The Sun.
London, England, 1863-09-28 00:00:00

ment of tho other iron vesscls proposed to be laid
down at Chatham.

Naval and Military Intelligence.

THE NAN Y.
VALETTA, Sept. 22.—The 7th Royal Welsh Fusi
hers disembarked from her Majesty's troopship
Orontes on the afternoon of the 11th inst., and now
occupy hatracks on the other side of the great liar-
beur. On the 16th the Orontes went round into
the Marsamascet`o harbour, and brought up along-
side the Ls zsretta Buildings to embark the 4th
Battalion Befle Brigade, which was effected on the
following day, and she steamed off soon afterwards
an her return to Gibraltar to bring the 2d Battalion
B'h It-'giment, which is to relieve the 24 Battalion
15th Regiment here, the latter regiment having
been ordered to Gibraltar to take the place of the
Bth Regiment. She will then make a third trip,
bring here from Gibraltar the 100th Canadian Its.
giment, and return with the 234 Royal Welch Fusi-
leers from that garrison. Ttic arrangements of the
Orontes as a troopship have created some disap-
pointment. The accommodation for the soldiers, or
troop deck, as regards height and ventilation, is ex-
cellent. The women, also, have a separate com-
partment, and likewise a sick bay for themselves.
But the officers' quarters on the lower deck are very
badly ventilated, and in a long voyage, or in bad
weather, would scarcely be tolerable. It seems curi-
ous that naval and military officers cannot mess in
one saloon, as much valuable space is taken up in
this ship by separate saloons for the officers of the
two services. The Orontes is a fine vessel, bat
the arrangements as to space are certainly de-
ficient. I understand that she has been commis-
sioned for only three months, and that she will
afterwards be taken into dock in England, refitted,
and a poop added. Her Majesty's screw line-of-
battle ship Queen, 74, Capt. C, F. Hillyar, left
Malta harbour on Tuesday morning last for Athens,
taking with her a mail, stores, and provisions, and
£24,000 for the use of the fleet. Her Majesty's screw
gunboat Boxer, LieuteCom mender F. S. D. Brough-
ton (from the Queen), left on the same day, also to
join the Commander-in-Chief, to be employed in
eerryitig telegrams and despatches between the
Ph ac is, Syria, &c. Her Majesty's iron paddlewheel
sloop Trident, 3, Commander C. J. Balfour, lately
arrived from Gibraltar, will leave to-night or to-
morrow morning, after the arrival of the Overland
Mail from Marseilles, also for Athens, and will pro-
bably be employed in keeping up communication
between the Commander-in-Chief and the ships on
the west coast of Greece, under the command of
Rear-Admiral Yelverton. The Foxhound, 4, Com-
mander W. H. Anderson, will take up the next
mail to Athens on the 30th inst., and the Meannee,
60, Capt. G. Wodehouse (which arrived here from
the Piz eau on the 19th) the following one on the
Bth proximo. The Meannee is at present refitting,
and previous to departure will fill up with stores
and provisions for the fleet, which is not expected
here till the end of November, after the arrival and
coronation of the King of Greece. Up to the 15th
inst. everything continued quiet in Athens. There
was to be a Coronation Ball, as well as other enter-
tainments, when the King arrived in October. The
officers end men of the different ships were very
tired of the monotony of the Pirmtis, and longing to
get back to Malta. Her Majesty's surveying vessel
Firefly, 5, Commander A. Mansell, was at Corfu on
the Bth inst., having put in on account of bad wea-
ther, and was to leave next day for deep-sea sound-
ings, and to work up the coast-line to the west-
ward. Her Majesty's ships Revenge, 73, Captain
the Hon. F. Foley (bearing the flag of Rear-Ad-
miral H. R. Yelverton, C. 8.), and Surprise, 4,
Commander W. H. Whyte, were at Patras when
last heard from. The Liffey, 35, the Pelican, 17,
and the Wanderer, 4, were also on the West Coast.
Her Majesty's frigate Phcebe, 39, Capt. T. D. A.
Ferteseue, which lately left Malta with stores and
provisions for the fleet on the coast of Greece, put
into Kalamata, having suffered serious injury to
her steam machinery, which will most likely render
it necessary for her to go to England for repairs. A
telegram received on Saturday from Corfu an-
nounces her arrival there on the 18th inst., and that
she was to sail for Malta on the following day.
Her Majesty's screw sloop Chanticleer, 17, Com-
mander C. Stirling, is also expected here from the
coast of Syria, the Cossqck, 20, Capt. W. Rolland,
having gone up to relieve her. The only ships of
war in port are the Hibernia receiving ship (bear-
ing the frig of Rear-Admiral Austin, C. 8.) Com-
mander R. B. Harvey ; the Meanee, 60 ; the
Medina, surveying vessel; the Trident, 3 ; the Fox-
hound, 4 ; and the Psyche, despatohsboat.
Under the superintendence of Capt. Edmonstonc
and Mr. Dinners, of the Steam Reserve at Devon-
port ; of Mr. Steil, engineer at K,:yham ; and of Mr.
Warrener on the part of the contractors, the screw
steamship Prince Consort, 35, completed on Friday
last the series of trials instituted by the Lords of
the Admiralty. The first experiment was made to
test the speed attainable by the power derived from
four large boilers forward, which are estimated at
600 horse power (nominal). Wind westerly ; force,
2to 3 ; sea smooth. The results of four runs at the
measured mile gave a mean speed of 12.693 knots
per hour; mean revolutions, 501. With two large
boilers forward estimated at 300 horse power, the
mean speed was 9.427 ; revolutions, 40. With four
small boilers aft, estimated at 400 horse power, the
speed was 10.33 ; revolutions, 431; and with two
small boilers aft (200 horse power), the slated
attained was 7.784; revolutions, 33. All these
experiments were considered most satisfac-
tory. The attainment of a speed of over 12 knots
when using her fore stokehole only (four boilers),
and nearly 8 knots with two of the small boilers aft
(200 horse power) is looked upon as a remarkable

