The Sun.
London, England, 1863-09-19 00:00:00

DEATH OF COUNT ALFRED DE VIGNY.

Alfred Victor, Count de Vigny, whose death has
been telegraphed from Paris, was one of the most
conspicuous writers of his day, whether as novelist,
poet, dramatist, or fenilletonist. He was born at
Loches, March 27, 1799. His father distinguished
himself in the Seven Years' War, and his mother
was the daughter of Admiral the Marquis de Baran-
din, and cousin of the Baron de Bougainville, the
adventurous navigator, who went on the track of
the unfortunate La Peyrouse. One of his uncles,
Hilary de Vigny, a devoted Bourbonist, returned
to France with Louis XVIII., but, the lady to
whom he was engaged in marriage dying sud-
denly, he became a Trappist monk. His other uncle
was a great Chinese voyager, who assumed a man-
darin's habit and character. Young de Vigny was
sent from his mother's house in the Faubourg
St. Honore to the school of a M. His. Here he
caught the French infection of " glory," and he and
his schoolfellows were passionately enamoured of a
military career. M. His said that if he persevered
in his military ardour he would die a Marshal
of France. And these precious young stoics,
when they heard of the death of one of their
old schoolfellows in battle, used to say, "Weep
not; he died on the field of honour"—a charming
but very ridiculous sentiment for schoolboys. Giro-
det Triosan, the painter, was De Vigny's drawing
master, and the Abbe Gaillard his private tutor.
His mother, a noble-minded woman, in vain tried
to wean him of his military passion by withdraw-
ing him from school. In 1816 he entered the ser-
vice in the regiment of the Red Musqueteers of the
royal household. During the 100 days he was with
Louis XVIII. at Ghent; he served in the Royal
Guard, and in a regiment of the line for some years.
In 1823, as captain of the 55th Regiment, he made
the Spanish campaign. In 1828 he resigned his
commission. From the age of:16 young De Vigny
aspired to the reputation of a poet. So far back as
1815 we find him indulging in a Theocritean strain
—in his " Dryade et Symeta." In 1822 he pub-
lished a volume of poems, including " Helena"
"La Sonnambula" " Jephtha's Daughter," " The
Woman taken in Adultery," &c. Between 1824
and 1826 he produced several poems on ancient and
modern subjects, as " The Deluge," "Moses," "The
Trappist," &c. In 1826 appeared Cinq Mars,"
which at once gained De Vigny a very high repu-
tation. It passed through four editions in three
years, and is now one of the most popular works in
the whole range of French literature. " Othello'
was first acted in 1829, but its success was not un-
equivocal. In the following year appeared "La
Mareehale d'Amore," which had hardly a "clear
stage," owing to the troubled nature of the times.
In 1832 De Vigny produced " Stello, or the Blue
Devils," and three years later he brought out
" Chatterton," originally a part of " Stello." " Chat-
terton" made a great noise in Parisian circles. Its
truthfulness and its morality were warmly disputed,
but the eloquence of its style and the talent of
Madame d'Orval triumphed. " Chatterton" was
revived in 1857. In 1841 he wrote a letter on lite-
rary property, which made some stir. In 1843 he
published " Philosophical Poems," " Savage," " The
Death of Wolfe," &c. Many of his best poems ap
peared at this time in the Revue des Deux Illondes.
In 1845 Alfred de Vigny was received into the
Academy in the room of Etienne. In 1833 (May
1) he had received the decoration of the Legion of
Honour, and June 14, 1856, he was appointed an
officer of that order. The count had been ill for
a long time, and his death, though it has been heard
of by the Parisian lilerateurs with deep regret, has
been expected for months past.

