The Sun. — London, England, 1863-12-28 00:00:00

THE CHRISTMAS AMUSEMENTS. DRURY-LANE. Vio pantomime at Drury-lane may be truly characterised as a wonderful success. Never on any former occasion has a more joyous and happy audience assembled in the magnificent national theatre than on " Boxing Night, and most certainly never was good humour higher in the ascendant. The stalls and dress circles were occu pied with a brilliant and fashionable company, the pit and upper boxes were filled to overflowing, and the galleries were one seething mass of her Majesty's lieges, each of whom had determined to "go in" for a night of thorough enjoyment. Of course there was the usual recognition be t wecn the galleries and pitites, the harm less but unpleasant pelting with orange peel, I, , ut then no one gave vent to his ill-humour, and th „, who did not elactly see the joke of the t hbag,calmly allowed themselves to be shot at with the good-tempered remark, " Christmas-time, l e t all enjoy themselves." The entertainments cora -,necd with • the good old-fashioned but jovial " A Roland for an Oliver," but, as usual, it was gone through in dumb show, notwithstanding the characters were supported by Mr. Addison, Mr. Walter Lacy, and Miss Heath. The panto mime was the attraction of the evening, and the deEcent of the green curtain on the introductory piece was hailed with delight. The new grand pantomime of " Sinbsd the Sailor, or the Great Roc of the Diamond Valley and the Seven Wonders of the World," is from the pen of Mr. E. L. Blanchard, who has now for more than a dozen years been the a u r nor of the grand Christmas annuals presented at th.s theatre, which has beconn: both renowned its productions of that p,ualiar kind of entertainment. The ucee-s that invariably attended Mr. Blanch4rd's former pro dncions has, if posible, been exceeded this year. Tile dialogue is witty, pointed, and telling, the situations capital, and the plot the v-ry essence of drollery. The prompter's ring for the overture was received with a hearty ctieer ; and then the band, of course, gave the usual introduc tory movement of hurried music, and then follow ed a fmvourite melody. This year it was " Pretty Polly Perkins ;" and no sooner did the gods catch the first notes of their favourite than they all burst into the chorus — Oh: she was as beautiful as a butterfly and proud as a abki real ba for Queen, Was pretty Polly Perkins of Paddington-green, in the most enthusiastic and delighted manner: At the termination of the overture it was a question with the audience whether they should not have their j o lly song again, but the splendour of the opening scene settled the question, and certainly we have never seen anything more strikingly ploturesquo than "The Pyramids at Sunset ;" on the one side a gigantic Memnon—on the other a colossal Sphinx. The scene introduced an interview between the shade of Cheops and first the Spirit of the Nile, and next intrusive and audacious Young :England, who, arrayed as a Volunteer and exhibit ing the slender proportions of Miss Rose Leclercq, had come to read the true riddle of the Sphinx by discovering the source of the Nile. We grieve to say that author, artist, and actress alike showed a sad irreverence towards th© tutelary protectors of Egyptian mysteries. Who does not know the pe culiarity of " Memnon's broken image sounding, 'mid desolation tuneful still"—of the legendary Xenon which gives forth musical strains when the serfs rays fall on it. The huge Memnon of Drury-lane bellowed in hoarse sepulchral notes, seeming to issue from the deepest caverns of the earth, a song to the familiar air of" Old Bob Rid ley," in which the audience also joined in chorus. The Sphinx, in its turn, asks Young England a conundrum—" When is a horse not a horse ?" but the downy young Volunteer is too much for anti quite., and solves it by saying, " When it's turned into a field." llavin L „; thus done the Pyramids, Memnon and the Spltinx, Young England pro ceeds ore his discovery of the source of the Nile. This was an exquisite scene. Beep rich foliage, sparkling watery gleaming in the moon moon across whose disc fleecy clouds floated frequently as in the real and open sky—stars tran, guilty SOT) iniog ctown, and numberless Dive or Peris tiding the foreground, made up a picture which, with all its fentasy, was positively realistic in the perfection of its composition. Mr. B;lverley wss en cßiled for, and had to come for ward and bow his ackoovviedgments. Then fol lowed the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor, which disclosed many comintl situations and slartlin , scenes. Sinbid cvas personated by Miss Lizzie Witlinore, who made her first appear ance in London, Miss Willmore was entirely successful. With a pretty bright face, a graceful fi.3tire, shapely limbs, and an easy unconstrained, bat vivacious and effective style, she well merited the frequent applause which she received. Excel lent, too, was the acting of Master Percy Resell, who played the Old Man of the Sea with irresistible quaintness and drollery. The scenery to illustrate the vicissitudes of Sindbad the Sailor—is magni ficent—never has the renowned Beverley produced Ench wonderful effects. The Valley of Dia raends, with the descent and ascent of Sinbad, is a 'Thest extraordinary " sensation" scene, and the l 'allty of transformation is positively beyond de- Eeri Vden, What with showers of diamonds, the g oal folia ge of the trees, the radiance of desceneiot Paris and the Bright Fairies of the enormous biamond an effect is produced which positively sßes d es c r iptio n - . The audience were in ecstacies ' and both Mr. Beverley and Mr. R. lioxby had to appear and acknowledge the plaudits of the vast aSgemi ae. After the transformation sc ene we were introduced to a double set of Clowns ( Nlessrs. Boleno and ~.a uri) of Pantaloons (Messrs. Barnes and Morris), of tl ar_ , equins (Messrs. Cormack and Savill e ) , and no leas than three Columbines (M a dame Bolen° arid t%, e Misses Gunnies). The ; 54, it should 1 1 1 Misses , , said led many t he brilliant dances in th e early part of Pantomime. The humours of the second part weso of the usual kind and kept the au dience to perpet ual mirth. All left the theatre gratided and dtAi g h te : tt, w tt it o t i l l. the exer tions of Messrs. Felconer and Ch r••••--........ ROYAL ENGLISH OPERA, . -- - - --- - On Saturday evening the proceedings% *On With " ~ u i the second act of the " Bohemian Girl, by Miss Susan Pyne, as the Gipsey ; Mr. Weiukuittint , as the Count; and the remaining characters by 11. e s , lilies, Mr. George Perrin, Mr. St. Albin , and Nit. Cirri. The song, "I dreamt that I dwelt in marbl e halls," was very decieivcly encored, a nd Mr. Weise obtained abundant applause in the old favourit e, " The heart bowed down," which was delivered `with much firmness and vigour. Miss Susan Pyne'e singieg throughout was much admired for its clear nes and parity. This was followed, after an interval of delay vz.ry trying to juveniierEdieuce, by the grand comi cal, &c:, pantomime of " St. George and the Dragon; or, the Seven Champions and the Beautiful Prin ces 4," by Mr, 11. J. Byron ; an old story, no doubt, but none the worse for that, considering the pur pose to which it wts ad Ipted. Tue opening scene is the Palace of K 313 bi, a "detestable old enchan tr",)" who, by some n2ervelious arrangerneni-, iteas e ~,'4 ' l E d to her c h. irge th e "S even Ch amp i ons of I ...hizte n d om ,1 i n the shape of as m an y lit t l e green and g l ossy imps, who are sporting about in front of a C9Stle gate guarded by the ugliest of dragons, which Baal) theiriwyb jaws and wave their wings at the signal of : i s wand. The enchantress enters with toys, and with that important emblem of authority a birchh et) roa Pupil, in n and presently is introduced her favourite the person of St. George of England. Then com es a pro eofg by Kslyba (Mr. C. flail), and the Story iciyhtegs,nlesses. in a most unex cried p ' manner by aklng a matrimonial pro posal to her , you . ng chitiv, St. getting hold of h George (Mr. W. H. Payne), a ho, mhreturn, i n other. word s , in her w:7:c l , inac eges to s , ut up the witch amongst her r "spoons and forks," treasure house, and then sets free his comp tn . who creates ° lonß, the other H e re also enter s 1-: six champions. - --Ldchrabo , payed by Mr. Frederick Payne, es great great merriment, and grea tly enhances the livr)l* m ... e , of the earlier portion of the piece. This Worthy is Eqaire to St. George, and there is a ver y amusing shaving scene between the valet and his master, carried through with great fun and spirit. Then comes a mock-heroic procession of the champions, on sham horeback, round the stage ; the dresses very rich and well arranged. Here, again