The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1836-12-23 00:00:00

THE EARL OF DERBY'S RENTS for his LIVER POOL' ESTATE will be received at OGLE'S, the Rain bow Hotel and Inn, Williamson-square, on TLILSDA Y next, the 27th instant, between the hours of Ten and Three o'clock, when applications for the renewal of Leases, or for any other purpose respecting his Lorship's Estates may be made. Tenants are requested to bring their last Receipts. INM VI DUA LS GOING ABROAD from the Port of LIVERPOOL, are informed by S. W. SILVER & CO. OF NOS. 9 AND IP, CORWHILL, LONDON that they may procure the whole, or any part of n OUTFIT, from the coarsest to the finest quality of - Goods kdown, including Cabin Furniture, at their Branch House, NOS. 4 AND 5, ST. GEORGE'S CRESCENT SOUTH, LIVERPOOL, At the same WHOLESALE SHIPPING Prices as at their Warehouse in LONDON. Daily communication between London and Liverpool fur Ship-sailing information, &c. PITT-STREET WARD CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION. PATRON. JOHN BOLTON, Esq. PRESIDENT. JAMES AS FINAL!, Esq. TILE Cr)NSERVATIVES of PITT.S rREET WARD 1 intend to hold their SEC OND ANNIVERSARY DINNER on FRIDAY, the 20th day of January next, at the Templars' Hall, in Great George-street. The Committee earnestly request that each Conservative will snake an early application for his Ticket, so that no disappoint ment may occur, the Committee being obliged to limit the number of Tickets. Tickets, ss. to Members of the Pitt-street Ward Conservative Association, 6s. to Conservatives in Pitt-street Ward, but not Members of that Society, (not including Wine,) may be had until the 4th day of January next, at the Honorary Secretary's Office, No. 108, Duke-street. By order of the President, THOS. K. WILSON, Honorary Secretary. December 19th, 18.36. Legal Notirto. THE commissio ners i n a fi a t i n b an k ru pt cy , b ear i ng (late the I I th day of August, 1835, awarded against RICHARD RANKIN, of Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, joiner and builder, dealer and chapman, intend to meet on the 30th day of January next, at One o'clock in the Afternoon, at the Clarendon-rooms, South John-street, in voider to audit the accounts of the assignee of the estate and effects of the said bankrupt, nutter the said fiat, pursuant to an Act of Parliament made and passed in the sixth year of the reign of his late Ma lesty King George the Fourth, intituled "An act to amend the aws relating to bankrupts." BRABNER and ATKINSON, Solicitors. IHE commissioners in a fiat in bankruptcy, bearing date I the 28th day of May last, awarded against JOHN JEF FREYS and WILLIAM BARTON, of Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, wine and spirit merchants and copartners, deitters and chapmen, intend to meet on the 16th clAy of January next, at One o'clock in the Afternoon, at the endon-iooms, 4tr South John-street, in order to audit the accou of the assignee of the estate and effects of the said bankrupt , under the said fiat, pursuant to an Act of Parliament made and passed in the sixth year of the reign of his late Majesty King George the Fourth, intituled "An act to amend the laws relating to bank rupts." BRABNER and ATKINSON, Solicitors. NOTICE. AL I, Persons having any claim against the Estate of JA MES CAPPER, late of Atherton-street, in this town, coop e r, deceased, are requested forthwith to sen in their claims to Messrs. StracK Lvrox, WRIGHT, and HU TER, Solicitors, 30, Brunswick-street, in order that the same may be investigated, and, if correct, paid. LONDON LAW AND POLICE COURTS. Mass toN-HousE. —On Tuesday a black man, named Tho rnas, who has been long infesting Billingsgate-market, and for whom nothing is too but or too heavy, was brought before the Lord Mayor, charged by Mr. Goldham, the clerk of the market, with having stolen two pair of soles. Mr- Goldham stated that the prisoner was the most " nut and out" thief in the market, and had but lately been released from the treadmill, where he had been dancing for a month for a rob bery. The fellow was the more dangerous, as there was always something ludicrous connected with his adventures, and his co lour, favoured by the darkness of night, enabled him to steal with impunity, when a white mart was sure to be detected. On the occasion of the present charge witness had directed one of his men. upon being► told that Tom Crow, as the prisoner was called, was amongst the boats, to chalk his back, and follow the chalk. The prisoner was soon traced to a public-house in Dark house-lane, where he was seen pulling two pair of soles out of his breeches. _ The prisoner said that he had purchased the soles, and was just smelling them, to know whether they were good, when he was apprehended by the officer. He was, he said, always in the 3narket dealing for - fish. as Mr. Goldhinn very well knew. He had never stolen a fish in his life, of late years, although he had been suspected. The Lord Nlayor.—WhY, I am given to understand that you are a very wicked fellow, Mr. Crow. Tom Crow.—Wicked We all wicked, Massa, except Ger Almighty. The Lord Mayon—You have been at the treadmill ? TOM Crow.—Ves, Massa, we all ought to be at the treadmill, Massa—up and (lowa, up and down. (A laugh.) The Lord Mayor.—Mr. GAlhain says that you are a regular thief, and that your business at the market is merely to steal. Tom.—Ah, Massa Galdham know me well; he's beau very good to me long time. Mr. Goldham.—You remember when you was caught with half-a-bushel of soles about your body. Torn Crow.—Yes, Massa, but not steal 'em, Massa; only cooked 'em ! The Lord Mayor.—Cooked them! What do you mean by cooking them, when they were found upon your person ? Tom Crow.—l run about till me was piping hot, and when tiotdham said that the account which the prisoner gave of himself upon being adprehended on the occasion alluded to was, those to whom the soles which he had placed next to his akin belonged were unable to pay fur cooking in the usual way, and had employed him to make the fish fit fur the table by iui pkrtiug to it the warmth and juices of his own flesh. The Lord Mayor.—And how often has he been detected thieving Mr. Goldharn.—l have turned him out of the market 20 times, but on a dark night be is sure to get in by means of his coin plexion. The Lord &layor.—l shall commit him for two months to Bridewell. Mr. Goldham.—Perhaps, my lord, you will be satisfied with 'tending him to prison only for one month. The Lord Mayor.—You see, prisoner, how tenderly Mr. Gold barn is disposed to treat you. Tom Crow.—Ah ! he is a good man; Massa Goldham berry good man. If he want his fish cooked, me run five mile to do it well for tae ; he be berry good man. (Laughter.) The prisoner was then sent to Bridewell fur a month. CORRESPONDENCE ON VIE SUBJECT OF WELSH • BISHOPS. TO JOHN JERVIS, ESQ., M.P., FOR CHESTER; AND TO BENJAMIN HALL, ESQ., M.P., Fun siorarmourti. Kirkdale, Dec. 8,183 g. DEAR SIR,—I have the honour of forwarding to you a copy nt resolutions passed at a meeting of the " Society of Ancient Britons," in this town, in the object, language, and spirit, of which I most heartily join. • * • • I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient humble Servant, D. JAMES. itEsoicrioNs : At a special meeting of the " Society of Ancient Britons," in Liverpool, held the 6th day of December, 1836. Mr. John Williams, in the Chair, It was unanimously tesolrad, l. That the thanks of this society, and of the whole princi. pality of Wales, are due to John Jervis, Esq., M.P. for Ches ter; and to Benjamin Hall, Esq., M.P. for Monmouth, for their strenuous and patriotic defence of the Welsh language, and of the claims of the principality to more extended and im prtial religious privileges, than it at present enjoys in the a HHouse of Commons, during the last Session of Parliament. 2. That a copy of the above resolution be transmitted to John Jervis, Esq., and to Benjamin Hall, Esq., as an humble ex pression of the unfeigned respect entertained for them by the members of this society, for the valuable services they have ren dered to their native wanks,. - .Y611N WILLIAMS, Chairman. To THE 1:11V, n. JAMES. 10th December, 1836. DEAR SIK,—I am deeply sensible of the honour conferred upon me by the resolutions passed by the "Ancient Britons," in Liverpool, and if any impulse were wanting in the discharge of my duty, I should be stimulated to increased exertions by the nattering compliments thus paid to my humble endeavours its a good cause. • * • * * 1 have the honour to be, your obedient Servant, JOHN JERVIS. TO TPIR REV. D..I.thIMS, KERROAI.E. Lanofer Court, December 9th, 1836. titit,-1 had the honour of receiving your letter of yesterday's date, containing a vote of thanks passed at a meeting of the "Society of Ancient Britons," held in Liverpool. I beg you will be good enough to state to them, that I feel truly sensible of the honour they have done me in thus noticing my. cooduct in the [louse of Commons, and that I shall ever be ready to support the just rights and privileges of my fellow euuntrymen. 