The Sun.
London, England, 1863-01-01 00:00:00

TIIE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY. EVENING, JANUARY 1, 1863.

where. They have even ventured an attack on
Harper's Ferry, in which they were repulsed. But
all looks like fresh movements in the West. JEF-
FERSON DAVIS himself has been in Tennessee,
and avows his determination to secure that State
for the South, even the Confederates seeming to
think Kentucky and Missouri hopelessly gone to
the North. From Tennessee he has gone to Mobile,
the important remaining Confederate port on the
Gulf, of whose intended capture we have so often
heard; thence he can go by railroad to Vicksburg,
the yet remaining Confederate port on the Missis-
sippi, to inspect the army there. In the northern
part of the same State, "fighting was going on at
Corinth," from all which we augur that the Confe-
derates are planning some warm work for their
opponents on the great river and on the Gulf. The
Federals on their part seem to be moving in thb
same direction. BANKS' fleet appears to have gone
to the Gulf of Mexico, and its rendezvous is fixed
at Ship Island, an island on the Gulf coast of the
State of Mississippi, about midway between New
Orleans and the bay of Mobile. The destination of
the expedition is yet secret, and can be inferred
only from its movements.

Thus, whichever way we look, we see nothing
but indications of continued activity in the war.
North and South seem to be agreed on one point
—to fight it out. The South wants nothing but
a better cause than the slavery of four millions of
men to attract the sympathy of all the world.
Were they not fighting for independence of the
best faith of Christendom, for independence to en-
force the frightful dependence of slavery on one-
third of their population—the whole world would
be unhesitatingiy with them. We could all,
heartily, sympathise with their desire to be inde-
pendent of the North, but how can Christian Eu-
rope sympathise with men who, with the "beam"
of slavery in their " own eye," want to pluck out
" the mote" of Federal Union from the Northern
eye. Let the South be " chivalrous" enough to free
its bondsmen, and the world will wish it free of the
North.

is indisputable, as is shown by the fearful losses
they sustained. General Meagher's Irish Bri-
gade went into action 1,200 strong ; 250 alone
survived.

General Butterfield was engaged but half an hour,
and lost nearly 3,000 men.
General Hancock had 40 officers killed and 160
wounded, his total loss being one half of his divi-

Sian.
Burnside is receiving reinforcements, but is in no
condition to renew the contest. He is expected to
visit Washington, to consult personally with the
Government.
General Banks' expedition has proceeded to the
Gulf, but it is not yet known whether ts destination
is Mobile or Texas. Five of his vessels have put
into Philadelphia and Port Royal leaky or disabled,
and a sixth has been wrecked on the Crays Fort
Reef, on the coast of Florida.
The late news from the armies of the West indi-
cate that no more forward movements are to be
expected for the present. The M'Clernand expe-
dition against Vicksburg, and to open up the Mis-
sissippi River, is believed to be indefinitely post-
poned.
There is much apprehension of further trouble
with the Indians in the north-west, and a general
massacre of the whites in Minnesota is threatened.
The disaster at Fredericksburg has sent gold
up to 32a.
An engagement has taken place at Kingston,
North Carolina, between the Federal General
Foster, with 15,000 men and nine gunboats, and
the Confederate General Evans, at the head of a
larger force.
The latest accounts represent that the Federals
gained the victory, which had previously been
claimed by the other side.
A party of 180 Confederates succeeded in destroy-
ing the town of Plymouth, North Carolina, by sur-
prising and routing the Federal garrison there.
They captured several prisoners and severely
damaged the United States gunboat Southfield,
which lay in the river.
On the 12th inst., the United States gunboat
Cairo ran upon a torpedo sunk in the Zazoo river,
which exploded under her bows, shattering the hull
so badly that she sank in 15 minutes afterwards,
and will prove a total loss.
The House of Representatives has passed, on
the Army Appropriation Bill, 731,000,000 dols. for
maintenance of the army for the year ending June
1864, by a vote of 107 to 3.
The International Relief Committee has received
118,439 dols., and the Produce Exchange Commit-
tee 24,090 dols., contributed by merchants and
others for the Lancashire operatives.
The ship George Griswold is now loading for
Liverpool, with supplies for the same, under the
direction of the former.
It is stated that Mrs. Beauregard is lying dan-
gerously ill at her residence in New Orleans, and
that General Butler has sent General Beauregard
an invitation to visit his wife, assuring him of every
protection and courtesy.
Postscript.—General M'Clellan has not yet been
sent for by the President.
Mr. Secretary Seward is reported in the Wash-
ington papers to have resigned office.
It is also reported that General Burnside has
asked to be relieved of his command.