Kicka raboo, mounted like Sancho Panza on an obstre perous asinine quadruped, makes great play. The third scene opens with the " banks of the Nile," a beautifully-painted moonlit landscape, crowded with Egyptian symbols and architecture, and here enters "the dragon," a gentleman in top boots and striped jacket, with long curly teeth and tail of ap propriate magnitude. King Ritollollemy makes his appearance in the " Nile" scene, with the usual amount of attendants, and is supposed to be a " fero - cious tyrant" with a lovely daughter, the Princess Sabra (Miss Annie Collinson), who is to be betrothed to a prince of Ethiopia, when the Dragon makes his unexpected appearance, and carries her off in his " dragon-fly." Before all this, however, occurs a grand ballet, danced by alternate parties of Odales ques and Amazons on the banks of the Nile, and this is certainly one of the most successful portions of the pantomime. The dancing is unusua lly good, the performers perhaps more than ordinarilya wttriatch tive—certainly the costumes have been stu died historical and even antiquarian research—and the dresses are particularly rich. On the whole, th e appointments attending this fi t g h h i t, rd , b sc e e t n w e ee a n re th p e erhap the leading feature, if we exce p t the absurd, but s:o w r y m v a e t r i n, : unquestionably effective ~ dra gon and St. George , wh ich come s off in the last scene, and is f o llowed by l t rhaeelr ds awalking gentleman usual cal l tr a an on T in he to D pfb a o g o o t n s, igbuntowwhatno g h o ne with scaly legs, huge leathery wings, nostrils which breathe actual unmistakable fire, and a head which, w h e n assailed by St. George's fauichien, fires off into successive squibs sad crackers, and nearly sages the redoubtable champion. Meanwhile, the Princess, pending the combat, stands in the rear, chained to a stake in a dark cavern, her figure lighted with great effect from the side, end, in the end, of course, gives her hand to the victorious St. George. Toe transferals tion scene abounds as usual in splendours, architectural and luminous, the centre being occupied by a large group of St. George and the Dragon. Hero Mr. 1 Grieve was vociferously called for, and made his appearance amid the plaudits of the house. The pantomime that followed was of the usual rough and-tumble character, with many old and some new and cleverly managed pieces of " comic business, especially a photographic artist's studio, a scene in a French market-place, and some others, The co lumbine was played by Madlle Esther, a young lady who made her first appearance, and danced with much elegance. She might indeed with ad vantage have entered oftener, and taken a larger share in the action. Mr. Frederick Payne, as Har lequin, was remarkable active and indefatigable; Mr. Paul Herring played pantaloon ; and Mr. Harry Payne the clown, and kept up the fun and laughter of the audience till the end. They were accompa nied by the brothers Stonette, who as two sprites in red and spangles astonished the assemblage by their flexibility and activity. We have no doubt that the pantomime will prove as successful as any which has appeared under the present popular management. THE HAYMARKET. A crowded house assembled for the three hun dred and ninety-seventh time to do honour to Lord Dundreary, that distinguished nobleman, after a lengthened absence in the country, having chosen Boxing-night for its reappearance in the metropoli tan world. Mr. Sotheron and Mr. Buckstone both received an ovation which is never bestowed upon any but acknowledged favourites--those whose fame is as well established as the theatres in which they delight both " gods" and men. The comedy of" Our American Cousin," in which Lord D undreary, the af fected and shallow-pated fop, so well divides the in terest with the acute but humorous and true-hearted Yankee, Asa Trenchard, has been entirely re modelled. Lord Dundreary sings a new song; Asa and his lordship are actors in a new and highly original bedroom scene ; all the characters engage in a new dance called "the skedaddle breakdown ;" and the play winds up with a new and highly comic epilogue. The additions and. alterations are too numerous and important to be done justice to in a brief notice. We shall, therefore, only ray that the performance throughout was deservedly receiven with roars of I augt. ter and appiause. When a good comedy is tollovt ed by a good burlesque, nothing is left to be desired. Mr. William Brough's extrava ganza was scarcely up to the mark, and suffered somewhat from the lateness of the hour at which it wa4 brought on. Unbar the title of "King Arthur; or the Days and Knights of the Rotted Table," Mr. Brcegh has weaved a spirited and fanciful plot. At the time the piece opens Britain is without a native born king, and the great magician Merlin (Mr. Tilbury), who very properly appears amid the Druidical temples of Stonehenge, determines that only he who is able to draw a sword which is firmly embedded in a block of stone shall be declared the rightful occupant of the throne. Many candidates appear on the appointed day, but Arthur (Miss Louise Keeley) is the only one who succeeds in drawing out the sword, and notwithstanding an artful attempt on the part of a braggart knight, Sir Key (Mr. Compton), to defraud him of his right he is proclaimed King of Britain. But an evil spirit now appears on the scene. Morgan, an en. chantress (Mr. Clark), who is half-brother of Arthur, and himself aspires to the throne, enters into a league with a Saxon invader, Cheldric (Mr. Rogers) to subdue Arthur by magic, and then to share his dominions. Arthur is drawn into an enchanted forest and transported to a fairy realm, where, however, he resists every seductive blandishment. Meanwhile his sweetheart, Guinevere (Miss F. Wright), has been carried off by Cheldric, and placed in a castle which defies all attack so long as Morgan's enchanted flag floats from its walls. Merlin, too, is unable to render assistance, having been shut up in a tree by his pupil Vivien (Miss E. Romer), who practises upon her master one of his own incantations, but knows not how to break the spell. True love, however, in the end dissolves the enchantment which has rendered the castle Guinevere's prison, and everybody is made as happy as though such beings as wizards and en chantresses had never existed. It will be seen that the story, at all events, is a very pretty one. Zed kiel'a crystal ball, the seizure of the Mersey iron clads, the late prize-fight, and other currett topics have been made the subject of the author's wit. " What should be Christmas feels like Whitsuntide," may be taken in a double sense, either as relating la th e weather or to a certain condition of the brain. theaudience thoroughly appreciated thi s , an d a ll the Other Louitia _ really humorous points of the piece. Miss app ; Kceley made a charming Arthur, if we may phrase to a kingly character. She sang as f ted the youthful prince to perfection, looked tu , ti ll a : and DO( only proved princes can sing. Mi s s F. Wright but denced !aseinatin g l a Uy-l ove Ns Guin vere, th u s la aeite skill and gr ace . Mi ss E. R oin e r m a o made e , and 4 L character of Vivien an extremelyattractive indley a re y, as two valiant k ni nd Miss E. Ter- Rhts, Sir Lauocelot and Sir Mt. Tristram, were equally hue testul.Tilbury, as the venerable! magician ; mt. _ so raptor?, RS the hec • of doubtful valour' toring krogat and Mr. Clark, as the ernhitous ene " Morgan, all con tributed to the r, 11 Cettlb of the p i ece and Morris The scenery, by Messrs. 0 Connor ' r wasbot h effective and beautiful. The realm of fia,y pleamiunce and the r b was a scene of e.cquisite beauty , a nd table, with its accessories, a triumph of scenic „,t. II•••••1 ../.