SINGULAR MARRIAGE CEREMONY IN MALABAR.
—Their marriage ceremony is very simple, but it
is also employed by some of the other inferior tribes, at
certain times, although quite contrary to their rites. A
large round building is made of leaves, and inside this the
bride is ensconced. All the eligible young men of the vil-
lage then assemble, and form a ring around this hut. At
a short distance sits tho girl's father, or nearest male rela-
tive, with a tom-tom in his hands, and a few more such
musical instruments complete the scene. Presently the
music begins, and a chant, which may be translated as fol-
lows, is sung by the father :
Take the stick my sweetest daughter,
Now seize the stick my dearest love.
Should you not capture the husband you wish for,
Remember 'tis fate decides whom you shall have.
The young men, each armed with a bamboo, commence
dancing round the hut, into which each of them thrusts his
stick. This continues about an hour, when the owner of
whichever bamboo she seizes becomes the fortunate hus-
band of the concealed bride. Amongst the Nicomars, the
bridegroom on his marriage invariably kills and eats a cat,
in which he is assisted by the bride.—Day's Land of the
Permauls.

The illoniteur de la life:irate states that a whole
family was poisoned at Ludres, near Nancy, two days since
by eating mushrooms which the father had gathered in a
wood. Antidotes were promptly administered, and all the
parties recovered after much suffering.
A SWELL DESCRIBED IN ALEXANDRINES :--
Airlie descended the last, effulgent as god of Olympus,
Blue, half-doubtfully blue, was the coat that had white silk
facings,
Waistcoat blue, coral-buttoned, the white tie finely adjusted,
Coral moreover the studs on a shirt as a crochet of women ;
When the tourwheel for ten minutes already had stood at
the gateway,
lie, like a god, came leaving his ample Olympian chamber.
—Vide "Mr. Clough's Poems: "
A Tobacco, Cigaz, and Snuff Company (Limited)
is talked of; capital, £lOO,OOO, in 20,000 shares at £5 each.
A new military prison is about to be erected in
4sOutlAwark upon the site of the old Queen's Bench 'prison,

Tonal ttr v
uilar.
4 .1

THE PRINCE OF WALES:

We aro requested to contzadict, on authority, the rumour
that has been some time in circulation relative to the pre-
sumed partnership of his Royal Highness tho Prince of
Wales in the stud of the Duke of St. Alban's. His Grace
has no confederate or partner whatever in his racing or
breeding establishment.—Sporting Gazette.

ILLNESS OF THE KING OF WURTEMBURG.—The
venerable King of Wurtemburg, who is now in his
82d year, has been seriously ill for some days. The official
journal of Stuttgart has published the following bulletins
respecting the condition of the King :—" His Majesty was
attacked with a catarrhal fever some days since, in conse-
quence of a cold. Although the attack of fever was slight
from the first, and at present is only periodically apparent,
there is yet a bad cough, attended with copious expectora-
tion, which prevents that rest at night which is so im-
portant for the restoration of strength. His Majesty there-
fore keeps his bed during a greater portion of the day.
—Stuttgart, Sept. 13.—The King's cough was not so Trou-
blesome in the night, and he therefore enjoyed better rest;
consequently the condition of his Majesty is more satisfac-
tory in proportion this morning.—Sept. 14."

A rumour is current (says the Italie) that King
Victor Emmanuel intends to visit Naples in the early part
of December.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge
who arrived at Gloucester House late on Thursday nigh
from Rumpenheim, the Duchess of Cambridge's seat in the
vicinity of Frankfort, attended at the Horse Guards yes-
terday afternoon, and was engaged there until nearly half-
past six o'clock.

The Duke and Duchess de Chartres, who are
now in Germany, lately visited Dresden. Their ItoYal
Highnesses dined with the King John and the R 0931
family at Pillnitz.

His Excellency Baron Gros is not expected to
arrive at the French Embassy before Monday next.
The Duke of Montrose is to leave Buchanan
Castle, near Stirling, to-day, for the south. The duchess
and Lady Violet Graham are making a series of visits.

The Duchess of Buccleuch and Lady Victoria
Scott are expected home the week after next from a tour in
Germany.

