The Sun.
London, England, 1865-03-27 00:00:00

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THE SUN, LONDON, IkiONDAY EVENING, MARCH 27, 1865.

GRATIS !
A..PHOTOGRAPHIC CURIOSITY GRATIS !
With THE SUN of MONDAY, April 3, will r,e p-e-
-sented GRATIS (with a Supplement) a MINIATURE
PHOTOGRAPHED PAC-SIMILE of the whole FRONT
PAGE of the NEWSPAPER ! produced by means of
an entirely new application of the Art of Yhotography.
Orders received by all Newsagents, and at the "Sun"
Office, 'l2, Strand. Price of the paper (with Supplement and
Photograph)ld. ; stamped by post, ed.

BOMBAY DI AU,

- ~-. --

By the arrival of the above mail we have advices
from Bombay to Feb. 28, and from Calcutta to
Feb. 21.

THE DRAWING ROOM.

THE BHOOTAN EXPEDITION.

The Indian papers are unanimous in regarding
the Bhootan expedition as a complete failure. The
Calcutta Englishman says that it was mismanaged
from the very commencement, and that the only re-
sult that could have been expected has followed upon
" incompetency and ignorance." " The men we de-
spised and laughed as wretched curs who had not
even the courage to fight for their independence (it
adds) have turned upon us and driven our trained
native soldiers from the posts which, according to
the Bengal Government, could be safely left to the
care of the police. All the pomp and circumstance
of glorious war, the right centre column, the left
centre, the centre, the Armstrong battery, the mor-
tars, all the appliances of modern engineering skill,
have led to what ?—the evacuation of two of the
forts, over the easy capture of which there had been
so much rejoicing. And, unfortunately, we can
scarcely, even in the instance of. Dewangiri, call it
evacuation. It was something far worse. Rumours
were afloat that the true colours of the affair were
even darker than they had been painted, and we re-
gret to say that these rumours are confirmed by our
own letters since received. It is not pleasant to have
to say of a force commanded by British officers—
but, like a good many,-other unpleasant things, it
seems to be true—that the so-called evacuation was
a disgraceful retreat, the consequence of a still more
disgraceful panic, and best described by the Ameri-
cans as a skedaddle.' "
The following letter, published by the same
paper, contains particulars of the Dewangiri disaster;
and is dated Feb. 9, Koomrekatta, whither the force
had retired after evacuating the stronghold :
" When I wrote to you from Dewangiri the account
of the attack of the Bhooteas on our position on Jan.
30, and their repulse, I little thought that my next
letter would tell you of our disastrous retreat to this
place, with the loss of all our artillery, ammunition,
and baggage. On January 31, and Ist and 2d Feb-
ruary, the Bhooteas remained pretty quiet, occa-
sionally annoying us with their fire, but not actu-
ally attacking us or coming to an engagement. On
the 3d they had a stockade thrown up about half a
mile from our position, and that night they advanced
still further and closed the Derunga pass to the
plains. Our water was now running fearfully short,
the enemy having got command of the chief source
of our supply, which was a mile and a half from
camp, the water being conducted from that distance
in split bamboos forming a long spout. It was im-
possible for us to drive the enemy from their posi-
tion above the water ; and even if we had been able
to do so we should have been worse off than before,
as we could not have retained the position, and
must have lost at least half our men. Our whole
force at this time was about 550 ; and the Bhootea
prisoners all along maintained that we were con-
fronted by between 5,000 and 6,000 men. Briga-
dier General Mulcaster, who was in Gowhatty, was
written to on January 30 for reinforcements, and he
got the letter the same evening. He had with him
two companies of the 43d Native Infantry, and
some of the 12th Native Infantry ; and had these
men been sent off at once, they might have reached
Dewangiri by forced marches in two days ; but the
Brigadier-General wrote back to say that he con-
sidered our force ample to maintain our position,
and to drive the enemy from any they might take
up. He was written to every day while the pass
remained open ; and on Feb. 4 a party of 40 men
of the 12th Native Infantry, escorting ammunition,
attempted to reach us, but the pass was then closed
and the Bhooteas in force between us and them, and
they were compelled to return without effecting
their object. I don't mean to say that, had every
available man in Gowhatty been sent to our assist-
ance we should have been able to hold our position
at Dewangiri, for I don't think we could, as the total
failure of the water supply must have compelled
us to abandon the position ; but, reinforced, we
might have kept the pass open, and retired in good
order with our guns and baggage. On Feb. 4 the
Bhootea stockades commanded the camp ; and it
being with the greatest difficulty that the men could
get even a drop of water to drink, it was decided to
retreat that night to the plains by the Libra pass.
Two hundred men of the 43d Native Infantry were
told off to carry and escort the sick and wounded,
50 to help to carry the artillery guns, and the re-
mainder, 200, to form the advance and rear guards.
The column began its gloomy march at about one
o'clock in the morning of the sth, and from that
moment everything went wrong. The paths were
mistaken ; the advance guard went one way, part
of the main column, with sick and wounded, another ;
and another part a third ; part of the rear guard fol-
lowing one party, part another. The sick and
wounded were deserted by their escort and bearers,
and left on the road side ; and the men told off to
help the artillerymen to carry the guns bolted ;
leaving only 17 artillerymen to carry two 12-pounder
howitzers. The gunners struggled on with them for
some time up a steep and rugged road, if such it
could be called ; but after going about a mile they
were totally worn out, and the inevitable choice of

