The Sun.
London, England, 1853-06-11 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

11th June, 1853.
SIR, —Making a point of answering all communica-
tions addressed to me in the ordinary course, I should
like to gratify your correspondent T. S., who, I per-
ceive, in your journal of the 6th inst., has summoned me
before the bar of public opinion on the subject of a
miniature, entitled "Portraits of Nettle and his Mistress,'
which it appears has not been accepted for exhibition at
the Royal Academy this season. But, not knowing who
T. S. may be, I am at some disadvantage, as under those
anonymous initials, I am left to guess whether T. S. be
the " Mistress" or the "Nettle," though, from the style
of the letter, I should rather imagine the latter. If so,
the old song says—
" Tender-handed press a nettle,
And it stings you for your pains ;
Press it like a man of mettle,
And it soft as silk remains."
Therefore, if T. S. will come from behind his anonymous
initials, and apply to me personally, I shall be most
happy to meet him, even though he bring with him the said
miniature under the mysterious "four seds,"when, I have
no doubt, I shall be able to answer his various queries,
and give him such useful information into the bargain,
as will save him from again hazarding ingenious specu-
lations and statements which are not strictly according
to facts.—l am, sir, your obedient servant,
JOHN PRESCOTT KNIGHT, R.A.,

Secretary to the Royal Academy of Arts.

MINING INTELLIGENCE.

( Front the Mining Journal of this day.)
MINES. —The remarks we made in our last, upon the
advisability of purchasing shares, instead of selling, in
times of depression, appear to have had some influence
upon the market, and particularly with country specula-
tors, who have been large buyers this week ; and
although a good amount of business has been actually
transacted, and in many instances increased prices
offered, the demand for good dividend shares has been
greater than the supply. In young and " calling "
speculations, scarcely any buyers are to be found. There
seems to be a general impression that we shall not have
a further decline in copper at present ; lead is not so
firm.

In the metal market all is in active condition. Lead,
copper, and tin are in increased demand and an extended
business transacting in plates ; the market may be gene-
rally stated as in a perfectly healthy condition. In
spelter an improved demand has arisen this week, and
price firm at 221. per ton. Scotch pigs are 52s 3d per
ton cash, the export from Glasgow being enormous.
Rails have advanced, owing to the demand continuing
from America ; the quantity is estimated at 2,500;000
tons or more. Manufactured iron of all sorts maintains
its price, and a good business transacting.
In the Bullion Market, Mexican and South American
dollars, 4s 11f d per oz. Bar silver containing gold, all
gold above 5 grains in the pound to be paid for, 5s 10.
per oz. standard. Bar silver without gold, 5s ld per
oz. standard. Bar gold 77s 9d per oz. standard. Spanish
doubloons 78s per oz. Columbian doubloons 77s per
oz. Fine silver cake, 5s 41d to 5s 40 per oz.
The gold mining share market, though marked occa-
sionally by a more favourable indication, has shown, on
the whole, a decidedly drooping tendency. There has
been a general absence of demand, and as speculative
sales of the higher-priced descriptions have continued,
an unfavourable effect has naturally been produced upon
prices. Yesterday, a general flatness prevailed, in sym-
pathy with the depression in the other departments of the
Stock Exchange. On Monday the market was rather
better than in the preceding week—Aqua Frias were ig
to 1 premium, and Anglo-Californian 3to x premium,
this last description of stock on that day having risen in
public estimation. On Tuesday the shares were better, but
at the close of the market considerable weakness was dis-
played. On Wednesday there was a marked decline in
Anglo-Australian sharesj; West Granadas were in demand;
and, on the whole, the market could be considered in a
more healthy state. Thursday, owing to the anxiety
expressed on the. Turco-Russian question, the gold
mining share market participated in the general depres-
sion observable in all stock, and no improvement is as
yet perceptible.

In Miscellaneous Shares, the quotations of the Aus-
tralian Land and Bank ing Companies have shown an
improvement. Australis tin Agricultural were done at 61
to 63—being a rise of 6 to 8 on last week's prices.
South American Land at d Van Diemen's Land were 1/.
per share higher ; whilst British American Land receded
2/. Crystal Palace shay es fluctuated during the week,
but closed at 3 prem.