The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-21 00:00:00

When the announcement was first made that an auxi-
liary army was about to be despatched to Malta, which
was intended, in case of need, to proceed thence to Turkey,
it was understood that the body of troops actually under
orders for that service constituted but the first division
of the British contingent destined to co-operate with our
French allies in the East. No steps had, however, been
taken which could warrant the positive statement that
the immediate despatch of a sfecond force had been
finally determined. It was known that 1,200 men were
about to embark for tho Mediterranean, but the extent
to which that demonstration was to be followed up had
not been settled. We are now able to announce that
another force, of equal strength, will at once be organised
and despatched with the least possible delay. The regi-
ments which are to make up this force have not yet been
named, but it may be considered as quite arranged that
we are to have from 24,000 to 25,000 of our best soldiers
engaged in repelling the aggressions of Russia upon Tur-
key. An army in all respects so perfectly equipped has
never left our shores, and should unfortunately its ser-
vices be required in the field, the country may look
forward with confidence to the result.
It may, perhaps, serve as a salutary check upon that
impulsive enthusiasm with which people are too
apt to regard the commencement of a war if we draw
attention for a moment to one feature in the arrange-
ments connected with the present expedition. The
medical stores requisite have been provided partly from
Apothecaries'-hall, and partly from the well-known firm
of Savory and Sons, in New Bond-street. The latter
have supplied 12 large medicine chests and 30 panthers,
to be carried on muls and donkeys, and neatly packed
with every description of medical and surgical appliance.
Among the items included are I,ooolb. of
,lint, I,ooolb.
of tow, 200 old sheets, and 1,000 yards of adhe-ive
plaster. It took four waggons to convoy. Messrs. Sa-
vory's part of the medical stores to the Tower. No
doubt the drugs are of unexceptionelsle quality, the
chests an 4 . panniers -at rwnged - the'thest cony etilent
way for the emergencies of medical practice in the camp,
the splints and other mechanical auxiliaries to the heal-
ing art vast improvements upon what were in use during
the last war ; but those who get very enthusiastic about
prospective military operations on the Danube would
do well to remember the 1,000 yards of adhesive plaster
and the bales of lint which form a necessary part of the
expedition.

PORTSMOUTH, FEB. 20.
The following orders have this day been given from
head-quarters relative to the first embarkation of troops
in this military district. The first battalion of the Cold-
stream Guards embarks at Southampton at 9 a.m. on
Wednesday in the Orinoco for Malta. The battalion
will leave Chichester station at 6 a.m. by a special train.
The 3d battalion of the Grenadier Guards will arrive at
Southampton from London and embark, at the same
time, in the steam-ships Ripon and Manilla. The Ist
battalion of the Scots Fusilier Guards will embark at
Portsmouth in her Majesty's steam-frigate Simoom on
the 28th, and the 2d batt lion of the Rifle Brigade in
her Majesty's steam-fligate Vulcan, on the 24th inst.
70 volunteers from the 76th Higlanders crossed from
Portsmouth to Gosport at half-past 7 o'clock this morning,
and left, with 60 of the 42d Highlanders, by train at
8.15 a.m. to make up the complement of the 93d
Highlanders, who embark from Plymouth. These gallant
volunteers, on leaving their quarters, preceded by a
splendid band, and accompanied by a large concourse of
their comrades in arms and the inhabitants of the garri-
son, were loudly and continually cheered down -to the
ferry, the band playing "The girl I left behind me,"
"Auld lang syne," &c. A large party of convicts from
the Portsea establishment, under the governorship of
Captain Knight, are employed in aiding the numerous
free labourers in this arsenal. An extra number has
been demanded to help to make gun wads. The work
turned out by these convicts on the fortifications, in
breaking up ships, in coaling steamers, in all mechanical
arts, especially relating to implements of war, is first-rate,
and their behaviour equal to their work. The Neptune,
120, was commissioned this morning by Captain Henry
Smith, C. 8., and the St. Vincent, 100, was commissioned
by Captain E. H.-Scott, to take the Neptune's place and
carry the flag of Admiral-Superintendent Martin, which
she hoisted at half-past 12 to-day. The Admiral, we
are happy to report, is convalescent. The Dragon, 6,
steam-frigate, Captain Willcox, hauled off to the stream
this morning and commenced swinging for the adjustment
of her compasses. She has received her crew and bent
sails. The Resistance troop-ship (an old 42-gun frigate)
is home opportunely, and will doubtlessly be employed
Again quickly in conveying stores or munitions of war
for the fleet. The Zephyr paddle-steam-tender arrived
here to-day from Woolwich with supernumeraries for the
fleet. The Scourge, 6, paddle-sloop, has been placed in
the steam factory basin to-day to have her refit completed.
Her Majesty's yacht Victoria and Albert, Captain the
Hon. Joseph Denman, was docked to-day to complete
her refit. All the available force of the dockyard is put
upon the Caesar, 91, Captain Robb, to expedite her fit-
tings ; her lower rigging has been got over the mast-
heads ; while hundreds of workmen are employed within,
others are coppering her bottom and otherwise fitting
her without, and arrangements are made to ship her
provisions and sea stores while yet in dock. Workmen
have again been put upon the Colossus, 80, to convert
her for the screw ; they were lately taken off her and
put upon other work. Seamen keep coming in hourly
by land and sea.
Rear-Admiral Sir James Stirling, appointed to super-
sede Vice-Admiral Sir Fleetwood Pellew, C. 8., in the
command of the India and China squadron, did not
leave Southampton this day, as had been given out.
He proceeds first to Paris to have an interview with the
French Minister of Marine relative to the augmentation
of the squadron on the India and China station, and
will pick up the mail paoket at Milta_ which left Sciuth-
ampton to-day.

SOUTHAMPTON, FEB. 20.
Nothing certain is yet known as to the time of de-
parture of the steamer Eineu, or the port where the
troops she is to carry will be taken on board. It is sup-
posed that the Himalaya will leave on Thursday next,
with a detachment of troops, calling at Plymouth to
complete her complement.