CRYSTAL PALACE.—WET or DRY.
Always charming.—TO-MOIIROW (ru?EdAy).

Performances by Orchestral Band at 12.30 and 4.30, and
Great Organ Performance at 3.30. Picture Galleries, Fine
Art Courts, Shakspere House, Chine,e Collection, Fish-
Hatching Apparatus, Skating Hall, Chimpanzee, Armour
I'lates (lent by official authority), and the thousand and one
other attractions of the Crystal Palace.
Open from Ten till dust One Shiling; children under
twelve, hixpence.
Note. —The hyacinths, t lips, and other flowers round the
basin of the Crystal Fountain are now in full perfection.

MR. and Mrs. GERMAN REED, with Mr.
JOHN PARRY, will appear in their new entertain-
ment, entitled A PECULIAR FAMILY, by Air. William
Brough. New scenery by T. and 11. Grieve. Every Evening,
execpt Saturday, at 8. Saturday af,ernoon, at 3. ROYAL
GALLERY OF ILLUSTRATION, 14, Regent-street.
Unreserved seats, Is., 2s. ; stalls, 3s. ; stall chairzi, ss. May
be secured at the Gallery without fee.
OPERA. DI CAMERA, every Tuesday and Thursday
Morning, and Saturday at 8.

H E 0 X F ORD
6, OXFORD STREET. W.

The Oxford and Canterbury Hall Company (limited),
ORPHIi AUX ENTERS (Offenbach's brilliant Opera
Comique), is achieving an unprecedented success. Vide, the
Song : "King of Bceotia ;" " The Hymn to Bacchus ;" and
the spirited "Hilliho " Chorus, b., Eurydice, Diana, Cupid,
atd t_horus ; the side-splitting "Couplets," by Minerva,
Diana, Venus, Cupid, Pluto, and Chorus ; ar d dial Minuet
and Galop. Principal characters by Misses Russell, Fitz-
henry, Barrie, Tyrrell, and Walmsley; Messrs. Greene and
LaBcelles: And Gonoud's celebrated opera FAUSI : Faust,
Mons. Lavessiere, the great French Tenor; Marguerette,
Miss Russell; assisted by a Band and Chorus cf Sixty Per-
formers.

Comedy, by Mr. George Hodson (the celebrated Comedian
and Mimic), W. Randal 3, Little riob, Miss Kate Balie, signor
6extillion, and the Grotezque, D'Auhans.

•
Conductor, Mr. F. Jonghmans.
Every Evening at Half-past Scven. •Admission—a:ea, 6d.
stalls and balcody, is.; private boxes, Ios. Bd.

OANTERBURY HALL,
NJ The Oxford and Cantzrbury Hall Company (limited).
HODGE PODGE,
(According to Act of Parliament).
CANTERBURY HALL.--EVERY EVENING
at half-past Niue o'clock.