1 are quite sure that much may yet be accomplished the natives of if will exert themselves. • • • • * I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient humble ser vant. B. HALL. GREAT MEETING OF THE PROTESTANTS OF IRELAND. , You cannot fail to recollect the important aggregate meeting elf the Protestant nobility, gentry, clergy, and landholders of Ireland, which took place in the King's-room in the Mansion !souse, Dublin, in the autumn of 1834, a month or two previous to the dismissal of the first Melbourne Administration. This meeting, you may remember. was attended by the Earl of Win ailsea, and it certainly produced a very powerful impression in all parts of the empire. A meeting of a similar character is about to take place. It has been convened by the following Tetwisition : " We, the undersigned, request a meeting of the Protestant noblemen, gentlemen, clergy, and landed proprietors of Ireland, in the g rea t room of Ale Mansion-house, in the city of Dublin, on Tuesday, the 21th day of January, 1837, at 12 o'clock, for the purpose of petitioning both Houses of Parliament, praying them to adopt s uch measures as w ill gi v e protection to the Pt-o il:s • A h l ; .a int' Ireland, a n d t o p re p a r e a loy a l and dutiful address to :tent jeV.T, calli ng hi s mos t ser i ous a tt e ntion to the dangers immi which th reaten t h e lib ert i es o f a ll c l asses o f Ill s ja I.y loyal subjects making to underrm in Ireland, and the attempts which re kingdom. lae end destroy the Pr o t e stant religion iu this "D owNsHIRE. " BANDON. "FARNHAM. " DowNES. "Dt:NSANY. " RODEN. "" E NNISKILLEN. GLENGALL." " Admission to the meeting wilt be by tic kets , the Committee of arrangement , whic4 t f e b e issued by umber n o ti ce w ill b e given."—Correspondent of the Time,. Government. we understand, intend offering a free , p at ,„„ Re to New south Wales next Spring, to 100 mechanics from Ireland. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. FRANCE. OFFICIAL lIEPORT OF THE EXPEDITION TO CONSTANTINE. ( From the Moniteur.) BONA, Dec. I.—l had the honour of informing you, before the departure of the expedition, how much difficulty I had i❑ collecting at Bona the troops and stores which contrary winds and storms had dispersed in all directions. While the troops embarked suffered from being kept so long on board, abundant rains were falling at Bona; and the different corps, as they ar rived, not being able to recover themselves from the effects of their voyage, 1 was obliged to leave in the hospitals 2,000 out of the 7,000 infantry I had succeeded in assembling. The weather having become fine on November 12th, I left Bona on the 13th, and set out on my march against Constantine, with 7,000 men of all arms. The army had scarcely settled at its first bivouack when the rain fell again with great violence, and the small rivu let, upon the border of which we were encamped, having soon become a torrent, I could not got the troops over it till mid-day on the 1-Ith. At this hour, the sun having reappeared, ice were encamped at Mouhelfa, and on the 15th, after having passed, not without great difficulty for the baggage, the Col de Mourard, we arrived at Guelma, and I made the army encamp on the lett bank of the Seyhouse. There are at Guelnia, numerous ruins of old Roman buildings, and particularly of the ancient citadel, which were in a sufficiently good condition to establish there a military post perfectly safe from the attacks of the Arabs. I took advantage of this to leave, under a sufficient guard, about DYJ men who were already fatigued by the march midi unable to go on to Constantine. fhe weather continued to be favourable, and we resumed our route on the 17th at day-break. We halted at an early hour at Medjaz Amar, where we again met with great difficulty in crossing the Seybouse. The shores being very steep, the engineers passed the night in establishing rails, and clearing the ford, which was encumbered by enurmous stones. On the 17th I effected the passage, which occupied a great deal of time, and about 4 iu the afternoon we reached the fa mous summit over which the Cul de Raz el Akba is passed, and which is called by the Arabs "the Cut-throat Pass." Ruins still remaining ©n the tops of all the smaller hills attest that the Romans erected at distances of half a league from each other numerous towers and forts, in order to secure the mastery of this military point. Some of these ruins lead to a conclusion that many ot the grandees of Rome constructed spacious and beautiful palaces in this picturesque country. This pass has always been considered so difficult that the Arabs were convinced that I should never get the materiel of the army over it. I had the mountain and the gorges reconnoitred by several officers, and was myself six hours on horseback ascertaining personally the numerous difficulties we had to encounter. While the army passed the night at the foot of the mountain at Akbet el Achari, the engineers, assisted by numerous working parties, undertook to trace out a road, by which, at six o'clock in the evening of the 18th, we succeeded in passing the Col without losing any part of the materiel of our army. On this day, the 18th, the troops encamped in the territories of the tribe of Ouled Zenati, a league beyond the Col of Raz el Akba. Thus far while the weather was favourable we marched through a friendly and pacific people. The Arabs cultivated their fields, and the nu merous flocks and herds were sometimes even on the road by which we were passing. We were then only two days' march from Constantine. On the 19th we encamped at Raz Oned Zenati, and here commenced the most cruel, unexpected, and unparalleled hardships. We ware in the most elevated region, and during the night rain, snow, and hail fell so constantly, and in such abundance, that we were exposed to all the rigours of a winter at St. Petersburgh, while the ground resembled in the eyes of old officers the mire of Warsaw. We were within sight of Constantine, and yet began to de spair of reaching its walls. We, however, continued our march on the 20th ; and the army, with the exception of the baggage and the rear-guard, reached the monument of Constantine, where it was forced to halt. The cold became excessive; many of the men had their feet frozen, and many perished in the night; for since we left Raz el Akba there was no more fuel to be obtained. In fine, the baggage—the horses to which were doubled and trebled—joined us, and we crossed, on the 21st, the Bon Nlezroug, one of the tributary streams of the Oued Ram mel, which, increased by the torrents, had overflowed its banks. The infantry were up to their waists in water, and many of them would have perished, but for the cavalry, who saved them at the risk of their own lives. Several of the draught horses were drowned at this difficult passage. The army, however, suc ceeded in reaching the opposite side of the river, and in a few hours afterwards we were in position under the walls of Con stantine, The baggage of the administration, however, was left about two leagues in the rear, fast bound in the mud, but mak ing every effort to join us. Constantine is admirably situated, and at all points, except one, is wonderfully defended by nature. A ravine, sixty yards wide, and of an immense depth, at the bottom of which runs the Oued Hammel, presents, as a scarp and counterscarp, a per pendicular rock, equally unassailable by bombardment or un dermining. The plateau of Mansoura has communication with the town by a very narrow bridge, terminating at a double gate way, of great strength, and well defended by musketry from the surrounding houses and gardens. Under the circumstances in which we were placed I had no leisure to invest the place regularly. I, with the troops of Gen. Trezel, was in occupation of the plateau of Mansoura. I had directed the brigade of the vanguard to take possession of the hillocks of Koudiat Ati, and the Marabouts and burying grounds opposite the gate of Er Rahbah, and to blockade it without loss of time. It was easy at a glance to perceive that the town was to be attacked on this point, but it was also utterly impossible to con vey the field artillery to the spot, as it was already buried up to the naves of the wheels on the platform of Mansoura. Colonel Tournemine was unable to effect the transport of two eight pounders to the other position. It was at that moment that hostilities commenced; they were announced to us by the firing of two 21-pounders, directed against our artil lery, and by the red flag of the Arabs which was mounted on the principal battery of the place. The Bey Achmet had not ventured to shut himself up in Constantine, and had confided the defence of that town to his lieutenant Ben-liaissa. As he placed no dependence upon