The Sun. — London, England, 1856-04-24 00:00:00

LATEST NEB'{",". BERLIN, THURSDAY, APRIL 24. Adviewfrom St. Petersburg, of the 22d inst., state that PrixeeMensehikoff has been relieved of his post ai Governor of Cronstadt. MARSEILLES, APRIL 23. Intelligence from Constantinople, to the 14th inst., has been brought by the Euphrate. The Porte is to evacuate Mingrelia. 0,000 men of the Sardinian army were about to embark on their return to Italy. The 10th, 56th, 61st, and 85th French Regi ments, forming part of Rally's Division, left Ilpatoria on the Bth. On the 14th the ships c onveying these troops passed the Bosphorus Without stopping. The greater portion of the t r° o P9 of the Class of 1848, whose period of ser vice is expired, had also embarked. The cavalry of General srAilonville, with the artillery, are Ilovi the only force at Eupatoria. Kinbourn had been evacuated by the 95th of the line (French). The spiadron of Admiral Trehouart sailed on the 14th for the Crimea. fire had broken out at the Sardinian hospital Constantinople, which was entirely burnt down. The sick, however, were saved. The hotel occupied by Admiral Grey was also destroyed. It was thought that these disasters were not the result of accident. The French Ambassador had announced the definitive opening of all the Russian ports. VIENNA, THURSDAY. letter from Constantinople states that Prince 0 • alhnsaki has refused the appointment of Ambas- sador to Vienna. The Gazette de Milan states that the Pope will go in person to Paris in the month of June. Two divisions of English troops will be sent direct to Canada from the Crimea. The English arnly is embarking in the highest health. The English transpori-vessels are shipping the Sar dinian troops. The Porte has ordered the free exportation of Corn. General Marinova has issued a proclamation, in W hich he says, that though the peace may have deprived them of the hopes of military glory, Yet they have the consolation that the services of t he army have not been fruitless to their country. An aide-de-camp of General Mouravieff had arrived at Erzeroum to establish the armistice. Several persons had been punished at Trebisond for calling the Christians insulting names. Count Buol bas arrived here from Paris via tt roseels and Dresden. The ratifications of the tr eaty of peace are about to be sent off to Paris. Baron de Hubner bas been named , grand cross of the orderof Leopold, and Counts George and 'Valentin Eiterhazy grand crosses of the Iron Crown. BERLIN, APRIL 23. The Queen has left for Dresden. The Chamber of Nobles will give a grand dinner to-morrow in honour of the return of M. de M.anteuffel. Pre -1 arations are 'being made for the reception of the Dowager Empress of Russia. FRANCE. PARIS, WEDNESDAY EVENING. The ratifications of the Treaty of Peace have, it is said, been brought to Marseilles by the Euphrate, which arrived here this day. They will probably be received here to-morrow evening. It is not certain whether they can appaar in the Moniteur an Friday, as the members of the Congress will •cialYp to assemble previously. Saturday or Sunday will, perhaps, be the day. "We think we can state officially," says the rndependance of Brussels; " that Count de M ora y has been chosen to fulfil a d ou ble mission in Rus sia—first, to re-establish at Saint Peter sbur g di p lo- Ixatic relations between Russia and France ; and neat, to be present at the coronation of th e Em p eror Alexander at Moscow. Count de Morny will leave Paris at th e commence ment of June, and on his return will resume his high functions of President of the Legislative Body." BOURSE, April 23.—Prices left off as follows : tier c on tl ash * fr * e. End of Month. p 93 65 —f. — e. rr Ce n t, 74 25' 74 40' „ew Loo n 74 30 Junk Shares Credit 1,1 b 3,900 Roman - - t ,_, . o ther 1,725 Austrian - i rigulat Fives — Spanish Threes —, 41 -edinente sE (0 93 25 Home Debt .. 39 . RAILWAYS ---708 CASH. fr. c. fr. e Orleans .. .. xortheri . . 915 1,075 Strasburg V o na , ... 1,435 -- New Ditto..... OE d) 887 50 ... editerranemr 1,645 Grand Central 735 —440..... G eneva ...... Cott. 7BO Austrian Cam. 937 50 SPAIN. - - MADRID, April 22.—The Gazette publishes the telegrapliic convention concluded' with France. liarshal O'Donnell has been indisposed, but is better. The Duke de la Victoria is to leave for Valladolid in'the course of the week. Valencia is quiet. THE UNITED STATES. ARRIVAL OF THE STEAM-SHIP ATLANTIC. LivnupooL, Wednesday. The United States Mail steam-ship Atlantic, Capt. O. Eldridge, arrived at this port at 1.30 p.m., with advices from New York to the 12th inst., 106 passengers, and about 5,000 d o ll ars i n spec i e. She reports having passed off ‘New York the United States Mail steam ship Washington, bound in, on the afternoon of the 12th i ns t. O n th e 20th April, in lat. 49 N., long. 26 W., signalled brig Telegraph, bound west ; April 21, in lat. 51 N. long. 19, signalled Ronachan (ship), from this port to Quebec. The Cunard Royal Mail steam-ship Cambria, Capt. Leitch, hence, had not arrived at Boston when the Atlantic left New York. The Washington correspondent of the New York -Herald states that the French and English Minis ters declare that detachments of men will be landed from the respective squadrons on the coast of Central America to assist the Costa Ricans in their war against Nicaragua. The brig Eureka was advertised to leave New Orleans on the Ist inst., for San Juan Nic ara g ua, with a num erous corps o f volunteers for Walker' s army ; and the steamer Charles Morgan was ad vertised to leave on the 10th, for the same desti ' nation, with a company recruited by General Rornsby, who will accompany them. COMMERCIAL. NEW YOBS, April 12. _ There was not a very active demand on Change to day, for remittances by the Atlantic. Bills on London, 9i to 9i per cent. prem. ; on Paris, sf. 18i to sf. 17 ! i. gOTTON.—The market is a degree more buoyant, with a fair activity. FLOIIE AND MEAL.—The market is heavy for the medium grades of State and Western flour, with a mo derate inquiry for the home and Eastern trade and for export. The better grades are in steady request for home co nsumpt i on at previous prices. Good brands are exceedingly scarce and firmly held. GRAIN. —Holders of wheat are still quite firm—the inquiry is good for milling. Corn is rather better, with gt good home and export demand. The arrivals are fair. On Thursday next Lord Somerbill (the Marquis of Clanricarde) will move the House of Lords for copies of the reports and correspondence of her Majesty's diplo matic and consular agents in Italy, relating to the ocou• pation o f th e territory and the assumption of the execu tive Government of the Duchy of Parma by Anstri-,1 authorities ; and for copies of any communications there• upon between her Majesty's Government and the Ca. buiet of Vienna. TFr- GRAND NAVAL REVIEW. The naval review of yesterday must assuredly have attracted to the coast of Hampshire the great est multitude ever assenibled in that busy and populous portion of our island. On no one occa sion were Portsmouth and the adjacent towns ever before visited by so , vast a concourse of people ; nor'will the scene they presented fade rapidly from the memory of the spectators. The architectural arrangements of ,Portsmouth, Landport, Southsea, Portsea, Langston, and Gos port are such as to, euggest the idea that these kin dred towns are not on speaking terms—that, in fact, there has broken out among them a family feud of the deadliest description, but the entente cordiale was yesterday complete. Portsmouth and Landport, Portsea and Southsea, Langston and Gosport made common cause in the presence of a common invader, whom, however, it is but right to say, they received with open arms ; and never certainly was there such an invasion as that to which the seaports of Hants were yesterday