The Sun.
London, England, 1849-07-26 00:00:00

[PRICE SD.

BREAKWATER FOR PORTLAND

ROADS.
(FROM A CoP.REsPoNDENT
.)
This project originated, as it is generally known, by
the late Mr. John Harvey, engineer, of Weymouth, since
whose death, it has been advocated by his son, post-
ouster of the same place, with a zeal and ability, that
entitle him to the highest respect and commendation.
The utility of such an undertaking, arising front a consi-
deration of the importance of its situation, the facility
of its access and egress at all times and seasons, the ex-
cellence and security of its anchorage, its vast extent,
end capability of Off ‘rding every accommodation, and of
supplying the demands of all classes of shipping, render
it one of the most desirable and valuable objects that has
been offered to public attention for many years. The
estimated expense of its erection can never be regarded
as an obstacle to its adoption with a humane, liberal, and
patriotic nation—a nation distinguished above all the
other nations of the globe by the unlimited circulation of
its commerce, and its proud pre-eminence over the sea.
It cannot, however, be too strongly impressed upon the
mind, that "in the piping times of peace"—in the hour of
danger and distress—in a war with ambitious invaders,
or of the elements themselves—our gallant and enter-
prizing navies may always bore alike secure a place of
rendezvous, of defence, and safety—
_

"Portusve propegnacula belle
Tuts."—Vine.
Crowned, therefore, with such numerous, unparalleled,
and incomparable advantages, in peace, in war, in stress
addition, however,
what a great accommodation is afforded. In
however, to the able and judicious remarks of
Mr. John Harvey, embodied in a small pamphlet,
and illustrated with three engravings, the s h", 9
of the Portland Breakwater has been u fullyet
in-
vestigated in Nos. 355. 382, 412, 555 and ti 3
of ,the Mechanics' Magazine, in Lewis's splen-
did " Topographical Dictionary of England," and
by many other portions of the press. From these no
tires, it is satisfactorily proved, that the subject has ob-
tained extensive notoriety and popularity, and that its
advantsges and importance are properly appreciated by
the maritime and commercial interests of the kingdom.
Indeed every day's experience confirms the favourable
impression so generally entertained in relation to this
project, and furnishes most powerful arguments for the
necessity of its adoption. Iu one word, can it be sup-
posed, that a place, where, in bad weather 50 sail upon
an average per week, and where, during a winter's tem-
pestuous gales, 100 sail at one period, and upwards of
3,000 altogether, have found a secure asylum, will ever
fail to attract the attention, and occupy the consideration
of the British nation, to a cultivation of all the benefits,
of which its situation and capabilities will admit. Whilst
life and property are valued and respected, the break-
water for Portland Roads will doubtless never cease to
appeal in the most affecting and imperative terms to our
humanity, pride, and ambition, as an enlightened, great
and glorious people.
Having been lately travelling in the West of
England, I accidentally became detained here by circum-
stances of a private nature, and was thus afforded an
opportunity of acquiring some local information relative
to the projected break eater in Portland Roads, which I
think of too interesting a nature to withhold from the
public; and as you have alluded to the subject in some
former numbers of your valuable and highly esteemed
journal, I consider it, with your permission, the most
proper medium for giving it publicity.
I found that among persons interested—especially
such as are in atiy way concerned with shipping—the
subject of a breakwater for Portland Roads continues a
favourite subject of conversation, and still more, of
serious reflection. There have been few winters more
lamentably distinguished than that of Nov., 183:364, for
the sacrifice of life and property by shipwreck; jot it is
a remarkable fact that not a siegle accident has occurred
within a considerable distance of this roadstead. Darit,g
the whole of the late tempestuous weather Portland
Roads presented an incessantly varying scene of bustle
and activity; but though the craft driven in here for
shelter by the southern and westerly gales were con-
stantly changing, they seldom averaged less in number
than an hundred sail. Among the detenus there were
some Americans, whose commanders came occasionally
on shore and were loud in the expression of their admi-
ration of the roomy protection afforded to shipping in
Portland Roads. I may particularly mention Captains
Davis and Libbits, who observed that although they had
made several voyages to this country, they bad not had
a previous opportunity of witnessing the commodiousness
and security of this roadstead, having been not only ig-
norant of its peculiar locality, but actually given to un-
derstand that, so far from its affording protection, it was
exceedingly dangerous of approach, and offered equally
bad anchorage! If, then, its present natural advantages
are so palpable as to call forth such admiration from
strangers—and these strangers persons fully competent
to judge of its capabilities—how would it be raised in
estimation and utility by the addition of the contem-
plated breakwater? The number of vessels which took
refuge here during the late tempestuous weather was up-
wards of 1,000, and full 2,000 more entered the bay, to
avoid the flood tide. There was no other haven in tie
channel where they could have come to an anchor; and
but for this convenient roadstead there is every probabi-
lity that many hundreds of lives and many thousand
pounds' worth of property would have been added to the I
heavy losses of the winter of Nov., 1833-4. To the
original projector, the late Mr. Harvey, and his son, Mr.
John Harvey, too much praise cannot be awarded tcr
the seal and perseverance with which they have never
ceasedto press it on the public attention.