ROYAL CAMBRIDGE MUSIC HALL,
Commercial-street, Shorediteh.
(Close to the Great Eastern Terminus\
Sole Proprietor, Mr. G. W. NUGENT.
Operatic Selection, SONNAMBULA. Prima Donna, Miss
ELLL,,ON.
Comic --NE LLY POWER, HARRIETT COVENEY. J.
G. FORDE. WE3T, FRED. FRENCH, 31-idlle. CERITO
SYLVES MR. The BROTHERS A I.TOFIP, from the
Theatre Deserts, touen, and the ELLISTItAIS, from the
Crystal Palace. •
Stalls, Is. ; balcony, 6d. ; area, 4d. Open every evening at
Seven o'clock.
Manager and Conductor, Mr. C. GRE VILLE.

yiADAME TUSSAUIYS EXHIBITION,
established 29 years at the Bazaar, Baker-street.

NEW ADDITIONS.-A Fail-length PORTRAIT MODEL
of MULLER, taken from life, and corrected from the Cast
taken by Doctor Donovan; also a full-length MODEL of
KOHL, taken at his trial —are now added to the Chamber of
Physiognomy.
Open, 1► till dusk, and 7 till 10 evening.
Admittance, One Shilling; extra rooms, Sixpence.

ARGYLL ROOMS, Great Windmill-street,
Piccadilly.
GRAND CASINO. CONCERT. First time in England,
Gungl's new German Toy Waltz. Prince Imperial Quadrille,
Huguenots, Robert le Diable, William Tell, and a variety of
Dance Mmic,.

Conductor, M. LUIGI CURTL
Admission, One Shilling.
Manager, M. GRENET.

By command of the Queen a Drawing-zoom was
held on Saturday last at St. James's Mice by her
Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, on behalf of
her Majesty.
Presentations at this Court are, by the Queen's
pleasure, to be considered as equivalent to presenta-
tions made to her Majesty.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, attended by
their Ladies and Gentlemen in Waiting, and escorted
by a squadron of Life Guards, arrived at St. James's
Palace, from Marlborough House, about 2 o'clock,
and were received by the Mistress of the Robes and
the great officers of State of her Majesty's House-
hold.

Their Royal Highnesses Princess Helena and
Princess Louise arrived from Buckingham Palace,
attended by Lady Caroline Barrington and Lord
Alfred Paget.
His Royal Highness Prince Alfred arrived, at-
tended by Major Cowell and Lieut. Haig.
Her Royal Highness. Princess Mary of Cambridge
arrived, attended by her Lady in Waiting.
His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge
arrived, attended by his Equerry in Waiting, Col,
Tyrwhitt.
His Serene Highness Prince Edward of Saxe-
Weimar was present at the Drawing-room.
Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Hon. Corps of
Gentlemen at Arms was on duty in the State Saloons,
under the command of the Lieutenant.
The Royal Body Guard of the Yeomen of the
Guard was on duty, under the command of Colonel
O. P. Bourke, the Exon in Waiting.
Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales took
her station in front of the Throne, accompanied by
the Prince of Wales and the other members of the
Royal family.
Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales wore
a train of violet velvet, trimmed with rich white
blonde. The petticoat of white satin, trimmed with
bouillon& of tulle and white satin riband. The head-
dress, a tiara of diamonds, feathers, and veil. Orna-
ments—a corsage of diamonds, necklace and ear-
rings of pearls and diamonds. Orders of Victoria
and Albert and Donna Isabella of Portugal.
Her Royal Highness the Princess Helena wore a
petticoat of tulle over a rich white glace silk, trimmed
with bunions of tulle and white satin ribands.
Train of rich white silk, trimmed with tulle and
white satin bows. Headdress—hyacinths, feathers,
and veil. Diamond and jet ornaments. Victoria
and Albert Order and Order of St. Isabella.
Her Royal Highness the Princess Louise wore a
petticoat of tulle over a rich white glace silk, trimmed
with bunions of tulle and white satin ribands. Train
of rich white silk, trimmed with tulle and white satin
bows. Headdress—hyacinths, feathers, and veil
Ornaments—diamonds, and Victoria and Alber
Order.