• 0.../ ST. JAMES'S. 111-luck has so frequently attended the open -1130 of this theatre, the most western in London, with the exception of the Marylebone, that it is difficult to look very hopefully at any new venture on the same ground. But certainly, if Success be possible at the St. James's, Mr. Webster is the man to ac complish the feat. The most experienced manager in the metropolis, with resources of all kinds at his disposal, he is more likely to overcome obstacles, and to remove a certain prejudice that seems to lurk in the public mind against the house that Braham built, than others who preceded him. Having a company on his hands, owing to the continued success of Miss Bateman, and th e consequent exc l us i on o f the regniar Melphi staff from their proper quarters, he has thought it wise to take the St. James's, and on Boxing-night it opened under its new direction. The house has been newly gilt and painted, and looks extremely bright and pretty. The perform ances on Saturday commenced with the comic drama of the "Hex and Chickens," with Mrs. Stirling in her original character, of which we need say nothing, as all the town are acqua inted with that excellent impersonation of an intrusive, yet really good• souled, mother-in-law. Then came the spe ciality of the evening—" a comical conglomerative absurdity," by Mr. H. J. Byron, entitled " 1863 : or the Sensations of the Past Season, with a Shame ful Revelation of ' Lady Somebody's Secret.' " The idea embodied in this trarestie is a very old one, and has been repeated with a lively faith in the public being good-natured enough to stand almost last Banter the same d ev i ce was a re n s y o t r h te in d g. to by `lr. 3.1 r. Buckstone at the Haymarket, and that was by no means the first time. The author is supposed to be in dire perplexity for a subject for a new Chrismanas piece. Madame d'Aulnoys, the Greek Mythology, and the " Arabian Nights," are described as being equally exhausted, and the dra matist is verging on despair. Fancy, played by Miss Adeline Cottrell, suggests a variety of subjects to no effect; amongst others, the Napoleonic Congress, to which the author replies— Pr'ythee cease 1 I wish that Congress would but snake apiece . 1 which we quote with the greater willingness be cause it is almost the only " hit" in the burlesque. Finally it is agreed upon to review the "sensa tions" of the past season, and straightway we are introduced to the old imitations of actors and actresses. The last two scenes consist o a bur lesque on "Lady Audley's Secret," with Mr. Toole for the hdy, and Mr. Paul Bedford as George Tdll buys. The subject is not happily chosen for humorous treatment, and even the admirable mock tragic acting of Mr. Toole could not render it agree able. This genuine artist had previously appeared in the earlier scenes as an old housekeeper—the Mrs. Brown of Mr. Arthur Sketchley's Entertain- ment—and in imitations of Mr. Fechter and Mr. Phelps. lie was certainly the lite of the piece, though Miss Fanny Joseph's saucy impersonation of the Author, and Miss Cottrell's singing and acting as Fancy, should not be forgotten. Of Mr. Paul Bedford we can only record that he was—Mr. Paul Bedford. The scenery was of the dullest, with the exception of the last—representing " the Land of Thistles, Shamrocks, and Roses"—a very gorgeous production, shifting from one beautiful arrangement of form and colour into another, and liberally illuminated by the lime light and different tinted fires. This drew forth the first hearty applause of the evening, and probably saved the burlesque from disaster. On the fall of the curtain Mr. Webster appeared, and stated that he had only taken the theatre that night week, and had been obliged to make all the preparations very hurriedly. However, he has a capital company, and we wish him all success. The performances on Saturday concluded with the "Birth-place of Podgers"—a really original English farce by Mr. Hollingshead, in which the acting of Mr. Toole has never been surpassed for truth of comic portraiture. Mr. Byron's travestie may steer its way well enough through the Christmas season, but wa do not think it will rank among his many brilliant suc cesses. The puns are often bold and ludicrous en ough ; bat with the exce pti on o f th e p assage we have quoted, there is hardly a point throughout. In truth the scheme has been worn to death. Let us return to the dear old fairy tales which never gr ow old, and be less ambitious of shining as social satirist or moral censors of the time. ADELPHI. A fair extravaganal, by Mr. H. J.Byron, founded upon that immortal story of " Fortunio" by the Countess d'Anois, which Mr. Planche, has turned into a burlesque form so charmingly, was produeed at this house on Saturday night after the drama of Leah, more out of regard to the season than be cause it was really wanted. It was originally written, we believe, for the Prince of Wales's Theatre at Liverpool, and bears every evidence in the dresses and appointments of having been hur riedly put upon the stage by the management. It is hardly necessary to relate a story which is fami liar to most playgoers, and we cannot honestly say that Mr. Byron has treated it with the fancy and which we naturally expected. The Scenes hang somewhat loosely together—opportunities fur choral display are missed—and the dialogue is not very brilliant. The acting, with the exception of a few of the chief characters, was below burlesque mediocrity. Miss Woolgar, as Fortuoio, was charming, LS she aiwava is, .11c1 nothing could ex ceed the point which she gave to the words and actions of her part. Miss Patti Josephs made a very successful first appearance. and played a little waiting maid with a vast deal of piquant grace. The event of the evening, however, was the entry of Mr. John Clarke (late of the Strand), who has not performed, except on the benefit night, since his severe accident. He had a mo©t flattering recep tion, and his make-up and acting as an old queen was most artistic, original, and amusing. There is nothing very remarkable in the music, and the PiEce, probably owing to the late hour at which it was produced, was not very warmly applauded. THE LYCEUM. A new farce, entitled " The Lost Child," written by Mr. W. Suter, who has already brought out many successful pieces at minor houses, was the only Box ing Night novelty at this theatre. There is an amount of genuine fun in this trifle which makes it an agreeable relief after the unspeakable inanity of " Uncle Baby," which has commenced the perform ances here ever since the beginning of the present season, though it must bo owned that the piece is characterised by a humour of a coarser character than Mr. Pechter might have been expected to favour or his peculiarly select and refined audiences to approve. But some of the situations are very diverting, and the genuine drollery of Mr. H. Wid dicombe, who was ably supported by Mr. Garden, Mr. J. G. Shore, Miss Pauline Leclercq, and Miss E. Lavenu, secured for it .a favourable reception. The love story of "Bel Demonio" is more attractive than ever, and its effective tableaux supply the place of those spectacular effects which may be con sidered incidental to the season. A more successful drama has seldom been produced, and those who are familiar with its bustling incidents and scenic bril liance will be at no loss to account for its continu ous popularity. The acting of Mr. Pechter, Miss Kate Terry, Mr. Emery, Mr. Brougham, and the other artists is entitled to all the praise they have received ; and " Bel Demonio" bids fair to retain its position in public estimation long into 1864. THE PRINCESS'S. The entertainments at this favourite theatre opened with the performance of Tobin's comedy of " The Honeymoon," the principal characters in which were well pla3ed by Miss C. Carson, Miss It. Powell, and Messrs. G. Vining, C. Sey. ton, H. Forrester, and D. Fisher. The comedy was fol lowed, alter the not inconsiderable interval duly allowed in every theatre on the first night of a Christmas piece, by a new comic pantomime illustrating what the programme truly terms " An Extraordinary Number of Nursery Rhymes." In the course of the action we have snatches of Little Torn Tucker who cried for his supper ; of Lady of Banbury Cross, of the old woman whe lived in a shoe, with her perplexing numerous progeny; of Taffy who was a Weidman and eke a thief ; and some other of those stories for little people which we all know of. The connection be tween the various tales is certainly not quite so clear as it might be, and the dialogue is not remarkable for brilliance. But the action is full of bustle, and the juvenile portion of the audience evinced much delight at meeting with so many old acquaintances. As a spectacle this pantomime posses• ses considerable merits. To give an idea of the way in which the scenes follow one another it will be enough tosay and s that the first opens in old Cocke r ' s C a bi ne t o f C a l cu l a ti on , Here all work doi ng th e i r sums , an d no pl a y, seem to h ave madea Cocker's pupils dull boys. But the H o lid a y e , i n th e Shhlieol pretty an d b ene ficent fairies, intervene, and then o liday Home. The Holiday Home is a big shoe, mistress of it is an Old Woman, who having duly administered to th bread, Benda them young ones the butter without any Tom Tucke r (mei?, to sleep. Forthwith appears Master s on, with mo ney : n i : Howard), the Old Woman's eldest this a leg of beef Was his pocket, honestly earned, and with Taffy (Mr. Milano), wghooti In the dead of the night comes conveys it to his home— it lihis vocation steals the beef, and At the same tim the Welsh mountains, we sup pose. e, not content with stealin g the beef, the same the Princess insatiabl gibber