair, the brave, and great, Graces these halls of her ancestral state, To greet the new-born year. n THE CHARTER Houss.--We understand that the Archbishop of York will be the r. w Governor of the Charter House, in the room of the late Earl of Ilarrowby. The Duke of Buccleuch has been elected President of the Caledonian Hunt. 7 , 11. - 7,7...' 44 :"...CA . t . '" , SALE OF BLOOD STOCK. The following horses were told at York, on Satur day, by Messrs. Tattersall:—The Sea, 97 guineas; Manacle, 90 guineas; La Bohemienne, 46 guineas; Nigger Wench, 98 guineas; a mare, by Bobadil, out of Zoe, 14 guineas; Lightning, 380 guineas; Godfrey, 290 guineas; The Parson's Clerk, 40 guineas; Diomed, 15 guineas; Softstone, 20 guineas; Susannah, 20 guineas; The Spaniard, 100 guineas; Ottorburn, 97 guineas; What, 105 guineas; The Magnet (late Loadstone), 190 guineas; and Conceit, 190 guineas. TIM A T.LI3OED FRAUDS ON THE SOUTII.IVETEILDI RAlLway.—On Saturday Mr. W. Young attended at Wandsworth Police Court, and withdrew the summonses which had been issued against two gentlemen for riding on several occasions in first-class carriages with second- class tickets. CHARGE Or BIGAMY.—I3RABANT ASSIZES, DEC. 27. —An Englishman, named Dolphin, was charged with having married a Belgian woman, his former wife, Ann Nightingale, an Englishwoman, being still alive. The English was fully proved by the parish clerk of Prest wich. Tne first wife deposed that Dolphin abandoned her in the year 1838, but for some time afterwards con tributed to her support. She admitted that she had had a child by another man, subsequently to her separation from her husband. Finally, Dolphin was acquitted.— Brussels Gerald. William Napier Esq., has been appointed Lieute nant-Governor of the island of Labuan. Mr. Napier's experience in the public service at Singapore, of a people not quite dissimilar to the population of Labuan and Borneo, will render him a useful assistant to Mr. Brooke, and a proper substitute in the government of the British settlement in the occasional necessary absence of the Raja in the neighbouring territory. Alderman Musgrave, the chairman of the com missioners of sewers for the Tower Hamlets district, has thought better of his opposition, and has handed over to the General Sewerage Commissioners for the Metropolis all the books, papers, cash, Ecc., of the old board. Mr. Twigg, the chairman of the Holborn and Finsbury dis trict, has not himself taken any part in the transfer of the necessary documents to the new commission, but a sufficient number of the Commissioners of Sewers for the district, who are authorised to draw cheques, &c., have signed the necessary authority, so that all the powers of the several district boards are now quietly centred in the now Commissioners.—Observer. Complicated diseases of the chest are acknowledged to be the serious, and, too often, fatal visitations of the masses congregated in the close metropolis. It is, therefore, gratifying to find that an institution has been founded by an association of charitable individuals, expressly for the cure or relief of diseases of the sto mach, heart, and lungs, including consumption, asthma, &c. A temporary dispensary has been already opened in Leicester-place, under the title of " The Central Metropolitan Dispensary," and we do sincerely hope that the objects of its benevolent projectors and sup porters will bo fully realised by the liberal patronage of those who have the means of doing good. DEATII OF MR. NELSON, T ITE SCULPTOR.—The sculptor of that exquisitely beautiful statue, " Venus Attiring," which is now being exhibited in this town, died on Sunday last, in his 47th year.—Manchester Guardian. OPENING OF THE CITY TELEGRAPH STATION. The electric telegraph station, in Moorgate-street, opposite the Bank of England, was publicly opened on Saturday, and messages were transmitted in the course of the day to Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Southampton, Norwich, Yarmouth, and various other parts in the provinces. The prices charged were enormous ; 51. 10s. being the amount demanded for sending a message to Liverpool containing the same number of words as there is in this paragraph.— Sunday Paper. The Right Hon. Sir Robert and Lady Peel are entertaining a large party at Drayton Manor. Viscount and Viscountess Villiers have arrived there from visiting the Earl and Countess of Jersey, at Middleton Park, Oxon. The Earl of Lincoln, Sir Frederick Thosiger, Mr. Cardwell, M.P., the Hon. H. Fitzroy, Mr. Cripps, &;c., have joined in the circle. We deeply regret to hear of the death of the Rev. Slingsby Shafto, at his residence, Buckworth Rectory, Huntingdonshire, from fever, a few days ago. We lament also to state that, according to information which has reached us, shortly before going to press, Mr. Robert buncombe Shafto (the Liberal Member for North Dur ham), is lying dangerously ill of typhus fever, at the residence of his father, Whitworth Park, in this county. —Durham Chronicle. Among the public men seeking health in our mild southern region is the Hon. T. Duncombe, M.P. for Finsbury.— Western Times. MRS. TAWELL.