the inhabitants, he had introduced into the town told garrison between 1,200 and 1,500 Turks' and Kabyles, who were resolutely determined to defend the place. After crossing the Oued-Rammel, the Vanguard brigade advanced upon the heights, which, though defended by the Kabyles, who issued' in considerable force from the place, were successively carried by our troops. The latter established their position uuder the guns of the Arabs; whilst 1 disposed my artillery, the fire of which I directed against the gate of El- Cantara during the aelsekgf,,thensl._„Thceughout that day the bined force of the Arabs and the Turkish infantry, the latter having made a sortie from the gate, which we were unable to blockade, as we had no longer 3,000 men under arms. I sent some additional horses to extricate the lashings of the guns from the mire in which they were imbedded, but the task was impracticable. I then acceded to the suggestion of the military intendant, who proposed to me to send mules to accomplish the desired object, but the plan could not be carried into effect, for just as the convoy was on the point of starting, under the escort of a half battalion, we were apprized that a portion of the 62d Regiment, which had accompanied and protected the lashings of the guns, seeing the impossibility of extricating them, had plundered the provisions in spite of the efforts of their colonel, staved the casks of wine and brandy, and thus deprived us of a portion of our resources. The weather was still horrible; the snow fell in thick flakes, and the cold was excessive. It became necessary for me to take the place by storm, and, in the event of ill success, to march back with the army without further delay. The first gate battered by the artillery was carried, and if our engineers could only succeed in blowing up the second, there was still a hope that we should be able to penetrate into the town. I now made the necessary preparations for quartering the sappers and the companies that were to follow them. The en gineers, who had remained behind with that part of the wag gons, having arrived at 8 o'clock in the evening, I ordered Colonel Lemercier to prepare to reconnoitre the state of the gate of El-Cantara, in order to blow up every of it that might remain standing, and to force a passage for five picked com panies of the 59th and 63d regiments, which I placed under the orders of my aide-de-camp, Colonel de Rance. These instruc tions were but slowly executed by the engineers, who were ex hausted with fatigue, having passed 36 hours in the mire without fire or re s t. The gate was reconnoitred only a short time before day-break,make e a e n e s atrhye preparations engineers feoqru the ired operation.th e foll owing day to In On the 211, while the artillery continued to batter the town, the vanguard brigade was vigorously attacked, but the enemy was defeated on every point, our cavalry cutting down a great portion of the Bey'iTurkish infantry. The Chef d'Escadron l'origny, directed this charge in the most brilliant manner, and throughout the whole of the campaign gave constant evidence of his courage and determined coolness. On our side we were vigorously driven back 1,7 the 59th regiment of the line, which covered our head-quarters. In the hopes of diverting the attention of the garrison, anti terrifying the inhabitants, I ordered two simultaneous attacks for that night—the first, against the gate of El-Cantara, was to be under the direction of Colonel Lemercier: the second, on the side of Koudiat-Ati, was to be attempted by the troops of the vanguard. On the approach of night General Trezel him self posted the 59th and 63(1 regiments, which were to second the engineers. Colonel Lemercier ordered his men and his materiel to advance under the orders of Commandant Morin, and Captains Hackett and Ruy. The garrison immediately commenced and kept up a brisk fire. An injudicious order for the advance of the free company of the Bougie, which was at the head of the column, threw into disorder the sappers, who had just commenced their labours. Our losses were consider able, and the men who carried the ladders were killed or wounded. Captain Ruy, of the engineers, had his leg and wrist shattered, and Geenral Trezel, who exposed himself to the hottest of the fire to encourage and rally his troops, was felled to the ground by a ball which struck him in the neck. Colonel Lemercier insisted upon the necessity of abandoning the attack and withdrawing the troops, and immediately gave orders to that effect. The attack on Koudiat-Ati was equally unfortunate, and led to the loss of several brave officers amongst whom was Captain Grand, of the Engineers, an officer of the highest promise, and Commandant Richepanse. Lieutenant-Colonel Duvivier on this occasion gave fresh proofs of his bravery and skill. Lieut. Bertrand, of the Artillery, who was wounded, also displayed the greatest courage and energy. The attempts which it was incumbent on us to make previously to our retreat having failed, I judged it advisable to profit by the remainder of the night to assemble the army and to make every preparation to march. I accordingly sent Colonel de Rance to the vanguard brigade to give immediate orders for breaking up its encampment, and for its recrossing the Oued- Rammel before day-break, in order that it might take the posi tion which I occupied. This movement having been promptly and successfully executed, I pointed out the order in which the different corps were to station themselves, and the army having commenced its march with all the baggage and the artillery, we encamped at Soma. On the first day the retreat was extremely difficult, as the entire of the garrison and a number of mounted Arabs attacked us, and particularly our rear-guard, with the most determined perseverance. But the 63d Regiment, and the battalion of the 2d Light Infantry, under the Commandant Changaruier sup ported by the mounted African Chasseurs, repulsed every at tack. occasioned much loss to the enemy, and kept them in check. At a moment of so much difficulty Commandant Chan gamier covered himself with glory and attracted the admiration and esteem of the whole army. Although almost surrounded by Arabs, charged with great vigour, aua losing a great many of his men, he inspired such confidence Into his battalion, formed into a square, that at a moment when he most warmly attacked he made his men shout Vice le Roi! with such auimatien that the Arabs were astounded, and made a sudden turn to the half face, within 20 yards of two of the fronts of the square, both of which fired upon them, and three of the fronts were soon strewed with men and horses killed. Capt. Molie, my orderly officer, who at this critical minute had taken an order from me to the Commandant Changarnier. was in the midst of these brave men, and took part in their brilliant resistance. Throughout this day, and those which followed, the battalion of the 2d Light Infantry served in the rear-guard with the same distinction, and was valiantly imitated, particularly at the passage of the Seybouse and at liledjaz-el-Amar, by Lieutenant-Colonel Duvivier, Com mandant of the African Battalion, and the Free Company of On the 25th we were encamped at Oued Talaga, still repelling successfully the reiterated attacks of the Arabs. On the '26th the army halted for the night at Sidi Tamtain, THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD. and we began to perceive that the number of our enemies had decreased considerably. At the moment whe• we were break ing up this bivouack, the Arabs and Kabyles, as usual, fell upon the rear-guard, with the hope of forcing it to abandon some of its baggage or wounded men; but the African Chasseurs made a brilliant' charge, in which Captain de la Tour Dupin, my aide-de-camp, and Lieutenants Dree and Baichis, my orderly officers, took a distinguished part. Captain Morrice, of the Chasseurs, who commanded one of the squadrons. and who had in previous instances snade himself remarked, left half of the blade of his sabre in the body of an Arab. On the 27th we had to pass the difficult defile which leads to the pass of Raz el Akba, and ( ordered Colonel de Rance to open the march at the head of two squadrons. The cavalry executed this difficult task with the utmost courage and ability, crowning the crests of the hills, and re_pulsing or keeping at a distance the cavalry of the Arabs. We at length passed the gorge of Raz el Akba, and at that point the Arabs ceased to follow us, and disappeared alt , ,gether. The Kabyles, having endeavoured to close this passage on us, were charged at the summit of the gorge by the Saphis, and many of the former were soon put hors de combat; they were afterwards dislodged by the infantry from the woods in which they had taken up a position to the right and left of the path traced by us, and were compelled to make a precipitate retreat. On this occasion Cap tain Macmahon, aide-de-camp