filches e r obb h away the king's daughter, Mary Quit e C ontra B arn ett)-8 w ilful young lady w h o w ill g o rr (Miss E. for a walk in spite of her parents' prohibition. She is taken to where the beet is, and Master Tom Tucker sets out to recover both if he can. A dove flies across his path pursued by a hawk, which latter he strikes dead, and saves the dove in his bosom. The dove is of course a fairy, recovers her human shape, and in grateful return shows Master Tom the secret of Taffy's dwelling. Here he finds the princess, procures a horse for her flight ; but she being a wilful thing becomes obstinate, and as a punishment is changed to stone on the back of the horse. How the change is effected is immaterial, and if it were not so we could not explain it ; but the lady on the white horse is next seen at Banbury Cross. Here she is restored to life and action by a very singular tune played by Master Tucker; and here the transformation takes place. This transformation scone is really magnificent in its scenic effects. The artist, the decorator, and the ma chinist have done wonders during some years past in pro ducing stage scenery ; but the introduction upon the stage of a beautiful lake of real water was reserved for the artists of the Princess's. The scene represents the Moonlight Abode of the Nautilus, and is the suitable locality for a grand Fairy Congress—the fairies ; all of them lovely crea tures, gently emerging from the beautiful shells. Mr. F. Lloyd, who designed this scene, was justly called before the lights and vociferously applauded. The effect of the opening was greatly enhanced by the graceful and piquant acting of Miss Helen Howard, the broad drollery of Mr. C. Seyton, and the effective pantomime of Mr. Milano ; and special praise is due to the taste and artistic skill displayed by Mr. C. Hall in the arrangement of the music, and to the striking ability with which Messrs. Milano and Chapin() have arranged the incidental ballet. Of the action of the pantomime properly so called little need be said, except that the tricks and transformations went very fairly for a first night. These comprised hits at the pre% ailing feminine fashions, at the practice of betting, at the way in which Poland has been "aided , ' by the Western Powers, with an ink-bottle and some pens and paper; at Mrs. Lirriper's Lodgings, and the Pneumatic Despatch Company ; but none of thorn was either striking or fun-provoking, The scene we have already mentioned, an exceedingly well executed Grand Ballet, and the dancing of Columbine (nisei Car'line Adams), and Harlequin (Mr. Arthur Leclercq), tEzether with some success;ul fiddling by the young under the ditlicultiEs of simultaneous nle saltation, astr constitute the interesting parts of the Grand Christmas Pantomime. Tho theatre, which has been newly decorated in very tasteful style by Mr. B. W. Bradwell, was crowded by an audience who seemed duly to appreciate the entertainment provided, THE OLYMPIC. Wisely judging that when an enormous and legitimate success has been achieved it is best to hold to it as long as it lasts, the management of this house abstained from pro ducing any Christmas novelty, and gave Mr. Tom Taylor's capital drama, "The Ticxet-of-Leave Man," for the 18301 time. We should not be at all surprised at having to make the same announcement next Christmas, simply augment ing the figure by the number of hundred nights which must meanwhile intervene. TIIE STRAND. Mr. H. J. Byron's new burlesque, " Drpheus and Eury dice," which was produced here on Saturday evening with unequivocal success, is, in some respects, one of the most meritorious of his efforts. It is skilfully constructed, neatly and pointedly written; and he has evidently expended upon its composition even more than his usual care. The clas sical story is travestied with genuine humour, and the dialogue, while it is refreshingly free from unmeaning verbal distortions, contains a more than ordinary amount of real fun. The hearty laughter with which Mr. Byron has so often shown his faculty of convulsing an audience is in this instance unalloyed with the slightest dissatisfaction at the means by which it is aroused, and if the drollery is a trifle less rollicking than in some others of his pieces it is certainly far more sterling. We shall not pretend to unra vel the web of the plot or to describe in detail the amusing parody of the ancient legend which has been fashioned by this clever writer's facile and sparkling pen. It must suffice to say that he has distorted the incidents into a very amus ing shape, and has produced a caricature which is mirthful without coarseness, and ludicrous without unseemly extra vagance. The action is brisk and laughable, the dialogue flashes with sallies of real wit, and some of the songs are excellent. These intrinsic merits of the piece would alone have sufficed to justify the peals of hearty applause which accompanied its progress and swelled into redoubled vehe mence when the curtain fell. But it must also be stated that the materials furnished by the author were used after the happiest fashion. Few burlesques have ever been better acted or more admirably placed upon the stage. The cast was in all respects excellent. The place of honour is of course due to Miss Marie Wilton, who, as Orpheus, reap peas ed here after a too protracted absence. The enthusi astic greeting which she received, and which fur a moment almost overpowered her, must have afforded to her pleasant evidence of the high esteem in which all lovers of really good acting hold her unrivalled talent. We have often ex pressed our opinion that she shines more brilliantly in higher walks of art, and have even ventured to grumble at her de voting to burlesque the genius of whose service comedy stands so much in need. But we most frankly own that this discontent is lulled into a temporary sluaabsr when we are witnessing her impersonation of one of those jaunty heroes of extravaganza whom no living artist can portray so well Her piquant sauciness, winning grace, admirably expressive delive.y, pleasant singing, and crisp and buoyant dancing, are ail unmatched in our day upon the stage, and she possesses more than any other awn ss the faculty of investing such a part with the full measure of boyish pert ness without the smallest loss of womanly fascination. As Orpheus she displayed all these familiar qualities in un• diminished force and with captivating effect. Miss Ada Swanborough played Eurydice with marked ability. Tbis young lady's progress is unceasing, and each new character in which she appears affords fresh evidence that her dra matic powers are rapidly ripening into maturity. She spoke all her lines with telling point, sang capit a lly, an d ac t e d throughout with unflaggingvivacity and force. Miss Maria Simpson was a gorgeous and mo s t d rama ti c Prossr pine, and Miss Fanny Hughes a graceful and agreeable Apollo. Mr. George Honey, who played Pluto with an infinitude of quaint humour, did himself' gratuitous injus tice by blackening his lace, a proceeding which, as it has never even hinted that the classical monarch of the lower regions was a negre, was not called for by the part, and proved sadly destructive of facial expression. But his acting was pre• eminently funny, and his thorou g hly ar tistic singing came most agree a bly i nto p l ay. M r. C . Fenton was a satisfactory Charon, and Mr. D. James, who made his first appearance here, created a favourable inas pression as Aristoms. The Clotilda of Mr. A. Wood was nit deficient in fun, and was at the same time commendably free from exaggeration. The burlesque has been mounted with liberality and admirable taste ; Mr. C. Fenton's new scenery is extremely pretty and all the dresses are charac terised by a richness and elegance which cannot be too warmly praised. We must not omit to add that Mr. Frank Musgrave has selected and arranged the music with re markable judgment and skill, and that his burlesque treat ment of some popular airs is extremely happy. " Orpheus and Eurydice" was received with acclamation by a densely crowded audience, and will doubtless prove one of the great hits of the season. All the principals were called for at the fall of the curtain, and then Mr. H. J. Byron was sum moned and hailed with a tempest of well-deserved applause. SADLER'S WELLS. The pantomime here was entitled " The Prince of the Peaceful Islands; or, Harlequin, the Magic Pearl, the Centaur, and the Fairy Amazon." The scenery of the opening was admirable, and the dresses and decorations in excellent taste, and of a very superior description. As to the story of the pantomime, it is this :—King Covetous is monarch of all he surveys in the Peaceful Islands. He is, moreover, blessed with two promising sons, Prince Humpty and Prince Exquisite. The King wishes Prince Exquisite to sign away his succession in favour of Humpty, but bis Royal Highness objects to the proposal, and so he is got rid of. Instead, however, of being killed be is only left for dead. The Fairy Queen finds him, restores him, and hands him over to King Sublime. This party has a daughter, Princess Peerless. Humpty sees her, and falls in love with her ; but as she does not reciprocate his affection she is im prisoned, but released by fairy instrum-ntality after the most approved pantomimic fashion. She eventually falls in love with the wrong person; but, of course, everything is, thruugh fairy agency, pr' perly arranged, and then we have the harlequinade, which was of the usual comical descrip tion. The pantomime was as splendid as it was successi ul. ASTLEY'S THEATRE. scenery, of in which some of the most ancient Mr. E: T. Smith' s Ch r i 4tmas P an t om i m e, of c our s e, is a decided success, no t on l y f or it s qua i n tness and no v e lty, its gorgeous tres ses , it s f an t as ti c but picturesque dances, historicalb ti ts exqu localities isite this old land are graphically and beautifully produced, It is entitled " Harlequin Friar Bacon ; or, Great Grim John of Gaunt and the Enchanted Lance of Robin Goodfellow," by Francisco Frost, Esq.