Her Royal Highness the Princess Mary of Cam-
bridge wore a black silk train, trimmed with niches
of silk and tulle, point d'Alencon, and bunches of
poppies ; a petticoat of black tulle over glace silk,
richly trimmed with point to match. Headdress—a
diadem of diamonds, mounted with poppies, feathers,
and silver tulle veil. Ornaments—pearls and
diamonds.

The following presentations to the Princess of
Wales, on behalf of the Queen, took place, the
names having been previously left at the Lord
Chamberlain's-office, and submitted for her Ma-
jesty's approval :
Miss Agnew, by her mother, Lady Louisa Agnew.
Miss Antrobus, by her mother, Mrs. Antrobus.
Miss Evelyn:Balfour, by Lady Blanche Balfour.
Miss Baillie, by Mrs. Duncan Baillie.
Mrs. Brian Barttelot Barttelot, on her marriage, by her
mother, Miss Bateman.
Miss Constance Barrington, by her mother, tho Hon.
Mrs. Barrington.
Miss Smith-Barry, by her mother, Mrs. Smith-Barry.
Hon. Mrs. Allen Bathurst, by Lady Emily Hankey.
Miss Bloomfield, by the Marchioness of Ely.
Mrs. Curwen Boyd, by Lady Alfred Spencer Churchill.
Miss Caroline Boyd, by her mother, Mrs. Curwen Boyd.
Miss Eleanor Boyle, by her mother, the Hon. Mrs.
Richard Boyle.
Mrs. Harvey Bramston, on her marriage by the Lady
Braybrooke.
Lady Mary Cadogan, by Lady Adelaide Cadogan.
Miss Campbell, by the Hon. Mrs. Percy Wyndham.
Miss Castalia Campbell, by the Duchess of Argyll.
Miss Chaplin, by Lady Caroline Kerrison.'
The Duchess of Cleveland, by the Duchess of Roxburghe.
Miss Margaret Compton, by Lady William Compton.
Miss Cooper, by her mother, Lady Cooper.
The Countess of Coventry, on her marriage, by Lady
Maria POD sonby.
Miss Gibson Craig, by her mother, Lady Gibson Craig.
Miss H. Elizabeth Gibson Craig, by her mother, Lady
Gibson Craig.
Lady Emily Craven, by her mother, the Countess of
Craven.

two evils alone remained, either to leave the guns,
or to remain and lose the men, without in the end
saving the guns. The guns were spiked, and thrown
over the edge of the road, down a khud. At this
time the artillery officer and his men were, I believe,
totally separated from the column ; but pushing
along what they thought might be the road, they
came upon two of our own men, who had been badly
wounded on the first day, and who were deserted on
the road. These men they helped and brought along
with them, and reached camp at Koomrekatta in
the evening. Being the last to come in. The whole
affair was in no way a retreat ; it was a disgraceful
rout and flight from beginning to end. The 43d
N.I. behaved disgracefully, and deserted everything
entrusted to their care.

•
Mrs. Crawley, by Lady Dacre.
Mrs. Dakin, by Lady Grey.
Mrs. Maximilian Dalison, by the Countess of Caledon.
Miss Maud Dalison, by her mother, Mrs. Maximilian

Dalison.

Miss de Michele, by her mother, Mrs. C. Eastland de
Michele.
Miss Nina de Michele, by her mother, Mrs. C. Eastland
de Michele.
Miss Edith Duncombe, by her mother, the Hon. Mrs.
Arthur Duncombe.
Mrs. Eckersley, by Lady Sarah Lindsay.
Miss Dalrymple Elphinstone, by the Hon. Mrs. Hub-
bard.

Mrs. Charles Fordyce, on her marriage, by the Hon. Mrs.
Hubbard.
Mrs. Fraser, by the Marchioness of Carmarthen.
Miss Fraser, by Mrs. Fraser.
Miss Gabriel, by Lady Rogers.
Mrs. Clifton Gascoigne, on her marriage, by her mother-
in-law, Mrs. Gascoigne.

Miss
stone.

