The Express.
London, England, 1852-01-07 00:00:00

LOSS OF MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED
IA VES.

PLYMOUTH, Teatn.►T.
The brig Marsden, Evans, from Newport for
Wilmington, South Carolina, came in here ut mid-
night, and landed Mr. Vincent, midshipman, two
passengers, the steward, and 17 of the crew (21 in
all), of the Royal Mull Steam Packet Company's
ship Amazon, which took fire about 1 a.m. on
Sunday last, about 60 miles west of Stilly, on her
first outward voyage to the West Indies, and was
totally consumed, with all the mails, Captain
Symons, passengers, and crew, with the exception
of the 21 above, who escaped in one of the boats,
and were picked up 12 hours after by the Marsden,
losing ever• thing hut their lives. The total Pant-
her on board is said to have been 135. The fire is
supposed to have originated in the spontaneous cam-
' bastion of the coals.

The Amazon left Southampton at half-past 3
o'clock on Friday afternoon, and in the Channel ex-
perienced strong head winds and ruin. At a quarter
before 1 on Sunday morning, when the ship was
about 110 miles west-south-west of Scilly, a fire
broke out suddenly, forward on the starboard side,
between the steam chest and the under part
of the galley, and shortly after the flames
rushed up the gangway which is in front of the
foremost funnel. The alarm bell was rung, and
Captain Symons rushed on deck in his shirt and
trousers. Wet swabs and other loose things were
placed on the gratings of the spar-deck hatch, and
a hose was brought to pl.ty on the main deck, but
quickly abandoned in consequence of the excessive
heat. The deck pump was also kept at work until
the men were forced to retire. The wind was blow-
ing half a gale from south-west, and the vessel was
going M knots, which was her average rate from the
time of departure. Captain Symons ordered some
hay, between the engine-room crank gratings, to be
thrown overboard; two trusses were hove over tho
ship's side, but tho fire soon ignited the main body,
the hencoops on each side, and the paddleboxea, the
men were obliged to abandon the deck, and those
who could leave were all finally driven from the
ship. Many were burnt in their births, others suf-
focated, and a great number were drowned in the
lowering of the boats.
The Marsden picked up from tho lifeboat the fol-
lowing persons, vit. :—Mr. It. Neilson, for Demerara ;
Mr. T. Sisely, for Chagres; John Ilawke, second
class passenger, Vera Cruz ; Mr. Vincent, jun., mid-
shipman; James Williamson, chief steward; Mr.
John Dunford, Quarter-master ; W. Foster,
A.B. ; Thomas Carney, AB. ; James May-
lin, AB. ; James .Nlowatt, AB. ; William
Steam, A.B. J. H. l'assmore, A. 8.; H. Williams,
A. 8.; William Stevenson, A. 8.; John Nerink, A. 8.;
William Nutman, water tender; James White, fire-
man; John Shearing, fireman; Charles Thorn, fire-
man ; W. Hummer, George King, Coulterman.
Mr. Neilson and Mr. Vincent proceed by train to-
day to London, and the crew will be forwarded to
the Sailors' Home, Well-street, by the Ship-wrecked
Mariners Society.
The secretary of the company states that the crew
and engine people on board the Amazon were about
112 in number, and that there were 50 passengers on
board. He has also supplied the following list
of the ship's officers, who are missing :—Captain
Symons: Mr. Roberts, chief officer; Mr. Treweeke,
second officer; Mr. Lewis, third officer; Mr. Good-
ridge, fourth officer; Mr. Stuart, midshipman: Mr.
Stamforth, midshipman ; Mr. Angus, chief engineer ;
Mr. Angus, jun., second engineer.

Mr. Vincent (son of Capt. Vincent of the Severn),
the midshipman in the Amazon, who was saved,
gives the following narrative :
We left Southampton with the West Indian and Mexican
mails on board on Friday, the 2nd inst. On the 3rd, at
noon, we were in latitude 49.12 north, longitude 4.57 west,
steering west by south half-south, with an increasing fresh
breeze. At 9.30 p.m. we stopped with half bearings. At
11.20 we proceeded, wind still increasing. About twenty
minutes to 1 on Sunday morning fire was observed burst-
ing through the hatchway fireside of the fore funnel.
Every possible exertion was made to put out the fire, but
all was ineffectual. The mail boat was lowered with 20 or
26 persons in it, but was immediately swamped and went
astern, the people clinging to one another. 'They were ill
lost. The pinnace was next lowered, but she hung by the
fore tackle, and, being swamped, the people were all washed
out of her. In lowering the second cutter, the sea raised
her, and unhooked the fore tackle, so that she fell down
perpendicularly, and all but two of the persons in her
were washed out. Captain Symons was all this time
using his utmost exertions to save his passengers and
crew. Sixteen men, including two passengers, succeeded
in lowering the lite-boat, and about the same time I
(Mr. Vincent), with two men, the steward, and • passenger,
got into and lowered the dingy. In about half an hour the •
lifeboat took the dingy's people into her, and bore down
for the ship with the dingy in tow, but the sea increasing,
and being nearly swamped, they were obliged to cast the
dingy off and bring the boat head to sea. The masts went
—first the foremost, and then the mizenmut. About this
time a bark passed astern of the lifeboat; we hailed her with
our united 21 voices and thought she answered us, but she
wore and stood under the stern of the burning vessel,
and immediately hauled her wind and stood away again.
The gig with five hands was at this time some little way
from us, but the sea was running so high we could render
her no assistance, and shortly afterwards lost sight of her.
About 4 a.m. (Sunday) it was raining heavily, and the
wind shifted to the northward ; sea confused, but decreas-
ing ; put the boat before the sea. At 5 o'clock the ship's
magazine exploded, and about half an hour afterwards the
funnels went over the sides and she sunk. At noon we were
picked up by the Marsden, of London, Captain Evans, by
whom we were treated in the kindest manner possible.
We were picked up in latitude 48.5 north, longi•
tude 6.30 west; wind north to north-east. The captain
stood in to the coast of France, but the wind shifting to the
southward, he bore up for Plymouth, where we arnved at
10.50 p.m. on the sth, and were most hospitably and kindly
received by the landlord of the Olobe Hotel.