-- who, at such times as big heads, transformation scenes, and clowns are not in the ascendant, is known as Mr. E. L. Blanchard. Mr. Blanchard has selected " The Can terbury Tales" of the father of English poets for his subject, • and Chaucer himself as the hero. There is not a more amusing individual in the annals of English poetry than old Geoffrey Chaucer, nor a more graphic or interesting tale than the Pilgrimage to Canter.. bury, and it is on incidents connected with it that the pan tomime is chiefly founded. The display of the Grand Procession to the Tournament, and brilliant display of the Knights of the days of yore on their richly-caparisoned horses," is a grand spectacle, but the crowning effect is the transformation scene. It is, without exaggeration, a bril liant spectacle, and one which it is difficult to describe. Nor is its novelty its only merit; it is a magnificent com bination of colour and light of the most gorgeous character, and drew forth thunders of applause. The harlequmade was of first-rate excellence. The house was crowded to excess. Indeed it would have been impossible to have found room for an extra visitor had it been required. SURREY THEATRE. Messrs. Shepherd and James Anderson well sustained the reputation ;this:house bas now attained far Christmas entertainment. The pantomime on this occasion was en titled " Old King Cole was a Merry Old Soul, A Frog he would a-Wooing go, and Ride-a-Cockhorse to Banbury cross," and, it is almost needless to sty, it afforded the higheet ghttiiloation to one of the largest and hilarious audiences ever assembled withiti the theatre. The opening scene, very beautifully painted by Mr. Brew," the Bunga low of Bull Frog," introduces us to bull rushes, flag rushes, and every adjunct suitable to the abode of frogs, who, headed by Old Rowley, enter in troops, singing the well-known song " A Frog he would a-wooing go : heigho 1 says Row ley ;" Old Rowley, disguised as a great bull frog, and paying homage to Old King Cole, whose daughter, the Princess Magenta, misled by Will o' the Wisp, falls into the toils of Old Toad, Sir Anthony Rowley's mother, and is by her aid wooed and carried off by Bull Frog (Sir Anthony) ; but is afterwards, by the enchanting power of the good Fairy Queen (Miss Lotte Wilmot) changed into a mouse, and from that lowly state into the Queen of Beauty (Miss E. Webster), in which character she rides in state on " A Cockhorse to Banbury Cross," where there is a grand tournament, in which the knighted Anthony Rowley is ludicrously unseated and ignominiously defeated by the gallant Prince of Nursery Rhymes, Rido-a-Cockhorse (Miss E. Jacobs) in search of a sweetheart, who wins the hand of the Queen of Beauty, and with the consent of her father weds his lady love. The transformation scene--the most gorgeously grand, and at the same time chastely and beau tifully executed composition imaginable—was rewarded by a general call for the artist. The comic business was capital, everything " went" in the best manner, and the delight it afforded must amply compensate Mr. Shepherd for the outlay and trouble incurred in producing it. The pantomime was in every way a complete success. CITY OF LONDON. The pantomime here was by Mr. Nelson Lee, and was entided " Blackboard, or Dame Trot and her Comical Cat." The exhibition of the haunt of the fairies under the three aspects of sunset, moonlight, and sunrise, was very effec tive, and the sudden change of the Mill on the Floss from the warm summer's aspect to that of the depth of winter was magically startling, and met with loud applause. Mr. Lee was called for to receive the thanks of the audience, and had again to perform the pleasing task of bowing his acknowleogments on the appearance of the transformation scene. The scenes of the pantomime were received with deserved applause. POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION. The prominent features of the Christmas entertainments here consist of ghost effects and spec ral illusi.ns, being Professor Pepper's adaptation of Mr. H. J. Dirck's original and most startling illusion in connection with this subject; illustrated fairy tales, the shadow pantomime, the Christ mas tree, the improved Chinese firework-, lectures, and the like. The fairy tale selected for representation on the pre sent occasion is "The Story of Beauty and the Beast," and it is certain to be one of the most popular entertainments of its kind that has been brought before the public at this in stitution. The whole of the pictures are new, and have been designed by Mr. George Hine and Mr. J. O'Connor, of the Haymarket Theatre, and executed on glass by Messrs. Childe and Hill, inventors of dissolving views ; and the admirable way in which they were worked to illus trate the story of the piece gave very general satisfaction. The introduction of three grand spectral or ghost scenes in the course of the performance was strikingly effective. In one of the scenes, the beautiful and chromatic fountain, arranged by the Messrs. Lipacombe, throwing, as it did, jets of water, and showing all the prismatic colours, com manded the admiration of the audience and contributed its share to the success of the piece. We' also notice that in the course of the performance of the fairy tale Herr Sus man's capabilities in imitating the lark, the nightingale, and other British birds and animals were effectively tested and much admired. The company were also favoured with a lecture by Professor Pepper, entitled "Burning to death, and saving from death ;" a new legendary extravaganza, entitled " St. George and the Dragon : or, the Seven Cham pions of England ;" and an interesting lecture by Mr. J. L. King, on "some of the most recent discoveries in the science of electricity," including the new fire and burglary detector. The giant Christmas tree is there in all its grand proportions, towering to the roof of the great central hall of the Institution. The first gratuitous distribution of these presents will take place on Thursday next, at the morning and evening performances. Upon the whole, we have no hesitation in declaring that the arrangements made at the Polytechnic to instruct and amuse the visitors to it during the present season are all that can be expected or desired. CRYSTAL PALACE. Never do we remember seeing the Crystal Palace of Sir Joseph Paxton present a more gorgeous appearance than it did on Boxing-day of '63, and seldom have we seen within its capacious aisles a greater gathering of holiday folks,who seemed determined to enjoy in the greatest good humour the Christmas treat, which had been so lavishly provided for them at this famous holiday resort. The crowded state of London-bridge station, and the great difficulty of obtain ing a ticket without the danger of being pressed into a pan cake sort of form, led us to expect a more than ordinary crush on arrival at the Palace itself, and, verily, we were not disappointed. Everything under the great glass canopy haft put on a merry broad Christmas grin, and smiled a hearty jolly welcome to the thousands beat upon keeping up the jollity of the festive season. The changes which have been effected in the interior arrangements are manifest, and are said to be due to the genius of one of our leading engineers; for example, the beautiful idea of using crystal for the designs, which aro developed by gas, and then the ornamentation of the huge Christmas tree; again clusters of gloho lamps have been so disposed as to incrosse the