Mary Gladstone, by her mother, Mrs. Wm. Glad-

Mrs. George Grant Gordon, on her marriage, by Lady
Francis Gordon.
Lady Macpherson Grant, by the Countess of Fife.
Miss Christina Graham, by her sister, Mrs. Seymour
Grenfell.
Mrs. Guthrie, by Viscountess Torrington.
Mrs. Hall and Misa Hall, of Holly Bush, Staffordshire,
by Lady Johnstone.
Miss Hardy, by her mother, Mrs. Gawthorne Hardy.
Mrs Rickart Hepburn, of Rickarton, Kincardineshire, by
the Hon. Mrs. Hubbard.

occurs.

the fight.

The Times of India is of opinion that two great
mistakes have been committed. " First (it says),
an expedition, with which British prestige was
temporarily bound up, was sent beyond the frontier
of India, though in its composition the ingredient of
European troops was wanting. When we trust to
native soldiers to carry our arms into the Himalayas,
we should beprepared to hear of unpleasant reverses.
Even the native troops we did send to Bhootan
were under-officered, or at any rate are so now.
Than under-officered sepoys there are no troops in the
world more likely to become panic-stricken. Native
troops, to be got well into battle, require not fewer,
but fully double as many inspiriting leaders as
European troops. Mistake No. 2 consisted in a bad
selection of sites for the advanced post in the passes,
and leaving them in charge of guards neither suffi-
ciently alert nor strong enough. It is impossible
not to percieve that in more than one instance the
Bhooteahs have been able to surprise our troops in
a manner apparently discreditable to the latter, and
that had they even advanced unmaskedly the posts
were too weak to long hold out against them. In
few instances has the absence of European infantry
been productive of more complete demoralisation
than in the Bhootan pass fighting, or skirmishing,
or retreating, or whatever else may be the proper
term for it." _ _

Miss Rickart Hepburn, by her mother, Mrs. Rickart
Hepburn.
Mrs. G. F. Holroyd, by Mrs. Street.
The Hon. Mrs. George Howard, by the Duchess of
Argyll.
Miss Lucy Hubbard, by her mother, the Hon. Mrs.
Hubbard.

Lady Gaspard le Marchant, by the Duchess of Suther-
land.
Mrs. Naylor Leyland, by the Marchioness of Ely.
Mrs. J. B. Lind, by her mother, Lady Davis.
Mrs. R. D. Lowe, by Lady Sarah Lindsay.
Miss Amy Lowder, by her mother, Lady Alcock.
Miss Katherine M‘Murdo, by Mrs. H.,nry A. Bruce.
Mrs.. Thomas Maunsell, on her marriage, by Lady
Proby.
The Countess of Mexborough, by Lady Sarah Lindsay,
Lady Susan Milbank, on her marriage, by the Mar-
chioness of Carmarthen.
Lady Emily Montagu, by Viscountess Sydney.
Lady Montgomery, by Lady Mary Wood.
Miss Graham Montgomery, by her mother, Lady Graham
Montgomery.
Mrs. Wolfe Murray, by the Duchess of Wellington.
Mrs. Lothian Nicholson, on her marriage, by her aunt,
Lady Georgians, Romilly.
Mrs. Albert Nugent, by Lady Emily Peel.
Lady Outram, by the Duchess of Argyll.
Mrs. Philip Papillon, by Viscountess Bury.
Mrs. John Peel, by Lady Emily Peel.
Miss Peel, by her mother, Mrs. John Peel.
Miss Eleanor Peel, by her mother, Mrs. John Peel.
Mrs. Charles Raymond Pelly, on her marriage, by Lady
Caroline Kerrison.
Miss Pole, by the Dowager Marchioness of Waterford.
The Hon. Mrs. Henry Ponsonby, by the Countess of
Bessborough.
Mrs. Francis Sharp Powell, by Mrs. Charles Turner.
Mrs. Douglas Pennant, by Lady Maria Ponsonby.
Mrs. A. L. Ricardo, on her marriage, by Lady Catherine
Ricardo.
Mrs. Rich, on her marriage, by the Hon. Lady Gore.
Mrs. W. Romilly, on her marriage, by her mother, Lady
Gaspard Le Marchant.
Miss Rowley, bylher sister, Ron. Mrs. Vivian.