HisEseelleney the Spanish Minister and Madame
Comyn have left town for St. Leonards-on-Sea, to pass the
autumn.

The Marquis and Marchioness of Waterford,
after passing several weeks at Homburg, left town on Tues-
day last for Curraghmore, county Waterford, Ireland.
The Earl Granville arrived at his house in
Bruton-street, last night, from Doncaster.
The Earl of Portsmouth, the Hon. Charles W.
Fit zwilliam, the Hon. George W. Fitzwilliam, and a select
party have been staying on a visit to Mr. J. Brown, at
Rossington Hall, during the race meeting at Doncaster.
The Earl of Coventry, owing to the death of hi.
relative, the Earl Beauchamp, did not attend the races at
Doncaster, although he was the senior steward. In cone"
quence of this event his lordship also gave orders that none
of his horses should be sent to Doncaster.
The Earl of Sefton, after leaving Drummond
Castle, Perthshire, where he was on a visit to Loll Bald
Lady Willoughby de Eresby, joined the circle visiting the
Earl and Countess Craven, at Coombe Abbey, near
Coventry. His lordship has since arrived at Croxtath
Pail, near Liverpool. The countess and Lady Cecilia
Molyneux are also staying at Croxteth.
The Earl and Countess of Erne have a select
party at Crom Castle, invited to meet his Excellency the
Earl of Carlisle, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The Earl
of Carlisle will leave to-day.

The Earl and Countess of Mayo and Lady M.
Bourke, who have been on a tour in Germany, passed
through town on Tuesday for the family seat in Ireland.
Viscount Sadley has arrived at the Earl of
Arran's seat in Ireland from a tour of visits.

LORD BROUGHAM.—To-day, Lord Brougham
completes his 85th year. The noble and learned lord is
now staying at Brougham Hall, but leaves that seat the
week after next for Edinburgh to preside at the gathering
of the Social Science Congress.

Lady Brougham, who has been detained in town
by illness, leaves Grafton-street, at the beginning of nett
week for St. Leonards-on-Sea.

Miss Burdett Coutts and Mrs. Brown have left
London for the Continent.

Mr. Troplong, who has been dangerously ill, is
now considered out of danger.
DEATH OF THE RIGHT HON. EDWARD ELLICE;
M.P.—This gentleman was found dead in his bed
on Thursday morning at Ardochy, one of the residences on
his Highland estate at Glengarry and Glenquoich. He had
retired to rest in apparent good health on the previous night.
so that even on those nearest to him the blow has descended
without warning. The light hon, gentleman was in ble
77th year, and with one brief interval had sat in Parlia-
ment for Coventry since 1818. He was formerly a mer-
chant in London. In November, 1830, he was appointed
joint Secretary to the Treasury in Earl Grey's Adminis-
tration, and held that office till August, 1832; and wall
Secretary at War from April, 1833, till December, 1834.
He was twice married. First, to Lady Hannah Althea,
sister of the late Earl Grey and widow of Capt. Betteswortb,
R.N., and afterwards to the Dowager Countess of Leicester,
who died in 1844. The deceased gentleman was a Liberal
in politics, and took a leading part in the preparation and
carrying of the Reform Bill.
DEATH OF THE MARQUIS OF HUNTLY.—Yester-
day, at noon, the Marquis of Huntly expired at his
residence, Orton Hall, near Peterborough, in the 72d year
of his age. When in London during the past season, the
marquis felt his health began to fail him, and on the occa-
sion of his daughter's marriage with the Hon. Gilbert
Heathcote he was not able to be present. After a time, how•
ever, the Marquis rallied, and a month ago he returned to
Orton, where he remained under the care of his local medi-
cal attendant, Dr. Paley. On Sunday last the marquis was
at church, but on Tuesday and Wednesday it was apparent
to those who knew him best that a change was at hand.
Lord Lewis Aboyne, the marquis's second son, who viali
away with the Channel Fleet, was telegraphed for, and ar-
rived the same night. Lady Evelyn Heathcoto and the Ron.
Gilbert Heathcote were also sent for. Up to almost the last
day the venerable marquis was able to take a drive in the
grounds of the hall. He only took to his bed to die. When
the sad end occurred all his family were present in the
house. Charles Gordon, Marquis of Huntly, Earl of Ilona;
Enzie, and Aboyne, Viscount of Melgun and Aboyne, Lord
of Gordon and Badenock, Baron Aboyne, and Baron G°l.-
don of Strathavon, Glenlivet and Inverness, in the peerage
of Scotland ; and Baron Meldrum of Morven, county Aber°
deen, in that part of the United Kingdom; Premier mar'
quis of Scotland and a baronet of Nova Scotia, was born °II
the 4th of January, 1792. succeeded on the 17th June, iB°3'
married, first on the Ist of March, 1826, Lady Elizabeth
Henrietta Conyngham, eldest daughter of Henry, first
Marquis Conyngham, born the 20th February, 1799, died
;
the 24th of August, 1839; and secondly, on the gth of
April, 1844, Mary Antoinetta, only surviving daughter Of
the Rev. William Pegus, by Charlotte Susanna Elizabeth,
Countess Dowager of Lindsey. The Marquis of Ruudy
leaves a family of 11 children. He is succeeded in his title
and estates by his son Charles, Earl of Aboyne, who was
born on the sth of March, 1847, and is now consequently
in his 17th year.