THE BANK OF DEPOSIT.—With a view to put
an end to all litigation on the question of liability,
the Marquis of Abercorn has proposed to pay to the funds
of the association the sum of £lO,OOO, in satisfaction of the
claims against him as one of the directors of the defunct
bank. After carefully considering the proposition, the
representatives of the creditors, in conjunction with the
committee of depositors, have unanimously resolved to ac-
cept it as a satisfactory settlement.
MOVEMENTS OF THE ALABAMA.—The schooner
J. W. Congdon, Captain Simmons, from Point
Petre, Gaudaloupe, West Indies, which arrived at New
York on the 17th ult., has reported that the Confederate
cruiser Alabama had been at Dominica, whether she had
gone in pursuit of a vessel that had taken refuge in the
harbour of that port. The Federal steamer San Jacinto
had been at Point Petre only a few days before," and had
sailed for St. Thomas.

The Toulonnais states that the tempestuous wea-
ther which has lately prevailed in that neighbour-
hood has been also felt on all the coasts of the Mediter-
ranean. The last accounts from the Levant mention that
the regular service of the packets has keen very much im-
peded. The Archipelago has been visited 1:7 a series of
storms, accompanied by bail and snow.
THE MONKLAND IRON AND STEEL COMPANY.—
There is now, according to a reprt that gains uni-
versal credence in this quarter (says the Airdrie correspon-
dent of the Scotsman). every prospect of the long-idle mal-
leable -iron works belonging to this company, at Calderbank,
being put into activity in the course of a few days. A large
order for the supply of a quantity of iron plate for Govern-
ment ship-building purposes is said to have been accepted
by the company, and the fulfilment of so extensive an un-
dertaking will necessitate the employment of the large roll-
ing-mills at their disposal. Work will thus be found for at
least 500 men, not to speak of the increased impetus given
to their coal and ironstone mining traffic, in furnishing raw
material for the manufacture. The intelligence brightens
very considerably the prospects of the Airdrie traders,
which have been somewhat gloomy for a length of time.
A NOVELTY,—The South-Eastern Gazette states
that in the town of Deal, one day during the late gale, the
novel sight was seen of a small punt paddling up Alfred-
row, to afford assistance to the folks in flooded cottages, or,
as was the case in one instance, to convey a dinner from a
neighbouring bakehouse no longer accessible.
LONDON GENERAL OMNIBUS COMPANY (Limited.)
--Traffic receipts for:the week ending December 28, 1862,
£11,368 17s. 7d.
GALLANT RESCUE.--:-During the outward voyage
of her Majesty's troopship Adventure to Jamaica
she was, on Nov.l9th, overtaken by a severe:thtlnderstorM,
When it was at its height a lad fell overboard from the fere-
topmast crosatrees. A seaman, Henry Widge, seeing the
lad was unable to help himself, jumped overboard from the
poop to his assistance, and supported him above water until
a boat was lowered and rescued them both. The arrival of
the boat was not a moment too soon, as the strength of
Widge was all but gone. The military officers on board
were so pleased with the spirit and promptitude displayed
by Widge that they subscribed £l2 at once among them-
selves, which they presented to him as some reward for his
courage:
DISCOVERY OF GOLD AT THE CAPE OF GOOD
HOPE. Gold has been found upon the farm of
Mr. Mostert. The gold has been analyzed by Mr. Schmie•
terloew, chemist, and the Argus is assured by the " Cali-
fornian Golddigger" who dug it up that Mr. Schmieter-
loew had pronounced it to be " quite pure."—Cape and
.Natal News.

- It is stated in an American paper that General
M'Clellan is preparing a history of military affairs while he
was in command.

A WORD TO THE LADIES OF ENGLAND.—In my
kitchen no hoop or crinoline is permitted; and this
is easy to enforce, because in the parlour nobody desires to
wear either. The servants must do as they choose out of
daono
nr se
t;
ha ne
ldp ift t hey
but aln nwei yl fl
ne
not
lto w
have- w o rms hyi pfpaemr
ya tficrhe
su rc h
made I
cand my family dinners cooked by women so dressed as to
invite destruction by burning. What I want to know is
whether the responsible women of this country ever think
of this class of their sisters; whether they are unaware that
the same feelings which make them imitate empresses and
princesses in style make our servant-maids imitate ladies?
I want to know whether the slavery is more degrading and
absurd in one rank than in another; and whether the
sense which should despise it ought to be expected among
maid-servants while ladies are incapable of it ? I want to
know whether any lady in England really expects the cot-
tager's wife to go buying patent starches, used in royal
laundries, in order to render safe her child's cotton frock
for school, or Molly's calico petticoats, when she goes to be
scullion at the Squire's ? If ladies are still burnt by the
dozen in muslins and gauzes, are housemaids and cooks to
be scolded for being burnt in ,calico and print ?—Once a
Week.
In the palmy days of the Edinburgh Review,
Sydney Smith happened to call on a colleague, whom
he found to his surprise actually reading a book for the
purpose of reviewing it. Having expressed his astonishment
in the strongest terms, his friend inquired how he managed
when performing the critical office, "Oh 1" said Smith,
I never read a bouk before reviewing it; it prejudices a
man so."

