The Sun.
London, England, 1863-11-30 00:00:00

TEM SLIN. LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 36, 1863.

for ward boldlyand show themselves capable of being
decided for once, and putting a stop to the encroach-
ments of one state, and giving support to the just
claims of another.

A heavy cloud is thrown over the Indian news
which has reached us with the newly arrived mail,
by the reported death of the able and high minded
Governor-General. The news is startlingly sudden
and as yet unconfirmed, but there is too much rea-
son to fear that if not actually true at the time it
was first announced it has since been verified. Lord
ELGIN, according to a telegram received at the
tis
too
much
u ofch o n
India Office, was so dangerously ill that his life
washe r
edespaired
reasonhe tol4 t h
fear that eof
this
,
too many
aa nn yd
of his predecessors, efficient and accomplished as
himself, he has succumbed to the evil influences of a
trying
climate, possibly aggravated by want of due
precautions. In any case his illness will be a serious
lose to England and to India, for his appointment
was one of the few political nominations which gave
almost unqualified satisfaction, and it is to be feared
that, under the most favourable circumstances, Lord
ELGIN'S health will prove unequal to his arduous
duties. Unhappily, there is too much reason to
regard the office as already vacant, and another of
our foremost politicians will be summoned to under-
take the dignities, the responsibilities, and the risks
of his high estate. It is time to consider Whether
something cannot be done to mitigate this loss of
life, to arrest, or at least delay, that fatal arm which
stands with ready poised dart continually by the
side of our Anglo-Indian chiefs, snatching them
from us in the full flush of their glory, the prime of
their days, with their work half accomplished, their
reforms begun, but left incomplete. It remains to
be tried whether more frequent relaxation, less as-
siduous application to the duties of their calling,
greater care in the selection of a place of residence,
and more caution in avoiding violent changes of
atmosphere, as well as extremes of temperature, will
not serve to modify, if it cannot altogether check
this disastrous mortality. More, peihaps, is to be
hoped from the completion of the great public works
now going on in India—the drainage, the irriga-
tion, the adoption of sanitary measures which,
together with the greater facilities offered
by the railway lines for the selection of healthful
localities for our official stations, may be expected
to have a beneficial effect on civilians and soldiers
alike. The long roll of names which have passed
into silence under the Indian sun include men emi-
nent in all professions, and the better government
of our Eastern Empire will be secured at a heavy
price indeed if men like Lord ELGIN are to be the
sacrifice. In Jamaica, in Canada, in China, in
India, he has served his country well and wisely,
and the thought that so brilliant and successful a
career has been too probably cut short in its prime
will sadden many an Englishman as he glances at
the news brought by the Calcutta mail. The other
intelligence which it brings is satisfactory enough.
Peace and prosperity are rapidly developing the
capacities of India, though the supineness and
inj astice of former years has left work for many a
long day to come. The East India Railway is busy
conveying the holiday-seekers of depopulated Cal-
cutta to the hills, the new line is about to be opened
between Lahore and Mooltan, and in every direc-
tion the means of internal communication are being
gradually extended. Trade is also prosper •
ing, although considerable damage has been
done to some kinds of produce by the
enormous clouds of locusts which have lately passed
over a large portion of India, coming, it is conjec-
tured, originally from Arabia. The owners of the
vast tea plantations, which have recently given rise
to such confident expectations, were horror stricken
as the mighty swarm moved towards them. Hap-
pily for this new and flourishing trade, tea is not
ranked among entomological delicacies, and the
plants were left unhurt. Less fortunate, however,
were the rival plantations, and it is feared that
the cotton crops will have suffered heavily from
the inroads of these unwelcome and voracious
visitors. Should this prove to be the case, it will
be more to be regretted than any damage done
to the tea plantations, seeing that the cotton crop
affects two countries and two peoples, instead
of one. It seems that, unfortunately, the cotton
plant is numbered among the favourite dainties
of the locust tribe, and at some places, Arrah,
for instance, they have inflicted considerable
damage. An Anglo-Indian correspondent describes
them in these words—" They stretched like a firma-
ment for miles on every side, and towered up to
Heaven, in pillars of ever revolting multitudes,
like millions of water-spouts. The injuries which
they have inflicted, however, have happily been
only of a partial nature, and Government and
people are busy in trying to provide against a re-
currence of the infliction of destroying the eggs and
young swarms. Had it not been for these unplea-
sant visitors the harvest in Northern India would,
it is said, have equalled the abundant crops of Eng-
land. We must hope that the grievance will be
only temporary, and that the active measures taken
for the destruction of the enemy will prove to have
been effectuill. At any rate the trade of India is
now flourishing enough to bear such a calamity
without much disturbance, even as her revenue has
become sufficiently buoyant to have dispersed all
the gloomy anticipations of financiers. There is
'much cause for thankfulness if we look at the
change a few years has wrought, though, much re-
mains to be done, if we would prevent our eastern
empire from exacting in return for the benefits she
may confer on us the lives of our most capable
and energetic statesmen.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