- - -
The Hurkaru says that Sir John Lawrence has
from the outset manifesteda more thorough appre-
ciation of the Bhootan affair than those about him.
" He it was (it adds) who insisted on the force being
raised to its present strength, and if his advice had
been followed General Showers or Brigadier-Gene-
ral Tombs would have exercised the supreme com-
mand, and we should in all probability have escaped
the checks the troops have recently suffered."
At last advices we learn that strong reinforcements,
including an entire British regiment, the 80th, had
been ordered up to the seat of war, and that Briga-
dier-General Tombs, commanding at Gwalior, had
been appointed to the supreme command in the
Bhootan. Dooars, and ordered to join without delay.

PRICE.. .. ......4d
STAMPED ...... sd.

Lady Margaret Scott, by the Duchess of Buccleuch.
Mrs. Sieveking, by the Marchioness of Carmarthen.
Mrs. Skene, by Mrs. Tait.
Lady Barbara Chetwynd Stapylton, on her marriage, by
Lady Cecelia. Brinckman.
Missilelen Stephenson, by her mother, Mrs. Stephenson.
Viscountess Strangford, by the Marchioness of Clanri-
carde.

Mrs. Crichton Stuart, on her marriage, by the Dowager
Marchioness of Waterford.
Mrs. Clement Swanston, on her marriage, by her aunt,
Lady Georgiana Romilly.
Miss Isabel Swinburne, by Countess Amherst.
Mrs. Thomas M. C. Symonds, by Mrs. Hugh Childers.
The Hon. Lady Talbot, by the Hon. Lady Grey.
Miss Mary Talbot, by her mother, the Hon. Lady Talbot.
Mrs. Tayler, on her marriage, by the Countess of Fife.
Miss Mary Wells, by Lady Dacre.
Miss Wickham, by her mother, 'Mrs. Francis Wickham.
Miss Wood, by Lady Mary Wood.

The Impending Naval Engagement off the
Coast of Spain,

(From the Correspondent of the Morning Herald.)
I herein hand you particulars and information
concerning the Confederate steam ram Stonewall
and the United States frigate Niagara and screw
corvette Sacramento, about to take part in a naval
engagement off this port. The two last-named
vessels are at present in Corunna, distant about 11
miles from here. They have both had steam up on
board for some weeks past watching night and day
for the appearance of the Stonewall. The excite-
ment here and in Corunna is immense. The sym-
pathy of the Spaniards is entirely with the Confe-
derates.

The Stonewall put into Corunna on the 21st of
February last, from Bordeaux, having experienced
-bad weather, and sprung a leak aft, about the 3d of
February. She came to Ferrol for repairs in the
Government arsenal here. About ten days after her
, arrival here the Niagara came in, being followed by
the. Sacramento the following day. After they had
been here for some five days, the admiral command-
ing requested the Federals to leave the port, which
they accordingly did, making for Corunna, where
they remained at anchor with steam up until the
14th inst., when they weighed anchor, and cruised
about outside the port for about two days ; bad
weather coming on they again entered Corunna,
and are now awaiting the departure of • the
Stonewall from this place, which would have
taken place this morning but for the strong
wind that is blowing from the south-west. One
of the officers of the Stonewall has just in-
formed me that they are to steam out to-
morrow morning, if weather permits. Capt. Page,
commanding the ram, arrived here from Paris two
days ago, and immediately requested the permission
of the admiral to allow him to leave the port at any
moment. The Stonewall is an iron-plated vessel
of about 900 tons, having a ram, or prow, forward

about 22ft. long ; her armament consists of one
300-pounder Armstrong gun, worked from an
armour-plated turret, right in the bows of the ship.
She has also another armour-plated turret, aft, in
which are two 70-pounder Armstrong guns. These
three are the only guns she carries. She is built on
the twin screw principle ; engines about 320 horse
power ; nominal speed of vessel about 10 miles.
Her crew consists of about 16 officers and 80 men,
all told ; the greater part of them are men who be-1