and on Tuesday subjected. Every train, both of the South- Western and the South Coast Railways, brought thousands of new arrivals, till at last the streets became so densely - crowded . as to be scarcely pass able. The demand for lodgings greatly exceeded the accommodation the various hotels could possi bly afford, and after 7 o'clock on Tuesday evening the traveller could not be sure of obtaining, either for love or that yet more powerful agent, money, a shelter for the night. To - those who had had the good luck to secure beds for themselves, but to none others, it was infinitely amusing to see their less fortunate fellow-travellers wandering through the streets and " mooning" about, weary and foot sore, in search of similar accommodation. Beds fetched fabulous prices. Three or lour guineas was the ordinary charge at midnight, and we have been credibly assured that in some instances the lodging-house-keepers had the conscience to de mand 151. for a single bed ! Whether they per mitted the tenant to take the bed and bedding away with him in the morning is more than we were able to ascertain, but they ought to have done so. Thousands of persons sat up all night ; many, we are assured, slept on board various vessels in the harbour, and many, no doubt, spent the night walking about on the ramparts, and took no hori zontal refreshment whatever. Fortunately, it was a fine night, and there was a good view of the moon. The day broke*gloriously, glasidening the external world and sending sunshine to the breast of every one. They may say what they like about our gravity and so/idite, and all the rest of it, but no people on earth can enjoy a holiday with a; keener relish than the Eaglish ; and the re never were hearts—if our climate would let them—better formed to be joyous and happy than ours. And really it is no such bad climate, after all. It is the best-abused in the world, but it scarcely de- Serves all the reproaches heaped upon it. It is all very well to talk about " a London particular,". and a summer that is only winter painted green, and a year that consists of eleven months wet and one month moist ; but there is no country in the universe where, when there is a fine day, it is finer than in England. But, let this . be as it may, it is at least certain that yesterday the weather was glorious. The sun was on his good behaviour, and it was gala day with him as with everybody else. The guns in Portsmouth were, however, somewhat erratic in their mode of an nouncing the dawn.' First came a fusillade of musketry, the firelocks of the sentinels on board the ships of the fleet being discharged as the mi nute arrived that day was "calculated " to dawn. This seemed quite en, regle, but several minutes — some 10 or 15—afterwards a huge 32-pounder was fired to denote sunrise. After the lapse of another ten minutes a third explosion announced that the garrison recognised the daylight, this last visitation being accompanied by a flourish from a most asth matic bugle. Soon after 6 the town was astir, and gradually the streets became peopled with anxious throngs crowding towards the various places of embarkation, many of the visitors in elegant cos tume. The scene at an hour later• resembled the multitude of a Derby-day noon more than an aquatic spectacle. - It is now 42 years sinoe Portsmouth has wit nessed a parallel demonstration—parallel, at least, in many circumstances—to that over which the Queen has just presided. How close and yet how different is the parallel between the review of yesterday and that of 1814. Forty-two years have elapsed between them, and wrought great changes in the powers and politics of Europe. The review of 1814 was a humiliation to France. Russia, Prussia, and Austria had shared in our labours, and rejoiced in the common triumph. In 1856 the nephew of the Emperor, to destroy whose power we formerly lavished our men and money with almost wanton prodigality, has esta blished his dynasty upon the throne of France, and Napoleon 111. is the most faithful and powerful ally of Great Britain. In spite of the changes which science has intro- • duced into the art of war—in spite of the revolu tion which steam has wrought in all naval contests, her position as the foremost power is the same. Old England in 1856, as in 1814, is the mistress cf the deep—the one great empire whose supremacy wherever the ocean rolls is uncontrollable and un disputed. To fully appreciate this proud mastery, we have but to consider for a moment the gigantic arma ment which yesterday covered the waters of Ports mouth from land to land. There assembled at the Sovereign's bidding no less than 26 screw line-of battle ships ; nearly 40 frigates, paddlp and steam ; 2 mortar batteries ; 4 wrought-iron floating bat teries ;50 13-inch mortar vessels ;20 sloops,. cor- all a nd 164 screw gun-boats ; in v u e p t w t e a s r , d and s of brigs 3 b oO g s s ail of men- of -w a rro, armedlng b a y n 4 1%7 0 - ga te tonnage of 150,000 to nand seamen , carrying 3,800 guns, firing a o t li o d ne ir doins . charge a broadside of nearly 90 tons of s Has England, with all her ceuturieasroafbpleowtoerthains victory, ever witnessed a fleet comp It seems almost monstrous to think that such a fleet should have been assembled drily to be dispersed again—that we should, while a war was raging, have been short of vessels for its proper conduct, and only when a peace was declared have been able to take the sea in a manner worthy of the chief maritime power of the earth. At ten the vessel on which we were located steamed out towards the fleet, following in the wake of the lumbering Megeera and a host of other vessels, either sailing or steaming. It was not until well clear of the harbour that a good sight of the fleet in all its gigantic magnitude was to be obtained. It is almost difficult t' say where it lay, because it would be next to impossible to say where it did not. One great dark line of line-of-battle ships, frigates, and corvettes could indeed be distinguished far and wide, but the rest of the tremendous armada was here, there, and everywhere. The floating batteries were anchored off Gilkicker Point, plunging heavily before the slight swell, and looking dark and terrible, like over-charged thunder clouds. The mortar boats were crammed away into Stokes Bay as well as it could hold them. The gun-boats formed two parallel lines, reaching almost to the mouth of the Solent. The whole length of the line from north to south Was, nearly six miles. Never within the memory Of Man' had such a fleet assembled for a mere re- view. Though not entirely accurate (for we firmly be lieve even the Admiralty will not for some days know the precise number of vessel; taking part in t . he demon s t ra ti on o f y es terday), ytt the follow in g of the ships will, we think, be found as correct as it is at this time possible to have them. We give them precisely in the order in which they were anchored : STARBOARD. Vice-Admiral Sir G. SE 'MOUB. Ships. Cap - aA m . iGuns. LI . p . Royal George.._! Nile Conqueror Cressy Caesar ............ Algiers ......... Sanspa,reil • .•. Centurion ....... Ajar ..•• ......... Hawke .......... Hastings Imperieuse Araphiou Cossack Esk Falcon Conflict Harrier Eurotas Seahorse Men. Toi 920 61 850 259 930 750 257 850 MC 523 3'9 523 23 750 600 17( 600 17! 600 171 530 23 312 18' Robinson. Mundy._ Warren. Robb. Codrington. Key. Warden. hnmanney. Fanshawe. Watson. Chads. u. D' Pullen.,llCockburn.,Ec Y i Ile tl r r t Cochran. Derriman. Nioorsom. Reath. Glasse. Vansittart. riore. Crofton. Crawford. Utter. Vulture Magicienne Voiluvius Basilisk Gorgon . Firefly THE SUN, LONDON, TITURSDAY EVENING t APRIL 24, 1856. PORT. Rear-Asimiral Sir R. DIINDAS. Ships.' Captains; ( Guns. H.p. Men. funs. —-- - -- D ofWellingtot •21eldwell. 131 700 1100 3759 Orion James Watt Elliot. 