Mr. Neilson, one of the only two passengers saved,
says:

I have to report the total loss of the West Indian Mail
steam-packet Ammon on Saturday night, the 3rd inst., off
the Bay of Biscay. At 12.40 the fire broke out. In less
than 10 minutes it was bursting up the fore and main hatch-
ways. Out of the 166 people on board only 21 are, I be-
lieve, saved, for I was on the last boat that left the ship,
and one of the two last men who got in after lowering her, '
by springing from the ship's side and eliding down the
tackle fell. The fire caught the other man and burnt the
hair off his face before he sprang off. We were picked up
the next day by the brig Menden, Capt. Evans, who treated
us with the greatest kindness and attention, and landed
us about 1 this morning. We were received at the
Globe by Mr. Redman with the greatest kindness.
The Amazon carried a large and valuable cargo, specie
value 20,3004. sterling, and 600 bottles of quicksilver, value
5,1601. sterling, for mining operations in Mexico.
The sailing of the Amason on her first voyage to the West,
Indies as the pioneer of the new series of steam-ships in-
tended for this important mail service, excited considerable
interest. Several directors of the company went dawn to
witness the , and there were present; Capt. Mangles,
Mr. Masterman, M.P., Captain Nelson (one of the Elder
Brethren of the Trinity Board), directors of the company ;
Captain Chappell, R.N., the secretary and joint manager;
Captain Barton, KN., the superintendent at Southampton ;
Mr. Genre Mills, the company's engineer-in-chief; Lieu-
tenant A. Austen, R.N., and other gentlemen interested in
steam navigation. Precisely at three o'clock (the mails
having been put on board) the unfortunate vessel got under
weigh, and majestically moved down the river amid hearty
cheers from the party who had proceeded from the shore in
a small steam tender to witness her departure. The draught
of water of the Amazon was 21 ft. 7 in. both forward and
aft. She started, therefore, although deeply laden, Set in
good trim and with an even keel. She had on board 1,133
tons of coals, besides a full cargo and • full complement of
water, stores, and provisions of every kind. It was hoped
she would make a run out to St. Thomas's of under 14 days.
The Amazon was to commence the new direct line of
steam ships intended to run fortnightly between South-
ampton and Chartres, touching at St. Thomas's, while se-
veral lines of branch packets for the accommodation of the
West India Islands, the Ou,ph of Mexico, &c., were to run
from the island of St. Thomas to the various ports and
islands embraced in the new scheme of the West lnd,a Mail
Packet Company, and sanctioned by the Lords of the Ad-
miralty.

EAST KENT AND MAIDSTONE
stated that prudential motives have influenced the com-
mittee of management to postpone their application to par-
liament far another year. The uncertain position of the
government, soil the all but certain prospect of en early dis-
solution of parliament, are among the causes assigned for this
decision. toiler the circumstance., the committee are
considered to have exercised a wise discretion in avoiding
a west* ful expenditure of their resources upon any doubt-
ful parliamentary contingency ; and, although the necessity
for the postponement must be a matter of deep regret to all
who are interested in the success of the project, they may
still he consoled by the reflection that the delay of another
year will enable the managing committee to gather fresh
strength, and otherwise to improve their present favorable
position.

THE CAPE MAIL.

THE KAFFIR wait—DISASTRoUS NE S.

The General Screw Steam Shipping Company's
vessel, the Harbinger, Capt. Lane, arrived at l'ly-
mouth yesterday morning from the ('ape of Good
Hope, which she left on the 2nd of December, with
mails and passengers and freight front the Cape of
Good Hope and Sierra Leone. She left the Cape on
Dee. 2 ; Sierra Leone, Dee. 17; St. Vincent, Dec. 23.
She has experienced much foul weather between St.
Vincent and Plymouth. She brings the following
passengers front the Cape of Good Hope: Mrs. Full-
wick, Colonel Cole and Mrs. Cole, Mr. Miller, Mr.
Prince and eon, Mr. Roberts, Mr. WMatiter nod
servants; and Miss Audley and Mrs. Itothery from
St. Vincent's. Her mail, in charge of Com. Robert-
son, is a heavy one.
We learn that the state of affairs in Katfirland
had in no way improved at the departure of the
Harbinger. The Kaffir* continued their depreda-
tions in the lifting of the cattle and burning houses,
and occasionally killing the colonists, and in this
they were generally assisted by the rebel Hottentots.
As yet no cheek had been given to them by Sir
Harry Smith. More troops were required. In one
engagement, Lieut.-Col. Fordyce and Lieut. Carey
were killed; Gordon was severely wounded,
and Cupt. Devenish mortally wounded. The public
feeling at the Cape was still greatly excited. 'Hwy
think there should be a local militia, and that could
not be effected without a local government which
the colonists should themselves elect.