longed to the Alabama and Florida. Capt. Page
last night called the crew aft, and after explaining
the situation of affairs, said that as the Confede-
racy had no longer any ports in the Northern States
it was useless going to America, so they have made
up their minds to conquer or be conquered. All the
yards and topmasts have been lowered, and every-
thing on board put in fighting trim. The men
would not turn in last night, but were up the whole
night singing patriotic songs. All on board are
sanguine of success, from the captain downwards.
It is intended only to fire shells from the large gun.
The Federals rely entirely on success by running the
ram down or boarding her.
The Niagara is commanded by Commodore Cra-
ven. She carries 12 200-pounder Parrot guns.
Her tonnage and horse-power you have probably by
you. She steams about 12 miles, but is very long,

arid cannot turn round in less than half a mile,

whereas the ram can turn round in her own
length.

The Sacramento carries 11 200-pounder Parrot
guns, and has a crew of about 300 men ; the Niagara
has a crew of 450 men. It is the general opinion
of people here that if the Stonewall can but lodge
one of her 300-pound shells in either of the Federals
it will sink them in five minutes.

There are two Spanish frigates waiting to accom-
pany the ram out to sea, in order that no fighting
may take place in Spanish waters. The guns in the
forts have been got ready for action in case the

Federals should attempt to break neutrality-.
The admiral of the station sympathises with the
South, and when taking leave of the captain of the
Stonewall yesterday said he wished him success
from his heart.

The excitement of the people here is immense, as I
said before. The Federals have made themselves

i
very obnoxious here lately, several of them being n
prison in Corunna at the present moment. I know

for a fact that one of the officers of the Niagara had
to make a public apology for having insulted a
Spanish officer at a ball in the Carnival. I myself
saw three officers turned out of a ball-room. On
the contrary, the officers and crew of the Stonewall
have gained the goodwill of the Spaniards by their
quiet, gentlemanly conduct, during the whole of
their stay.

The wind is blowing very strong at present ; I
almost fear the ram cannot leave to-morrow, but

will write and advise you later if anything fresh

A Mr. Buffum, correspondent of the New York
Herald, has come from Paris to witness and report

He wishes me to go with him when it

takes place. and conduct him to a good spot for
witnessing the engagement. I will write and give
you particulars of the same.

THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY VOLUNTEERS.—The
annual inspection of the Oxford University Rifle
Regiment took place on Wednesday, and was the first that
has been held by Colonel Erskine since his appointment as
Inspector-General of Volunteers. The Regiment paraded
at 2 p.m., 273 strong, for the inspection of arms and ac-
coutrements, and marched to its battalion parade-ground.
Arrived there, it wheeled into line, and received the inspect-
ing officer with a general salute. It broke into open column
right in front, and marched past in open and quarter dis-
tance columns ; formed battalion square, re-formed column,
deployed into line, changed front on the right company, left
thrown back, commenced file-firing from the right of com-
panies, advanced in direct echelon of companies from the
right, formed company squares, re-formed echelon, wheeled
to the left, and re-formed line on the rear company, changed
front on the left company, right thrown back, fired volleys
by companies from right to left, retired by companies from
the left in rear of right, fronted and deployed into line on
the leading company, advanced in double column of sub-
divisions from the centre, formed line to the right, retired
in echelon from the left, re-formed line, and again advanced
in double column of subdivisions from the centre, re-formed
line to the front on the two centre subdivisions, formed
quarter distance column on No. 3, skirmished. Three com-
panies extended, and a new line of skirmishers were thrown
out on the right flank, the old skirmishers forming the new
supports. The skirmishers were then strengthened, and
after retiring and keeping up a steady fire, they closed on
the coverers and formed quarter-distance column. Colonel
Erskine, at the close of the evolutions, said that on the
whole he had been very well pleased with what he had
seen. He could not say they were perfect. Their marching
was excellent, but there were many little faults. There
was too much crowding in the ranks, and it was impossible
to drill well while their arms were overlapping one ano-
ther. There ought to be no looking about in the ranks, and
more attention ought to be paid to those in command. He
was glad to' see that the officers and sergeants knew their
work. He knew that they had many disadvantages to con-
tend with—the shortness of their time and their many other
pursuits, which left few opportunities for drill. He should
have great pleasure in making a favourable report to the
Secretary of War. The day was very stormy, and snow
fell at intervals.