The Sun.
London, England, 1853-08-26 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Sin,—A. brilliant comet was seen by some friends
with whom I was in company last evening, about a
quarter past eight. My want of sight did not allow me
to judge of its character for myself, and I can only give
you its description as I gathered it from my friends, who
endeavoured to make me understand what they saw. It
appeared about W.N.W., about 10 degrees above the
horizon. At the first glance it was mistaken for a
sky-rocket which had turned, and was falling. The
train was of considerable length, but varying in bright-
ness, sometimes appearing, according to their descrip-
tion, 6,7, or 8 feet long, from which I should suppose
its length to be not less than I or 2 degrees directed up-
wards, and spreading considerably at the extremity. I
find to-day that it was seen by others last evening, and
set between 10 and 11. Not having heard that any
comet was expected about this time, I presume it is a
new one.—l remain, Sir, yours obediently,
J. N. 11—•
Weymouth, Aug. 24, 1853.

PRINCE ALBERT'S BIRTHDAY—(THIS DAY.)—This day
being the thirty-fourth anniversary of the birth of his
Royal Highness the Prince Albert, the usual marks of
respect towards that illustrious prince were shown
throughout the metropolis. In honour of the occasion
the bells of the various churches in the metropolis rang
many merry peals. The royal standard was hoisted at
the Admiralty, Monument, St. Martin's Church, So-
merset House, B. Edgington's tent manufactory,
Duke-street, borough, the Tower, and other places.
During the morning, preparations were being made for
illuminating the various houses of the royal tradesmen,
and public institutions.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry have
left Seaham for the Irish residence of the noble marquis,
Garron Tower, Londonderry.
PRIISSIA.—The Prussian Ministers of the Finance
and Commerce have resolved to grant to solvent
persons who have regular relations with the authorities,
a certain period of credit for the payment of duties and
taxes.

LORD JOHN RIISSELL.—Lord John Russell, accom-
panied by Lady Russell and family, arrived at Rose-
neath House, on the banks of the Gareloch, on Tuesday
afternoon, where they are expected to reside over the
autumn.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE'S HOSPITAL, LISSON-GROVE.—A
healthy young woman, aged 26, was safely delivered
between three and four o'clock yesterday morning of
three fine children—two girls and one boy, all of whom,
as well as the mother, are doing well.
DRURY-LANE THEATRE.—Last night the German com-
pany at this theatre performed the opera of bucrezia
Borgia. The house was filled by the same kind of
audience as on Monday, and was, if possible, still more
densely crowded. The opera was given by the prin-
cipals—Mde. Caradori (Lucrezia), Herr Reichardt
(Gennaro), and Herr Formes (Alphonso)—in the Italian
language. The subordinates and chorus adopted such
tongues as were suited to their individual nationalities.
On the whole, the execution was highly creditable to a
troupe so rapidly improvised ; and the audience were
uproarious in their plaudits. At the conclusion of the
opera the singers were called several times before the
curtain, and bouquets were thrown from the side boxes.
SCOTTISH FETE.—CREMORNE GARDENS.—Arrange-
ments having been made to hold the annual gathering
for Scottish games this season at Cremorne, the first of
two fetes took place yesterday. It was much to be re-
gretted that the weather was so unfavourable ; but not-
withstanding there was not only a goodly number pre-
sent, but the sports and pastimes were carried on with a
spirit that appeared resolved to surmount every diffi-
culty. From shortly after three o'clock there was an
unbroken round of entertainments, which even the rain
could not interrupt, and the athletic sports and pastimes
of Scotland were never more keenly contested, or more
admirably displayed. The foot race, the feats of aglity
and strength, and the characteristic dances, each in turn
elicited unbounded applause, and were enlivened by the
national strains of the bagpipes. In addition to the
games of Scotland, a great variety of English sports
were presented, and fairly shared the admiration of those
who witnessed them. Besides the rustic sports of run-
ning round the pegs, jumping in sacks, a wheelbarrow
race, a jingling snatch, &c., the morris dance and the
maypole dance were executed by 40 performers in ap-
propriate costumes, and the manner in which they were
displayed reflected the highest credit upon all concerned.
A Scotch ball was afterward carried on with great spirit
to a late hour.
THE MANSLAUGHTER OF A CUSTOM-HOUSE OFFICER.
—On Wednesday, at a late hour, Patrick Sullivan, a
labourer, was brought to the Southwark Police Court,
in the custody of Inspector Bowles, of the Thames
police, charged on a coroner's warrant with the man-
slaughter of Mr. William Stone Gampton, formerly an
officer in her Majesty's Customs.— The particulars of the
case has already been published.—lnspector Bowles
said that he had just apprehended the prisoner, and he
considered it his duty to bring him before his worship
to be committed under the coroner's warrant.—Mr.
Combe said that he considered he had nothing to do
with it. He (the inspector) had better take him to the
coroner, who was then sitting, and he could commit
him in the regular way. If (he Mr. Combe) committed
him the coroner would lose him, unless he went before
the judges. He did not wish to have any altercation
with the coroner ; therefore the inspector had better
take the ciurse be had advised him. The prisoner,
who was accompanied by his solicitor, Mr. Solomons,
was then removed from the court in custody of Inspec-
tor Bowles for that purpose.
EMBEZZEMENT BY A FEMALE AT THE STOCRTON-ON-
ThEeESpePstlSifiT-cOeFF:hce—. . Georgians Williams alias
It
she quitted
at
ation of the late Marclapi
Roberts, was on Tuesday brought before the magistrates
Stockton, on a charge of having embezzled 191. from
tafterward found e'.
mend -
opneaesrsedoftshlaigt
oo,nshtheewraescoamp:
above mentioned,
ofe post-office at Stockton,
in
ttugust, 1851, clerk to Mrs. Isabella Dunn,
who keeps
own, accord in May last. It was
at her father'
against the accusednc which situation
that she was a defaulter to the amount
s residence
she was followed and apprehended
whose evidence went tow
in Ireland. The principal wit-
nessas the daughter of Mrs. Dunn,
irregularity and show that there was carelessnessgreat
irregularity and carelessne
fnrseebesides prisoner. The magic-
acee: in keeping the post-office
could be had to the cash
committed the prisoner to take her trial
g at the next Durham sessions.