The following in from tho firalsm's Twos Jump.
MI I of Nov. 11:

An express reached Graham's Town early this morning
from Major-General Somerset's camp, by which we are
put in pot...it/II of intelligence of the moat gloomy char-
acter, showing that the lot Division has again sustained
very heavy loss, both in ufibers and men. A movement
wax made against the united forces of the enemy in Water-
kloof on Thursday last, in which it appears that a portion
of Lieutenant-Colonel Fordyce's brigade became hotly en-
gaged with the enemy, and on which occasion a fearful
struggle took place, resulting in the has of that officer,
who was shot from a tree hlil,attbel Hottentot, and es-
pired in a few minutes. Su uentlyut Lieut mutt Carey.,
of the same regiment, fell, and eutenant Gordon was at
the same moment severely wounded. Captain Dcvenish
of the Beaufort (West) Levy, wax shot in the heal,
it is feared mortally. Casualties in the ranks to
the extent of ten killed and nine wounded are reported.
From what we have been enabled to collect on this mourn-
ful subject, the 71th Regiment, led by their gallant colonel,
had gained the heights, and were proceeding to dislodge a
body of rebels from a belt of bush ; in advancing to this
service they were most determinedly met by the enemy,
who, sheltered by hush and rocks, sustained a murderous
fire almost with impunity, and inflicted the severe loss
which the colony has this day to deplore. Lt.-Col. Fordyce
entered the army as ensign in the 74th, in Dec. 1104, and by
succeuive purchases advanced to the command of his n. 41-
went in July, 1840. A division order, which we publish
to-day, most deservedly eulogies% this reliant tinker, whose
death at this moment cannot be regarded as other than
a serious public calamity. The Highlanders, from the
day they first took the field in Kafir warfare up to the
present time, have always been placed in the van, and have
participated in some of the severest struggles that this war
has given rise to. Cul. Fordyce was first introduced to the
stronghold of Macoruo in July, and since that period has
been almost continually engaged in the fatiguing duty that
operations against an enemy in such a country call forth.
This officer's official aceaunts were always perused by a dis-
cerning public with great confidence and avidity, as a strict
appreciation of the duty of making a plain and unvarnished
statement was perceptible in them, whilst the independence
at once of his military and private position gave warranty
that the plain facts of every movement he was engaged in
would be faithfully portrayed. Col. Forayer, was a strict
disciplinarian, but the comfort of his men war always to
him au object of the greatest solicitude. This regiment has
on many occasions suffered severely, front the storming
of the Amatola downwards, and we now find it deprived of
its brave leader at the hands of an ignoble foe, whose utter
extermination can alone palliate the fearful atrocities he
continues to perpetrate. The death of these officers, under
such circumstances, and at the hand of such an enemy, has
filled the public mind with an indescribable feeling of horror
and resentment.

The movement extended over three days, the 6th, ith,
and Bth; and though the enemy were driven from every
position, it is feared that it is but a temporary retreat,
and the dense natural fortresses will shortly hi, if not
already, re-occupied. The troops are said to be in a
moat hammed condition, and many of them perfectly
ragged, the Gth ltegt. especially. To maintain a struggle,
mouth by mouth, under such adverse circumstances, re-
quires the moat indomitable energy; but it points to the
necessity of an universal invasion of the enemy's country,
in front, flank, and rear; to an enforcement of en enrol-
ment of burghers from the dozing west, which should push
on to the front, and receiving there the co-operation of tho
border colonists, form a living line on the colonial side,
whilst a movement of regular troops landed at the Kei and
marched to the enemy's rear, there to pounce upon and
strip him of his now immense droves of plundered cattle.
This policy, and this alone, will give any effectual check
to the barbarous revolt that now threatens either
to engulph the colony at once, or to starve it by slow
degrees, by draining its supplies. The best informed in
Kaffir politics btreuuously advocate this measure of
depriving the foe of his boasted commissariat, as
that alone will humble and place him in subjection to Bri-
tish rule. lie cares not for the lives of a few tens, or even
hundreds, of his clansmen—their decease only tends to en-
rich the survivors; but when forcible hands are laid upon
his flocks and herds, he feels himself thoroughly mastered
and outdone. We may be charged with stepping beyond
our depth into a difficult military question, but we intend
oar remarks, founded upon the best of information as to
Kaffir diplomacy, to point to the end to be achieved, allow-
ing the proper authorities to detail the means. But seeing
that so many valuable lives have been sacrificed by fruitless
assaults upon " bush," it appears to be high time to adopt
other tactics. When officers and men are shot down
day by day, when the corpses of the dead are dragged
from their graves and mutilated, it is high time fur all
to raise their voices, and all to raise their arms in one com-
mon effort, en Inane, to chastise the slayer; and it is high
time, too, to cry, " away with " maudlin leniency and pu-
sillanimous pardons, and to remove out of reach a class of
men and women, whom our columns to-day, and on pre-
vious occasions, have openly declared minister at our ex-
pense and from our resources to the enemy's wants and to
our discomfiture. Some accounts rate the casualties on the
side of the colony at sixty or seventy. Artillery played
upon the enemy with vigour, and his loss is supposed to
have been considerable.