Importing tea without colour on the leaf prevents
the Chinese Passing off inferior brown leaves as in the usual
kinds. Hornhinan's tea is uncoloured, therefore always
good_auke, Sold in packets by 2,280 agents,

MAGAZINE-DAY.

Blackwood'a Magazzne.

"A Month's Visit to the Confederate Headquar-
ters" is the first article met with, and it is one of con-
siderable interest. A great deal of varied informa-
tion is afforded by this stirring sketch of personal
observation, in a quarter to which the world has
so lately turned with wonder and attention. Many
little anecdotes testify to the superior skill and
prowess of the troops of the South. When visit-
ing General Randolph, the Secretary of War, the
travellers were surprised to see the numbers of
Yankee regimental colours that were heaped in
corners, and piled up in bundles. The infantry
accoutrements had generally been taken from the
Northerners, and the following passage still more
forcibly illustrates the idea :

It was amusing to see "U.S." marked upon every wag-
gon and upon almost all ambulance-carts which we passed.
The North have not only clothed and equipped the millions
of men whom they boast of having had at various times en-
rolled, but they have also similarly supplied the Southern
armies. Into whatever camp you go, you are sure to see
tents, carts, horses, and guns all marked with the " U.S."
Officers have declared to me, that they have seen whole re-
giments go into action with smooth-bore muskets and with-
out greatcoats, and known them in the evening to be well
provided with everything—having changed their old mus-
kets for rifles I The Northern troops have been -so libe-
rally supplied with all, and, indeed, I may say, more than
a soldier wants in the field, that they do not value their
knapsacks or blankets, and in action invariably throw them
away before they "skedaddle ;" knowing that if they suc-
ceed by their swiftness in living to "fight another day,"
their Government will provide them with a new kit, rifle,
and all.

An interesting account is given of an interview
with ,the ..Southern Generals, and after describing
some of their chief attributes, a comparison is insti-
tuted between them. We are told that the sol-
diers' feeling for General Lee is like what the
troops of Wellington entertained for him, but that
Jackson, like Napoleon, is idolised by his men. The
writer of this sketch is of opinion that our policy
has been a mistaken one in regard to America.
Thucydides affirmed that he who declares for no
party is not esteemed by any, and it is said that
our timid policy has made no friends for
ue in tho Northern States. This brilliant sketch is
thus concluded,
It seems to be the unanimous opinion of all in the South
that nothing but foreign mediation in the form of a deter-
mined intervention by the great European Powers can ever
end the war ; and it is evident, although they may not
like to confess it, that the eyes of every Southerner are still
turned to England. The next meeting of Parliament, how-
ever, will show what the feelings of our people are with re-
gard to the matter, and whether those who hold the reins
of Government will consider that the time has come for
putting an end to the most inhuman struggle that ever dis-
graced a great nation, such as the Republic of the United
States once was, though now it is merely the military des •
potism of a portion of the States striving under the dictator-
ship of as insignificant lawyer to crush out the freedom of
the rest.

In the " Chronicles of Carlingford," Salem Chapel
reaches its cinclusion this month. The last portion
of this story is very powerfully described, and par-
ticularly the scene at the meeting in which Vincent
resigns his appointment, and to the regret and
amazement of friends and foes flings back the olive
branch so tardily held out to him, and tells his
enemies to do their worst since he has forestalled
their direst intention and resigned the post from
which they purposed to dismiss him summarily.
Some of the latter incidents are rather improba-
ble, but the tale is a success as being an exciting
one, and in some parts it is rife with the sensation
element now so prevalent, Perhaps the per-
sonage most pleasing to the reader is honest old
Tozer. His genuine nature and straightforward
independent conduct are a relief after the cunning
of some, the mysteries of others, and the general
confusion that reigned paramount in the circle that
clustered in that perplexed little town of Carling-
ford. "Caxtoniana," contains a chapter on "Motive)
Power." Some of the thoughts are strikingly ex-
pressed, and we meet occasionally with a graceful
passage that arrests notice, as for instance when a
" garden" is described as a " poem and a picture,
forming as it were the decorated border-land,
between Man's house, and Nature's measureless
domains." " Mr. Thomas Trollope'sltalian Novels,"
criticises, in a vigorous style, some of the chief
points in these noticeable works. The striking
characters of La Beata and the Artist Pippo are
duly descanted upon, and some exaggerations of
the author's, regarding Pippo's superstitions, are
well exemplified. The story of Marietta is also
shown to contain inconsistencies, while, at the
same time, a just tribute is paid to Mr. Trol-
lope's merits, and to the skill with which he
delineates the characters of the South. In his
novels, it is said, we have the Italian sky always
about us. "A Sketch from Babylon," is a lively
and smartly-written sketch of fashionable life
and the modes to which some resort, and the
) contrivances others adopt in order to gain their
various desires, and further their several plans.
In the last paper, entitled " Belligerent Rights
at Sea," and the changes proposed in them,
great doubt is expressed as to the soundness of
the new plans, and it is most truely argued that
at such a time as the present it behoves us to
keep intact, in all its vigour, that naval power
which is the sheet-anchor of our safety. There
is an article on " Progress in China," which pre-
sents discursive questions to our consideration,
and earnestly hopes that England will not pre-
judice a promising future, by leaving the Empire
without assistance in its time of need. Altogether
this New Year's number of Maga contains much
desirable reading of a varied sort, and thus in-
augurates the season with an auspicious opening.