—Messrs. Bevan and Goodet e re ceived on Saturday a letter from the Solicitor of the Treasury to the effect that the grant restoring the pro perty of her late husband, the murderer, John Tawell, which had been confiscated to the Crown trustees, i s now signed. WESTMINSTER SCHOOL:—HiS Royal High ness , Prince Albert, on the occasion of his visit to the play, was pleased to desire that an extra week's hfilvdays should be granted. The school will, therefore, meet again on Wednes da y evening, the 2d of February. FIRES IN LONDON DURING 1847.—0 n Saturday the official returns kept by the fire-brigade of the fires that occur in tho metropolis and its suburbs, were made up for 1847; from which we learn that no fewer than 989 have taken place during the past year. The losses, however, were not so serious as in the previous year, 1846, when the number was 1,022. Between 400 and 500 houses appear to have been either consumed or seriously damaged, with a loss of property estimated at about 150,000/. Those in the provinces, according to the:fire-offices' returns, are Jar greater in ex tent than have been known for several years. •••• 4 , JANUARY 3, 1848 COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, SUNDAY. MURDER OF TWO CHILDREN IN ST. LUKE'S. At Clerk•owell Police Court, on Saturday, Har riet Parker, a repulsive downcast looking woman, between thirty and forty years of age, was placed at the bar before Mr. Tyrrwhitt, charged with the i wilful murders of Armenia Blake, aged between six and seven, and Robert Blake, her brother, between four and five years. The case excited considerable inte rest, and at an early hour the court was crowded in every part. The prisoner was allowed to sit in the dock in consequence of her weakly state, as she was evidently labouring under severe remorse and com punction of mind. Mrs. Jane Moore, of No. 9, Cupid's court, St. Luke's, deposed that on Saturday morning, about four o'clock, she and her husband were awoke by a loud knocking at the door. On looking out of the window she saw the prisoner, who was very much agitated, and she exclaimed, " Oh ! Mrs. Moore, I have done it." Witness asked what she had done ? She re plied, " I went out with Blake last night, intending to go to the play, when he met with a little strumpet, and took hold of her arm, and he immediately left me." Witness told her she had nothing to do with that, and why had she come to speak to her about it. The prisoner was leaving the street-door, and she said, " I shall go and deliver myself up to a policeman." Witness said, " Why, Mrs. Blake, you do not mean to say you have done it ?" She replied, " I have murdered the two children." My kusband sent for a policeman. The prisoner cohabited with a man named Blake, to whom the children belonged. Went to the house where the prisoner lived, and saw them lying dead. Mary Mathews deposed that she was alarmed by Mr. Blake this morning at four o'clock, who said that her mistress had murdered her children. Witness procured two policemen; they entered by the parlour window, and found the children ; they only had on their shifts and stockings. They were warm. :There were scratches on their throats. There was no living person in the room with them, except the policemen. Mrs. Lucy Mathews, of Cupid's-court, saw the prisoner knocking at Mrs. Moore's door. I asked her to go indoors. The prisoner said, " I shall never go in any more ; my heart is bleeding." I think she had been drinking the over night, as she was much excited. She complained that Blake had taken her out to go to the play, and he left her to go with another woman. Sergeant Standed, 11 G, received information of the affair at twenty minutes to four o'clock that morning. He found the children lying dead on the bed in the parlour. They were warm. Witness sent for a surgeon, who instantly came. Brown, 2.23 1 G, confirmed this evidence. Mr. Charles Adams, of the Duke of Bedford, Golden-lane, saw the prisoner and Blake at his house on Friday night last. Whilst there Blake slipped away from the prisoner. She left, but shortly after wards returned with the deceased girl, when the pri soner said, " I will have my revenge of the children if I cant have it of him. She had it in her mind for some time past. She would go to the gallows and die like a trump for him." She looked at the clock, and said to witness, " Mark the time, it is now twenty five minutes to eight o'clock." She had two small drops of gin, and she left with the girl. The prisoner had cohabited with Blake for three years. There were other persons present when she used the threats to wards the children. George Fowler, 161 G, deposed that at four o'clock this morning the prisoner ran to deliver herself into his custody. She would not tell what for. She sub sequently said she had murdered two children. On her way to the station she said " It was my intention to do this nine months ago, and I have done it now to my sorrow ; but I knew what I was about." Mr. Francis Wright, surgeon, of 110, Whitecross street, St. Luke's, deposed that he was sent for at a little after four o'clock, and the children must have been dead about an hour. He examined the bodies, and found marks of violence on their throats near the windpipe. The marks or scratchings arose from some one grasping their throats tightly with their fingers. He should say that death was almost in stantaneous. Policeman 26 G saw the prisoner rush out of her house, calling out, " I have murdered the children to revenge their father • they were innocent ; through my vindictiveness I have done the deed." Witness cautioned her to say nothing. She said, in reference to Blake, " I doted the ground he walked upon, and he knew it." She also said, " I was not like a person who was drunk ; I knew what I was about. I was quite sober." Mr. TrICRWIIITT now asked the prisoner if she wished to say anything to the charge. He cautioned her that she was not bound to say anything?