91 660 850 :083 ktajestic Exmouth Colossus Brunswick Yelverton. 80 400 523 2184 Edinburgh Hogue Ramsay. 60 450 600 17i•0 Blenheim Russell ''cott. 60 00 600 - 1751 Euryalus Ramsay. 51 400 '530 2311 Rear-Admiral R. L. BRINES. Asrogant Lyster. 41 350 450 Pearl ...... Tartar Archer Eleathcote. 14 209 116 1100 Desperate White. 8 400 1 , .5 12. M Cruiser . 11,ttler Forth Lord J. Hay 13 200 200 750 Horatio } Retribution Centaur Dragon Stewart. 6 560 200 ,1269 Bulldog Gordon. 6 500 100 1123 Geyser Tower. 6 280 1t:0 1054 Merlin Bnlivan. 6 310 110 Bs9 Heels, Aplin. 6 940 135 817 Hydra. THE GUN•BOAT FLOTILLA. WRITE SQUADRON, OR VAN. Under the Commend of Captain the Hon. Henry Kcppel, C. 8., in the Colossus, 81. Name Commanding officer. Pounders. Gun-boat. Victor Alacrity Palter Thistle Sandfly Plover Carnation Insolent Mayflower Spey Pickle Spanker Reynard Traveller . Parthian Ripple Wolf Louisa Cochin Eruct Swan . Mastiff Lively Nimrod Vigilant ... Ruby. Tickler ... Seagull Bulldog Hasty Herring Shamrock Primrose Gyi riper Thr s asher Foxhound Growler .. Sava , ge Julia Cherokee Sepny Surly Manly Mistletoe Ms.7net De Horsey. Majendie. Round. Spain. Nicolas. Stewart. Saumarez. Smith. Temple. B)sa,nquet Prince Victor Hoonlohe. Pauli. D' Arcy. Johnson. Byng. Armitage. Hale. B al four. Reilly. Martin. Menzies. Gen este. Heath. Singer. Clutterbuok. Knox. Arthur. Harvey. Rowley. RED SQUADRON, Under the Command of Capt. in the Algi Name of Gun-Boat. Flying Fish Ringdove Biter Starling Snappe!. Bustard . Dove .... Leverot . Peacock . Fervent . Bearer . Opossum Cormorant, Fly .... Blazer Brazen Rainbow Redbreast Rose Amelia Havoc Earnest Pioneer Lapwing . Swinger.... Skylark Pincher .... Charger Grasshopper Mackerel Pheasant Forester Whiting Partridge Coquette Flamer Beacon Brave . Bullfinch Raven ~ Rocket Highlander. E5c0rt........ Commanding Officer. Drew. San.loz. Anderson. Piers. Villiers. Lord Gilford. Herbert. Codrington. Beresford. Mitchell. Hoskins. Campbell. Bocci den. Gooch. Robinson. Bridges. Grove. Wratislsw. Berkeley. Mends. Saumarez. Nelson. Pyno. Maresceauz. Symonds. Weld. Inner. Nicholl. Jones. Risk. Stubbs. Hardinge. Thompion. Knowles. Wilson. 2-68 4-32 1-63 1-32 2-24 L-68 1-32 2-24 1.68 1-32 2.24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2.24 L-68 1-32 2,24 1-63 1.32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 11:6688 1-321 1-68 1-32 2-24 32 22:2224 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-42 2-24 1-68 1.32 2.24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-2 1-63 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2.24 1-63 1.32 2 24 L-68 1-32 2-24 1 2-68 4-32 _ _ IZ 1-32 2-24 1.63 1-32 2-24 1-68 1.32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-63 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-63 1-32 2-24 1-63 1-32 2-24 1 68 1-32 2-29 1-63 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-63 1 32 2.24 1-68 1-32 2-24 63 132 2.21 1-68 1-32 2-24 1.68 1-32 2-24 1.6 1-32 2-24 1.63 1-32 2-24 1-63 1-32 2-24 1. 68 1-32 2-24 1-63 1 32 2-24 OR CENTRE. :enry Y. Codling ers, 91. Pounders. 4.32 ,-63 1-31 2-24 !( L-68 1-32 2-24 L-6 4 1-52 2.24 1-68 1.32 2-24 1.68 1-32 2-24 ( 1.68 1-32 2-24 1-68,1-32.2- 24 ( 1-63 1-32 2-24 I 1.68 1-32 2-24 168 1-32.2.24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-6; 1-32 2-24 2 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-63 1-32 2-24 1-63 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1 1 :6 68 4 1 1 : 3 32 2 2 2:2 2 4 4 1-68 1-32 2-24 2-68 4-32 3 1-63 1-32 2-24 2 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-63 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-:32 2-24 11-63 1-32 2-24 168 1-32 2-24 1.63 1.32 2-24 L-63 ; -32 2-24 1.68 1.32 2-24 1.68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 . 2-24 1-6'4 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1.68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1 32 2-24 1- , iB 1-32 2.2 1-68 1 32 2.24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 , 1-68 1-32 2.24 BLUE SQUADRON, OR REAR. Under the Command of Captain Hastings R. Yel • C. 8., in the Brunswick, 81. Nanie Gun-Boat. Commanding -Officer. Pounders. Roebuck Osprey Weasel B 1 o m fida. Craigie. Swinburne. Ward (a). Cuming. Da Crespigny Simpson. 2-68 4-` l 2 1 68 1-34 2-24 1-6 t 1-3 ! 2.24 1-66 1-32 2-24 1-63 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2.24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2.2 1-68 1.32 2-!4 1-68 1.32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1.32 2-24 1-63 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2.24 1.68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1.68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1.68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-36 2-24 1-63 1-32 2-24 1-68 4-32 -68 1-32 2.24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1.63 1-32 2-24 1-68 1.32 2-24 1-68 1-3'' 2-24 1-68.1-32 2-24 1-6 S 1-32 2-24 1-68.1-32 t'-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1-68 1-3,2 2-24 1-68 1-32 2-24 1 1-68 1-32 2-2 1-63 1-32 2-24 1.68 1-32 2-24 1.68 1-32 2-24 4 1-63 1-32.2.24 4 1-63 1-32 2-24 4 1-68 1-32 2-24 4 1-68 1-32 2-24 4 1-63 1-32 2-24 Jackdaw . Hind .... S heidrake Cockchafer Staunch Charon Tilbury. Sparrowhawk Prompt Goldfinch Dali,ght Wildman. Pollard. Cresswell. Boxer. Bingham. Bouncer Drake: --- Nightingale Camel Confounder Foam Snider ... Intrepid Mohawk Stork ..... Dapper Gleaner Magpie Redwing Badger Skipjack Forward Banterer Haughty Assurance Procris Porpoise Goshawk Grappler Ifymna ...... Violet ......... Caroline ...... Cr0cu5......... Wave......... Wood Close. Malcolm. Dyer. Bogle. rim. Forbes. Chetw'ynd. Nelson. Whitshed. Hamilton. Jones. 6 . , 3i 60 31 60 31 CO 31 60 - 200 si Irvine. Gooaenongh, Silcerlock. Gregory. Woolcombe. 60 c 0 3( 60 -3( 60 3( 60 31 60 31 60 3, LIGHT SQUADRON, OR DETACHED SERVICE. Under the Command of Capt. Astley Coo p er Key, C. 8., in the Sanspareil, 71. Name Commanding Officer. Gunboat. Surprise ..... Cheerful ...... Fidget ......... Dai1ey......... Pert............ Midge ......... Drake Blossom Gnat Angler Pet Rambler . . Wanderer Chub Flirt • Dwarf Onyx Tiny Janus Gadfly Garland Ant Nettle Vernon. Rasou. Brent. Doughty. Peile. Howarth. Stubs. RlVlllgtoll. LUC3. Cochrane. Ile \vett. 20 20 40 20 20 'Robson. N. Salmon. Key. Clark. 2-32 ,2-32 Decoy The following vessels were not included in order of sailing, but as some of them form an important Portion of our fleet, and were at the anchorage, saluting and manning yards with the rest, we in clude them in the list : • Captain or Name of Ship. commander . Guns. Tons. 11. - p. Crew. —...-- —..—. -- Rodne Pivot Wilmn 93 2593 sails 820 London ships Tervis 90 2598 sails 820 Meander Dasher Rattler Alban ... .... Fisher 4 405. 100 51 Lizard . Kite Veitch 2 300 170 Sealarlt.. ...... Rolla . Lut. Fpnwiel 6 231 boys FLOATING BATTERIES. Trusty Campbell 14 1163 15') 200 ,Glatton . Cumming 14 146) 250 200 Meteor Randolph 14 1169 110 200 Thunder .. ( Seymour 14 14ii9 130. 