THE POLISH INSURRECTION,
BRESLAU, Nov. 30.

Advices received here from Poland state that in
consequence of the searches ordered in the churches
and convents of KsiHach, the city had been sur-
rounded and all communication with the environs
interrupted.

Small detachments of insurgents were appearing
throughout the country, well armed, and completely
equipped in winter uniform.

A fresh convoy of Poles, among whom was
Madame Memachewska, had been sent into the

hoart of Russia.

....1.......N

ST. PETERSBURG, Nov. 30,

The Jourml de St. Petersburg publishes a very
detailed plan, dated March 1, 1861, and signed
General Miroslawski, for the organisation of the
present revolution in Poland.
This document is stated to have been found in
Zamoy ski House, Warsaw, after the attempt on the
life of General Berg.

1•••••••••• s

SUEZ, Nov. 28

News received here from Madagascar announces
that with France was being
prepared.
draft
The of
bad been abolished, and
Taa treatyciuia
liberty of worship granted. The French Consul
would reside in Madagascar. Commerce would he
permitted as proof of friendship. French vessels
would be alio wed to anchor in the military port.
The Customs duties had been re-established. The
Queen will have the power of passing laws.

PORTUGAL.
LISBON, Nov. 23.

One of the chief objects of Portugal in going to
the Paris Convention is to obtain possession of the
frontier town of Oiivenca, which Spain has always
held, although it was formally made over to Portugal
by the treaty of Vienna.

FRANCE,
PARIS, Nov. 29.
BOURSE, Nov. 28.—The market has been heavy
but with little change in quotations, Threes, for the
Account, being now at 66f. 90c. Railways quiet,
but up the present time well maintained. The
market closed as follows :

It per Cents . 94 80
Do. end month
3 per Cents
Do. end month 66 85
Credit Mobilier 1065
Do. end month 1095
Bank Shares 3360
Credit 1 oneier 1250
Roman

Italian L0an...,., 71 80
Do. end month.... 71 70
Sew ditto ........
Do. end month....
Russian ........
Austrian ...... 78
Spanish Threes....
Home Debt ...... 511,
Deferred ... 46 75

RA IL WAYS.
Cash. Account.
972 50 .. 970
975 •• 970

Orleans
Northern . .
New ditto
Lyons and Mediterranean
New. ditt0.........
Geneva..
Southern
Western ......
Eastern ....
Sardinian
Austrian ......
Lombard ........
North of Spain
Saragossa
Ditto to Barcelona

937 50 .. 935
895 - .. - -

685 - .. 685 -
507 50 .. 507 50
480 - .. 482 50
397 60 ~ 395 --
392 50 392 50
518 75 .. 517 50
520 - .. 520 -
625 - .. 617 50
303 75 .. 307 50

LITERATURE.

