The Express.
London, England, 1853-08-12 00:00:00

element with wonderful accuracy and precision. I
Under the influence of the previous momentum, they
seemed, like high.mettled steeds, anxious to press
forward, but the hidden screw kept them inexorably
in their places. The ships next proceeded to form
in column, the 'Wellington and Agamemnon respec-
tively taking the van, and chace was made after
any enemy, that at that moment hove in sight.
The London, Prince Regent, and Queen, line-of-battle
ships with these steamers formed this force, and their
manoeuvres had increased interest from the opportu-
nity they gave of contrasting the powers of sailing
line-of-battle ships with those which are propelled by
the screw. The handling of "The enemy " was
pronounced to be perfect. The screw fleet
might now be heard beating to quarters,
ports were raised, and battle became imminent,
when at last a shot from the enemy was the
signal fur a general and tremendous cannonade.
The little squadron fought gallantly, the quickness
of their firing being generally complimented, hut
what were these against a port, tiny were soon dis-
mantled and obliged to haul off fur repairs. llow-
ever, in their distress they became the great points
of attraction. The sun shining upon their white sails
1 gave a picturesqueness of effect which steamers can
never hope to equal while the wonderful quickness
with winch sail was made or shortened, according to
the exigency of the moment, and the dexterity
with which the ships were moved about without
any means of propulsion but the wind, was
loudly and generally praised. The Banshee shot hk
an arrow through the seemingly disabled ships,
enabling the visitors to get a near and perfect view,
and shortly after the signal for return having been
made, the recently hostile fleets, the visitors ships,
and the shore boats, all returned towards Portsmouth
in the most perfect harmony and good-fellowship.
The sailing vessels having now a pleasant breeze
went pleasantly along, and very much sur-
' passed in gracefulness of motion the grim steadi-
nese of their rivals. As in all the previ-
ous manceuvres the royal yacht occupied the
most prominent position, and steamed away
a-head of this gallant and imposing fleet. In
the immediate neighbotErooll were the Banshee,
Fairy, Vivid, and the Trinity vachts. A new excite-
ment was spikdily created by the appearance of a
signal for the royal yacht to prepare fur a race,
with permission to all to beat her if possible. Fresh
coals, fresh steam, fresh exertions now became the
order of the day on board the little fleet,
and every nerve was strained to gain distinction
under the eye of royalty. The Banshee soon passed
the royal yacht and Fairy, but was in her turn
overhauled by tle Vivid, the last-named vessel sur-
passing every ship in the fleet in rapidity. One of
the meet remarkable features in this little race was
the period for which a little American sailing yacht
was able to keep up with the Banshee at top speed.
This little vessel was at first unnoticed in the water,
but her wonderful performance soon attracted
attention, and bets were made that she would
take everything at the approaching regatta. After
this episode, nothing of importance occurred until
the fleet arrived close to the harbour, when the
crowds with which the shore was lined were treated
to an attack of boats upon the llighflyer, which was
kept up with great spirit and skill on both sides fur
about half as hour; at the termination of which her
Majesty left the fleet for Osborne, the ships saluting
as on her arrival in the morning.

A naval correspondent says:—" At six o'clock in the
morning, Portsmouth Harbour presented a very animated
_ _