200 Also a Flotilla of Mortar Vessels and. Mortar Floats. But even the above number, stupendous as it appears, by no means represents the number of men of war actually present in the line ; and there was, of course, a large portion not on duty - set aside to convey visitors. The latter ignoble lot fell.to the. Driver. Her services in the Baltic might have saved her from this fate, to say nothing of the fact of looking more frigate-like and man-of-war fashion than many which followed the Royal yacht in the order of sailing. As we had quitted the harbour some time ere the Queen was expected to arrive, we had a fine oppor tunity of surveying the whole fleet, and going down its line from end to end. Though not put in the order of sailing, yet the first we could closely inspect were the floating bat teries. They are most singiilar and striking in appearance, and by no means prepossessing. They looked very like dumb barges of uncommon strength, and had their tall spars lugger-rigged ; but that tliey were. very black, and showed a broad side of guns of the heaviest calibre, we should cer tainly have taken them for beacon ships. These, however, were the floating batteries, Than their appearance nothing can be conceived more un couth and massive looking, or more indicative of unwieldy ponderous strength. Their massive wrought-iron sides, huge round bows and stern, and, above all, their close rows of solid 68 and 84- pounder guns, show them at once to be antagonists under the attacks of which the heaviest granite bas tions in the world crumble down like contract brick-work. Each of the tremendous floating bat teries 'carries 14 68-pounders, and is sheathed, from the bulwarks to three feet below the water line, with massive plates of wrought iron, 14 feet 6 inches in length, 20 inches wide, and 4A- inches thick. Each of these plates are bolted to the tim ber sides of the vessel with 40 screw nuts.' When French floating batteries of the same construction were used in the combined attack on the fortress of Kinbourn, one vessel was struck 58 times in the hull. But she stood this most severe ordeal with out sustaining the least possible injury, except that wherever she was hit her wrought-iron plates were dented to depths varying from 1i inch to" of an inch. . But in spite of these apparently strong recom mendations for vessels in a time of warfare, the floating batteries are not precisely the class of vessels we should prefer to serve in on active ser vice. A little below these, to the north of Monkton, Fort, the whele of Stokes Bay was apparently crowded with rafts, jury-rigged in an emergency, in some incomprehensible manner. These were the'mortar boats, and what a harmless little flotilla they all looked. How easily we should, under ordinary circumstances, have mistaken them for the most comino, of pilot or fishing vessels. In appearance how heavy, slow-looking ' bluff, and round—much akin in externals to the sombre Dutch luggers which figure so prominently in the water pieces of the Flemish school ! But, alas ! bow foreign is this peaceful guise to the purposes for which they were really built. The floating bat teries have an aspect " villanously low," but you expect no better from them ; but the mortar boats, under the most commercial, hardworking exterior, conceal a destructiveness not inferior to the iron batteries thetnBelves. All are cutter-rigged, with light and small spars. Their tonnages average 120 tons. Their draught of water is only from 1. to 5 feet. Bach is about 45 feet long and 18 broad, and armed with one 13-inch mortar, .weighing, with stand and etceteras, nearly 9 tons. These terrific ordnance, when mounted in their places, leave no more space than two feet on each side—the most limited at which the gun can be worked. Some idea may be formed of the im mense strength of the construction of these boats when we mention that under each discharge the mortar recoils upon the vessel with a pressure of nearly 75 tons. To these boats there are no com manding officers, - the divisional ships "to which they are attached furnishing them with 10 of their marine artillerymen, under the command of a ser jeant of bombardiers from the Royal Artillery, and a few sailors, who perform the ordinary evolutions necessary to anchor the vessel off the object of attack. Properly speaking, the divisional ships of the mortar-boats are the Sea-horse and the Forth, which, though called mortar-frigates, are only lugger-rigged. They are built of enormous strength, and each carries twelve 13:inch mortars bedded round her bulwarks. North of these again, and in rear of the port and starboard lines of first-rate, frigates, and corvettes, the gun-boats, or stingers, as they are more generally called, lay anchored in close order. This fleet, which, when we consider the marvel lously short space of time in which it was put to gether, is perhaps the most wonderful the world ever saw, is composed of four distinct classes of vessels, each varying in size, horse power, and weight of armament. How inexhaustible are the naval resources of this country may be guessed from the fact, that twelve mouths ago scarcely one of the gun-boat vessels manoeuvred yesterday be fore the Queen was in existence. The majority have been ordered and completed within the last six months, and had the Government found reason to think that the services of more would have been required, we are informed that with perfect ease 600 could have been built, launched, armed, and manned within the same space of time. The first class of gun-boats is composed of screw 'ships of 200 feet in length, and carrying six long 63- pounders, provided with engines of 360-horse power and a crew of 100 men. This class is intended as 0 - sub-divisional ships. 0 The second class are about 150 feet long, and 6 carry four 68-pounders, are provided with engines 6 of 200-horse power, and the crew numbers 80 ' 5 hands. 6 The third class are about 100 feet long, of 60- horse power engines, armed with one 687-pounder ;6 pivot gun, one 32-pounder pivot gun, and two brass 6 howitzers, ‘24-pounders, on the broadside. Thisclass ; 3 is by far the most useful and numerous of the whole 16 flotilla, their extraordinary light draught (generally tO f; averaging from 4to 6 feet) enabling them to steam 16 in the shaliowest creeks and inlets, while the heavy 16 armament renders them effective against the strongest forts. The whole bulwarks are provided 16 - with moveable wrought-iron plates, perfectly rifle -16 • proof, and reachine• about seven feet above the ; g deck, so as to protect the men from the enemy's t 6 riflemen, in case of having to force the passage of i 0 narrow rivers defended by sharpshooters. O The fourth class is also a useful flotilla for,very 6 shallow streams and close in-shore service. It com prises vessels of about 80. feat long, the engines 6 averaging 23-horse power ; each boat carrying two 6 32-pounder pivot g uns amidships, the crew usually 5 numbering 36 hands, exclusive of officers. These 3 boats are very little large r t h an the small s teamers 3 which ply upon the Thames, though they are cer tainly considerably broader, in order to admit of ) working the guns without danger to the craft. Their draught of water, with stores, atnmunition, provisions and guns on board, does not exceed ; from 3' to 4 feet. ; The head of the fleet, with which we should more properly have commenced. our description, was, of course, composed of line-of-battle ships, carrying, from 120 to 60 guns. Our' vessel ran close along side the leading ship of the first line; the far-famed Duke of Wellington, 131. The magnificent appear ance of this noble ship as she lay upon the water, slovily rising to the slight swell—her tall, dark chequeredsides, her triple rows of massive guns, her tapering spars and taut-'black rigging, relieved' by the gaudy colours in which she was dressed fore and aft, made a tout ensemble which it is literally impossible to do justice to by any description. The fleet was ordered to salute the instant the. Royal yacht showed clear of the harbour. This affair, which it was rightly j ud g e d would be the most striking feature in the day's proceeding, was looked forward to with immense expectation and interest. The Royal yacht showed each minute more and more clearly out of the harbour, yet still no preparations seemed to haVe been made by the fleet towards anything like a general salute. Sud denly a confused black mass was seen at the shrouds of the headmost ships of the line, and instantly, as if by magic, men swarmed up the rigging of every vessel in the fleet. They clustered upon the shrouds like bees. At first there seemed confusion; but as the men got higher, formed into their places, and