success.
The hired transport 10, Capt. Cattier, 52 days
fLom Jamaica, laden with old stores, 110 disabled
guns, hemp cable, &c., has arrived at Woolwich,
and on Saturday commenced unshipping inside the
Tpier. The Fontabelle transport has shipped a
number of 32-pounder guns and other stores from
Woolwich for the Cape of Good Hope.
l'artniseion having been granted by Commodore
Sir .-
Nicholson, Superintendent of Woolwich
Dockyard, with the sanction of the Lords Commis-
sioners of the Admiralty, for the appropriation of
the refuse after the men's meals on board the flag.
ship Fisglla, as proposed by the commanding offi-
cer, Capt. Lye,ght, for the use of the ragged school
at WoolvrichltAle first distribution took place on
Saturday, consisting of soup, remnants of meat, and
151 b. of waste biscuit, &c. These articles, which
Wt'ula otherwise 144`e been thrown overboard, were
gratefully received 1,.._y the committee, and it is
h,,pi.d that the benevolent example may be followed
in other yards.
Instructions have been received from the Admi-
ralty directing the officials at Chatham to report to
their lordships es to the desirableness of adapting
one of the screw gunboats, attached to the steam
reserve at that port, for use .as a steam-tender in
conveying the mechanics and
'74°-11:people to and
from the dochyard to the iron frigate Achilles, when
site has been removed to Gillingham Reach.TheLordsof the Admiraltyhavereconeidered their
determination of effecting a decrease in the number
of the mechanics and other workmen einPlo3ed in
Chatham dockyard to the number, it NVE,EI announced,
of over 1,000 hands. A telegram was received attile
dockyard on Saturday directing the officials and
heads of departments to report it it were advisable
to make any reduction in the present strength of the
establishment, and •u -•
80, to state the lowest possible
ember of workmen in each branch that Ebould be
discharged, the proposed reduct. '
to the hired mechanics• len b eing confined
, artisans, boys, and labourers.
The officials of the dockyard are opposed to any con-
biderable reduction at present, the work on hand
taxing to the utmost the resources of the establish-
ment ; indeed, for some time past, the mechanics em•
ployed on the iron frigate Achilleshavebeen working
extra hours, and yet there are still several months
work to be accomplished before she will be ready to
proceed to sea. It certainly is surprising that with
the anxiety manifested to have this vesseleompleted
as early as possible their lordships should select the
present moment for effecting a reduction of one.
fifth of the establishment. The officials, in their
reply, recommended that no considerable number of
the dockyard hands should be discharged until the
Achilles is completed, or, at all events, floated out
of dock, by which time the Lords of the Admiralty
Rill have made up their minds as to the commence-