already vast perspective, and the lights upon the tree are so managed that at night the effect is truly grand, and pro - duced considerable sensation on being lit„ up. M. Nader's giant balloon proved a great source of attraction to the visitors, young and old. The revels on the stage of the Chantrill family, the jugglers, the juvenile ballet, " Mar riage a la Mode," the feats of the contortionists, who seem to be compounded without a particle of bone, and the new Christmas pantomime (in shadow), entitled " Jack the Giant Killer, or Mother Goose," with the variety of other amusements which followed sans intermission, afforded the utmost gratification to the vast assemblage, The great fancy fair and bazaar for the sale of Christmas presents and Now Year's gifts attracted many purchasers during the day, and may be said to be the most extraordinary collection of the manufactures of the world for young persons to be found anywhere. The Christmas Palace treat for 1863 is a com plete success, and is certain to attract for some time to come. OXFORD MUSIC HALL. Boxing-night was appropriately signalized by the pro duction of an original cantata, entitled "King Christmas," composed expressly for the Oxford, by Herr Meyer Lutz, the words being by Mr. Moseley. Appropriately, because the words of the cantata breathe the kindly sentiments sup posed to be brought out in prominent relief at seasons of rejoicing. Good Humour, Good Will, Peace, and sundry attendant genii, are actors in the cantata, and urge the subsidence of all and uncharitableness under the genial influence of Christmas time. The music of the can tata is marked by that flowing grace and sprightliness which are characteristics of this prolific composer's former works; although we must make an exception in the case of "Miserere" which has been drawing large congregations to St. George's Cathedral of late, and which, of course, is conceived in a very opposite strain. Soli parts and cho ruses are alike agreeable. Miss Russell, as "Good Humour,'► has a delicious air entrusted to her, the chorus to which is finely moderated. ,Miss Fitzhenry, Signor Tivoli, and Mr. Greene sustain the other principal eharaoters, and contri buted greatly to the complete success of the cantata on the first night. A novelty of a totally different description appeared, in three very clever :acrobats, named Berri) Leach, and Foster. They perform on what is called the "ground trapeze," their evolutions on which are the most extraordinary we have yet seen. Feats of strength, but not of contortion, follow each other in bewildering succession, and it is impossible to view the astounding effects of skill and training on the part of these artists without feeling ad ditional wonder at the mechanism and pliability of the human frame. The usual entertainments went off without hitch, notwithstanding the dense mass of people present in balcony, stalls, and area. Mr. Viotti Collins was enthusi astically applauded in a couple of his favourite violin solos; and other instrumental and vocal performances crowded fast upon each other. Unsworth, in his stump speech, was im mense, as usual, pressing the latest events into his night's programme. His harangues have become a settled "insti tution." Beyond tics keen enjoyment which his speeches yield in their glorious absurdity, the listener is struck with the singular felicity with which the orator seizes upon the minutest "points" in his chequered satires. Not an inflexion of the voice is lost in working up his grand burlesque climax ; not a gesture is unheeded by which to culminate in one towering access of mock passion. CANTERBURY HALL. An immense audience assembled to be present at the meeting of the "Ghost Club," and to see the other staple attractions of the far-fumed Canterbury Hall. The "Ghost Club" differs from many other spectral entertainments, in so far that it is made the medium for enforcing more than one good moral lesson, at the same time that a fund of fun is preserved. Mr. W. Randall is in turns impressive and highly comic, according as the ghost story proceeds. He makes a fine point where the slavery of the English sculptress is contrasted with the slavery of the South, and a thrill of sympathy runs through the audience as her sufferings are depicted. The " Ghost Club," and the scene from " The Tempest" (with Miss Townley in the principal part), gave unbounded delight, which was intensified when Ariel passed through the illuminated fountain. A special feature at the Canterbury Hall, also, is the new Fairy Fountain—a triumph of skill in construction and lighting We need not dwell on the manifold attractions of this Hall, which are equally divided between the pictorical and the musical. With this double source of gratification to recom mend it, the Canterbury Hall defies competition with any other place of the kind is the kingdom. In mentioning the novelties at this superb Hall, we ought not to forget the performances of Master Powell on the drum. They evi dence an aptitude for the martial instrument in which mere precocity has but a small share. THE COLLOSSEUAL-Mr. A. Nimmo, who m images t his long-established resort of holiday-makers , kept up the prestige of this vast. establishment. The world'•renowned Panoramas of London by Day and Paris by Night, the Cyclorama of Lisbon, with its stirring illustrations of the gtelt earthquake of 1755, its stalactite caverns and swiss cottages, are yet there to gratify the eye of the young and revive the pleasant recollections of their seniors. The season of Christmas was celebrated at the Colosseum by the pro duction of a "Shadow Pantomime," on the favourite legend of "Little Red Riding Hood," "Ye Goblin Wolfe," as it is termed, is a capital application of the modern improve ments in optical illusions, and is illustrated by Mr. George Buckland in an excellent manner. The large theatre in which the entertainment took place was densely packed, and as hundreds were unable to obtain even standing room a second representation of the pantomime had to be given as soon as the first was terminated. Mr. Buckland was as versatile and humorous as ever, and the drolleries which continually occurred throughout the performance were re ceived with the heartiest applause, After the story of Red Ridinghood was finished a regular harlequinade took place, and the whole was concluded by a brilliant chromotrope. THE GALLERY OF ILLUSTRATION.—The very delightful Opera di Camera " Jessy Lea," is as attractive as ever at this place of amusement. Mr, Macfarren's sparkling and beautiful music must increase in favour the more it is heard. The vocal portions by Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Poole, Mr. Whiffin, and Mr. Wilkinson, make up a de lightful evening's entertainment. _ MADAME TUSSAUD'S.—On no former Boxing-day was Madame Tussaud's exhibition honoured by a more nume rous, more respectable, or more gratified muster of visitors than at this Christmas. The numerous novelties and the tout ensemble of the things with which the galleries were filled attracted many hundreds of the patrons of the place and the searchers after holiday amusement. It will be sufficient to say that everybody seemed pleased ; indeed, if any one were not pleased it must have been his or her own fault, for there was sufficient to delight, instruct, and gratify every visitor. ALHAMBRA..—FHANCONI'S CIRQUE IMPERIAL.—" No large city is perfect without its equestrian establishment." So says some one who would be an authority in such mat ters. London has, however, managed to exist during the last few years without a cirque. Still we do not deny that M. Franconi has done us a service by bringing his noble stad of horses and " host of talent" to us at this season of the year, and we think that he will have no occasion to regret making our "city perfect," if we may judge by the azdiences on Saturday—upon which evening nearly 3,000 persons paid at the doors, POLYGRAPHIC HALL.