spread out upon the yards, the marvellous rapidity and regularity of the whole manoeuvre was seen with feelings of admiration and astonishment. Hardly had the men joined hands, when the 'Royal yacht showed - well 'out of the harbour. On the instant one large dense spirt of smoke dashed in a heavy mass from the side of the Duke of Welling ton. The eye had scarcely time to perceive it, ere from every vessel" along the two lines came the same discharge, followed instantly by another and another from the same ships ere the report of the first had time to reach. In a moment after the heavy swelling roar came sullenly up against the wind, increasing as it rolled forward, until the air seemed to vibrate painfully with the tremendous concussions. In few seconds the hulls of the whole fleet 'were enveloped in the clouds of white smoke, from which in regular order, from port and star board, came' the broad flashes of the discharges like sheets of yellow lightning. It had a .grand and tremendous effect. - The salute only lasted about two minutes. _ BAthe time the salute was over her Majesty's yacht had made considerable progress in passing down the port side of the port line, ere the last heavy echoes of the guns had died away among the hills of,Ryde like distant thunder. The yacht was followed by a concourse "of vessels of all kinds, all of which, however (no doubt much against their will), were compelled to keep a respectful distance. Nothing afloat could overtake the speed of the Royal yacht ; and save And except her own shadoW, we think there are few things to be seen on the water that would keep pace with her. C,z tainly, if her equal in speed, does exist, it is un known at present. All the yards continued manned while the Royal yacht passed. Her Majesty entered, between the port and starboard lines at the most extreme end of the line of gun boats; These, the instant the yacht had passed, got under way, and followed her up between the screw-liners in the order in which they had been moored. The Royal yacht halted a little ahead of the two flag-ships. As the 'gun-boats arrived abreast of the Royal yacht, the white and light squadrons went round the Duke to port, and the red and blue squadrons round the Royal George to Starboard. . The speed and care which the gun-boats • die- played in executing-this manoeuvre spoke well for the discipline of the crews and officers of all. The average rate attained by them was most respectable; few seemed to run less than 7 or 7 knots, and there were a large number that would clear their 9or 10. The time occupied in the passage of the whole four squadrons was upwards of an hour. Just as the leading gun-boat came up, a dirty looking tug tried to cut in between, the yacht and the column, of boats. The attempt would have been certain to have resulted in au, accident,.had not the flag-ship (the Duke) brought the tug to a proper estimate of 'her position by firing two cannon shots in rapid succession across her bow, and one just over her bridge. With these iron reprimands, the tug instantly fell back into her proper post outside, and to leeward of the squadron. The instant the last of the gun-boats had passed the pivot-ships, signal was made -to the line-of battle ships to undress ship and prepare to weigh. All these were already hove short, and as the gun flotilla turned off to, seek their post near Monckton Fort and Southsea Castle, a little foam showed under the sterns of each of the ponderous two and three deckers—a little ripple appeared ahead of them, and with less confusion than a half., penny river steamer makes in • coming alongside a pier, the long columns of line-of-battle ships and frigates were under weigh. A general signal was made to steam at five knots per hour, then to pass close order (a cable and a half between each ship), theil a particular signal to the Ajax, 60, to " keep her proper station in the line." All the vessels steamed in the order in which we have already given ,them at their anchorages. The port line was led by Admiral Sir Richard Dundas in the Duke of Wellington ;.the starboard by Rear Admiral BayneS, in the Royal George.. The whole now went in the most perfect preci sion and good order out to the 'east. The pivot ships, LondOn, 90, and Rodney, 90, were anchored in the centre of the Channel, about a mile distant from the Nab Light. Ahead of and between these the Royal yacht hove-to, while the screw, liners came up in.their regular order, and turned off to port and starboard, as the gun-boats had previously done. The wonderful.ease and rapidity with which the enormous vessels went round almost in their own lengths` appeared perfectly astounding. The Conqueror seemed to turn as if upon some well-oiled stationary pivot ; so did the Imperieuse, Euryalus, ass. At this stage of the review there was an evi aent desire on the part of the authorities to bring it to as speedy a termination as possible, so that almost before the last of the liners had passed' the pivot ships the Royal yacht was on its way back to where the gun-boats were mustered off the forts in overpowering numbers. The line-of-battleships then increased their speed, and back came the whole gigantic armada towards the shore, covering the sea almost from land to land, and (in spite of all the precautions taken and the Welch coal used), darkening the very heavens with their - mass of smoke. On a long, low spit of land, to the east of Ports, mouth Harbour, is Fort Monekton. It is partly surrounded by a ditch, and well situated for offer ing a close and vigorous defence to any attempt to force the entrance of the harbour. It crosses fire with Block Fort (a most powerful two-tierbattery, only inferior to the granite impregnabies of Cron stadt), which in turn crosses fire with Southsea Castle. Monckton mounts 40 long 68 and 32- pounders, and is itself protected to the eastward by Browndown battery. Southsea Castle is on the east side of Portsmouth harbour. As a strong fort it is nothing particular. We have no great faith in freestone walls, which we have seen sadly mauled in a very short time, and by vessels, too. Southsea mounts 38 long 68 and 32-pounders, and was chosen from its fine open situation to assist in fighting the swarm of gun-boats. The gun-boats had, after passing the Royal yacht, taken up their positions in, close proximity ,o Southsea Castle on one side, and opposed to the _ _ immense floating batteries on the one side of the harbour near IVlonckton and Browndown FOrts. Signal was made to clear the decks and prepare for action. In an instant the men hurried about— the bulwarks were lowered—guns cast loose and, run out, loaded and rammed home—all with a ce lerity which showed the value of the squadron as quick and formidable antagonists. it was curious to see the old castle at Southsea at the moment be fore the action began. The whole beach apd ram part literally seemed one black moving mass. Not less than 150,000 people are computed to have been assembled at this spot. The Royal yacht soon ran in. Up went a little signal to the divisions of gun boats, their answering pennants flew up and down in reply, and then from every side, and iu all di rections at once, volumes of smoke appeared, as if a thousand whitmoz,clsmds had sprung into ex istence. Loud and still louder came the mighty - roar,.,as if thevery earth was crumbling to destruc tion followed by the stunning echoes which every building in Portsmouth, add every hill in the Isle of Wight, sent back in reply. The floating bat teries which were attacked with the castle were nothing loth to accept the challenge. The fort plied every gun as fist as it could be charged and fired, while the batteries, opening the ball with a terrific broadside, continued to give their numerous assailants in every quarter gun for gun. The uproar was fearful. The sky had become much overcast, and