The Sun.
London, England, 1862-02-18 00:00:00

THE ARMY.

Notwithstanding the numerous difficulties which
have to be surmounted in the erection of the two
large batteries at Bishop's-marsh and Folly-
point, Chatham, the works in connection with the
building of the structures are steadily progressing,
and there is no doubt each battery will be com-
pleted by the contractors within the time speci-
fied by the Government. The most formidable
difficulties have been encountered at Folly-point,
owing to the soft, spongy, nature of the
soil on which the battery will be placed, and
much time has been lost in sinking the foundations,
from the frequent slipping and sinking of the sub.
structure, causing the most harassing delays in the
prosecution of this portion of the works. The
largest of the batteries for the protection of Chatham
dockyard will be that erected on Bishop's-marsh for
the security of the passage of the headland of
Darnet-ness. Here, again, the greatest difficulties
had to be contended against in consequence of the I
shifting nature of the soil on which the central
foundations of this important line of fortifications
are to rest. The diameter of the area required for
the battery is about 400 yards, and the necessary
excavations had been nearly completed for the re-
ception of the concrete for this portion of the under-
taking when the heavy pressure of a spring tide,
bearing on the sandy slope of the river face, burst
through the wall and inundated the whole excava-
tion. This unfortunate accident has caused con-
siderable delay in the progress of the work, but the
greatest energy has been displayed by the contrac-
tors in surmounting the difficulty and repairing the
mischief. In addition to the two batteries at Folly
Point and Bishop's Marsh, a third battery will be
erected higher up the river, on a projecting headland
in Gillingham-reach, which, from its position, will
add still further to the security of Chatham dock-
yard, supporting, by its cross fire, the guns mounted
at Folly Point, and rendering the passage into
Chatham harbour almost impregnable to hostile
vessels. The old Halfmoon and Cavalier batteries
at the entrance to the Medway have been almost
entirely demolished, to make way for the formidable
towers and batteries intended to guard the passage
of the estuary. One of the most powerful batteries
will be placed on the commanding position known
as Garrison Point, the works connected with which
are in a very forward state. This battery will
be armed exclusively with 100 pounder and 70
pounder Armstrong guns, and heavy 68
pounders, and from its position will command
both approaches to the Thames and the Med-
way. The intention to erect a fort inside the
Garrison Point, on the south side of the dockyard,
has, it is understood, been abandoned, as that
part of the Channel will be amply defended when
the contemplated line of fortifications is completed.
It is, however, intended to place a powerful case-
mated battery on the commanding projection known
as Cheyney Rock, situate about three-quarters of a
mile to the eastward of Sheerness dockyard. This
fort will be connected with the present defences by
a deep fosse capable of being filled whenever re-
quired. At each end of the ditch will be erected
batteries heavily armed, so as to command the land
approaches, as well as to assist in the sea defences.
It is also in contemplation to erect a battery on the
heights of Minster, about two miles from Sheerness
dockyard, but we believe nothing definite in respect
to that portion of the undertaking has been decided
upon. On the opposite shore of the estuary of the
Medway the powerful batteries now being erected
on the Isle of Grain are progressing as rapidly as
circumstances will allow. The martello tower, built
a few years since on the Spit of Grain at a cost of
several thousand pounds, will not be removed, as
was originally contemplated when the plan of the
proposed now fortifications was decided upon, its
position being allowed to determine the relative
situation of the other works. The martello tower
is armed with three 68-pounders, each of 112 cwt.,
and its position is most admirably chosen, every
vessel attempting to enter the Medway having to
pass within range of its guns.
The formation of the Artesian well in connection
with the new camp at Colchester is now being
pushed forward, the borings having reached a depth
of nearly 200 feet. The contractors for new cavalry
barracks have not yet commenced the works, and it
is said an extension of one month has been given
them in consequence of the still heavy works to be
completed upon the building for the Great Interna-
tional Exhibition.

A YEAR'S BALANCE SIIEET.—The national in-
come of the year 1861 was raised thus :—Customs and Ex-
cise, £41,935,000 ; Taxes (Property, Land and Assessed),
Stamps and Post-office, £25,069,170 ; Miscellaneous,
£1,599,681; making a total of £68,603,851. The expendi-
ture takes a fourfold division :—lnterest of the debt,
£26,090,260; defence of the country (including outlay on
fortifications and charges for the operations in China),
£28,917,342; civil Government and charges, including the
Post-office packet service, £11,112,490; cost of collecting
the revenue, £4,697,967 ; making what we may call a grand
total of £70,818,059.
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