—She faintly replied—Nothing. She was then remanded, and supported from the bar in a wretched and dejected state, and conveyed to prison in the police van. INQUEST ON THE BODIES. At twelve o'clock Mr. Baker, the Coroner, opened an inquest on the bodies of the two unfortunate children at the sign of the William the Fourth, Golden-lane. Previous to the bodies being viewed by the jury, The CORONER observed that he was informed the witnesses who were able to give evidence against the accused were then at the Clerkenwell Police-court; he therefore should not pursue the inquiry any fur ther than to obtain an identification of the bodies. The Coroner then, accompanied by the jury, pro ceeded to view the bodies, which lay on a bed on a turn-up bedstead in the front room on the ground floor at the house No. 3, Cupid's-court. They were in the exact position they were left by the accused. The elder child (the girl) was at the foot of the bed, with her head near the wainscot, in a position from which, it was evident, a struggle must have ensued. It was the opinion of the jury that the poor child had been suffocated by a pillow having been placed over its mouth. There was a scratch across her throat about three inches in length. The other child was at the head of the bed, and presented appearances of his death having been caused in a similar manner. The bed clothes were in a state which showed that a most violent struggle had taken place on the part of the murdered children fur the preservation of their lives. There were no other marks of violence about the bodies than those above alluded to. Upon the return of the jury to the inquest room was found, upon the examination of the father, that the Christian names had not been rightly given. The jury were accordingly re-sworn to the right names, and they were again under the necess4y of viewing the bodies. The following evidence was then taken : Robert Blake, No. 3, Cupid's-court, Golden-lane, being sworn, said—l am by trade a grinder. The deceased were my children, and were born in lawful wedlock. I have been separated from their mother, who is residing at Birmingham, about four years. I was married to her in the year 1836. I was living with a woman named Harriet Parker, who passed as my wife. I cohabited with her shortly after I and my wife parted. I have been living with her in Golden lane about two years and a half. She is a L widow. CORONER—When did you last see your children ? Witness—On Friday evening, between five and six o'clock. I put them both to bed. [The witness was here much affected, and seemed overpowered with the anguish of his feelings. Mr. Garner, the sum moning officer, gave him some water.] CORONER—What state of health were they in ? Witness—They made no complaint, and appeared in good health when I left them. CORONER—WaS there any one with them at the time you left ? Witness—res; I left them with the woman who is charged with having murdered them. CORONER—How came you to leave ? Witness—l intended to have gone to the theatre last night with a friend, and I went out for that purpose. Couormu—Was it a male friend or a female friend ? Witness—A male friend, Sir. CORONER—Did any words pass between you and Harriet Parker ? Witness—No serious words arose. She followed me out with an intention of annoying me, and said I should not go. CORONER—Did she say why she would annoy you ? Witness—She did not say why, but I can explain ber ideas. CORONER—You must not say a word about her ideas ; anything she said may be evidence against her. Witness—She wanted to prevent me going to the theatre, as I would not take her with me. CORONER—Did she say anything at that time ? Witness—She said she would follow me step by step, go where I would. CORONER—Did she slo so ? Witness—Yes, sir ; she followed me to several places, and I tried to get rid of her. CORONER—Did you succeed ? Witness—After going through several streets I went to the Duke of Bedford public•house, in Golden-lane, which I am in the habit of using, with the intention of staying there, and of having a glass of ale with my friend, with whom I was going to the theatre. She followed me in. I told her to go home, observing that I did not mean to go to the theatre. Then, while she was in conversation with a person I escaped. I have not seen her since. Juror—Do you know anything of the circum stances attending the death of the children ? Wit ness—Nothing. I know nothing about it. Juror—What time did you return home, and when did you become acquainted with the deaths of the deceased ? Witness—l slept at the house of a friend in Goswell-street. About eleven o'clock that morn ing I was going down Golden-lane with a shopmate to my work, when a person my shopmate knew told him of the murder. CORONER—Then you never saw Harriet Parker after you left her at the public-house, nor heard any thing about her nor your children ? Witness—No, Sir, not till my shopmate heard of my poor children ~...,t,~.,~. ~... -i}. .