showed each flash with the distinctness of lightning. On every ,side they seemed to spring up in - fresh places, and the heavy continuous reports at last swelled into a• sustained roar. The batteries were soon (as, indeed; so was everything else) hidden in the dense smoke, and it was only by the uproar we knew the fight was con tinued. Suddenly, just as the line-of battle ships were joining in at a distance, and the cannonade promised to attain a terrific magnitude, the signal was made to cease firing, to the manifesedisappoint ment of many of the spectators, who evidently ex pected a long continuance of the affair. But her Majesty unfortunately was tied to time, and her yacht stood rapidly in for the Clarence yard. Upon entering the harbour the 'Victory and the St. Vincent manned yards and fired a Royal salute, and a small Dutch sloop-of-war, which put into the port yesterday, manned yards and cheered at the same time. It being at that time low water, the Windsor Cattle lay to in the centre of the stream, and the Queen and the Royal suite landed at the stairs in the state barge. The Queen was received by Cap tain Da.cres, the superintendent of. Haslar Hospi tal, and Mr. Davis, the master-attendant of the Clarence-yard, and was from thence immediately conveyed to town. SOUTHSEA CASTLE. The fleet and Portsmouth Harbour were not the only great points of attraction to the myriads of sight-seers that swarmed in from all parts 'of the country to witness the great demonstration. As Southsea Castle was the principal place to be at tacked by the gun-boats, beneath its walls and the common in the immediate neighbourhood were of course the favourite .points of observation among the spectators. During the early part of the week some speculative individuals of the town had gone , to a considerable expense in erecting a gigantic stand in the rear of the fort for seats, in which they had the modesty to ask from 10s. 6d. to 11. ls., and still contrived to dispose of the majority of the tickets at that enormous profit. 'The little town of Portsea had been the refugiusn' peccatontin for all the unsuccessful candidates for accommoda tion at Portsmouth, and tables, chairs, and even in extreme cases the floors of many houses and blanket, were gladly accepted at the rate of half-a• guinea a-head. At the first dawn of. day thousands of persons were up and stirring, and- the whole of this quiet place was 'in an unusual confusion. Hundreds of speetatoradriving about to secure the most eligible situations; others driving hard bargains with the proprietors of the innumerable little vessels which beset the sea for about one mile from the shore, nine-tenths of which were advertised for hire. The morning advancing increased the crowd, lin ing the common, the Portsmouth lines, and the beaeh by thousands at a time, and before eight o'clock there was not au available spot upon which a view could be obtained that leas not positively alive with people. The scene which presented itself from Southsea Castle at about ten o'clock was of the most curious and animating de scription. The vast crowds of people extending in one black line along the coast as far as the eye could reach, backed by double rows of carriages, carts, vans, and every other description of vehicle, all filled with spectators, the major portion of whom were of the gentler sex. The gay dresses of the ladies, as they showed forth to the best advan tage in the bright sunshine in all their various colours, together with the busy appearance of the numerous booths and tents, reminded one strongly of the Epsom race-course on the Derby day. As the hour appointed for the arrival of the Queen drew near, the steam-frigates and the other vessels conveying the Government guests set off from the wharf, and put to sea with their living freights. These were shortly after followed by the flotilla of " fast-sailing" cutters, luggers, schooners, ctc., whose departure for this special occasion had been advertised for weeks past. The whole fleet of them, crowded with passengers, weighed and stood out towards the Spit buoy, with the evident intention, in their anxiety to obtain a good view of the manoeuvres of the ships, Of getting as much in everybody's way as was possible under the circum stances, or they would be permitted to do by the lack-out gun-boats. The guns of the Victory and the St. Vincent an nounced the arrival of her Majesty ; and a few minutes afterwards the magnificent yacht, the Windsor Castle, glided out of the harbour. As she emerged the Portsmouth battery fired a Royal salute. The cheering was taken up at the end of the line, and spreading gradually along the shore, swelled in magnitude as it progressed, until it reached the castle in one almost deafening roar. Before the guns of the saluting Watery had finished firing a puff of smoke issued from the side of the flag-ship Duke of Wellington (which lay with the rest of the fleet about three miles from the shore), and instantly afterwards a succession of flashes dashed from every vessel ,along . the lino ; gull succeeded gun - but the white wreaths of smoke had completely hidden everything but the topmasts (for the wind blew towards the land), be fore the first low booming report was audible on shore. The rapidity with which the successive concussions fell upon the ear, together with the often-repeated echo among theoforts, produced a most extraordinary effect, much more resem bling the Sound of continuous loud though distant thunder than' a discharge of artillery. The sight was one of the most imposing that can be imagined. The vast line of slips, extending for miles, enveloped in one cloud of smoke, through which could be distinguished at intervals the flashes of the successive discharges of those ships which were latest in manning their guns, gave an appear ance of grim reality to the warlike aspect of the fleet which evidently produced considerable im pression upon the minds of the spectators. The smoke of the guns, which quickly drifted between the Royal yacht and the shore, completely concealed her Majesty's movements for a time; but it was, no doubt, taken for granted by all those so debarred that the usual routine of the official pro gramme was gone through. By the time the smoke had cleared away, which it did in about half an hour, the fleet of gun-boats could, by their white puffs of steam, be indistinctly seen steaming in two divisions of two abreast each isetween the line of bat tle. Upon arriving at the head of the line the port column turned round the Duke of Wellington, and the starboard column round the Royal George, the Royal yacht being stationed near the flag-ship to inspect them passing. Their number seemed almost intermicable, for though sailing iu two columns, and in each column tivo abreast, it was nearly an hour before the last of them had turned. The white squadron, after turning the end of the port line, took their position in a semicircle in order of battle opposite the floating batteries, which were anchored in line north of the great line of the fleet. The red squadron could be seen making their way, after passing the Royal George to the southward of the great ine of the fleet, in the same order, for the purpose of .passing in the rear, so as to form in line of battle in Stokes Bay, opposite Fort Monckton, according to the general ordors. The blue or rear squadron made straight for Southsea Beach, and took up position to the east ward of the Bayne buoy, just opposite the castle. The light squadron formed in order on the Mother bank, as the reserve. While the gun-boats were executing these evolu tions theefleet had evidently been signalled to get under weigh, as the bunting with which the ships were dressed quickly disappeared, and the whole line - was soon in motion. Those who had first caught a glimpse of the fleet from the lines