Battle•fielcls of the South from Bull Run to
Fredericksburg. With Sketches of Confederate
Commanders, and Gossip of the Camps. By an
English Combatant (Lieut. of Artillery on the
field). With Two Maps. Two Vols. smith and
Elder.
Beginning w:th the very first threatenings of the
disruption of the United States, the author of these
volumes, himself' an eye-witness of the scenes
which he describes, has given a very comprehensive
and animated account of the American war, as
regarded, of course, from the Confederate point of
view. As an evidence at once of his lively style
and decided sentiments, we may cite his very
graphic portrait of the Yankee, whom he describes
as "a volatile, imaginative, superficial, theatrically
inclined individual, possessing uncommon self-
confidence, very self-willed, arrogant, and boastful.
His self-conceit is boundless; any one who disputes
his ideas is a fool !" At the first threatening of
nostilities this eye-witness describes the unanimous
enthusiasm of the Confederates as something mar-
vellous. There was no lack of volunteers for arms.
All were anxious to go forth and fight the Yankees,
"not that the Northerners were deemed worthy of
that honour," but there was a strong
.desire " to
get to close quarters with the enemy, and
settle the question without further delay."
From morning till night the surrounding woods re-
echoed with the report of firearms. " Our men,"
says the author, " did not really need such practice,
for every youth was accustomed to the woods and
to hunting; each had killed his dozens of panthers,
&c.—in fact nine-tenths of our company seemed
born to arms, and were never so happy as when
shooting." In another place he observes—" Such
patriotism as the women displayed is certainly be-
yond description—they seemed to give all heart
and soul to the cause." " The negroes, too, at the
plough, in the cotton•field, or beside their cabin-
doors, rushed out, hat in hand, mounted the fence,
and rolliug their eyes in wonder and delight, would
shout success to us on our journey." Amid such
universal encouragement and acclamation, the gal-
lant army of the South set forth upon their march.
" But who are our generals," asked the author at
a
the outset of the campaign; " our men are as brave
steel, but who are to lead them." This question
was shortly to receive a full and satisfactory reply.
The waiter soon afterwards obtained his first
g
glimpse of General Besure and ;
Of Beauregard I knew little, but had heard much. He
was continually ince!
lig about from place to place, his ap-
pearance and escort being so unostentatious that many met
andETsseCl ..fitiout knowing him. It was his custom to
in the garden of the cottage where his head-quarters
were established after meals, smoking; and it was there I
first saw him. He is a small man, with a sallow com-
plexion, ft heavy black moustache. and closely cut
hair. With the left hand in his trousers pocket, a
cigar in his mouth, a buttoned-up coat, and
small cap, he is the exact type of a French engineer, and
could not anywhere be mistaken for a civilian. He is
jaunty in his
gait, dashing in hie manner, and evidently
takes delight in the circumstances of war. It must be
confessed his modesty is equal to his merit—he is not im-
perious or bearing, bears great respect for his brother offi-
cers of the old service, and is never seen to such advantage
as when standing on an earthwork, and giving orders, or
conversing with animated gesture.
Hostilities now began in earnest. Here is the first
commencement

Sounded, the Yankees moved cautiously towards the spot,
and two battalions opened close volleys. Discovering their
exact whereabouts by the flash, we all took accurate aim,
and pouring volley after volley into them with great ra-
pidity, scattered their force in all directions. Wet to the
skin, but much elated, we were peremptorily commanded
to retire across the Run by an orderly of the general's, who
said our firing had aroused every man in the division. As
we approached 1114 Lean's Ford through the woods, our
outposts, horse and foot, were as thick as flies, and such
was the danger of being fired into, that scouts had to be
sent in advance to report our approach. The ford was much
deepened, and the river had risen. We crossed as best .we
could on fallfn trees ; and as the moon rose, plainly saw our
horse pickets on the opposite hill, while the glare of the
enemy's camp fives around Centreville looked like thou-
sands of stars flickering against the dark blue sky.
It was evident the enemy were perfectly informed of the
topographical peculiarities of the region, for there seemed
to be little hesitation in their movements, but great know-
ledge of available ground, and practicable roads. Their ex-
tended wings and superior force led many to suppose that
it was their real intention to surround and cut us off from
all escape. The men laughed at such an idea, and, to use
their own language, were " spoiling for a fight." When
the morning of the 18th dawned, our regiments formed in
line, and waited hour atter hour for the attack, which was
now certain.