The following are some additional particulars of
the affair :

Our movement was made on Thursday. Colonel For-
dyce with his force moving on the top, and Colonel Sutton
to act up Waterkloof, and in this unfortunate affair
Colonel Fordyce received a mortal wound, from which
he died a quarter of an hour afterwards. Lieutenant
Carey, of the 74th, killed, Lieutenant Gordon, 74th,
wounded, Lieut. l)evenish, of Beaufort (West) Levy, dan-
gerously wounded; and I am not certain how many privates
and levies killed and wounded, but you will learn from
other sources, though the proportion of officers to the num-
ber of men is large. Ou Friday we were more fortunate,
and only had some men wounded. Col. Michel, with some
of his division escorted Rogge and Owen up to the position
on Waterkloof, and I fancy they advised to move out of it;
it is a fearful country. On Saturday the whole camp was
shifted to the Illinkwater. It puzzles me to know what is
to be done, for it is very evident the Kafiri are only to be
expelled fromWaterkloof at the cost of a great deal of valu-
able life. Now, is the General justified in sacrificing so
much life in clearing it of a few Kafir*, who are located
there merely as a predatory band? I question. lily plan
would be by late and early patrols on their fires, and way-
laying the paths at night, try to cut off all communication
with liafirland and the colony, and thus prevent their get-
ting any supplies for their sustenance. I venture this
could be dune with the desired effect. It is really butchery
—the chances are nine of ten against you, the ground so
favours the Kafiri.

The following order was issued from head-quarters
on the melancholy occasion :
Camp,Blinkwater, Nov. 9,18.11.
_ . . . .

It is with the deepest regret that Major-General Somerset
announces to the division the death of Lieut.-Colonel For-
dyce, commanding the 74th Highlanders. Lieut.-Colonel
kordyce fell mortally wounded in action with the enemy nn
the morning of the Gth, and died on the field. From the
period of the 74th Highlanders having joined the let
Division, their high state of discipline and efficiency
at once showed to the Major-General the value of
Lieut.-Colonel Fordyce as a commanding officer ; the
subsequent period, during which the Major-General had
been in daily intercourse with Lieut.. Colonel Fonlver, so
constantly. engaged against the enemy in the ticla, had
tended to increase, in the highest degree, the opinion which
the Major-General had formed of Lieut.-Colonel Fordyce,
as a Commander of the highest order, and one of her Ma-
jesty's ablest officers, and whom he now so deeply laments
(while he truly symrthises with the itth Highlanders in
irreparable loss as an esteemed their med brother soldier. The
reports of the Nth lighlanders will be made to Captain
Monkland, the senior officer. Captain Monkland, being
detained at Fort Beaufort from the effects of a severe acci-
dent, the command in the field will devolve on Captain Pat-
ton.—By command,
C. MILL, Lieutenant Field Adjutant I,t Division.

(From as E4ra to the Grahons's Town Journal of Tars.
day, Noir. 2.5, Mil.)
LATEST INTELLIGENCE FROM HEAD-
QUARTERS.
_

The intended movement, referred to in our last issue. we
now learn is to be across the Kei, for the purpose of re-
taking some of the colonial cattle which have been driven
thither by the marauders from time totime during the pre-
sent contest. The force will consist of 3,000 men under
Major. General Somerset, Lieutenant-Colonel Mackinnon
having a brigade under that officer. It is expected that
the contemplated operations will occupy a month.
The news beyond the Kei indicates great restlessness
among tho tribes in those parts, more especially the Amag-