ofPorts nriouth werealmost without exception disappointed, the great distance the ships lay from the shore ren dering the aspect of even the line-of-battle ships anything but imposing ' but when we consider that fume than half of the ships %Vete hidden frona thisnbservation by the point of land, it was by no means surprising. But when the complete squad ron was fairly under steam, making for the pivot ships, and the vast length of the line stood out in bold relief against the clear horizon, the sight was magaificeut in the extreme. In spite of the Ad miralty regulations respecting the use of anthra cite or Welch coal by all the private steamers present, the orders were infringed to such a con siderable extent' that from the shore, where by far the largest portion of the spectators were as sembled, not much was visible in a .few mi nutes but a dusky cloud of smoke. The fleet, after passing the pivot ships, quickly returned to their former stations. A signal was seen flying from the flag-ship. The answer was run up by all the gun boats. All hands were immediately piped on deck, and on those vessels nearest, the artillery men could be distinguished, opening out the ports, casting looee the guns, and otherwise preparing for instantly commencing the action upon the signal being made. A few minutes afterwards another signal was evidently read from the divisional ship ; the men all stood to their stations, the magazines were opened, and the guns loaded and run out. In this position they remained quietly steaming about, to facilitate their evolutions when begin ning the attack. The commander of the fort, observing these hostile preparations, gave the order to prepare for resisting the contemplated assault. The artillery men loaded and ran out the guns, and waited with the trigger lines ready to fire the minute the signal was made. In the meantime the Royal yacht steamed in about halfway between the fleet and Southsea Castle. The appointed signal having been given, the gun-boats - of the blue division fired their 68-pounders in rapid succession upon Southsea Castle, and then steamed round to pour in their other bioadside. In the meantime the firing was taken up by the white division upon the floating batteries, and by the red squadron upon Fort Monckton. The squadron of the blue had time to turn and discharge their starboard guns before Southsea Castle re turned a shot ; but when they did fire it was to some purpose, discharging their 40 long 8-inch guns in one grand volley. The crowds of people who had collected immediately under the embra sures apparently had no idea of how close they could conveniently remain while ordnance of that heavy description was being fired. The effect of the volley was completely conclusive as far as they were con cerned, for it was instantly followed by a grand rush and scatter, in every direction, and in half a minute there was not a soul remaining within 50 yards of the fort. The firing from this moment was sustained 'with the greatest vigour on both sides, the reports following each other in far too rapid succession to be distinguished, but continuing in one uniformly loud roar, broken only by the broadsides of the floating batteries, in the fire of the white squadron. The red return'to on 4on t kept up an almost uninterrupted The Monckton, which, however, did .not reply. The Upon For clouds of smoke had by this time bidden the whole fleet, and the positions of. the various squadrons could only be ascertained by the bright flashes of the guns and the increasing density of the white smoke. The line-of-battle ships are supposed to have taken part in the action from the distance, judging from the incessant pattering of artil lery heard in their rection. As to seeing, that was entirely out of the question ; nothing was visible . but a gigantic cloud of vapour, with the topmasts of the ships peering above. The Queen had evidently cut short the programme, in conse quence of the time that had beon already taken up iu reviewing tho ships at anchor. The gun-boats could not possibly have fired their six rounds per gun, as they were not in action more than 15 minutes at the outside when the signal was hoisted to cease firing. The different squadrons then lay too, still keeping the order of battle. The ships returned to their former anchorage, and the review terminated as far as the sight-seeing people were concerned, who were left to scramble to town as they best could. From all that we have heard we are apt to imagine this task must have been impracticable to thousands. a THE SCENE FROM SOUTFISEA BEACH. The myriads of human beings who poured on to the beach from every point and outlet were be yond all precedent, and the heterogeneous com mixture of character was not the least remark able feature of the whole affair. Gradually the walls, ramparts, ravelius, mounds, housetops, and even church steeples entered into bold comps- Quail Firm Lark Snap . 60 60 60 60 n, C. 8., 60 60 GO 60 lverton ELI mi ;e3 350 101 200 81 60 31 60 3+ 60 3' 60 31 60 3i fio 3 60 3 60 31 200 81 60 31 63 31 60 31 60 31 60 31 60 31 60 gl 350 101 ?00 691 Pounders. .-68 3-32 -68 1-32 .-68 1-32 L-68 1-32 L-68 1-32 1-68 1-32 1-68 1-32 I -68 1-32 1-68 1-32 1.681-32 1-68 1-32 1-68 1-32 L. 68 3-32 -33 .?-32 2-32 2-32 2-32 2-32 12-32 200 20 20 20 20 20 36 36 36 36 100 100 80 3G 36 36 36 36 36 36 tition with the water in exhibiting their ventur• ous masses, until surrounding objects, even the great fleet in the distance, became almost insigni hcant items in the animated panorama. The scene from Southsea beach was magnificent. A violet sky, pure and unclouded as that of Italy—a rip pling, dimpling, flashing, sparkling sea—a green elastic sward of the freshest verdure—dazzling uniforms, and many coloured costumes—brilliant equipages, music, flags, laurel wreaths, happy human faces, and " ladies' laughter singing through the air, were the accessories of a scene as gay, brilliant, and animated as any that, with much experience of popular spectacles, we remember to have over witnessed. Nor should we omit to enumerate among the sources of enjoyment the aromatic sea-breeze, that vif et acre parfum de la mer of which Alexandre Dumas descants so elo quently, and which is so delightfully exhilarating to those whose fate it is to be pent up in Cities. Tent and pavilions brightly dotted the green turf, and waggons, barouches, phaetons, and all manner of things that run on wheels were drawn to the mar gin of the water. Thousands of people sauntered over the sands or lay on the shingle of the beach, watching through telescopes and opera-glasses the movements of the fleet. This multitude extended from Fort Monckton on the west to Southsea Castle on the east, a distance of three miles ; and must have comprised something like 100,000 persons. Near Southsea Castle a great stand had been erected in the cause of sight-seeing, and it, like other smaller structures of the same description, was crowded with visitors. Yet, brilliant as was the scene and exuberant with life and gaiety, it was not without its ludicrous associations ; and of these the most remarkable were the hideous sta., tues erected on the Clarence Esplanade in dement-. tiou of the memories of 'Nelson and Welling , top. Even the Londoners, who ought by this time to be c7.sehardened in the matter of bad statues, were horrified at these atrocious figures, and expressed their indignation in no measured terms. The thought of being caricatured in this outrageous manner after death is really enough to deter a man from ever doing anything for his country. It is not too much to say that these execrable statues are as' disgraceful to the Southsea Islanders of Hampshire as they would be to their namesakes, of the pacific., But strange'is the fate of our great men, who live in honour,' but dying leave a bust, at which the world grows pale