to his Royal Highness, and Lieutenants Baichis and Bertrand, my orderly officers, behaved most nobly. The latter had his horse killed under him. We encamped at the foot of the hill on the right bank of the Soy house. • • • I have not yet been able to collect the reports furnished by the cornmandess of corps • but as soon as they shall have reached my hands, I shall make them the subject of a second despatch, which I shall have the honour of addressing you by the next courier, directing your attention to those who, among so great a number, merit being particularly designated. I shall at the same time make known to you the number of killed and wounded. To conclude, the various corps of the expedition di rected their march upon Constantine without having ally act of hostility to repress. During fifteen days they suffered under fevers at Bona, which detained 1,800 men in the hospitals; and near and around Constantine they were overwhelmed by rain, snow, bail, and mud. The loss was inconsiderable from the fire of the place and the enemy when they followed us upon Itazel Akba ; whilst the Kabyles, who prevented themselves in order to oppose our return, had more than 400 killed. The various corps brought back all their artillery and ammunition waggons which were not broken up; all the soldiers, whether enfeebled, sick, or wounded, were assisted or transported along; and, in short, a garrison has been established at Guelma, where every thing necessary for another expedition may be collected toge ther previous to its being carried into execution. I have given orders to the Commandant de Rance to communicate to you all the details which the limits of this report do not permit me to enter on ; and I particularly direct my aid-de-camp to describe to his Majesty the manner in which the Duke de Nemours par- took of the fatigues and dangers of the army, and the lively and enlightened solicitude he expressed for our soldiers under the painful and difficult circumstances in which we found ourselves. I have the honour to be, Monsieur le Ministre, your very humble and obedient servant, Marshal CLAUSEL, Governor-General of the Possessions in the North of Africa. (From the National.) 13osta, Dac. I—The steamer Chimera, which is conveying to France the intelligence of our disastrous expedition against Constantine, will also bring you this letter, which has been written under the impression of the disasters of our poor army. The journals must have informed you that the advanced guard, under the orders of General de Rigny, had left Bona on the Bth. On the 13th the army commenced its march. We all remarked that there was very little order in the disposition of our columns, much confusion in the convoys ' very sew means of transport—such as waggons or beasts of burden, but particu larly a scanty supply of provisions. Imagine only 15 days' rations to undertake an expedition 40 leagues in the interior, in an unexplored country, and for the conquest of a city whose resources and state of defence were completely unknown. In the evening of the 14th the bad weather began. A very cold wind set in from the north-west, which was soon followed by a heavy rain, accompanied with hail and snow; in a few hours we were up to our knees in the mud. These were the first fatigues our troops had to encounter. Notwithstanding this sad prospect, we continued our march, and on the 16th the army, which had already left behind 160 stragglers, arrived at the camp of Clause), at the distance of about 20 miles from Bona. The bad state of the roads, and the rain, detained for a short time a part of the expedition in that camp, which had been selected by the Marshal as the point of depar ture. After a great deal of hardship, the slimy reached, on the 18th, the camp of Guelma, distant about 70 miles from Bona. We then only had provisions for 10 days. In the evening of the 17th an excessive degree of coldness succeeded to the rain, hail at intervals, sometimes snow—such was the state of the weather. It was not possible to commence the march before the 19th, and on the 20th all the soldiers had quitted the camp. Up to this time the army had encountered no obstacle, excepting what arose from the inclemency of the weather. Indeed, tribes of natives here and there approached the troops, bringing with them provisions, and promising to remain completely inoffensive. On the 20th and 21st the army marched without meeting an enemy, or discovering any trace of habitation or vegetation; it was not even possible to get wood with which to make a fire and boil the soldiers' soup. On the evening of the 21st the army bivouacked at the opening of the defile of Mansour, about 20 miles distant from the camp of Guelma, and consequently 110 miles from Bona (upwards of 30 leagues ) On the 22d the army penetrated into the defile. All traces of the road were vow lost. The mud was frightful, the waggons every moment sinking in it; and the surface was so undulated that the troops could not see further than 10 feet before them. It was here for the first time that a detachment of about 400 Arabs made their appearance, and began to fire upon the sol diers of our flank, decapitating all who became separated from the corps. The too great distance of the columns from each other, the difficulty experienced in marching over ground which yielded at each step, and the cowardly conduct of a General Officer, were the first causes of the disaster. This General, a man of fashion, and not of war, affrighted at the sight of this destructive conflict, abandoned his position. Quitting the head of his brigade, he advanced to the ambulance (moving military hospital,) crying out that the army was being massacred; that - , Achmet was coming up with his troops, and that it was necessary to return ; observing to all who chose to listen Mars.Kbld,..nrPateS l dun't"di f aseepab le. which consisted of 5 7 .1 waggons, a great number of mules and horses, carrying with them 70,000 rations and the ambulance loaded with the sick and wounded, was thrown into disorder. The Arabs fell upon the convoy, massacred the men without mercy, pillaged the waggons, and thus deprived the army of its last resource. This took place at 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the 22d. From that moment the army was compromised. To return was impossible. The distance from the position then occupied by the army to Bona was 35 leagues, and to Constan tine only 'live leagues. Jusseuf, too, had told us that the peo ple were waiting impatiently at Constantine to deliver to us the keys of the city. The army continued its march with no more provisions than what each soldier carried with him,—that is to saw, four day's portion. 'We will here interrupt the regular course of this narrative, in order to recur to the case of the General who had fled from his post. When summoned before the Marshal, he flung himself at his feet, supplicated him not to notice his conduct in the or der of the day, and to afford him an opportunity of seeking ' death in face of the enemy. "Sir," replied the Marshal, "you gained your epaulettes in the drawing-room : that is still your proper place, and not the army. You shall be mentioned with dishonour before the whole army in to-morrow's order of the day. Retire." On leaving the Marshal's presence Colonel Boyer said to this officer, " Go and let the enemy kill you, or slow your own brains out." This wretched individual, incapable of any cou rageous act, went in search of M. Melcion d'Arc. and persuaded him to intercede with the Marshal in his favour." " At your solicitation," said the Marshal, " the name of the infamous poltroon shall not be given in full length in the order of the day;" and in point of fact the order of the day which I happen to have read only contains the following announcement :—" I am happy to be able to state, that in this struggle pusillanimity and cowardice." '1 he army consumed thirty hours in passing the defile ; on the evening of the 23d all the troops had effected the passage of the Iron Key. The army then bivouacked. The troops, worn out with fatigue, enjoyed a short repose. On awakening, the sol diers were much astonished to find their coverlets more than usually heavy. The snow had fallen during the time the soldiers slept, and lay upon the ground to the depth of a foot. Nearly 60 soldiers were discovered to be dead from cold. Even the horses fell victims to the inclemency of the weather, and were cut up by the soldiers for food. On the morning of the 24th the promised city was observable, and the troops felt fresh vigour at the sight. Success was con sidered to he so certain that the order of the day indicated the manner in which the entry into the city was to be made, and the precautions which were to be observed for the preservation of property. To reach it several fords, where the water reached up to the horses' bellies, bad to be passed. On the evening of the 25th all the necessary