sal& twin Neel. gel apinalm of t/se.Abatelubs. It
dist some time we Krell eehmentendeil the traders
wad 'input At Butterworth to sea/their cattle betond the
Bah c river be neurity. Mr. Jiffies accordingly tont 120
▪ to that pert of the country, and many of the people
eslowed this 'Remote, although the iniasionary cult-
isgeied the experiment to be hasanlon., sod ex-
wd
bars to the people as to the result
s( wading wading their cattle .o far from home. On the 14th
'List, a combined party of Tasabookies and leech's peo-
▪ nrrrd utf the -bole of these cattle. '(here can be no
.hilt of Kr, le. bad faith, which must have been fully
wen t I the tioveroer souse time ago. It is pn *unto
hove been att irked long since hot for the
brier wive, AU I the siee.e.ity of employing the
ve▪
la nearer the boundary in defence of the colony. A 9.
i.elswr, a combined movement of truitnof the Ist and 2nd
now about to tale place in the direction of the
he'- it may be hopeal that an opportunity will occur for
Krell rod that part of his tribe Beta: near the
wino Nisi .ad conoemenees of war and the miwries
ii,,„,ght upon themselve. by adopting the council. and ful-
k,niar the fortune. or the hostile chief. and tribe..
.eh..n. aid been .mue further had feeling excited between
lye einr.r. near Morley and the Tambookies under the
te„.(jog. .f)e Finitoes Were clearly to blame, and acted
veer treacherously Wires& Jeoi. whom they attacked when
etc, nl. 17 a *mall party of 10 men, one of whom was
while the chief himself and another man were
Thi. affair of coigne produced hostility,
sal the r wised a niimber of the Finarea• rattle
▪ is.oo.nt of the insult to the chief. It is not unlikely
hat th,. outrage w.is made the pretext for seiein the
'ee:worth eittle beyond the Ilaeliee. However. a. Mr.
)1 at has been again appealed to by the chief. to
arteratc on thi• new cause of quarrel, it i. poentile hr may
te.toring peace and inducing the Tombookie. to
pie▪ hi. k the rattle Liken. on the Fiascoes paying a suitable
tar f•s tbr.r tresehery and inoilt to Jame At no moment
••• it 01' nr.rrimportance that their tribe. should be kent
gait ton yu.t now, while the trials arc likely to en to the
sezeheitlee.l of the Kei. If they tan hr kept from
with each other, their cupidity will make them
way tteutile.onie to Krali*. people. 41011111 the latter be
hr. lutist Mt.. eolliS,oll with the troorn, and he rnupt lied
t. Basher and beyond with their cattle.
10.- a.w. from Faka'..muntry is down to the 11th itne
Ai: a,. perfectly quiet at that date among the .kmampon.
.1.99, awl rake bad put paid a si.it with meat of hi. lead-
ise min to Mr. Jeukin*, the mio•ionary at l'alnitaton, to
had given the stronge.t 3,99111:911r0s that the fe-
r▪ n
ho intention to lied Are fad.', and that he
au with the Enitliah, nor ever wishee to have. lie
country is is Taw..., and I hope it will cou-
Wow
Me bevel. tters from Whittleses, by way of Fort flare.
• toe:eat h mat , from which we learn that the respected
room u r It elate* rattle and .heap hail been taken, and a
Van. Lieutenant Ain:. i Ith. while reeving tram
olf.tl to Illinka it. r-poet, was &marked, and
Bi:rot April timid a *tomer of balk Around Lira-
e al'. 1 own matters are p seeable. It is understood that
lartners are about to adopt a memorial to the
:...Litsve Council on the subtert of compensation.
Fenn the l'evatire Times, Nov. 23:
of the expeditimi which i. about to be undertaken
veas the Art is known all over Kaffirliand, and l'ato's
leen, it stein., are dunning those im charge of the waggon
.:.voy• for atrium, of .• milk money, alleging that the von.
poi are now going away." We have res•on to believe that
relic matters arc almost as nem 'riot's in the Slambie coun-
try they were *non after the tine breakin-y out of hosti-
Lt,.. linti.h authority is perhaps even more ile.pired
mem., the ...ratted friendly tribes than ever. eandilli is
cal un listurbei in the f eitne..es of the Am dole ; Macomo
• utrew hi d in the Waterkloof; from which his forces
Mae no: been expelled; the rebel camp at the Fish River
kat got been broken up. The whole frontier is exposed
to the ravages of the enemy, who, with their munlerous
tan.l• are still within its limits, and yet the mrunlander-
▪ • has; planned an expedition sem« the Kei. For
et. .t awful purpow such an expedition could be under-
taken .I'. the prevent women* it is difficult to conjecture.
We, tenet anticipate that any ;rood or decided result will
5e.... out of it, but it will probably be the signal fur the pee-
r:esti, Of (other mi.chief upon the colony. A good
pea... we believe, protects his rear before he makes an
aloe: I inns anent. The present commander-in-chief
Mar - rear unprotected whilst he runs forward to assail
tt. .n an in front, leaving hi. rear to he occupied by the
fanny But then Sir Harry Smith is a military genius
• aisiiiinients cannot be tested by the rules of ordinary
ce.itui arithmetic.

TLc following is from the same journal :

•• BL ILWATga. Nov. 19, 18.;1.—The sail gloom
fieust suer everything here by the death of the much Is.
• /Orate.% appears but slowly to pew aoty —indeed,
th. wit! 'feeling Setlol to be " who will be next ?"
LOT lively declare they. will go there no more to be
bath. rid like cattle. It as a fearful sacrifice of human
t send men as brave as ever shouldered a fireloek, to
nth a place, with such a enemy to contend against—cone-
u,
here is of no avail, discipline and steadiness underlie.
ray render the men better targets for the lurking savtgee.
Let vet. it is Fenerally reported we make a forward move-
•a• to the kei, when we hope to hare open work of it,
sad g.-t &little good meat, which is quite out of the ques-
ts% 4 this place.
The Kadls are daily stealing cattle from here end
furs Beaufort, and generally succeeded in getting of
• thou. Yesterday they stole about fifty or sixty of
C.,ramitsariat oxen ; hut by timely notice, and the sc.
of a Party of dismounted C. M. Rides and Port
hat. :II /sinew., the greater part were retaken, and three
• nemy shot,—ooe serjeant was wounded on our side.
It 'tarot from the night fires, that the enemy is very
tuns 10.1) still in Fuller's Hoek and Waterkloof, and indeed
a thr etude of three parts. Their being here is a tax on
tlt a..:Lboarhood, fur as they have no cattle now, they
hre 111.,a Ilf.'•
the above was received we have intelligence from
C, • imp to the 2lth inst., from which it appears that a
treizon with supplies, belonging to Captain Bruce, 7lth
al eau allied by a detachment of that regiment, under
lout hung. was attacked by the enemy and pilaged on
htio.m. and the oxen stolen. The party were peneeed-
ng op Backwater Hill toward. Post Belief. The
tair7 weton was recovered the following morning. The
vas, ere now known to be as numerous in the Waterkloof
▪ r

