The Sun.
London, England, 1854-03-10 00:00:00

PREPARATIONS FOR WAR

We understand that the Earl of Cardigan is to have
a cavalry command in the expeditionary army.
Yesterday his Royal Highness Prince Albert, attended
by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge and Lord
Raglan, reviewed the troops in garrison at Woolwich
under orders for the East. As mere pageants these
parting inspections arena, very striking to any one who
has witnessed the manceuvres of a brilliant field-day.
The men are drawn out as on parade, the staff arrives,
and, after a general salute, passes slowly along the ranks.
When every troop and company has been examined, the
defile past the flag-staff begins, and, that being termi-
nated,
the whole affair is over. With regiments of the
line or cavalry even from this meagre programme a con-
siderable amount of effective display may be extracted ;
for the great massess of men, the brilliant uniforms, the
forest of glittering bayonets, and the brilliant squadrons
of horse, all appeal more or less strongly to every imagi-
nation. It is less so in the case of an artillery force,
which, unless seen as part of an army or actually ma-
noeuvring, has nothing very striking or attractive about
it. The human interest is greatly diminished, and,
though batteries in position, and blazing away even
with blank cartridge, form a highly imposing spec-
tacle, a mere inspection of guns and tumbrils
and spare carriages, interspersed with small parties
of men, and drawn by so many pairs of horses, is
not very exciting to non-professional onlookers. Yet, in
the case of the Artillery, as in many other examples
taken from civil life, the absence of mere external show
is more than compensated by qualities of sterling interest
and importance—qualities which we hope and believe
will stand any test that the enemies of the country can
apply to them. A force more thoroughly appointed in
every respect is not to be found in any service, and it
was this peculiar and distinctive character of complete
equipment which gave its real interest to yesterday's
review. Even to the point of galvanising all the metal
parts of harness, that the oxidation night not rot the
leather, details had been carefully attended to. There
are unmistakeable traces in the Artillery force which we
are sending out to the East of that love of solid, substan-
tial workmanship which is inherent in John Bull, and
which makes him construct everything so strongly and
well that it lasts almost too long. Nor, if the appoint-
ments are so complete, are the appearance, discipline,
and intelligence of the men a matter of less satisfactory
congratulation. It must be admitted that the Engineer
and Artillery corps form the highest branches of the ser-
vice, and are entitled to special consideration in A coun-
try which owes so much to superior scientific and me-
chanical arrangements. A peace of 40 years' duration
has made more important additions to the resources and
practice of war than any similar period of active hostili-
ties in the history of the world, and we have no doubt
that when put to the test our Horse Artillery and field
batteries will demonstrate that the battalions trained at
Woolwich have drawn a vastly increased power and effi-
ciency from these improvements.
The troops left their barracks yesterday at 10 o'clock
in heavy marching order, and proceeded to Woolwich-
common, on the north side of which they drew up, the
flag-staff being fixed in front of the College. There was
a large attendance of spectators, and a considerable
number of private carriages. The Prince Consort, the
Duke of Cambridge, and Lord Raglan arrived on the
ground at 11 o'clock, attended by Sir Hew D. Ross,
Colonel Whinyates, Brigadier-General Cater, and other
distinguished Artillery officers. The review commenced
with a general salute, the troops presenting arms, and
the band playing the National Anthem. His Royal
Highness first inspected the 10th Company of Sappers
and the reserve battery of Artillery, which were drawn
up close to the flag-staff, and were immediately after-
war& marched back to quarters. He then advanced
across the common, and minutely examined the three
field batteries formed in line there, with the small-arm
ammunition brigade on their left, and Captain Levinge's
troop of Horse Artillery on the right. This com-
pleted, his Royal Highness returned to the flag-staff,
and the defile took place at a walk, and in open co-
lumn. A gun, with its detachment of men, was then
taken from each of the batteries and from 'the troop.
An ammunition waggon was also selected from tip
ball cartridge brigade, and these, being biought info
the centre of the reserved space, were subjected to
a close inspection. His Royal Highness, dismount-
ing, had the contents of the different carriages taken
out and laid on the ground. There was then displayed
in perfect order every requisite for giving such aid to
Turkey as round shot, shells, and canister can render.
Each gun, with its ammunition carriage, carries 240
rounds, and each waggon of the ball cartridge brigade
140,000 rounds. The new arrangemegt4s2ee
-thesero-f4GvicreettreMa-M, aPecita altezcrn-
of the Prince.

At the close of the review his Royal Highness pro-
ceeded to the Arsenal, where he spent some time in
examining Mr. Anderson's ingenious nuehine for mak-
ing Mini 4 and Pritchett balls by compression) ITP also
examined carefully the ambulances which are now being
made with the utmost despatch in the carriage depart-
ment, but which, had it not been for Mr. Guthrie's let-
ter, would probably have been overlooked by the autho-
rities amid the bustle of their other preparations.

PORTSMOUTH, MARCH 9.