positions were taken in view of the city. In order to reconnoitre the gates a company of sappers, with artillery, went round the walls under a shower of balls. Insults uttered in French—shouts at the fall of every soldier—such was the reception we met with from the inhabitants of Constantine. The city is large, fine, and com pletely fortified. It is defended by nature on one side, where projecting rocks, surmounted by a strong and well-built wall,. render it impregnable; on the other side, a large and deep river serves as a fosse to it. A stone bridge placed over this river had been destroyed. The city is commanded by a height to the left, of a very rapid ascent; and the ground was so soaked with rain that it required 48 horses to raise up a 12-pounder (a six-inch howitzer,) intended to be used to effect a breach. From this height the whole interior of the city was observable; it is, like Algiers, built in the form of an amphitheatre, but six or eight times larger; houses with roofs of tiles—in short, a city quite in the European style. The Marshal immediately perceived that a regular siege was necessary, and that the force he had with him was far from be ing sufficient; but before retiring he was anxious to make an attempt to carry the place by stratagem. A part of the infantry swam across the river; and in the night Colonel Duvivier burst open the gate at the head of a battalion, and carried the faubourg. It was then thought that the troops would enter the city immediately; hut a second enclosure was observed ; it was only the barrier which had been passed, and it became necessary to retrograde. In this coup de main, which did not last an hour, 120 men w ere killed. General Trezel had his neck pierced through by a shot. Colonel Duvivier received two shots in his face , which proved mortal. On the 2 i n a 6 th frightfulth e number degree, o f t h e a n d arrangements were mad e wounded, and sick esp ec i a ll ) • , increased for retreating. Th e re g iment of the Chasseurs formed the van. In the morning of the 27th the Arabs, seein g our manc euvre , came and massacred the unfortunate wounded soldiers, wh o were left at their mercy. Become snore bold, the Arabs ap proached our sharp-shooter", and, seizing them by their belts, flung them down the precipices. Every moment the troops were squares, and sustain perpet ua l attacks. For to ball, to form For twenty-four hours the troops ci ha not a regular supply even of horse flesh, and the provisions which they had carried with them were almost entirely consumed. The waggons, full of amm unition, were left behind, and plun dered by the Arabs. On this c ircumstance being known, a great confusion took place in our ranks. The 2cl Light Infantry, then formed into a square, bore alone the sh ot of the enem y , and thus saved the remains of the army. From that moment (27th at until the 28th in the evening, when the arm •re-entered noon) was the camp of Guelma, it was no longer a retreat, it a real and complete rout, All those who were unable to follow were mercilessly left be hind; the wounded were likewise abandoned. Captain Pexoni by fatigue, asked him if he had seeing a poor soldier overcome . " h 1 . " C a p ta in, e rep ied, "i n not sufficient strength to proceed ? an in off; but take my cartridges instant my head will be cut cartridges, I you!" As tonished would be sorry the enemy had them to fire against , _ at so much courage. the Ca p tain alighted from his lona to the horse, placed the poor devil on it , and brought camp of Guelma, having walked a distance of seven leagues on foot, holding his horse by the bridle. On the 29th the army reached the camp of Clauzel, and re entered Bona on the 30th The :11arshal re-entered Bona at the head of 1,200 men only, and the greater part of these were ill, or suffering under extreme ' fatigue and hunger. The remainder (forming the greater part) had died on the road, been taken prisoners, or left at Guelma. It is also stated that almost the whole of the artillery and bag gage were abandoned to the enemy, who from time to time at tacked the army on its retreat. ( From the French Papers of Monday.) The Eclaireur de la Mediterranee states, that the French army in Africa has lost 1,500 men, with two pieces of artillery, 13 waggons, and all the implements belonging to the engineering department, amounting to 1,000 articles. A portion of the hos pital apparatus, a large quantity of arms, boxes of rampart muskets, 50,000 cartridges, and most of the private baggage, were likewise left behind. M. de Ran 6, sent on a mission to the Minister of War by Marshal Clausel, and M. de Moray, an aid-de-camp of General Tread, arrived in Paris on Saturday night. The former was received on Sunday morning, by the King, the Duke of Orleans, the President of the Council, and the Minister of War.--Coar rier Francon. The Council of Ministers held on Sunday lasted until six o'clock in the afternoon. They have not, it seems, as yet been able to come to an understanding on the question of Constan tine. It is the third time the subject was brought before the Council without any result.—Messager. The Minister of War received a letter dated the Ist instant from General de Rignv, in which that officer demands that his conduct in the expedition against Constantine be investigated by a committee of inquiry.—Moniteur. It is stated that Admiral Nlassieu de Clerval has already set off for Toulo❑ with orders from the Minister of the Marine to prepare three ships for conveying troops immediately to Africa, and which will afterwards be followed by a much greater body of forces. We are also informed that orders have been sent to General Castellane, who has the command of the district of the Pyrenees Orientates, to embark at Port Vendres for Bona the Ist Regiment of the Line and the Ist Light Infantry. The Siecle alludes to a report that Marshal Clausel's resigna tion of his post has been offered and accepted, and that the Government of Africa is reserved for the Duke de Mortemart. " The noble Duke," observes the Steele," has since his mission to Russia been in high favour at Court, and the rumour now circulated, if true, may explain the object of his visit to Algiers." The Presse says Since a new expedition against Constan tine has been talked of, innumerable applications have been made to the minister of war by officers of all ranks to serve in it as volunteers. A strong indication of an advance towards conciliation in political parties is found in the fact that among these applicants there are a certain number of officers who be longed to the Royal Guard, and who have hitherto refused to serve under the tricoloured flag." The Messager gives the following additional particulars of Marshal Clausel's expedition to Constantine, particulars which, according to this journal, have been comrnanicated by an eye witness of the events to which they refer :—The disaster has fortunately been less severe than was at first apprehended. Se veral of the men who were left behind have successively . arrived at Bona, and accounts from Guelma state, that a certain nnin ber of soldiers have taken refuge in that place. The most ex travagant calculations of our losses in men estimate it at not more than 1,200, including those killed by the enemy's fire, those who died on the road from cold or want, and, finally, those massacred by the Arabs. As to the materiel, all the equi pages, carriages belonging to the administration, and artillery waggons, are said to have been lost. Only a portion of our guns remained on the road. Unfortunately the whole of the expe ditionary corps is in a most deplorable state, and nine-tenths of the men who have returned to Bona or Guelma will, for a length of time, be incapable of active service. The army displayed more energy and resignation in its struggle with the enemy, the inclemency of tha season, and hardships of overt/ description, than could have been expected from the young soldiers of whom the expeditionary corps was formed. The young officers and non-commissioned officers behaved admirably. Every indivi dual at Bona renders full justice to the arrangements made by the marshal during the retreat, and to the zeal, ability, and firmness which he displayed; but, at the same time, the pre vailing impression is, that he was in the wrong to place implicit confidence in the auxiliaries, and that he ought to have sent ca pable men, in whom he could confide, to reconnoitre the posi tion of Constantine, its real strength, that of its garrison, &c. It is even asserted that the staff was furnished with no topogra phical plan of Constantine. Next to the Marshal, the officer who most contributed to the safety of the army is Commandant Changarnier, who, on the second day of the retreat, covered himself with glory, at the head of his battalion of the second Light infantry, and acquired an immense ascendancy, which he preserved till the last moment, and which he used with the