-i ~ -- , ,--;-• , ,--41,- ~.1, 1 it . aA. t ~- 1 being murdered. That was the first discovery of iC , by me. .-.44,,,,Li N,‘ k , Mr. Garner said that he (the witness) must bring %!,,a, - , - , that friend forward at the adjourned inquiry. The ;„44-,iii;& . 'di' witness replied that he would. (The witness left the room.) The CORONER here inquired of the officer who had the accused in custody, if she was present ? Policeman Haynes, G 155, said that she was not. He had the accused in custody in the cell. CORONER—What did she say ? Witness—She asked me if I was not afraid to sit with her ; when I replied that I was not. She then looked at her hands several times, after which, she exclaimed, "Is it possible that I could have committed such a crime ?" CoaoNEß—Did she say how she did it, or make any confession ? Witness—No, sir. The CORONER here observed that he should then adjourn the inquiry to Monday next, and that in the meanwhile he should issue his order to have the bodies of the children opened. He thought it ma terial in a case of that importance, where there were marks of violence from which to infer a cause of death, that post mortem examination should take place. The jury said that they entirely concurred with the suggestions of the Coroner. The inquiry was then adjourned until Monday (this day). FRIGHTFUL SUICIDE OF A TRADESMAN AND HIS WIFE. Throughout yesterday the greatest excitement prevailed in the neighbourhood of Fitzroy-square, in consequence of a report being generally circulated that Mr. Alexander Toms Williams, proprietor of the Star Coffee-house, Cleveland-street, had been found during the night by his wife hanging in his bed-room, and that she having alarmed the inmates, then rushed down stairs into the shop, where she destroyed herself by nearly severing her head from her body with a razor. The report was unhappily found to be too true. The deceased Mr. Williams, who was only 31 years of age, was formerly a sergeant in one of the regiments of the line, and subsequently a constable in the E division of police, which he left about ten months ago, and with his wife, who was three years his senior, and to whom he seemed much attached, took the above premises. They there carried on a good business, which daily seemed to increase, and which, from having had no family, their whole time was devoted to, living apparently on the happiest terms. The deceased Mr. Williams was atintervals low spirited, for what reason or cause is at present unknown, while, on the contrary, his ill-fated wife was always possessed of a flow of good spirits. On Saturday the business was conducted by both the deceased as usual up to a few minutes to twelve o'clock at night, when the time of closing being near, the last customer, a man named Taylor, left th e s h o p, wishing them " good night," to which they (having for some time previously been laughing and joking together) responded. The male deceased was heard to enter his bed room, the first floor back room, about half-past twelve, and in a quarter of an hour afterwards a lodger in the house, named Mathews, who was in bed, was alarmed by Mrs. Williams ex claiming, " Williams has hung himself." lie in stantly arose, and as quick as possible hastened to deceased's apartment, where he found Mr. Williams hanging by a cord tied round his neck, and fastened to the top rails of the bedstead, but Mrs. Williams was not there. Having cut deceased down, other lodgers went to his assistance, and Dr. Hatfield, re siding at No. 41 in the same street, was sent for, who promptly attending, pronounced life to be extinct. Up to that time Mrs. Williams not making her ap pearance, and no answer being returned on calling her by name, search was made for her, and on enter ing the shop a horrible sight presented itself. The deceased woman was found at the extreme end of the shop, lying on her back, on a mat, in a pool of blood, which was then flowing from a frightful wound in her throat, extending nearly from ear to ear, and a razor, with which the suicidal act had been committed, open by her side. The cause of the double crime of self-murder cannot be conjectured. Information of the lamentable and shocking affair was last night communicated to Mr. Wakley, M.P., the coroner of he district, and the bodies await an inquest. DELIBERATE MURDER NEAR N AIL SEA, SOMERSETSHIRE. WESTTOWN, JAN. I.