The Sun.
London, England, 1853-02-14 00:00:00

LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 14, 1853.

OVERLAND MAIL.

ANNEXATION OF PEGU.

We have received by express from Marseilles our
dispatches from India, in anticipation of the Over-
land Mail, which left Bombay on the 13th, Madras
on the 10th, and Calcutta on the sth ult.
This mail, owing to a charge in the postal ar-
rangements, was dispatched at an interval of only
ten days after the date of the previous one. The
formal annexation of Pegu is announced in the
following proclamation :

•
Achilles, which left Aden a day and a half
behind her, having arrived two days before her,
gaining on her three days in 1,500 miles, by this
much delaying the dispatches. he Auckland's
misadventure three months ago will ;be remembered,
when she was beaten by three days by this same
Achilles, and was unable to overtake the Calcutta
steamer, and so caused the packetNto be detained a
fornight in Egypt ; and yet this farce is carried out
at a cost of 75,0001. a-year in excess of the sum for
which the Oriental Company undertook to manage
the packet service to perfection ; and a Govern-
ment packet carrying nothing is dispatched once a
month simultaneously with a merchantman, by
which it is known she would be beaten, and which
carries, or is ready to carry, everything
desired to
be conveyed, at an expense to the State of 2,0001.
or 3,000/. a voyage. Our Commander-in-Chief,
Lord Frederick Fazclarence, is endeavouring to
improve the discipline of the Bombay army, gene-
rally supposed to have been pretty good before, by
having parties of her Majesty's 78th Highlanders
and of the 14th Native Infantry quartered near his
house, and instructed under his personal inspection.
The Governor-General is about to proceed on a
tour through Arracan and Chittagong. The Go-
vernors of Bombay and Madras are at the presi-
sidencies—the Commander-in-Chief in India is in
the north-west provinces ; ho of madras in the dis-
tricts. Trade at Bombay continuos brisk, money
plentiful, and the money market easy. The fair
at Kurrachee seems to have proved a failure.
We have at last received our supplies of Baroda
blue-books and of the reports of the evidence be-
fore the Committees on Indian Affairs. The dis-
closures made by the last of these are somewhat
astounding, and exhibit a lavislniess of extrava-
gance in expenditure on some
.poirtts, and of rd.'
gardliness- in others -which—we; item not prepared
for. The home Government, while begrudging
12,0001. a year for educational purposes in Western
Inja, and refusing a shilling of extra outlay on
Alit improvements, set down the cost of the India
House at above 100,0001. a year, the Board of Con-
trol at 26,0001., and state that they have exper ded
in addition to this, above 53,0001. in house dinners
within the last 18 years. Among the items of ex-
penditure in India, with which no fault is found,
are 50,0001. for the Governor-General's journey in
the north-west provinces—the Governor himself re-
ceiving 24,0001. a year as salary, and 15,0001. a year
for office establishments ; the Governor of Bombay,
who receives 12,000/. a year, has 10,000/. allowed
him for office and establishment, and 2,4001. to de-
fray the charges of his residence in the hot weather
in the highlands, and his rustication during the rains
at his country villa in Dapooree, where he is con-
sidered by his late colleagues at the council board,
Messrs. Reid and Willoughby, functus officio, and
where half his time has for the past five years been
spent. It is allowed at home, that councils at the
minor presidencies are maintained at a cost of some
50,000/. a-year, to permit a state of matters such as
this to be continued, so as to enable the ministry
of the day from time to time to provide for its
friends. Large portions of the Baroda blue-book
are being republished by the newspapers at the
Presidency • they are fearfully damaging to the
character of British Government. This is the
first time that the people have seen it proclaimed
by authority that Government do not desire mis-
conduct of their servants to be too minutely in-
quired into, and that it is matter of indifference to
them what opinion is held of them by the natives.
A body which pronounces a man like Colonel Out-
ram-..who has enjoyed the highest distinction under
ten administrations—a hot-headed fanatical fool,
unworthy of public employment, only injure
themselves. Peter Peebles said that all the world
considered him mad—and no one would have

. _
hesitated on what side, in this case, to pronounce--
for his part he looked on all the world as mad,
and when we are compelled to decide between the
weight of the opinions of such men as Sir John
Malcolm, Lord Clare, Sir Robert Grant, Mr.
Farish Sir James Carnac, Sir William Ander-
son, Sir George Arthur, Mr. Reid, Sir George
Clerk, and Mr. Willoughby on the one side, all of
whom professed the highest admiration of Colonel
Outram—and of Lord Falkland and his councillors,
who pretend to despise him, on the other—there
need be no great difficulty or delay in arriving at a
correct concusion on the subject, siding with the
poor Peter Peebles of the day or the public voice
for twenty years.