utmost discernment for the good of the service." COLONIAL INTELLIGENCE. CANADA. The Quebec papers, which have been received to the 23d nit., mention that a large number of outward-bound vessels had been for some days kept in port beyond the time that they had clear occasioned by the difficulty experienced in procuring men—a dfficultv that is said to result from a species of " crimping" plan adopted by lodging-house keepers, who inveigle men just, or about to be, engaged, and indulge them in their dissolute courses, and prevent their quitting until captains or owners become answerable for their debts. The Toronto papers, quoted in the Quebec journals, furnish the first three days' proceedings of the Upper Canada Assem bly. A bill had gone into committee, providing that thereafter " all members of the House of Assembly who should accept any office under the executive government, except that of a magis trate or militia officer, should vacate their seats in the assem bly." It was discussed at considerable length. The appoint ment of a committee of privileges relative to the late Grenville election caused much angry discussion and strong opposition, which eventually prevailed on the ground, that, as petitions from that county against the return of Messrs. Norton and Wells were daily expected, ample time ought to be afforded for their arrival. ST. ANNE'S WARD. r HE ANNUAL DINNER of ST. ANNE'S CONSER VATIVE ASS9CIATION will take place on TUESDAY, the al January next, at Mr. Bohlen's, Richmond-row. JAS. PARKER, Esq., President. 'rickets for the Dinner ss. each. may he had at the Bar nntil the 31st instant. Dinner on Table at 1-lalf-pas,t Five o'clock. UNITED STATES. The New York Courier, November 30, states that arrange ments han been made to have the President's message forwarded by the " express mial" (the success of which additional daily post-office conveyance continues to be mentioned,) and tha if Congress did not adjourn sufficiently early, then it was to be forwarded by its owu "rapid horse express." It contains a statement that all reporters not attached to the Washington press will be excluded !!,fron thf,,flpfkr.gf.tivt..houte—hy.frirldf tempted, the representatives of the people are required to in terfere. The Review of the New York market, November 30, says that the demand for cotton had continued to a fair extent, but that the transactions, as formerly, were mostly confined to the wants of the manufacturers. The price was looking down, as large holders, to effect sales, had not unfrequently been obliged to make concessions. The market for domestic goods remained heavy. The de mand for western flour continued fair, and holders were firm at former prices. In the course of three weeks there had been ex ported 5,436 barrels of wheat flour. Freights remained without variation. Exchange (like date.)—A few sales had been made for the next packets at 0i per cent. cash, on England : and sf. 221 c. on France. Nothing doing in other descriptions. The New York Commercial Advertiser of the 29th of Novem ber contains a letter, dated at the Grand River " Land" office, Michigan, which mentions that the office had just opened, and that there was a great rush for land, almost entirely by settlers from the eastern and midland states. The scrambling con tinued daily. The receipts for three days amounted to about 60,000 or 65,000 dollars. When the amount is 150,000 dollars, that being the amount of the receiver's bond, he must suspend his labours until a deposit can be made in Detroit. That would require three or four weeks, end an expense of 450 or 500; so that "everybody was cursing the government on account of the Land-office regulations." The letter adds, " The system of specie payments was not only extremely inconvenient for the purchaser, but expensive for the government." The hardship of the delays and difficulties thus thrown in the way of settlers waiting for land, and thus exposed to unnecessary expense, is strongly dwelt upon. The Richmond (United States) Whig Nov. 26, in a long article on " the future," declares that it has always believed that the slave question would be pressed with redoubled zeal, as soon as the election of Van Buren was deemed secure ; and that it now considers that " the next session of congress would develop the strength of the abolitionists far beyond anything of which many good, easy deluded southerns had any conception. Indications of the gathering tempest (it adds) were as clear as light, and petitions were in preparation to be poured in upon congress with thrice accumulated force." The Albany Advertiser, in a long and emphatic article on this subject observes—" If Mr. Van Buren is so far fortunate as to receive a majority in the electoral colleges, his success will be considered by the abolitionists as an auspicious omen for their cause;" but adds, " Where is a contest of this character to end ? Southern gentlemen have already declared their conviction that northern interference with slavery will drive the southern states to disunion." On another subject it remarks, that " the admission of Texas, which will certainly he presented, will also raise a storm in the north, as may well be calculated from the murmurings already heard." The New Orleans Bulletin, Nov. 11, states that according to private accounts from the city of Mexico to the 15th October, a division of the Mexican army had just left that city for the invasion of Texas. Sappers, miners, pioneers, &c., were at tached to it. Serious results in Mexico were feared on the de parture of the troops, in consequence of some exasperation of feeling existing against the American portion of residents in that city. A correspondent of the New Orleans Courier writes that on board the last British packet that put in at Havannah on her way from Vera Cruz were two Mexican commissioners sent to negociate with Governor Tacon for a renewal of friendly re lations between Mexico and Cuba; that Governor Tacon at first refused them an interview ; but that they subsequently ob tained permission to land, and were received by the governor, but that the interview lasted only half an hour; that the com missioners then went on board the packet again, and sailed for England, whence they will go to Spain. The rumour was, adds the correspondent, that they solicited leave to enlist 300 sailors for the Mexican navy, that Governor Tacon referred them peremptorily to the government of Spain. DISINTERMENT OF MADAME MALIBRAN DE BERIOT. About five o'clock on Tuesday morning last, several gentle men assembled at the warehouse of Mr. Ewart, Pall-mall, and in half an hour afterwards proceeded to the Collegiate Church, fUllowed by some workmen, bearing a large wooden case, made for the purpose of containing the coffin during its transit to Bel gium. The stone had been raised, but no further progress made in the disinterment, when the funeral party arrived. As soon as the party arrived, one of the sexton's assistants commenced the work of shovelling away the earth from above the coffin. The The grave being about five feet in depth, there was scarcely four feet of earth above the body ; but from the great weight of the leaden coffin, it was no easy task to excavate below it suffi ciently to admit of a rope being passed under. This was at length done, and a thick cord was passed under the head of the coffin; but as soon as it was attempted to raise it up by this means, the cord snapped, and in this way considerable delay en sued; three cords gave way, and at length a strong rope was procured in the neighbonrhood ; it was passed under and the coffin was raised. With the exception of portions of the black cloth which had been cut or torn off the edges of the coffin by the spade, there was little appearance of the "grave's decay." The coffin was placed in the case prepared for its reception, the lid of which was then screwed down, and it was raised on the shoulders of bearers, and conveyed along the south aisle of the church past the churchwarden's pew, and out at the north d oor, the same entrance by whi ch it was borne into the church a t th e funeral. A hearse was in waiting at the steps, at th e t op o f Hunt's hank, and as soon a s the c as e was placed in the vehiele, it proceeded to the Al os!ey Arms. On the he arse reac hi ng t h e Mosley Arnie, M. de Fiennes and Madame g arc i a too k l eave of the hostess, with feelings sensibly affected b y th e kindness which they had received fro m her, and then stepping into a coach and pair, they commenced their journey, preceded by the hearse. ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE, GREAT CHARLOTTE-STREET. Under entirely New Management. THE Nobility, Gentry, Inhabitants, and Visitors in general of Liverpool and Vicinity, are respectfully' informed that the ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE, WILL OPEN for the SEASON on MON DAY EVENING next; the 26th instant. During the Recess the Interior of th House will be newly Beautified, and many important alterations made for the comfort of the Audience. The Decoration and Scenic Department under the able -superintendence of Messrs. A. and E. FINLAY. During the Season the most approved Novelties will be pro duced in rapid succession, and arrangements made with the first Artistes of the day. Centre Boxes, 35.; Side Boxes, 25.6 d. ; Pit, Is ; Gallery, 6d. Second Price at Half-past Eight.—Boxes, Is. 6d. ; Pit, Is. Doors open at Half-past Six.—Performance begin at Seven. Stage Manager, Mr. NEVILLE. LADIES' CHARITY. Mrs. AUGUSTUS CAMPBELL.. Lady Patrone.a. Mr. F. ElAywoon President. THE ANNUAL BALL, for the Benefit of t is Institution, will he held, by permission of the worshipful the Mayor and Town Council, in the Towri-HALL, on TUESDAY, the 27th instant. Tickets, 10s. each. (Refreshments included,) to be had of the Lady Patroness, Duke-street ; of the President, and at the usual places. The Doors to be opened at Eight o'clock. Carriages to set down and take up with the horses heads fac ing Water-street. Joliffe's Military Band will be in attendance. N.B.—No money will be received at the doors. CONCERT. TEMPLARS' HALL. MR. E. BROWN respectfully announces to the Public his intention of giving his Annual CONCERT, at the H of the KNIGHT'S TEMPI—ARS, Great George-street, on WED NESDAY Evening next, the 28th instant. PRINCIPAL VOCAL PERFORMERS Miss LEACH, Miss LIYAMS,_ 11fr.}iENSHAL, and Mr. PEMBERTON, who have kindly offered their services. Mr. BROWN will perform the last Fantasia of Nicholson's, which was played by the Author before the King and Queen. Conductor, Mr. G. HOLDEN. The names of other Performers who are engaged, with further particulars, will be expressed in future bills. THEATRE-ROYAL, LIVERPOOL. Fon THE BENEFIT OF THE FRENCH COMEDIANS, Recently performing at the Queen's Theatre, London. with the greatest success, and positively the Last Night of their Engagement. Last Night of MISS ADELAIDE O'BRYAN and SIGNOR SAXON!, principal Dancers of the King's Theatre, London. The following is the list of Performers: — M. BERNARD, (Manager,) Premier comique du Grand Theatre de Lyon, France, et du Queen'i Tb6atre, de Londres. MADLLE. ALINE, du Th6atre L t ahaye, Holland; et du Queen's Thatre. de Londres. MADLLE. CLEMENCE, du Theatre de I'Ambigu co mique, Paris, et du Theatre-royal, de Dublin, compagnie F ran caise. M. GRENET, Nancy, France, et St, James's Theatre, de Londres. M. AIME, Metz, France, et St. James's Matra. M. TARANNE, Queen's Theatre, Londres•. M. HENRI, Pantheon Thatre. MME. LAURENT, Tha.tre de Marseille, France. Tll IS present FRIDAY EVENING, the 23d instant, the French Company will perform LE POLTROON; 011, ADELAIDE ust.triET. Vaudeville en un acte du Th&ttre du Vaudeville, par M. Bayard. M. Bernard (Queen's Theatre)remplira le role d'Adelaide Melinet. - Mdlle. Mine (Queen's Theatre) celui d'Amanda. M. Beltois, (Sergent Major de la Garde Nationale,) M. Aime. Auguste..(Officier de Carabiniers)..M. Grenet. Laurentin M. Taranne. Mme. Beltois Nidlle. Clemence. Previous to the Vaudeville—Overture, " Semiramis," Rossini. After which, Miss Adelaide O'Bryan and Signor Saxoni will make their last appearance at this Theatre, and will dance the celebrated GALLOP, from the Grand Ballot of Beniowsky. Previous to the Afterpiece—Overture, " 11 Pirate," 13ellini. To conclude with LA FILLE DE L'AVARE. Vaudeville en deux actes du Gymnase, par M. M. Bayard et -- - Scribe. M. Bernard (Queen's Theatre) remplira le r(le de Grandet. Mdlle. Mine (Queen's Theatre) celui d'Eugenie. Charles M. Grenet. I Menu M Mine. Isidore..M. Taranne. I Nanon..Mdlle. Clemence. MR. EDWIN FORREST, OP THE THEATRE-ROYAL, I)RURY-LANE, AND OF THE AMERICAN THEATRES. The Public is respectfully informed, that, in consequence of the numerous inquiries at the Box-office, and of the in tense interest excited by the announcement of this Gentleman, an arrangement has been made with this eminent Tragedian to extend his Engagement, originally formed for Five Nights, to TEN ; and Mr. FORREST will make his First Appearance, at this Theatre, on MorsnAy EVENING next, the 26th instant, in the character of OTHELLO. To afford equal facilities in securimy, places for the Nights of Mr. Forrest's Performance, the Box Plans, for his Engagement, will be opened To-morrow, (Saturday,) the 24th instant, when places, for any of the Ten Nights, may be taken from Ten un r7' 'ran estN" Sightg tan ke..ll3cllXi'le, In each 'WE Yirp taken. MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, and FRIDAY; and his Benefit will take place on FRIDAY, the sth January, the last Night of his Engagement. TO CORRESPONDENTS. We have received a copy of the splendid annual, " The Cabi net of Modern Art," and shall give an extended notice in our next. Several correspondents complain very severely of the dirty state of the streets in various parts of the town. Why is our wor thy councillor-contemporary so silent on the subject? The poetry of our fair correspondent " M" has been received. The lines with which she has favoured us indicate the posses sion of a refined taste, and a correct judgment; but we are sure that she will excuse us for not inserting them, when we state that we have too much gallantry to expose her to the unpleasantness of having them unfairly criticised by certain parties, from whom nothing but the most virulent abuse can be expected, and by whom her motives would be misconstrued, and her language misinterpreted. IF b e Eiberpool *tanbarb. FRIDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 23, 1836. We have been favoured with a copy of a letter from New Fork, addressed to the Rev. Mr. Al!port of Bir mingham, containing a detail of particulars confirmatory of the statements made by Maria Monk in her " Awful Disclosures." We shall, on Tuesday next, publish this important docnment, for the purpose of calling the at tention of the public, and more particularly of the go vernment, to the glaring iniquities which are daily per petrated in the nunneries in Canada. The revolting atrocities which are there committed under the veil of sanctity are truly abominable, and deserve the most un qualified exposure. We have been obliged to defer the insertion of the ad mirable letter on " Union for Prayer on the first Monday in the New Year," by the Rev. J. H. Stewart, Minister of St. Bride's Church. Our desire to give it entire has led to this postponement. The subject is of too great moment to permit us to give extracts merely. . Instead of amusing our readers with a train of specula tive consequences, deduced with logical solemnity, from military movements that have never been made, and frOm victories which have never been achieved, we think it much more profitable to direct the public mind to those great practical lessons with which daily experience has for some time been severely lecturing us. Whether " Alaix be in the advance or in the rear of Narvaez," for report places him, at the same moment, in both these impossible situations--whether " Villareal and Eguia, with their great guns, have gone into winter quarters," as some affirm, or whether they have again defeated Es partero, and are prosecuting their operations with in creased vigour, as others declare, " for the uncertainty thereof," we leave to be decided by further evidence, lest, after having reasoned ourselves and our readers into a pleasing conclusion, we should find the threads of the web broken and the fabric itself destroyed ; or, like Penelope, have our work to do again. With Riehard, therefore, we answer our own question— " Where is Alaix ? What is become of Villareal ?