All the world seems moving again towards Ports-
mouth, in anticipation of a grand spectacle taking place
at Spithead on the occasion of her Majesty's steaming
through the fleet on her way to Osborne to-morrow,
and again, on Saturday, finally inspecting the fleet
prior to its departure the following morning for the
North Sea. Already is every hotel full, every house
occupied, and provisions rising to famine prices. Here
and there may be seen heaps of luggage piled on the
pavements of the High-street, before hotels and
private dwellings, and well-dressed wayfarers march-
ing with blank countenances alongside their barrow-
loads of " mails," casting wistful glances at the upper
portions of the tenements on either side the street ; for
of course everybody wants to get into the best place—
Portsmouth town. The public caterers have gone on
foraging excursions to neighbouring villages and agricul-
tural districts in search of domestic edibles, as eggs,
butter, milk, vegetables, &c. Not a bed or a sofa, that
we can hear of, is to be obtained even in the most un-
wholesome of localities, but at a price which few would
think of paying for such out of the way and meagre ac-
commodation. Great as was the influx of the sight-
seeing world last August to see the review, the rush now
seems greater, although far less time has been given to
authenticate the rumour of the intention of her Majesty
to personally inspect the fleet before sailing, and the ex-
citement has all sprung up on the part of the public
within the past three or four days. An immense addition
had previously been made to the local census since the
commencement of the gathering of the ships at this an-
chorage by the relatives and friends of the officers on
board, who have settled here to see the departure of those
connected with them. There have been the usual gunnery
and seamanship movements in the fleet to-day, and we
believe another admiral appointed (Rear-Admiral Plum-
ridge), who will take command of the paddle squadron,
with his flag in the Leopard, 18, Commodore Martin,
having declined that command. Her Majesty has no-
tified her intention to leave London to-morrow morning
at half-past nine, and will arrive here about a quarter
to 12. Sir James Graham and other members of the
Board of Admiralty arrived here this evening, and, for
want of shore accommodation will, we believe, sleep
on board their yacht, the Black Eagle, which has ar-
rived to attend upon them. Viscount Hardinge, the
Commander-in-Chief of the army, will also arrive to-
night, or by the first train in the morning, and take
up his quarters with Major-General Simpson, the
Lieutenant-Governor, who will also have his brother-
in-law, Rear-Admiral Dundas, and Rear-Admiral
Hope Johnston, &c., under his roof. The flsg-ship of
the fleet, the Duke of Wellington, is expected up to-
morrow, when the Neptune, 120 (Rear-Admiral Corry's
ship), is also expected to be got out to Spithead, so
successful have been the exertions to equip her for the
occasion. Captain Somerset and Lieutenant Nugent,
with 1 sergeant and 20 men of the Royal Engineer
corps, arrived from Woolwich this afternoon, at two
o'clock, to embark in the Duke of Wellington, for ser-
vice with the Baltic fleet. Vice-Admiral Sir Charles
Napier returned from London this afternoon.
Additional advance wages were paid yesterday at Spit-
head by the Admiralty staff to all the ships which had
completed their complements by draughts of newly-
raised men, Coast-guardmen, &c. These comprised the
Blenheim, Hogue, Edinburgh, Boscawen, Dragon, Im-
perieuse, and Frolic.
_ _

The Caesar will be warped into the stream to-morrow,
to paint and black down. The Dauntless will be ready
on Saturday.

Since the foregoing was written, the following official
orders have been promulgated :
Sir Charles Napier shifts his flag from the Princess
Royal to the St. Jean d'Acre to-morrow (Friday) morn-
ing at daylight, and the fleet will sail immediately after
the Queen has passed through on her way to Osborne.
The Duke of Wellington has been telegraphed not to
call here, but to go on to a certain rendezvous commu-
nicated to the fleet alone.

The ships that will sail in pursuance of these orders
comprise all those now at Spithead, except the Prince
Regent, 90 ; the Boscawen, 70 ; and the Bulldog.
It is to be hoped the tides will allow the Neptune, 120,
Capt. Hutton, flag of Rear-Admiral Corry, to be got out
to Spithead on Saturday, as she is now perfectly ready
for sea. Rear-Admiral Corry will proceed with the
second division as soon as the ships are ready, which,
we understand, will consist of—
Neptune, 120
Prince Regent, 90
Boscawen, 70

Valorous, 16
Odin, 16
Bulldog, 6, &c.

The Commander-in-Chief has since the despatch of the
above received telegraphic orders countermanding the
departure of any portion of the fleet until Saturday.

PLYMOUTH, MARCH 9.
Her Majesty's screw steam-ship Duke of Wellington,
131, has been supplied with a barge for the use of Ad-
miral Sir Charles Napier. 270 Minid rifles are to be

distributed to-day among her marines. 155 Coast-
gnardmen joined her yesterday from the flag-ship Im-
pregnable. The Duke will probably go into the Sound
on Friday.
The steam-ship Rhadamanthus, Belam master, sailed
on Wednesday afternoon with boats, gigs, cutters, and
jollyboats for the fleet at Portsmouth.

- The screw steam-ship James Watt, 91, will be ready
to go out of harbour about the 29th inst.