Shortly afterwards we have the writer's first im.
pressions of

A BATCH OF GENERALS.

During the week, when the weather had cleared and the
scorching July sun blazed again as of old, by common
consent we all took to the woods, and encamped there. As
for " Jeff. Davis," it appears that when the rout of the
enemy was complete, he had ridden without escort along
the lines ; but his features and figure were so well known
that he was quickly discovered, and loud yells of delight
rang out from our whole army. Taking advantage of the
tall of evening, he "dropped in" upon our officers (many
of whom were fellow-townsmen, or ex members of the U.S.
branches of Legislature) to have a quiet chat. As I had

never seen a live President, my curiosity was on the que
wive, and when his presence was whispered to me, I found
him sitting at our colonel's tent-door, with a circle of cap-
tains ana lieutenants, conversing very quietly on State
affairs, bat withno more animation or signof pleasure than if
a victorious army was not around, or a beaten one flying
from him. In citizen attire, with beaver hat, and smoking,
a cigar, he listened to all that was said, assented or dis-
sented with a nod of the head, and some time afterwards,
mounting his grey mare, ambled off to Manassas as unos-
tentatiously as if he were the least person in the Confede-
racy. Since then I have seen the President frequently on
different fields of battle, and have observed little change in
his habitually modest and thoughtful demeanour, although
on many occasions his proud and victorious troops, un-
conscious of his presence, were rending the skies with their
shouts or charging the enemy with unexampled fury.

The brigadier under whom we had hitherto served
pleased the men so little that it was deemed advisable to
appoint in his stead Colonel Nathan Evans, whose general-
ship and gallantry at Stone Bridge and Sudley Ford had
won for him universal esteem. We had been informed
that our command was under marching orders, and parade
was just over when three horsemen galloped into camp,and
saluted the colonel. These were none other than Evans,
Longstreet, and Ewell—names that are now for ever hal-
lowed in the hearts and history of our gallant army. From
their style of riding and peculiar seat in the saddle, lat
first sight, took them for dragoons, and was not mistaken.
Evans was very restless, and his horse reared and chafed,
and plunged to the right and left all the time he stayed
with us. He is about 40 years of age, with a head of the
cast of Torn Moore's ; slightly bald ; small restless black
eyes; heavy black moustaches; and when he smiles dis-
plays incomparable teeth; but has a quick, cunning, and
snappish look, although his manner is polished and polite.
His countenance looks like one who dissipates occasionally;
he is of medium stature, angular in his movements, never
happy but when in the saddle—a perfect soldier in every-
thing, and "swears like a trooper."
Longstreet is a powerfully. built man, somewhat bald, about
stt 10in. high, with sandy hair and whiskers—the latter
allowed to grow nnt lamed. He possesses a fine bluish-
grey eye, of great depth, penetration, and calculation ; sel-
dom speaks unnecessarily, seems absorbed in thought, and
very quiet in manner. Ewell I did not see distinctly; he
was continuall y moving about, prying into our camp
arrangements, and looking towards Manassas with his
glass. All three were dressed as citiaens,with heavy black
felt hats on, and, except pistols in their holsters, were
unarmed and unattended. These officers have since
acquired in mortal fame. I myself have been witness of

their achievements, of which more anon.
So potent is the force of association that this author's
Confederate sympathies go so far as to make him
—an Englishman—an advocate of slavery ! He
devotes a chapter to the one-sided consideration of
the question, giving imaginary conversations, which
dilate upon the happiness of many negroes of his
acquaintance and their attachment to their masters.
No doubt many of these instances may be true.
There are good masters as well as bad, and there
are contented as well as discontented slaves. Minor
details like these do not, however, is any way affect
the principles of a question. It is rather late in
the day to argue the abstract merit of slavery now !
We shall content ourselves with a passing expression
of our own amazement, that an " Englishman," as
he calls himself upon the title-page, should venture
to declare such sentiments! As a consecutive narra-
tive of the war, these volumes will be useful as well
as interesting. The last chapter takes us to the
Battle of Fredericksburg, on the 13th December,
1862, which is illustrated by a sketch map of the
Battle- field.