From the contemplation of such unworthy libels on art and greatness We turn with delight to the vivid and glowing picture which Nature every where presented to the eye. The coup cl . ce4 in the forejound was everything brilliant and de lightful that fancy could imagine. The sea flashed and sparkled in the morning sun, and over its waters glided every variety of craft, from the leviathan three-decker of one hundred and thirty gang and twelve hundred men, to the little river steamer that, by some speculative freak, found isself on the joyous bosom of the Solent. It was interesting to observe the contrast of the picture—to compare the yachts with the frigates, and to watch the tiny craft as they picked their way daintily among the mighty ships-of-war. The shipping was everywhere decked in the gayest colours, and upon every breez3 came the strains of martial music —the commingled melodies of France and England. The order issued by the Admiralty that steam-vessels, of whatever class, should burn anthracite coal, was rigidly obeyed by all the steamers, except one ; and let future historians take note of the fact—for it affords an amusing commentary on the difference between preaching and practising—that the offending vessel was no other than the Almiralty yacht, tile Black Eagle. To the horror of the ingenious Mr. Prideaux, and to the indignation of all beholders, on she came in the full insolence of official pride, dimming the at mosphere with a volume of black smoke that burst from her funnel as from afactory chimney. ILLUMINATION OF THE FLEET. The most interesting and only novel feature in the day's movements was that reserved for the night, as an Erneralder might say ; and this was a thorough novelty to such of the present genera tion as accidentally witnessed it. We say " acci dentally," because no notice of as intention to illuminate was given in the Admiralty's pro gramale, and consequently thousands who had borne the cold and languor of the day had left on their return to their distant homes before the ships made this grand and brilliant demonstration. This was effected by simultaneously lighting up' the yards and portholes with bluelights. At 9 o'clock gun fire, the whole fleet at anchor burst into light as if by magic ; the jets one above another main topmast high aloft, and the ports of each opened at once, showing a vivid glare between decks, caused an unusual roar of cheering from the shore, which was echoed and given back with interest from the boats of the legion afloat. This in the stillness of the calm night had an effect as imposing as it was rare, and cheer upon cheek applauded the spectacle. From 9 to 10 rockets were sent up thickly from the ships, and raised golden shower upon 'the" float ing capital." The Commander-in-Chief, , Sir G. Seymour, entertained the admirals, captains, and other officerta 'of the fleet at the Admiralty-house its the oreningovhere the French Admiral and staff were the honoured guests. The Erebus, ono of the three monster flca.t.ipg,be,t.teries bu,ilt of wrought iron by Napier; arrived , at Bpitlipa from Olaigiiw just in.time to be a feature in the finale.: THE LONDON RAILWAYS. The various railways throughout the country whose lines could be brought in connection with those whose termini were either at Gosport, Southampton, or Ports mouth, had for many days past announced the: arrange. ments they had made, and thousands of persons availed themselves of that transit, but the main line used, was the London and South-Western Railway. On Tuesday tn s o tti r og. n p i .pi They hsep-y. everyor i a a n l itn wild policemanrai trains r daensopr officialfairo i from rom the tohn W e eyagctaae gate came o et o oi na station, uoth contact; r and those who were anxious ta anticipate the review, by er securing to themselves the most convenient position, took advantage of these trains and during the entireif the day up to the departure cf the mail trains, crowds of pedestrians, carriages, cabs, and every description of vehicle, continued to arrive• at the station. Owing to the ariangeinents of the official authorities but very sight inconvenience Was felt. Yesterday, however, called forth the greatest energies of the railway officials, and every precaution was adopted that could fairly be brought to bear. It had been an nounced that the first excursion train would leave at 5 o'clock, and special trains at G. 15 to Southampton, and 6to Portsmouth. Tee House of Peers and Commons' train at 7.45. As early as 3 o'clock yesterday morning carriages and cabs approached the station. Pedestrians in all the fall excitement of excursionists, although two boors before the time, were at the station ; anefrom that time Up to the bell ringing at 5 o'clock, the crowd of people coal. tinued to pour in, producing a scene of novelty and ex citement rarely witnessed at that hour of the morning. When the bell rang the disappointment of manybundreds of those persons who aro always " too late" was amns iwith, exhibiting a card, declaring they must go by the train, or they should " lose the boat." After the departure of the five o'clock train placards were posted, announcing that No. I gate was for Go. iernment officials to Southampton alone, and No. a'-to Portsmouth. Nevertheless many hundreds of non official persons succeeded in getting into " the Government official train." After the departure of these trains, at a quarter-past six, the members of the Government, the Houses of Peers and Commone . , and the judges, with those gentlemen possessing Government tickets, arrived. The train was drawn up on the arrival platform. According to the official statement, the number of car• riages sent down, and composing the various trains to Southampton and Portsmouth, were 867, conveying up. wards of 30,000 persons. NIARIKMT NE W3.—(This Day.) • CORN EXCHANGE. GENERAL AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH CORN 'For the lveck•ended April 24,1856, made up from the Returns of .h 1 Inspectors In the differeat Cities and Towns to England and Fralea pdr Imperial Quarter. ' .waEA.T. Bk`d.C,E7. OATS. lit 6. f 8EA.146. PE4.• 0; 01 393 21 23s 71 441 71 41s 91 874,4 d TUE .SIX WEEKS' AVERAGE. W!IEAT. V III,LT Y. OATS . RIB,BEANS. 684 81 384 Id 23s Gd 44s Id • 4 41s Id. 394 Id QUANTITIES OF GRAIN SOLD LAST WEEK, Wheat, 114,384; Barley, 50,3)4; Oats, 12,28 1 ; RP3, 84, ; 5,953; Peas, 768 quarters. • f• MEAT MARKETS. NENVGATE AND LEADENIIALL. The demand ruled steady, as follows :—Beef, from 3s 2d to 4s 4d ; Mutton. 3s Gd to 4s 81 ;Lamb, 5s 4d to 6s 6d ; Veal, 4s Od to 510 d; Pork, 3s 2d to 4s 8d per 81bs, by the carcase. SOUTHALL, April 23.—The supplies of beasts and sheep were but moderate. All breeds sold briskly, on higher terms. Other kinds of stock ruled about stationary. Beef, from 3s 6d to 4s 81 ; Mutton, 3s 10d to 58 4d; Lamb. Cs 61 to 6s 8d; Veal, 4s 4tl to 5s 01; Pork, 38 4d to Is &I per 81bs, to sink the offal. ROMFORD, Apt il 23.—We had a brisk sale for stock to• day, as follows : -Beef, from 3s Gd to 40 10d ; Mutten, 4a Gd to 5s 8d ; Lamb, 5s 8d to 7s Od ; Veal, ls Od to 58' , 01 ; Perk. 3s 10d to 4s 8d per Sibs. Q ua rter -old Store Pigs, 22e to 27s each. HAY MARKETS. SMITIIFIELD. — Meadow hay, 3/15s to 5/ 16 4 ; clover do.; 51 03 to 61 10s; and straw, 1/ 7s to 1/ lls per' load. Trade steady. CUMBERLAND. —Meadow hay, 1/ Os to 5118 x; clover do., 5/ Os to 6: 10s ; 1/ le to 1/ 12s per load. and straw, A. moderate supply and a fair dem a nd. • WHITECHAPEL.—Meadow hay, 3/ 12s to 51 IGs ; clover do., 5/ 03 to Cl 12s ; and straw, 1/ Ca to 11 lls per load. A firm sale. THE ESCAPED CONVICT WILLIAMS.—The Governrnen has offered a reward of 501. for the apprehension of Peter Williams, alias Henry Simpson, whoescaped from the Pentonville Prison whilst undergoing transportation for 14 years, for a burglary at No. 2, Brunswick-place • Old Kent-road. _