At the Royal William, Victualling-yard yesterday a
contract was made by Messrs. Hurrell and Crossing to
supply 2,000 quarters of wheat, at 83s. per quarter of
4801 b.

Advices from the Baltic steam surveying-vessel Hecla,
dated Nyborg, Holstein, March 3, are in hand. They
state that the efforts of the scientific officers on board
have been successful. The very besf feeling prevaills on
the part of the Norwegian authorities. The day afteil
the steamer's arrival at Christiania a deputation from the
StOrthing invited the officers to a public breakfast, but
this was very prudently declined, rather than run the
risk of any political expressions, which might be injudi-
cious at the present moment.
The Hecla is the first British steam-vessel of war
which has ever entered the harbour of Christiansand.
She will probably be off Deal about the 15th inst.
THI7REIDAY EVENING.
Her Majesty's screw steam-ship Duke of Wellington,
131, with the flag of Captain Michael Seymour, Cap-
tain of the Fleet, came down the harbour this afternoon,
and passed the end of the breakwater about 3 o'clock,
bound to Spithead. The weather being thick, she was
under steam only, going easy. She will probably
spread her canvass when the weather clears, there being
a light favourable breeze from west-south-west.

SHEERNESS, Minn 8.
The Chatham pay yacht, Grundy master, arrived
at 9 30 a.m. this day in tow of the steam-vessel Adder,
James Munchin, acting second master, with the Treasury
clerks from Chatham yard. They have been engaged
during the day paying portions of the crews of the
Cressy, Majestic, and Horatio.
Orders have been received for the Driver, 6, paddle-
wheel steam-sloop, Commander the Hon. A. Cochrane,
to leave here to-morrow, if practicable, to complete the
taking on board her stores, ammunition, &c. She was
undocked yesterday, and has proceeded to her harbour
moorings on the west shore.
An order has been received here this afternoon for the
Miranda, 14,- screw steam-sloop, Captain E. M. Lyons,
to leave here to-morrow. She is now receiving stores
from-Deptford,' a schooner being at present alongside to
complete her victualling stores.
The Myrtle steam-vessel, Charles Ansley (Acting-
Second Master) in command pro tern., arrived here this
day from Chatham, having on board Rear-Admiral M.
F. F. Berkeley and Captain Alexander Milne, from the
Admiralty. After transacting business at the yard, they
returned again in the Myrtle at 4.30 p.m. en route for
London, via North Kent Railway from Strood.
The Cressy, 80 guns, screw steam-ship, Captain
Richard L. Warren, is ordered to sail to-morrow, at 7
a.m. The African steam tug-vessel, J. Gill master, is
ordered to attend her clear of this port. She is not more
than 40 short of her full complement.
An order has been received here for all the engineers
serving in the harbour-duty steam-vessels to hold them-
selves in readiness for immediate service in sea-going
ships. Mr. John Turner, Engineer of the Fearless, and
Mr. Hall, Engineer of the Myrtle, have received their
instructions to join the Miranda this evening, ready to
proceed to sea to-morrow.
Mr. Eugene C. Batty, and Mr. William H. Ives,
Mates, serving on board the flag-ship Waterloo, have
this day been ordered immediately to join the MonaTch.
The Majestic, 80. screw steam-ship, was docked again
last evening to complete the fitting of the feed pipes for
Grant's patent cooking and distilling apparatus. Her
trial of machinery is therefore postponed until she leaves
the dock. They are progressing rapidly with her fit-
ment. Topmasts are pointed ready for sending up, and
she is daily obtaining smart seamen volunteers.
THE OUT-PENSIONERS OP GREENRIIIH.
Quartermaster-Sergeant George Mills (who has served
25 years in active service in the 51st Regiment of Light
Infantry) has arrived here from the Pension-office,
Tower-hill, London, with 20 out-pensioners, 11 of whom
are passed for service in the Wellington, for harbour
duty, six for duty as seamen-riggers in her Majesty's
dockyard, and three have been objected to by the medi-
cal ezamining officers here. Another draught is daily
expected here for similar duties in ordinary and
dockyard.

M. Reeves and Mr. Frost, shipwrights in this estab-
lishment, have been appointed writers to assist the mea-
surers in making up task and job accounts for the work-
ing parties of the yard.
The Admiralty have given directions that no men in
the yard whose age exceeds 45 years should be allowed
to serve in the Royal Dockyard Artillery corps. The
number of officers have been reduced one captain and
two lieutenants: Their lordships gere pleasecLto give
directions that it iEolird-b-e—riie knoWn t 6 the officers,
and any one of the captains, and two of the lieutenants
who were desirous of retiring from the corps that they
would be at liberty to do so. Captain James Ward and
Lieutenants Cressy and Blurton have therefore retired,
and their retirement has been approved at the Admi-
rai Ls.

An oidor has been received here to clear all the bat-
tery service magazines of powder, shot, and shell, used
for practice by the Royal Dockyard Corps, in order that
they may complete the charging these magazines with
powder, shot, and shell for immediate use, and for the
supply of any ships requiring the same, or to be tran-
sported for the use of the fleet on the shortest notice.