Dublin Magazine.

" A Souvenir of Chapelizod" is continued at some
length, and the complicated narrative approaches
its conclusion. This tale of Irish life has been a
most successful one throughout, and mingled touches
of feeling and pathos with ludicrous adventures
and smart repartees. The illustrations of character
have throughout been admirable, and the extraor-
' dinary incidents recorded make the tale appear in
parts like one of the old romances. " Shakspeare,
his Biographers and Critics," is an elaborate article
that will repay perusal. After descanting upon
the rival merits of the numerous commentators, this
wise advice is given to youth—" Young readers
L should read Dr. Johnson's preface once and again,
and they will not only become familiar with one
of the most masterly pieces of composition in
our language, but they will know more of the great
bard, and will glean a more distinct image of his
character and genius, of the scope of his mind, and
the depth of his knowledge than they will sub-
sequently extract from a whole library of misty
conjecture and tiresome speculation." In conclu-
sion, it is, asked, how will Shakespeare fare in hit
lawful home on the metropolitan stage in these
days of sensation everything. It is most desirable
ever and anon to turn aside from the host of novel-
ties that surround us and cast a backsiard glance at
some old landmark of sterling excellence, or lasting
renown. In studying the Bard of AVon, however,
it. is not altogether retrospective contemplation,
since he who lived not for an age but for all time
belongs to us now, as he will do to posterity here-
after. The lines which are prefixed to these re-
marks are worthy of their subject :
"Each change of many-coloured life he drew,
Exhausted worlds, and then imagined new,
Existence saw him spurn her bounded reign,
And panting time toiled after him in vain."
Another studious paper is "Voltaire, his Life, and
his Genius." It is asserted that, did anyone ask
who was the most brilliant and powerful being of
the eighteenth century, the universal reply would
be " Voltaire." His life of eighty-four years
is rife with material for comment, and it is truly
said that his works resemble a gigantic tree, but it
is a tree of good and evil with a harvest of healthy
fruit, it has also cast a upas shadow. After an
elaborate analysie, perhaps we could hardly find a
better summing up of this strange man's works than
is given as follows :—" The hundred Voltarian
volumes
always be attractive to mature minds,
literary or other. Of the books of Voltaire, the
Benefactor, their work is done, as far as they are
concerned, or is perpetuated in other minds. The
stimulus they have given to the world is progressive.
As to the books of Monsieur de Voltaire, the De-
, stoyer, their work is also partly achieved, and
whatever evil they contain may in.this happier and
brighter century be safely permitted to remain
undisturbed in the dust of libraries." " The Eng-
lish Penal System—its Failures and its Vices," is a
very. sensible article on the important domestic
question of the day. It begins by enlogiSing Baron
Bramwell for the masterly manner in which he
vindicated the outraged majesty of the law, but it
gaes on to inquire " How, if the good work thus
promisingly begun by a bold English judge were
to be hindered, if not undone, by the crotchets of a
prison director or the indifference of a
Secretary of State. The argument against
the existing statutes of convict laws is
clinched by the suggestion that in all probability
some of those sentenced to life imprisonment will,
in a few yea's, be again allowed to molest our
streets and ravage the public, who so lately rejoiced
at the prospect of not seeing their faces again. It
is truly said that the attempt to coddle convicts has
signally broken down, and in future English rulers
must be just before they are merciful. Let them
remember that the first principle of penal discipline
is to protect society by making
an example of the
wrong-doer throughout the whole of his imprison-
ment, the sense of penal suffering, however light-
ened by good behaviour, should never be allowed to
lose all trace of its first bitterness. If these maxims
are acted upon in high places, it n ill be conducive
of good and great results, and the sooner the better,
since innocent lives are being sacrificed in order that
the guilty may go free; and after a few years oft
luxurious idleness in pol pass on with renewed

force to their old haunts and resume their ancient
offences. This paper is well calculated to impress
one forcibly with its arguments and explanations.
There are amusing little Sketches met with, which
come in agreeably to
.relieve the monotony of the
heavier subjects in this serial.