It stands on both sides of the river, which is here fordable,
and is surrounded by fine plains covered with grain.
We were not aware that the enemy had retreated on
this village, but they left it on our approach, and the
force found good quarters for the night.
The village was totally abandoned ; not a soul was
seen, nor grain to be found in it, which I had trusted to
for the followers ; so they fell back on the commissariat,
which I could with difficulty spare them, and this, added
to the breaking down of one of our carts with beef and
biscuit, crippled me much.
The next day, the 18th inst., we marched to Mont-

sautganoo, 10 miles, where we arrived about twelv
o'clock at noon • there the enemy had passed the night.
It is an inconsiderable village, and we were in bivouac.
About three o'clock p.m. I was informed that some of
the enemy were hovering about, whom I believed were
only observing us, but shortly they came down in large
masses, and formed in a line about two miles in ourlfront.
Our men were soon under arms, and I marched to-
wards them in two separate columns of an equal divi-
sion of the force under my command. Brigadier-Gene-
ral Steel took charge of the left column, and Lieutenant-
Colonel Tudor of the right. Skirmishers were thrown
out on both sides, but as we advanced they retired for
about two miles further, when they took up an align-
ment close to a long range of barracks, which they had
evidently occupied on different occasions. The two
columns threw out advanced parties for attack, but as
we neared them they again retired, leaving the barracks
in our possession. It was now nearly dark, and as they
appeared to be going away altogether, we burnt their
barracks, and retired to our bivouac, three miles, where
our baggage and followers had remained under a strong
guard.
The next day, the 19th inst., on inquiry into the state
of the commissariat, I found I had not quite three days'
provisions left, and was very deficient in some articles,
and it became imperative on me to return to Pegu, which
I did that day. Had I had the means of earring with
me twelve 'days' provisions I would have pursued them
over the Sitans River, but lam sadly crippled Aria.-
where for want of carriage, except at Rangoon,
do not require it.
I propose to detach Brigadier-General Steel with a
force to Moulmein, where he will find every description
of carriagein abundance for tents, and materials of all
kinds, to Beling, Sitang, and Sheogyne, and crossing
that river to return by Pegu to Rangoon, as he may
deem practicable—which may force this army north to-
wards Prome—which it must, I think, as it cannot go
to Pegu, and which will be the best course for us it can
take.
I embarked at Pegu on the 20th, and arrived on the
morning of the 22d, leaving a reinforcement with the
garrison
as
isonaattePmepguora, arnydmteunrgot,hteoninagllotwheoirf partytheir
putting
futStianpg-
pthemselves in a perfect state,of defence.
Now, sir, I have to ask the estimation of the Gover-
nor-General in Council for the service that has been
most harassing and arduous, and for which no force
ever took the field so little prepared, but which was
borne with a cheerfulness and alacrity, where the least
chance of a contest with the enemy presented itself, that
was enthusiastic, and which confers the highest honour
on the whole force.
To Brigadier-General Steel I am most obliged for the
warmest co-operation throughout this service.
To Brigadier Dickenson, who was ever ready and anxi-
ous to render me his able assistance.
To Lieut.-Colonel Tudor, who was very often called
upon with his regiment, the Bengal Fusiliers, to give
parties for assaults, and on the day of my relieving gar-
rison at Pegu, I detached the Lieut.-Colonel to clear the
road communicating with the landing-place on the river.
The Lieut.-Colonel performed this duty most effectually
under a heavy fire.
To Captain Latter, my interpreter, who had the guides
always under his charge, and who was present every-
where with his usual gallantry.
wherever they were called
:ac dacpoustmpaeimoanntao.
To Major Armstrong, with his Seiks, conspicuous
onnfgr
ot
a;11 e
od
eßn
at Bengal
de Fusi-
lief-
erTsMo Majorsa
dC arpast a
Fi nGu
saßirralieenrrdsau; da
th
c
detachment of the 10th Bengal Native Infantry ; Cap-
tain Hawkes, Brigade-Major ; Lieutenant Lambert, of
the Bengal Fusiliers ; Lieutenant Elliott, of the Madras
Fusiliers ; and Lieutenant Hsrris, of the Sappers, who
rendered important assistance, I am much indebted.
The general staff—Major Mayhew, Deputy-Assistant
Adjutant-General ; and Captain Hamilton, Assistant Ad-
jutant-General; Captain Buriae, Military Secretary; and
Captain Chads, Aides-de-Camp--I warmly thank ; as
also Major Neill, Assistant Adjutant-General ; and
Major Atkinson, Assistant Quarterma.ster-General,
Madras Division ; and Captains Dillas and Travers,
Aides-de-Camp on the staff of Brigadier-General Steel,
for their uncommon exertions during this service.
To Surgeons M'Cosh and Balfour, and the medical
department, the service is much indebted,
The short interval between the time I received the in-
telligence of the investment of Pegu from Captains
Tarleton and Shadwell, and the embarkation of the
troops the same evening, when by nine o'clock
p.m. 1,400 men, with their material, were sent
on board, under the eye of that valuable officer Captain
Tarleton, of the Royal Navy, till its disembarkation near
Pegu, and its re-embarkation on return here, was marked
by wonderful exertion and arrangement ; and that with
the aid and assistance I received from him, with the
men-of-war's boats, calls for every acknowledgment.
To Captain Shadwell I also feel greatly indebted for
his assistance and exertion on this occasion.
I forward to the Governor-General in Council the
detailed account of the investment of Pegu by the Bur-
mese army, and the noble defence made by Major Hill
and his brave garrison, for the Government to select
what in its wisdom it may think proper to publish.
I have this morning received the gratifying informa-
tion from Major Hill that some thousand families are
coming in, which I hope in a future dispatch to confirm
positively. It is my intention to proceed to Promo in
three days, and to take the field immediately. lam
happy to say that the general health of the troops here,
as well as their conduct, is, very satisfactory.