The Mysterious Case of Arsenic Poisoning.

After the despatch of our report of the proceed-
ings at the inquest at Wimbledon on Miss Huband,
on Friday, the following evidence was taken :
George Cole was called. He is a man of appa-
rently 30 years of age. He said—My acquaint-
ance with the deceased commenced three and
a half years agu, but it ceased (luring that time for
fourteen months—from January, 1561, to March,
1862. The acquaintance was secret, and it was not
approved of by Mr. and Mrs. Vernon. My visits
were secret and at night. I was aware that she was
six months gone with child, and I have not much
doubt that I was the father. She told me she was

in that state in the beginning of last April. She
said she would swear the child on me, and I was
under the belief that she was in the family-way.
She said several times that her aunt would blow
up, and I proposed marriage. She said that
would ho altogether against her friends' wishes. I

furnished her with a ring in May last, but she did
not wear it, and after her death Mrs. Vernon sent

. --
it back through the post, in consequence of
an ap-
plication I made to her to retutn me the property
there was of mine in the house. I had given the pro-
perty to Miss Huband, but after her death I thought
I was entitled to it. Deceased never said anything
about destr. ying the child's or her own life, and I
never suggested anything of the kind to her. I
never furnished her with any arsenic, and never
heard of any, and nothing occurred that I know of
for the purpose of procuring abortion. The note
which I took to Mr. Vernon's merely related to the
property, and there was not one word in it as to
the death of the deeeased, or her being in the
family way. I had reason to think she had taken
poison, or been poisoned, from her sudden death,
and from Mrs. Vernon's not allowing anyone
to see the body. I think she either poisoned
herself or that the Vernons or her relations did so
to prevent my marrying her. I have nothing to
warrant such a supposition beyond my own ima-
gination. I never heard her say she would poison
herself, or that there was poison in the house.
Superintendent Bevan said he did not wish to
put any questio.2s to the witness, but he was the
only witness who had inhered to his first statement.
The Coroner—
/ am afratc; that fact will not lee-
sen his guilt, or mitigate what'he will have to
answer for hereafter,

By a Juror—The property consisted of t, watch
and trinkets.

In reply to a remark by Superintendent Bevan,
the coroner said he did not think that any portion
of the arsenic found in the cupboard had been used
by the deceased, and that the arsenic taken by her
was of another kind.

Mr. John Huband, the father of the deceased,
was then called, and said that Mrs. Vernon took
his daughter and adopted her. Sho never expressed
a wish to leave. He had no reason to suppose she
received any injury froM the Vernon family, or was
ill-treated in any way.
The Coroner having ascertained that the opinion
of the jury was that the inquiry had proceeded quite
far enough, summed up the evidence, pointing out
that under the circumstances he thought that the
only safe verdict for them to return WAS that the
deceased died of poison, hut whether taken by her-
self or administered to her by others there was no
satisfactory evidence to show. The jury concurred,
and the following verdict was returned—" That the
deceased was several months gone in the family
way, and died from the effects of arsenic, but
whether it was taken by herself to destroy her own
life, or whether it was given to her by any other
person for any other purpose, there is no satisfac-
tory evidence to show."
The inquiry lasted nearly seven hours.

THE
FRENCH EMBASSY.—His Excellency Prince
de la Tour d'Auvergne, the newly-appointed Ambassador
from the Court of the Tuileries, arrived at Albert-gate-
house lad evening from Paris. Hie Excellency was met
at the London-bridge station by the Marquis de Cadore,
Charge d'Affaires and First Secretary of the Embassy,
Viscount Contades, Viscount Beat:aunt, M. Caumont de Is
Force, and M. Roux, Chancellor a the Embassy,