TUB ARMY.
Major-Gen: Sir R. Dacres and the Staff' of Wool-
wich attended at the general local hospital on Fri-
day for the purpose of inspecting, fa :Evalids ama
time-expired men of the Royal Artillery and sign-
to the code of regulations
ing the returns according
Tecently issued, to be forwarded to the Adjutant-
Cr:nocral for confirmation, with a view to their being
submitted to the Chelsea Board.

Oa Wednesday the Aldershott division, in pur-
suance of orders issued on the previous day, was
farmed up on Claycart-ridge in line of contiguous
columns, to resist an enemy supposed to be advanc•
ing on the camp from London, via Farnborough.
The engagement was commenced by skirmishers of
the 13th Hussars and Royal Horse Artillery firing

a few shots, after which the former were recalled,
and the 13th made a demonstration on the front of

the enemy, halted, and retired by sections of threes.
The Carabineers and Royal Dragoons then charged
in line, halted, and retired by open column of troops
from both flanks. The 13th llu3sars came to the
front and threw out skirmishers, who were supported

by D battery Royal Horse Artillery. The Cara-
bineers and the Royal Dragoons then retired by

open column of troops round the right flank of the
infantry, and reformed line in their rear. The 13th
Hussars and D battery retired in like manner, and

also reformed in rear of the infantry. This move-
ment uncovered the 2d and 3d brigades, which,

having deployed, were advancing in line under
cover of a strong body of skirmishers, who kept up
a continuous fire. After advancing some distance
in this order, the skirmishers were recalled, and the
line, composed of fire regiments, threw in a heavy
fire, supported on the left by B battery, Royal
Artillery. This having been continued for some
time, the brigades retired by echelon of bat-
talions from both flanks, halted, advanced, re-
formed line, again opened fire, and retired as
before, covered by the 2d battalion, 6th Rifles;
who formed a line of skirmishers with supports.
Hard pressed by the enemy, they were compelled
to retire, and having to fall back a long distance,
the supports extended and relieved skirmishent by
a well executed movement. The Rifles then doubled
round the flanks of the Ist Brigade, which was
formed in line ready to receive the enemy, anti
the Brigade opened such a terrific fire that the
enemy was thrown into disorder, which became a
precipitate retreat as the cavalry advanced to the
front and completed his overthrow by some splendid
charges.

Major-Gen. Lawrenson, Inspector-General of
Cavalry, visited Aldershott last week, and made
his annual inspection of the cavalry brigade sta-
tioned there. The regiments inspected were the
Royal Dragoons, 6th Dragoon Guards, and 13th
Hussars, with a squadron of the 18th, which worked
with the 13th throughout the parade movements.
Each regiment was minutely inspected in line, after
which they marched past in open column of squa-
drons, ranked past in single file, trotted past by
threes and by squadrons, and again by squadrons

at a gallop, reformed line, advanced and performed
the sword exercise. Several other field movements
followed, which were executed with such dexterity
and precision as to call forth high encomiums from
the inspecting General. The inspection occupied
nearly six hours. On the following day the riding-
schools, the.young horses, and the remounts were
inspected, together with the 13th Hussars on foot
parade. Gen. Lawrenson highly complimented the
Colonels of the various regiments on the high state

of discipline of their respective commands, and also
expressed to Gen. Hodge, commanding the cavalry
brigade, his entire satisfaction at what he had wit-
nessed. The 76th (Hindostan) Regiment, now sta-
tioned at Aldershott, is under orders to hold itself