—The operettas of "Cousin Kate" and "The Haunted Mill," produced at this hall, with Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Galer in the principal characters, deservedly attracted a good audience. CURIOSITIES OP SLAVERY. NEGRO SLAVES AND REDEMPTION SERVANTS IN PENNSYLVANIA. We have received the following from a correspondent : " The first negro slaves imported into North America were brought in a Dutch ship in 1620, and sold in Virginia. The state of slavery in Pennsylvania was always of the mildest character, owing probably to the mild disposition of the Friends, or Quakers, as they are sometimes called. Hector St. John, who wrote before the revolution, says—' In Penn sylvania they (the slaves) enjoy as much liberty as their masters—are as well fed and as well clad ; and in sickness are as well taken care of—for, living under the same roof, they are in effect part of the family. They think themselves a far happier race than the lower class of whites. They are far happier among us than those poor suff zing slaves of the South.' rho first move towards emancipation in the State of Pennsylvania was made by the Friends in the Village of Germantown, now a part of the city of Philadelphia. The movement was made under the direction of Mr. Pastorius. There was no decision at the meeting, but it set the people thinking. A meeting of Friends in 1693, assembled at Philadelphia, under the superintendence of George Keith, decided that the negroes should be free after same reasonable time of service.' In the same year a pamphlet was published in Philadelphia exhorting friends not to buy except to set free.' In 1700 a bill was intro duced into the assembly by William Penn to regulate negroes in their morals and marriages. In 1705 an act was passed for the punishment of negroes, which always con sisted of whipping, except for crimes of great magnitude. As early as 1705 a duty was imposed on their importation; this was renewed in 1710, but in 1711 their introduction was strictly forbidden, but John Bull, who was never wil ling to grant us more than he possibly could help, and who long after cherished slavery, quashed the act. Again, in 1712, a petition was drawn up and signed by many citizens of Philadelphia, proposing a tax of £2O a head. At the same time William Southeby presented one praying for the total abolition of slavery in Pennsylvania.' One of the first acts after the revolution was to abolish slavery in the State of Pennsylvania ;' this act bears the date of 1780. In 1715 Jonathan Dickenson writes to his corres pondent in Philadelphia to "send no more negroes, for the people do not care to buy them." Before the revolution it was the custom to send slaves to the prison to be whipped when they deserved punishment. The negroes had clever ways of avoiding punishment. Watson, from whom I have condensed most of the above, relates the following incident : —A negro was sent to the prison carrying a letter, wherein it was requested to have him whipped. The negro, stretch ing himself upon a stall in the market-house near the pri son, pretended to have been seized with violent cramps in the bowels. After he had succeeded in gathering a crowd around him, he handed the letter to a negro standing near, saying that it required an immediate answer. Poor un conscious Unify carried the letter to the prison, where he received, much to his disgust, the flogging intended for ' the bearer'. Ralph Sanditord, a Quaker, was the first person who freed hie slaves ; this he did in 1733 ; it is, I believe, the first instance recorded in America. The case of the Re demption Servants was as hard, if not harder, than that of the slaves. England for a long time endeavoured to send us all her convicts. In 1722 the Palatine servants were sold for £lO for five years' service. In 1737 arrived at Annapolis a vessel bringing 65 persons and a quantity of wigs intended to disguise the convicts when they should land. At the same time a lot of English servants from Bristol are adver tised for sale.' It was by no means the last injury that England did us in endeavouring to force upon us her con victs, which she did as long as she could, indeed until the ships that brought them were forbidden to let one of their number land. Fortunately, however, for Pennsylvania and New York, and indeed for almost all the Northern States, few of this class were ever landed north of Maryland. Oc sionally a few of the better class who had come to grief in the old country came to America sold as servants. The case of Lord Aitken], who left England in 1728, and served out his time with a farmer in Pennsylvania, is well known. He passed under the name of James Annesley. James Annes ley was born in 1715. Shortly after his birth his parents separated, and ne remained with his father until the year 1772, at which time his mother died, and, his father forming an intimacy with a Miss Gregory, he was sent to a school in Dublin. In 1727 Lord Altham died, and his brother, wishing to get possession of the estates, had his nephew enticed on board of a vessel bound for America. He landed in Philadelphia, and was sold as a Redemptioner to a German. After many years, he, having served out his time, stated his case to Robert Ellis, of Philadelphia, who procured him a passage to the West Indies, from whence he returned to England. An action was brought against his uncle in Nov., 1743, and the verdict was given in favour of James the Redemptioner. The uncle appealed to the House of Lords, but James died while the case was pending, leav ing his uncle in quiet possession of the title and estates.— COACILTANNOeI{..'' THE AMERICAN BLOCKADE.—The United States transport Fulton, from Port Royal, captured on the 9th of December, the British schooner U. 0. Bigelow, 11 days out, from Bermuda to Newbern, N.C., with a cargo of salt, but after towing her 20J miles the Fulto3 relinquished her prize on account of the violence of the gait; The steamers Advance, Lucy, and Beauregard, from WiiiDington, had arrived at Nassau previous to the 2d of Dec. 1 e steam ships Dee and Don had sailed from the above port to run the blockade. Washington, Dec. 14.—0 n the 27th of Nov., the United States schooner Two Sisters captured the Eng lish schooner Maria Alberta, endeavouring to run the blockade at Bayport, Florida. The United States gunboat Kanawha captured the Alasta or the Winona, in Mobile Bay on the 29th of Nov. Fortress Monroe, Dee, 13,—The United States steamer Circassian, from Rio Grande, has just arrived, bringing the celebrated blockade-runner Minna in tow as a prize. The cargo consisted of rifles, powder, &c., and a valuable marine engine, intended for some of the new Confederate Ironclads. How MRS- OLDFIELD FIRST ATTRACTED THE NOTICE OF FARQUHAR.—ne time is at the close of the 17th century; the scene is at the Mitre Tavern in St. James's Market, kept by one Mrs. Voss. It is a quiet summer evening, and after the fatigues of the day are over, and before the later business of the night has commenced, that buxom lady is reclining in an easy chair, listening to a fair and bright young creature, her sister, who is reading aloud, and is enjoying what she reads. Her eyes, like Kathleen's in the song, are beaming with light , her face glowing with intelligence and feeling. Eves an elderly lady, their mother, turns away from the Picture 0f her husband, who had ridden in the Guards, and hel dn a commission under James 11.---she turns from tialit%:o3l memories of old days, to gaze with tend er ad i in present reading, is only an appren tice toat this her brilliant young daughter ; who, be it a seamstress King-street, Westminster. But the soul of Thalia i s radpt, and fi gure dis played at its very in the Anad in said, reading, could not have laced herself. She is under her boddice, into a neate r than wh i c h yomen e and with book held out , an d face upraise best,she enthrals her audi ence, un conscious herself tha t these are more numerous than she osed. On the threshold f might have le 0 the open door • one o f stand a couple o f gues ts them has, to us, no name • the alter is a gay, rollicking young fellow, smartly dressed, a sem i -military look about him, good - h umour rippling over his face , combined with an air of i astc, His nshment and delight. This is Captain Farquh ar . w holly concentrated on that ench si an g thetd and and hear ing are enchanting girl, who, unmindful of aught but the " Scornful Lady," continues still reading aloud the rattling comedy of Beau mont and Fle tc h er,—,Di , • , Doran's " Their Najotia &mitts," POLICE INTELLIGENCE—Dec. 26. CLERKENWELL.