THE LATE SIR FREDERICK SLADE.—The para..
graph which has been going the round, stating,
that the descent of the title of Sir F. Slade and the inherit-
ance of his property would be disputed, is said to have no
foundation. The late Sir Frederick Slade was married once
and only once, to his wife Barbara, only
sister of Lord
Vaux of Harrowden, at St. George's, Hanover-square,
openly and piblicly. Sir Alfred Slade. Bart,, has suc-
ceeded to his estate and title.—Court Journal.

ADELPIII THEATE.E.—Mr. Benjamin Webster
announces his annual benefit, and the last night of the
season, for Saturday, Sept. 26. Amongst other attractive
items the programme comprises the Comedy of "Masks
and Faces," with Mrs. Stirling as Feg Woffington, and Mr.
Webster as Triplet.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE.—" I well remember
her (writes Dr Hall, in his " Days in Derbyshire")
in days gone by, visiting the cottages of the poor whenever
illness was there, and doing all she could to soothe and
bless the sufferers. There is one cottage by the road-side'
and overlooking a good part of the Hurst and the sceneri
beyond, where, long before she became known to the world,
a poor old relative of mine, a chronic invalid, delighted in
nothing so muck as talking of the way she visited and mad:
inquiries about her without fuss or unwelcome freedom, an
wLen any of the poor neighbours got hurt in the quarries
or mines, she was always one of the first to °flex than
genuine help and solace."
A GERMAN CLAIMANT TO TFIE GLORY OF DIS"
COVERING THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—A "IC;
street in Frankfort-on-the- Maine has received the nano
SOanneling-street, from Samuel Thomas von SOromeringt
born 1755 at Thorn, and, after 1805, Member of the Ao'
domy at Munich, where ho exclusively devoted his time to
anatomical and physiological studies, and died 1830. 11a
left a diary, from which his son, Court-Councillor Dr. 11' •
Summering, now endeavours to prove the electric telegraph
to be "a German invention"—more especially the invert'
tiun of S. Th. SOmmering. On the 28th of August, 1809,
‘Omaering, it is said, read a paper before the Academy of,
Munich, in which he developed the theory of his invention
and in 1811 he handed over to the States-Councillor Baron
Schilling von Caustall a complete apparatus, which tb°
latter took to St. Petersburg, and with which experiments
were made before the Emperor Alexander.
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RED INDIAN," is a phrase which solos Northern cynic ben
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