ere"l

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
BOMBAY.
The following is the report on the state of the Bombay
markets from the 3rd to the 13th of January, 1853, inclu-
sive ::

The money market is still easy ; shares are rather lower,
and Government securities are also slow of sale, except
for Fours, which are in moderato request.
Current rates may be recorded thus :—Transfer paper,
114 rs. ; Sicca Fives, 111 rs. ; Sicca Fours, 98irs. ; Com-
pany's Fives, 107irs. ; Company's Fours, 94rs. ; Oriental
Bank Corporation Shares, 41rs. per cent. pm. ; Bank of
Bombay Shares, 18rs. per cent. pm. ; Commercial Bank
Shares, 9rs. per cent, pm. ; Agra Bank Shares, 28m. per
cent. pm. ; Railway Shares, 14rs. pm. each.
Cotton Piece Goods.—Since the dispatch of our last re-
port, very little business has been done, and the market has
remained very inactive. Dealers seem disinclined to pur-
chase more than sufficient for their immediate wants,
although every encouragement has been given on the part
of holders, who, since the arrival of the last overland
mail, have shown considerable anxiety to realise.
Grey shirtings, 40-inch, of the lower descriptions, are in
slight request, while all descriptions above 71b. are ex-
tremely dull, and have suffered a further recession in value
of about an anna a piece. A little inquiry exists for 45-

Grey Mndapollams are very difficult of sale.
Grey jaconets meet with little inquiry, and hare declined
one anna per piece.
Grey longcloth unnoticed.
Grey T cloth in slight request. '
Grey domestics, 40 inch, in good request ; the other de-
scriptions have but little inquiry.
Bleached shirtings of all descriptions in request.
Bleached Madapollams in demand.
Satin scarfs in slight request.
Swills without inquiry.
Turkey Red Plain.—Twills and mulls are in fair de-
mand.

Fancy Goods.—Low lappets, zebra, pine dresses, and
gauze, are dull, while a good inquiry exists for cotton, velvet,
lappet scarfs, Swiss lappets of approved styles, dhoties and
mulls.

Cotton Yarns.—Dulness has pervaded the market ;
scarcely any business has been done, and the prices for 20's
and 40's mule have considerably declined. The prices of
30's and 40's water have also given way. Dyed Turkey
red has inquiry in the market, but little has been doing in
Orange.
Metals.—A fair demand exists for English bar iron, sheets
hoops, and nailrod. Swedish bar iron meets with moderate
inquiry.
A good demand exists for Swedish stool, as well as fag-
gots. Lead : pig and sheet, are in request, and have ad-
vanced in price.
Speltor is in demand, and has also improved in value.
Copper : tiles are as formerly quoted, and in good request,
while braziers' sheathing and bottoms are dull of sale, and
have further declined in price. South America in fair in-
quiry.
Quicksilver is dull, and has receded in value to 60r. per
Surat maund.

White lead in request : red lead difficult of sale.
Cochineal is still dull, and has further receded in value
to 2r.

Saffron has also given way in price, and is difficult of
sale; the best quality alone is inquired for.
Linseed is in request, the prices for Sholapore 3ir. and
3r. 9a. for lihandeisis.
Pepper is in good request ; the stock in the market is
small. The price for Bhutcol is 66r., and for Tellicherry
63r. to 64r.
Marine Stores.—Canvas, both brown and bleached, dull ;
stock rather full. Cordage is likewise dull, and large in
stock. In oil of linseed and spirits of turpentine there is
but little doing. Paints : white of best quality in request.
Little inquiry exists for other descriptions. Twine in good
request.
Spirits.—Brandy, both in wood and bottle, in demand,
while gin is rather dull.
Beer.—Rudgard, 400 hogsheads, sold at 27r. ; porter,
100 hogshead, at 80r.
The cotton market is extremely dull. For the English
market scarcely any purchases have been made, for the
China none whatever. Prices for nearly all descriptions
have receded. Of the new crop a small quantity of Klan-
deish has come to hand, the quality has turned out inferior
to the last, being a good deal stained. For new. Dholera,
prices opened at 95r5., but have since retired to 89rs.
Oominwuttee likewise opened at 92r5., but may now be
purchased at the rates we quote.
Opium.—But little has been doing in this market, and
prices are not so high as they were.
Tonnage still continues scarce. Freights aro 41.105, for
London, and 41. to 5/. for Liverpool The nominal rate
for China is 21rs. to 22rs. per candy.
Exchange has remained, pretty steady. Biz montUe