A c.rrespondent at Fort Beaufort writes November
1.; -Isiurniation bag just been brought in (men the Major-
i.l• camp, that the Kelfirs cut a span of oxen loose
has . e. of the waggons in the general's camp last night t
laifirs were also shot near Beaufort by a party end
fee,. who were mot patrolling ; the gun of one of Gm
Isar who was shot was brought in, and the other Kale,
tag a doable barrel gee, fell into the river as he was shot-
-1 part) of Flagon has just started to search for the gun
a't• Oyer. The above span of oxen, which was takes
bee the general's prop, was taken out of his oven baggage
mare
-Is:h.-Informatioa has jest been brought again of
re highs taking eight span ol oxen at Blinkwater camp,
his the hems. The enemy were coon overtaken, and
.1.4 recovered, with the eginplion of eighteen, while
11 ittri got side of with; fine Fingoes were wounded,
tit of ebsui has alma died aim wound. The oxen taken
tut 13 if Mr. his, mull d of Mr. Vallentine. Last night
&Kies crept up cleas to the sentries and and at them,
bg 4:1 ast hurt any.
"Cue. 19 -Milers. Knott have been robbed of all their
flap and hams, and it is expected that all the cattle will
.wes away nest. It was well known that railer* in
Orme the en. my out of the Waterklouf would lead them
helms"' gawkier. There is scarcely a day poses with-
out the essay getting cattle from Geseral Somerset's
ma?. they 'tole a span Use other sight nut tea yards from
earal't teat ; if he remains bee much longer you may
prhspi hear of kis being walked of with."
The (allowing. is the monthly summary of the Cape
Mid of Dec. 2 :
Our wintery of last month terminated with an aceseent
011wappireut sueemajof Major•Orneral Somerset's! opera-
Me. WNW the enemy in the Wateskleof. The large body
WK.*, and Hottentots who under the Chief MICOIIIO
',mewl that 'troaglold, had, it was supposed, beau de-
bit-Ist all point., and driven eastward into the Amatolas.
A • earrel order of the commander-in•ehier annommord
Unsuccessful result in glowing and very laudatory tense.
fay of the onemy, however, were supposed to be still
,ftLag ia the fastnewee from which the main body was
atsol to has, hens driven. For the purpose of expelling
nett sett, 0.1 bands, General fitment, on the 6th alt.,
snail his division again upon the positions which
were ',Apposed to occupy. A more determined
r`' inky sem experienced than had been antici-
!.' .1 The enemy proved to be in considerable
'14.• and (ought with desperate courage. The
'111" sd'aneed in three columns, under General
I''a 'ran WWI Lieut.-Colemels Fordyce. of the 74th, and
of the r.th Regiment. Colonel Fordyce's heisted'
v. t rst manurNi. A body of the enemy was found posted
ory string position, behind the reeks at the head of
Ut Waterkluof ravine. From this position a deadly fire
le s;euitsi upon the troops as they advanced, and with
-4'"'""11 .3; et. Colonel Fordyce and several men of the
'lrtw Pb Semler-et were struck down by the first volley. This
sal iatilligent officer was idolised by the t
command, and Ind gained the esteem and er:r
th.- colonists in a remarkable degree during the
1;17' 1.0.011), of weviee on the frontier. lie died on the
"'-• a be minutes after rceeivisg the wound, his last
"' 'meg "Take care of my regiment.- The enemy
.fterwards partially driven from his position ; but, un-
'te,retelv, not without several more casualties among the
b.' T. ittut. Carey, of the 74th, two sergeant., and two
u..a4 tile were killed, and Lieut. Gordon (since dead),
.:At me -all of the 74th regiment-wounded.
11. fullowing day the operations were resumed. and the
'"Y was driven from various position in the ravines and
forst.. with ronsiderable lose. On our side, one MB-
("ammo lrevenish, of the Beaufort West Levy, wax
1'1'44 wounded ; three men of the 91st and four of the
t ales wounded. On the Nth. the weather proving
,nlThat*lY inclement, Major-Oeneral Somerset withdrew hU
th, camp in the Blinkwater, where he has since
klesierst It is understood that no further movements
'tout the enemy in that quarter are contemplated at pre-
'l4t Michels brigade has since returned
to le edviartars. The detachment of the 73rd, which,
Licatetukat-(Mont) Eyre, had been for several weeks
litif and efficiently employed in protecting the
r."l teenier from the incursions of the enemy, bus also
1 I:l,..!ithdrawn to bead quarters, its place being supplied
• 12th nirinunt, under Lieut. Colonel Fercival.
k 2!. vet. cutration of troop+ at King William's Town
elwit fur the purpose of despatching a large fame
.I,c Es!, into the territory of Krell, the paramount
liatliclund, who is supposed to have in his keeping