in readiness for immediate embarcation for. India.
On Wednesday the regiment went through the usual
medical examination of corps under orders for fo-
reign service by a board of medical officers, of whom
Dr. Stewart, staff surgeon, was president. Thirty -
seve n non-commissioned officers and men were cot-
sidered unfit for foreign duty ; and an order hav-
ing been received that no limited service men of
SA years should go unless on the condition
of being re-enlisted, and that no unlimited
service men should go who were over 20 years' ser-
vice, a total of 100 was taken from the strength of
the regiment. On Friday the regiment was drawn
up in open column in rear of the officers' quarters,
and minutely inspected by Brigaclier.Gen. Bates,
commanding the 2d Infantry Brigade at Aldershot.
Strength of the regiment on parade—two field offi-
cers, seven captains, 17 subalterns, four staff, 32
sergeants, 20 drummers, 577 rank and file; total of
all ranks, 659. As the required strength for the
Indian establishment is 956, the deficiency will be
supplied from the depot of the regiment, and by
volunteers from other regiments. The 64th Regt.,
now stationed at Aldershot, is under orders to hold
itself in readiness to move as follows—Headquar-
ters and four companies to Gosport, one company
to Tipner, one company to Marchwood, one com-
pany and a field officer to Weymouth, and three
companies and a field officer to Portland. No date
is yet notified for the departure of the regiment.
The following changes will take place in the
camp at Aldershot consequent upon the departure
of the 64th and 76th Regiments—On the departure
of the 64th the 2d battalion 60th Rifles will vacate
the West Infantry Barracks, and cccuny A, B, and
C lines, North Camp. On the West Block Infantry
Barracks being vacated by the 2d battalion 60th
Rifles it will be occupied by the 59th Regiment.
On the departure of the 76th Regiment the 73d
will vacate its present quarters in the South Camp,
and occupy the East Block Infantry Barracks. On
Thursday a grand "assault of arms," under the
patronage of Lieut.-General Sir J. L. Pennefather,
commanding the Aldershot division, will take p'ace
on the Gymnasium Ground, Centre Block, Perma-
nent Barracks. The competitors will consist of
the instructors in gymnastics and other non-com-
missioned officers attached to the gymnasium, and
the assault will be under the superintendence of
Major F. Hammersley, director of gymnastics
at Aldershott Camp. Previous to the commencement
of the divisional field day at Aldershott on Wednes-
day, Major-Gen. Hodge, commanding the Cavalry
Brigade, rode to the front, and presented medals for
long and meritorious services to Sergt. Long, Farrier-
Sergt. Harrison, and Private Taylor, of the 13th
Hussars, expressing his pleasure at being the me-
dium of presenting such honourable testimonials.
The whole of the cavalry, drawn up on Claycart
Ridge, witnessed the presentation.
A draught—the departure of which had been
somewhat delayed—consisting of Lieut. Monteath,
Ensign Martin, and 119 rank and file of the 70th
Regiment, left the Camp at Colchester on Friday
to embark on board the ship Chariot of Fame, for
conveyance to New Zealand, to join the service
companies in that colony. In consequence of the
extensive draughts-which have left the camp during
the last three or four months the strength of the
various depots has been much reduced, and recruit-
ing has commenced. The cavalry barracks at Col-
cheater are nearly ready for occupation. A contract
has been entered into with the Waterworks Com-
pany, and the mains will be laid as soon as possible.
The foundations of an immense reservoir near the
barracks are already being dug. A riding school,
150 ft by 50ft, is also being built ; the building when
complete will present a neat appearance, and will be
constructed of red brick with an open roof, the floor
being covered with tan and sawdust, beneath which
will be a ttlick layer of concrete.
The new
floating target, for garrison and field-gun
invented by Col. A. A. Sbuttlewor;h, Royal
practice,
on the recommendation of the
Artillery, and-which,
mittee, is in future to be
adopted Ordnancei Selectth e
service,
e :time
consists of a half tun vat,
divided, in a
with
galvanised
partments, wire netting, painted
white, ands' filled with 12 bushels of cork shav-
ings. The target is surmounted with a flagstaff
t
painted white, 14ft in length, and is secured by a
281 b anchor. Targets of this kind will 'be imme-
diately issued to all stations where artillery practice
is carried on, and will supersede the old floating tar-
get for general service, but are not to take the place
of the 6ft and 9ft wooden targets, which will be
supplied, as heretofore, to stations requiring them
for practice.