—An inquest was commenced at noon this day, before R. Uphill, Esq., Coroner , and a respectable jury, on the body of a man named John Wall, who was murdered in the most cold blooded manner, in his own house, and in broad daylight. The jury having been sworn, proceeded to view the body, but it was subsequently found necessary to ad journ the inquest in order to admit of a post mortem examination of the body, and to procure the attend ance of the magistrate's clerk, who had taken a dying deposition of the murdered man, but the facts, as they have been deposed to, are as follows :—The deceased, who was a man of inoffensive character, and steady and industrious habits, occupied a cottage and some garden ground, which is situated midway be tween this village and the Nailsea-road, and his wife hoo k a a dull in 44., Bristol market. The motive which led to the perpetration of the daring deed which resulted in his death is supposed to have been plunder. The un happy man had been fattening some pigs, which it was understood among his neighbours, he intended dispos ing of shortly before quarter-day, for the purpose of paying his rent, and it is believed that his murderers thought that he had the proceeds of the sale in the house, and that had they killed him on the spot, they would live rifled his house. At about a quarter past three o'clock on the 18th of December, it being then broad daylight, the deceased man was in the sitting room of his cottage, and his wife being absent on some temporary occasion, he was engaged in watch ing a saucepan in which some food for the pigs was preparing. He was in a stooping position before the fire, and in the act of lifting the saucepan from the bars, when he heard the crack of a pane in the window which was about a yard and a half distance from where he stood. Upon looking round and seeing a gun pointed through the broken glass, he started to his feet and immediately heard the report of fire-arms, and received the charge (which had evidently been aimed at, and but for his sudden change of position would probably have en. tered his head), on the inward part of his thigh. The account which the wounded man was enabled to give of the occurrence, and the minuteness with which he described the person of the fellow whom he saw through the window, led to a suspicion against a family named Manfield, the younger members of which had long been suspected of various lawless proceedings in the neighbourhood. Upon inquiries being instituted, the suspicion was strengthened by the fact of some of them having fled the place. Intel ligence was immediately communicated to the con stables of the neighbouring villages, and on the follow ing Monday Charles Manfield, a youth of some 16 or 17 years old, was apprehended by Mr. Day, the con stable of Nailsea, who also found the gun with which the offence was perpetrated, and traced it into his possession. Upon being taken into the presence of Wall, he at once identified him as the one he had seen gazing through the casement. The injured man lingered on till the evening of the 27th, when lock jaw came on, and on Wednesday night last he ex pired from the effects of the wound. While in cus tody the prisoner , C. Manfield, did not deny his participation in the crime, but said his was not the hand that fired the gun, and that he ought not to go to prison alone. Upon being asked who ought to accompany him, he said, " My cousin," alluding to a young man who is said to be his half-brother, named Robert Jakeways. He stated at another time, that they were out in the grounds with the gun shooting blackbirds and thrushes, when Jakeways said, " Come, and let us shoot the old fellow," and they then went to the cottage garden, and Jakeways put in the gun and shot him, and he looked through the window afterwards to see if he was dead. Wall then said to them, " Thee hasn't done it," upon which they all ran off, and as Jakeways could not run so fast as him, he took the gun from him. He further said that his younger brother, Anthony, was with them, and that in order to have the place clear to shoot Wall, they told him to go into an orchard and get them some christmas, as they were going to shoot a wild duck down by the drain, and that he went away from them accordingly. TOWN AND COUNTRY; OR, THE DAYS OF THB REGENCY. BY MRS. Titor.LoPE.—The Court of George the Fourth (while he was Prince Regent) bai attained considerable celebrity for the gaiety, splendour ! Ind elegance which were so peculiarly its characteristics. s It likewise became somewhat notorious for esp the con da i z c z u li o n us g dissipation which infested i t, owing to h example of its accomplished an dse ductive no leader. scandal period was indeed a remarkable one, and we rejoice to see that Mrs. Trollop e has given, ce rta i nly about Queen Elizabeth,". but sparkling and vivid sketches of courtly socie t y and life during the renowned regency. This delightful and very . clever novel is not, however, occupied e xclusively with such subjects. Admirable descriptions of town and country society, in its widely varying phases and characteristics, are given in the aut horess's happiest style. On the one side are the Regent and his courtly associates, admirers, and the fashionable world in general: on the other, the very per fection of rural simplicity, happiness, and purity of nature. The contrast is maintained very cleverly throughout, and produces constant and powerful effect. The volumes will be assuredly perused with eagerness and deep interest. —Morning Paper. DARING ROBBERY AT MR. FARREN'S,' THE CO MEDlAN.—lnformation was received by the police on. Saturday, that between nine and ten o'clock that fore- , noon, a most daring robbery of plate was committedat the residence of Mr. W. H. Farren, the well-knownt commedian, 30, Brompton-square. The robbery is be lieved to have been committed by two young men with. hare-skins, who were seen to enter by t he area gate,, which, as well as the area door, was left open, and who left a hare-akin behind them Mille area. ''S 14 ..