a great amber of the cattle that have been deletes from the I
colony. The itenduet of Kreli has been vacillating and aus-
picious from the manneueement of the war; and recently
• heed of tattle, belonging to English traders in this country,
is Mel to have been wised by some of his people. The
force which is to enter the country of this chief will consist
of 3,000 men, antler Mcier-Oentnl Somerset and Colonel
Mackinnon. The operations. it is said, will occupy a
month. The propriety of andertakiag such a movement,
while the frostier districts are in their present condition, is
• questioned by persons resident in that part of the colony.
The frontier burghers, who bad been summoned by their
cotammulauts to meet at rust Relief, on the 30th ult., for
a general movement against the enemy, were assembling in
cuusiderable numbers, a week before the appointed day. •
' Marauding parties continue to infest the fruntier districts,
and to commit depredations on the few remaining Hocks and
herds of the farmers. Set eral skirmishes hue taken place
between these plunderers and snaill perties of the colonists,
with some loss of life on both sides—the enemy, however,'
suffering the must severely.
The Orange River Sovereignty, at the last amounts (Nov.
17), was still in a very unsettled state. Open hostilities,
however, had not been TeCull 1111 l 'need. Muehesh, the Basuto
chief, continued to ewer a desire for mace. The majority
of the emigrant been beyond the Vaal River were also be-
lieved to be well disposed, though a few of them were re-
ported to be inclined fur hostilities. It is hoped that the
aulitant-commissioners, Major Ilogge and Mr. Owen, who
started from King William's-town for the sovereignty about
three weeks sgo, will ho able to effect • satisfactory settle-
ment of the affairs of that province.
The disturbances in the interior have bad the effect of
greatly diminishing the inland trade of Natal. 'Chat colony
has of late suffered considerably from commercial depres-
sion; but tb: internal tranquillity of the settlement hunt
been dieturbed.

The Legislative Council has been in session during the
month. A hill, propeeed by the secretary to government,
for the removal of "squatters," or unauthorised occupiers,
from government land, has been under discussion, and has
excited much comment. Many persons, including the
ottorney,general and some experienced missionaries, are of
opinion that the measure is ill-advised, and likely to have a
dangerous effect at the present time, inasmuch as moat of
the persons to whom it would apply aro of the coloured
elms, many of whom might thus be exasperated and driven
to rebellion. The bill is null under consideration. A
gent ordinance tor regulating the sale of gunpowder
and fire-arms has been passed. A bill to sanction the bor-
rowing of 40.0001., on the security of the colonial revenue,
fur the improvement of the prisons of the colony,
has also been discussed, and its second reading
postponed till after the passing of the estimates for lfl i 2.
the estimates for 1840 and 1841 (which, owing to poli-
tical embarrassments, had not before been sanctioned) have
been passed, by one act, without discussion—moat of the
sums thus appropriated having been alreaely expended. On
the motion of the eeeretary of government, es resolution
authorising the Harbour Board to borrow the sum of
.10,7 01.11. for the construction of a sea-wall and other im-
provements in Table Day has also been passed.
The draft ordinances, embodying the new colonial con-
stitution, arrived by the Propontis on the 31st of October;
they were subsequently forwarded to King William's Town
for the governor's peewee', and, when returned by him,
were publi.hed, on the 27th of Nees ember, in the Govern-
ment Gazette. On the Pith ult. they were read a first time
in the Council, and their second reading was postponed
fur two month.. The constitution embodied in these
ordinances had given great satisfaction to the colonists, and
this uncalled-for and unexpected postponement hes caused
extreme indignation. The Cape 'town municipality, before
this postponement was known, unanimously resolved:
" That an address or petition be preseoted to her Majesty
the Queen, expressing the grateful acknowledgments of the
municipality of Cape town for the boon which her Majesty
has been pleased to concede to this colony in the liberal form
of government embodied in the dtatt ordinances, which they
thankfully accept, and pray that it may be caused into et-
, feet without any materiel alteration in its leading principles,
' or any further delay, and which the commissioners trust,
under the blessing of Divine Providence, may be the means
of restoring tranquillity within the territories of this unfor-
tunate colony, besides being of lasting beaefit to the inha-
bitants at large."
A public meeting is to be held this day (Dec. 2), at which
ft is expected that resolutions of a similar tenor will be
passed. Among those who are expected to address the
meeting in f of the resolutions are the four gentlemen
who last year seceded from the couneil, and who then pre-
pared the outline of a constitution not materially differing
from that which has now been granted. Two of these gen-
tlemen, Sir Andries Stockenstrom and Mr. Fairbairn, re-
turned to the colony in the Harbinger, and were cordially
welcomed on landing by their fellow colonists. A very
large assemblage took place in and before the town
hall on this occasion, and after the addressee of
the delegates bad been heard, Mr. Haupt proposed
" Three cheers foe the Queen, and oar thanks to her fur the
noble constitution which she lens granted to the Cape of
Good Hope "—which (u the report states) was most
heartily responded to by the assemblage, both within and
without the hall. The desire for the immediate establish-
ment of free institutions is intense among all classes of the
inhabitants, with the exception of a few persons directly or
indirectly connected with the local government.
Rumours of disaffection among the coloured classes in
some of the western Uistricts have been rife during the past
month. A government commission, appointed for the pur-
port., has been able to discover no serious ground' for the
reports, which however bad caused, and are still causing,
considerable uneasiness. Until a regular Government, en-
joyiug the confidence of the inhabitants, is established, the
colony must retrain in a painful state of uncertainty and
disorganisation.