—Where is Espartere ? No matter where. If England, not yet involved in civil conflict, have not her generals and armies in the field—if war tramples not down her harvests, and her citizens are yet free from midnight surprise —yet the pernicious blast of policy, or her counterfeit, impolicv, has spread universal disaster over the social and moral aspect of Britain—the clarion tongue of reform has called into existence, and invested with power, myriads of nothings ; some rich and proud, some poor and ignorant, all of which, in their original emptiness, propagate the cry of reform, till order and peace are lost in the clamour of political confusion. Were we to analyze the calendar and set apart the da:'s, the nefasti, occupied •in the election of town councillors, with those precursors spent in the repuhli ban, anti-business-like labour of canvassing for votes, and the riotous days of triumph which close the disgraceful DEC. 23, 1436. scene—the choosing of mayors, with all its before and after accompaniments—the monthly meetings of cor porate bodies, with their committees and sub committees —the frequent, political, ward dinners, with all their pre parations and excitements—the quick succession of public meetings, convened for no other purpose than to stab, under the mask of law, the peace of the country, or . • satiate some factious revenge—we should hardly leave the Sabbaths unappropriated to pollution. We are become a nation of demagogues, and reform is a saint that en grosses every day in the year of our political papists — every hedge of every alley has its magpie; whilst it is impossible to find half a dozen men gathered together, drunk or sober, but they become a very rookery of state jabbering. Thanks to the reform bill for this curse upon the land. Like a vertical sun, it has shone upon the mud of our Nile, and given life to the spawn existing in it. If we cannot at once estimate these " half-formed reptiles," which " we know not what to call," that dis turb the quiet of towns and endanger the safety of the state, we may frighten them from doing some mischief by exposing their haunts and watching their movements. , We have been drawn to make these reflections upon • . the civil state of the country from having lately read some reports of the proceedings of town councils—not only in our own unprecedented " chaos-come-again" cor poration, but that of several other minor municipal theatres in tire kingdom, in every one of which the same principles, though not in the same extravagance, pre vail. Not one spot is there, where municipal reform has set its foot, but the lovely flowers of peace, virtue, sub ordination, and good society have perished; and the various weeds of anarchy, enmity, and political rage , luxuriantly flourish; whilst our ears ring with dull prosing, speeches—pointless and inexplicable wit and • sarcasm, which owes all its force to the venom of m'a lignity. But let us fairly examine what are the consequences of the municipal reform bill, irrespective of all politics;, associations : whether conservatives or radical be mem bers of town councils, in every light, it is the evil genius •:.' of England. Is a corporate town on the eve of changing the puppets which have stiffened into importance during the last year's drill in the council chamber, though the , :•• entire revolution of a moon is wanting, yet another pride-stricken shopman, seeing the improved carriage or A snrs‘' his neighbours, and ambitious of like distinction, longs to be invested with his motley, his friends flattering him that he will make a good corporation man, and the head 3 .,ealiff`r . of vanity drinks in the music of compliment till flatulent tt v conceit, a judge always favourable to its decrees, whispers in his ears that he is a " marvellous proper , c .,iseaole man" to represent a ward. He now brushes his coat qiso o before he appears behind the counter, changes his liners ,o .t once oftener than usual in the week, studies before his glass to bow with more grace, and, even at his own fire- „.. 7 ,hs'; side, smokes his pipe many degrees more elevated than e z -,591 before he saw such honours advancing towards him- Some keen politico-economical observers declare that, under this mental excitement, he knocks out the ashes of , • three pipes where, before, he consumed but one ; that every puff is a perfect cloud, and that, therefore, (dull, rogues who only look at customhouse returns), this will be a positive benefit to the revenue. Does a customer . appear in his shop or his counting house, to ask the price of a nightcap or a cork jacket ? as the eye is said to receive no impression from certain rays, so the ear, in . this case, is insensible to certain sounds—he answers, ; " for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," Wednesday, sir, is fixed for the election my friends—staunch friends, " approved, good friends," . • have all promised to attend. lam quite sure of my suc cess—heavy duties, sir, will devolve upon me to perform —but a man must. quietly submit to his fate, and become • a bog or a fen ; but, save your presence, I hope to be an .Etna in the map of my generation. There are many, -•• ••••,,• very many, of these untalented and illiterate aspirants after power who can unqualifiedly ask, " Where is he, living, clipt in with the sea that chides the banks of England, Wales, or Scotland, can call me pupil or bath ,- 4 ,-, Tk est' read to me?" for some actually subscribe themselves of that pitiable family—" my mark." But this preliminary ,0 1 (e;.; breach, made on the avocations of life, is not the only , ..• evil we have to deplore, as arising out of the reform. bill. In order that his " new-made honours" may sit the more gracefully upon him, he feels it indispensiblo that his inauguration ti,•esqt he s et eer,--- 4essi.A. ws rerun - au ueriverect speeen ; and, though he never conceived a twin idea before, he suddenly becomes preg nant with muddy dreams and strange conceits, mutters. , disjointed periods behind his counter, and marshals current phrases in his note-book, to "be learned by rote;" but, in due time, the great, the important day • arrives, up to which moment, from the first coup de lune, his private affairs and his domestic comforts have all •• been buried under the bright cloud of anticipated glories —he is nominated—he makes his debut in all the awkwardness of genteel vulgarity—talks loudly about • what he understands, nothing—promises what he bas no ability to perform—looks unutterable things—eomes„ ••• • like his own pipe, to the last whiff, and is dubbed a town councillor—casts an oblivious cloak over his former s' character in life, and, without one qualification beyond • that conferred upon him by the reform hill, undertakes the management of the business of the town. Does the mischief stop here ? No; the new town councillor finds that, instead of his shop or his counting-house, and the demands of trade, Ire must plunge over head and ears into the slough of politics—not his ledger, now, but a newspaper—not writing letters to correspondents, but composing speeches or framing resolutions for the council chamber—not looking into the prices current or the arrival and departure of ships, but how his last speech appears in print; and, if we follow out the picture in all its aspects through the year, we shall see that the municipal reform bill has made a complete metamor phosis of a quiet man of business into a noisy declaimer 1 : at political dinners—has robbed society of a peaceable neighbour.; a family of a prudent protector; and the c.• state of a valuable subject. It is not necessary for us to pursue this subject throtlet • all its ramifications. It will suffice to observe, that thou... sands are every year exposed to all these ludicrous but fatal temptations—and a multitude of others of a kin dred nature—" qua nunc," &c.—and the country is at the present moment suffering under them. Not only have we to lament the departure of those social virtues which gire every charm to life, and the disquietude which har 7 rasses the inhabitants of every corporate town, but the positive national, as well as individual evil, which is m abundantly springing up, WhereCeilhe . rminiaiiiri4f6l6l bill has sown its seeds of dissention. That confidence be-- tween man and man upon which the stability of trade de pends, is broken, and justly, and that from a twofold cause : first, an apprehension that he who neglects his proper business is hardly entitled to Pecuniary credit ; and, secondly, though this is an uncharitable surmising, that he whom we think unsound in politics, and whohap pens to be our opponent in the municipal chamber, is un sound in moral integrity also. The association is easy — not unnatural—often, we fear,, too hastily made. We need not press these circumstances to their conclusion — every thinking man will he able to infer them for him- 01; self. But, viewing these and other circumstances which give another character to society, this we venture to pro , p ou nce, as unanswerably true, th a t th e mun i c i pa l re f o rm bill has introduced more disorder into the country, and fir , i occasioned more public mischief, without any counter- - 1.; vailing good, than all th e worst acts o f t h e l eg i s l a ture put together during the last hundred years. We say this without any reference to the predominance of any party. We are Conservatives ; but if every corporation in the kingdom could instantly become conservative -- and they are certainly looking that way—our opinion would remain unchanged. The measure is ?nation in se. 0, 1 We protest ag a i ns t i t as a b oon grante d b y f o lly to mad e j3.l° ness.' If we contr as t th e mem b ers o f th e o ld corporations with the new municipal councillors, here the insignifi cance of the one exalts the dignity of the other. An alderman was a title of honour then—a character from his habits and association seldom seen ; now, to use an expression of a great statesman, "you can hardly spit out of a window without spitting upon" an alderman, and for which accidental indignity a man would hardly think_ of making an apology. Then, the mayor, as chief ma- citi zen a f ew ~ for a f t 414 01 a calarni Certait °fillUi high; ot anhno With Pe pure 'that 41 019 t 'aver That Irti, toi 4rg