—WiIIiam Bale Clarke and Hannah Ann Clarke, man and wife, and Charles Cullingworth, de scribed as agents, and well known to the police as the re ceivers of stolen property, were charged with having a number of gold and silver watches, gold guardchains, gold breeches, gold earrings, crucibles, and other articles in their possession, of which they could not give a satisfac tory account. Mr. Pater, barrister, attended to defend the prisoners Clarke, and Mr. Lewis, of Wilmington-square, prosecuted on behalf of Messrs. Cherrill, who a few months since were robbed of about £2OO worth of jewellery. At the previous examinations it was proved that the pri soners were seen going down the City-road by Inspector Bryant, Police sergeant Evans, 22 G, and Police-constable Fawell, 425 A, and their movements being very suspicious the police stopped them and asked what they had got about them. The prisoners replied "Nothing," and the prisoner Cullingworth made a struggle to get away. With assist ance the prisoners were got to the Old-street police-station, where they were searched, and a large quantity of valuable property was found upon them. The owners of several of the watches have since been discovered, but some are still unclaimed, as well as rings and brooches marked Clunie, all of which can be seen at the Old-street police-station, St. Luke's. The police said that they intended to produce the owner of one of the watches, and then Mr. Lewis would go on with the case against the prisoner Clarke for feloniously receiv ing about £2OO worth of jewelery, well-knowing it to have been stolen. As the police had completed their inquiries and fully believed that the prisoners Clarke were man and wife, it was not intended to offer any resistance to her being at large on substantial bail. Mr. Edward Wates, solicitor, of Gravesend, said,—Abou t three weeks since I had my pocket picked of my gold watch somewhere between the Poultry and the North Kent Rail way. The watch produced is mine, and I have had it 12 years. Sergeant Evans said that the duplicate relating to the watch produced was found at the residence of Clarke. John Pawley, foreman to Mr. Russell, pawnbroker, of 1 0 , Shoreditch, said,--I produced the watch identified by Mr. Wates. It was pledged on the Ist of December by a many but Ido not recognise either of the prisoners. I lent £6 on the watch. Mr. Lewis then stated that he proposed to go on with tho case of Messrs. Cherrill. Joseph Connolly am a prisoner in the House of Correction. I was tried at the Middlesex Sessions in Oc tober last, and sentenced to six months' hard labour for stealing jewelry belonging to Messrs. Cherrill, who were then my employers. The jewellery consisted of gold chains, brooches, earrings, and pins. I was induced to commit the robbery by a man. That man, on the 4th of September last, at about half-past 8 o'clock in the evening, came to my master's office, 6, Newcastle-place, Clerkenwell-close , by an arrangement between him and me. I took two bags, containing, brooches, chains, eardrops, and pins, and gave them to him. We both left together. We went to Clarke's house, 82, Dent-street. Whitechapel. I went in the evening between 8 and 9. On the Sunday night follow ing I went with the man to whom I had given the jewelry to Clarke's house in Pelham-street; we took some jewelry which I had stolen from my employers. Clarke and his wife were present, and Clarke purchased some of the gold chains at 325. 6d. per ounce. What he purchased that nigh' amounted to nearly £5O, and Clarke paid £3O of that amount• Before the price was given the man to whom I alluded told Clarke he had some things to sell. Clarke asked whets they came from, and hs was told the city. The man said that the boy who took them was at home. Clarke said he did not want the boy who took them to come to his house, so that he should not know where he lived. We both said that we had left the boy at home. He did not say where is the city the goods had been stolen from. We went on the next da} to the same place and saw Clarke, and we sold him some gold earrings. We went every night up to the following Monday. We sold him goods each night. I saw Clarke pay to the man that was with me about £9O. Clarke said he wanted keys to put on the chains. The chains pro duced by Mr. Hunt, of Eversholt-street, is one of the chains. The witness also identified the chains produced by about a dozen other pawnbrokers. Police-sergeant Evans, 22 G, stated what took place on the apprehension of the prisoners, and enumerated the various articles of jewellery and pawnbrokers' tickets found in their possession. Several of the stolen articles we.te identified by different witnesses as belonging to the stock of Messrs: Cherrill. Mr. D'Eyncourt sent the prisoners for trial, consenting to take ba;l for the prisoner Hannah Ann Clarke, herself in £4O, and two sureties in the sum of £2O each, In the course of the day bail was found, and the woman was discharged. COUNTRY MARKETS. _ 11•------- NORWICH—SATURDAY. There was a short supply of wheat to-day, and the millers were not freo buyers; the sales made were effected at about late prices. A limited show of barley, and late prices were about maintained. Flour unaltered. White wheat. 44s to 464 1 Red wheat 43s to 42s Malting barley ... 36e to 37s Chevalier barley 34s to 358 Distilling d 0..... 30s to 32a 1 Oats.. 24s to 261 Flour, 28s Od to —s Od per sack from the miller. ' NOTTINGHAM-SATURDAY. A moderate show of wheat to-day. The demand firm. —White wheat, from 40s to 45s ; red wheat, 39s to 428. 13arley—malting, 30s to 40s ; grinding, 27s to 30s. Oat s old, at 21s to 31s Od; new, 20s to 255. Beans sold at 3So to 43s per qr, ; new, 35s to 375. GRANTHAM—SATURDAY. Old white wheat, 44s to 48s ; red, 39s to 42s per 360. ; new white, 408 to 458; red, 32s to 425. Malting barley, 33s to 36s per qr ; grinding, 28s to 30s; oats, old, 24s t) 28s ; new, 20s to 24s ; beans, 33s to 40s; peas, 34s to 365. NORTHAMPTON—SATURDAY. There was a limited show of wheat to-day, and !ate prices were made for all descriptions. Beans inactive. —White wheat, 40s to 45s ; red, 37s to 40s ; fine, — 4l to —s per qr. Barley, 35s to 37s—grinding, 28s to 326 : Oats, 285 to 32s per 24 stone. Beans, 38s to 425. Peas' 34s to 40s per qr. YORK— SATURDAY. We were supplied with a fair quantity of wheat to-dayd from the growers. Prices generally maintained fur goo dry lots, with an improving demand. Wheat, red 38s to 41s i tits.... l B3 to 20& White do .42s to 46s I Beans 38 ,' , o 40 ' Barley .28s to 32s Peas -tt e o --- .•••--- . Malt, 58s to 60s per qr. ; rye, 32s per qr.; flour, 30- to 32s per sack. LEICESTER—SATUnDAY. New white wheat, 40s to 45,. ; red, L3Bs to 41s per 36 stone. Old red, 39s to 41s per 36 stone. Barley, malting' new, 33s to 38s per qr.; grinding, 29s to 325; 01d eaT 25s to 30s; new oats, 2 2s to 25s per 24 stone. By e ' old, 38s to 42s per 38 stone ; lour. 30s to 35s per 20 ktoue• Foreign Mail Packet List. MAILS DUE. Australia and Mauritius, via Southampton . . Jan' 18 ' via Marseilles Jan , 12 brazil and Cape Verds, by British packet. Jail. 4. Cape of Good lope, Ascension, and St. Helena Jan. .29 China, Penang, and Singapore, via Southampton Jou' via Marseilles Dec' • Falkland Islands Gibraltar, via Southampton Dec. 2 7 ' M.;,/ India (Calcutta), and Ceylon, via Southampton Jan' ,-, 2 via rseilles • . a Dec.`' / India (Bombay), via Southampton via Marseilles Jan. 5 . Portugal.... J an. 4 . Malta, Egypt, and Aden, via Southampton D ec . 27. via Marseilles D ec.. 2 Newfoundland - 25 ' Oporto and Vigo U. S. and British N. America, by Brit. packet.... Dec. 31 , by U.S. packet... • by Canadian packet. II I:. W.C. of Africa, Madeira, and TeneritTe .......... Jan. 1 Jan. 14. Bahamas, via New York Mexico .... Dec. 29 . All parts of West Indies, including Chili, Peru, 1 Dec. 29. California. and British Columbia.. A YOUNG LADY, WITH A PLURALITY OF - 4 - 13 " ratns, being asked the other day, " ' W hi c h one do you io love the most?" gave the following reply qnIW a la Fran cais, "I don't know; when I am wit h one I love the other the best." 2B3d7rtivt.:lB.er:tgant'32°,loald Change,Cbear in „ . .,. 5 ,, t _1, 2 , s Portman-square, on. ARKWRIGHT.—On the r. rllo W a 8 WileOX Ep t xt h u e N ilx ....... . M o r n e. c G h e r oz i e 2a lt ro bide, the wife of AI the 21st inst., at East ofad son. Edmunds, of a as-Eve at D • ay. Ing Saltar, onmngton RectOrY t SALTA.R —Ci Christ Peter K* SWAIN win , of Bdivin N . S wainson, Esq., of a son. Marriages. Moulsey,au gskutrornen the wife of the R '— • fxsrr.—On cgva cu , ll.l,--11"PER.—On the 23d inst., at St. Bartho - 1 " 1 " ew 8 ' S P eatta ta, Henry Churchill, Esq., of Clap ham road, to E lizabeth, only surv i v i n g daughter of the late Robert Hoop er , Eeq., of Worcester. RoBER T SO3— SMITH.—On the 22d inst., at Saint Johns, Kensington- nar k Captain Robertson, I st Royal .Eatit Middlesex Militia ' , to Laura Eleanor Smith, only child a Edward Smith, Esq., late of Edinburgh. Deaths. CAMPBELL.—On the 19th inst., at his residence, Charles street, Berkeley-squrae, Sir John Campbell, R.C.T.S.I aged 84. FALL —On the 21st inst., at Herne - h ill, Richard Fall, Esq., aged 74. MARKS.—On the 21st inst., at Chatham, Mr. Montagu Marks. POLLARD.—On the 21st inst., at Sonthlands, TorritlaYi Wm. Pollard, Esq., aged 76. TIIACKERAY.—On the 24th inst., at Kensington-pal green, William Makepeace Thackeray , Es q ., aged 52. TILSoN —On the 20th inst., George Tilson, Esq., El" . road, Brixton, Surrey. London: Prinzed and Pubhshed by WILLIAM ANDK-61:' of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at THE Surf Office 1 0 ' Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, .n the COII3tY - iditifileoex.-_-Mon , taY, December 28 , 1803. ~~. lh SUN. LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, DECD WBER 2S, 1863 -~