On December 2, the day of the Harbinger's de-
parture, a public meeting was held in Cape Town,
at which resolutions were adopted gratefully accept-
ing the offered constitution, add praying that it may
bo sanctioned by her Majesty's government without
any material alteration, and without further delay.
The following petition was also unanimously
adopted, and received 400 signatures within hail an
hour:

I'ItTITION OF TSB INHABITANTS or Cars TONC—
To the queues Meet Maceßent Majesty.—The loyal ad-
dress and humbler.Ms of the undersigned inhabitants of
the tanainiuelitles of se_w Twee and Green Point, humbly
sh.th*—Thst yew WOW@ faithful and loyal subjects
admemiedge the bow which your Majesty has
gmeisemly plena& On confer in the liberal
hem of government embodied in the letters patent
end two draft ordinances, constituting a parliament
II Ise this oniony, published in the Cape of Good Hops
0111MMINali Gandhi of the 27th day of November, 1851.
That your petitioners willingly defer, for the coneideration
of the taboo pedbmeM, such matters of detail as are not
absolutely regyabled le ligir.g the maid ordinances into house.
diets operation. Iggether with such other points in We
selmediame sonespnomo, contained in the said drafts, ea
me Net L asseedme with the petitions on this subject per
waled to peorpir= last year, and sincerely acespt the
sebum Dew to the public, as well adapted to
meet *sweats and wishes of the colonists. And as the pre-
sent Legidstim Council of this settlement, to which
tier*meat immertnaterdisaacts have been submitted for con-
sideol• cgs
emu rep vents
or
enjoys the mildews of
the year petitioners humbly, but mast
Wm your Majesty may be graciously
pl"roossl =aid your consent from any alterations in-
bedew! by that lay which shall be found inconsistent
with the peinelpies sod provisions of the said deem, and
that tie Whig. IS Nearly as possible as it now stands, may
lOSSIM yew lliejrafifis suction, and be put in force without
dmlhee Wheenee or delay, so as to restore peace, harmony,
sod somideNos throughout this portion of your Majesty's
annlidnarolsi Mpromots its totem welfare and happiness.
I And yew Idejeet yb bumble petitioners, se is duty bound,
will ever posy, &e.

The Hat River levy at Fort Hare had been dis-
armed by order of Major Forbee, and much astonish-
ment would appear to hale been excited among the
British population by the receipt of an order from
Major-General Somerset to the effect that their arms
should be restored to them. Suspicion had for some
time been entertained against this Hottentot brim
and there was a great indisposition on the part of
the colonists to serve in company with them.

The Clip nem Mali thou comments on the state
of affairs ia the Woo , on the conclusion of the ope-
ration' in the W
The sews teem the emather is anything but satiefeetoey.
Mamma sad meet able pimple are mkt to have made their
meth hem the Krems Heights into the Anatole Moun-
tains. Their IMMO must have been combleted M a
gni* memo, es they took with the. emend thousand
bead 111110011 i that II loss not appear that any attempt was
fah SO I. weeps Orem costume prevailed beyoad
tit Z.& Thee indent and mesenteries were alarmed by
the esesseriegdeneresor of Kreli'a and of the other
teems is MO haselor. It was repelled at Kiag William's
Tows thatalmp here, including boa the Lancers sad
the tosses shortly be dispatthei to their relief. The
Mb= bon beat* recalled to heahrparens. La the
Orsose Neer eseardipiy. the Gems of alltine, vadat
Me* Warden's namosninat. eentlowed M hod rem bad
to worse. The hespeind bean withhatra hem Wisdom.,
to the great dismayief the inhabieele se that town, who
were the hdt defroostree. About Silty boors had
alma the Veal liver into the smereigoty, proles-
sadly br tho of attacking our " ally," Ethos-
yells, diet Gf the 'denuders, whom the bone accuse
of bathes "Idea their cattle. It is Maned that
the men rseposembie of the migrant fanners did sot coon-
term» their poessaltess. Meanwhile, our other ally,
Mimeo Were( the -liseekrap, the quarrelled with our
valuable anzilindse, the Skates hem Natal, whom the
Nubia lladasit seems to have hoed a very perplexing
oddities to him bees Our three ineepeedble governor,—
Mir Harry Smith, Major Wardell. sad Mr. Pins—are
likely, if left much looser unretheined, to make work
enough to employ the whole hrideb mmy. TheChenethee
of the Exchequer will not be troubled swim tithe 111110111
for some years to come. The Dowahhotrest system of
colonial government, u exhibited la ass* Africa, hue
provided effectually spine the recurrent* of that inane
venienoe.