We have been favoured with the copy of a letter ad-
dressed to the late Sir Herbert Taylor in reference to
the above project, which, with the answer, we have the
pleasure to communicate to our readers. Considering
the consequences attached to any proceeding of this
kind, we cannot but hail with confidence and anticipation
the flattering reception which the subject received in so
high and influential a department of,the Administration.
Having so lately and so repeatedly expressed our seriti•
mews upon the innumerable advantages to bo derived
from this undertaking, we are sure that we cannot do
better on the present occasion than introduce to imme-
diate notice the above-mentioned correspondence.
(Copy.)
" To Lieutenant-General Sir Herbert Taylor, &c., &c.,
Windsor.

" Weymouth, 22d August, 1831.
" Sir,—As eminent public men are at once the surest
and most proper means of introducing any object o
general interest to notice, I hope I do not presume too
much in requesting the favour of your acceptance of the
the accompanying Remarks on the subject of a Break-
water for Portland Roads.' I am assured your well-
known liberality will excuse this liberty; the import
ante of the subject speaks for itself, and will be a suffi-
cient introduction, and, however it may be regretted
that it has not fallen into abler hands for illustration, I
feel a conscious pride in adding that it could not have
fallen into more zealous.

"I have the honour to be with the greatest respect
Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

" JOHN HARVEY."

" To Mr. John lltrvey, Weymouth.
" Windsor Castle, Aug. 26, 1831.
"Sir,—l beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 22d inst , and its enclosures, with many thanks for
the communication. I have had the honour to submit
them to the King, who was pleased to order me to refer
thew to the Navy Board.
" I have the honour to be, Sir,
"Your most obedient servant,
u. TAYLOR."
The great benefits which the naval and mercantile in-
terests will derive from such an undertaking are obvious,
and a work of such magnitude and such public utility,
cannot be too often brought into discussion, for, by so
doing, its mei ita are more apparent. No local scciety
could commence, with the chance of success, so Hercu-
lean a labour, whereas, as a national undertaking, it
must succeed.

There are numerous springs of excellent water ean‘i-
guous to 11,e proposed breakwater, sufficient fur the
use of the wh( le British navy if required. The Channel
off Portland, on the English side, and off Cherbourg, on
that of the French, is the main passage for all vessels
coming to England eastward, and going from it west-
ward; it has been ascertain( d that during fine and clear
weather a vessel mid-channel can command a sight of
Cape la Hogue, Alderney, Portland, and the Isle of
Wiht. A relation of the different shipwrecks that have
occurred in the neighbourhood of Portland is deemed
needless, the public not being ignorant of them. The
prevention of such lamentable occurrences must surely
supply additional excitement to our exertions in order
to accomplish the great national work proposed. It is a
material fact that Admiral Christian's fleet would, in all
probability, not have persevered to reach Torbay had the
breakwater been then reared, so that Portland Road'
might have been considered a safe refuge on the occasion.
A few of the transports succeeded in clearing Portbind-
bill from the west-bay, and took shelter in Portland.
Roads on the same unfortunate night. (I,sooperibilah.ias
on that occasion.) Nature seems to have placed
island, or more properly peninsula, in a
for the use of man when exposed to storms.
between
peculiars position
between
The intended railroad, 'with the
now :ncdoenrnosxuion
Weymouth and Dorchester,,
this country, will become
general subject of railways
au object of vast importance, stair bears on the subject of
the breakwater. The harbour ofd%eVeymonth could also
be extended into the sea to any pti -
required, under
the protection that would be afforded, by the Portland
breakwater, which would prevent a recurrence of the
disastrous cff,cts of the
.storm of November, 1824.
Situated as Weymouth is in a direct line with Bristol,
what an eflicientauxiliary may it not be male, nowthat
the breakwater is commenced, for the p tran‘ ort of
mer-
chandise and Portland stone from so central' a de". ;
the British Channel, and in the direct lice ofthorPoUgloi:
faro to and from Guernsey and Jersey, as well as the
south of France.
It is bruited far and wide through l'ttho A
e tight little
island," and meets with universal abe
expected
approbation.
con-
trary result, indeed, could not fromwell
be
nation whose commerce and freedom depend so muclai
upon her uncontrollable sovereignty by sea; and we sin-
cerely hope that all who are concerned in the affairs of
the great deep, and love and honour " the land they live
in," will concur in promoting it. At a time of general
tranquillity and prosperity it more properly becomes a
wise and gallant people to make provision against the
contingencies of war, as well as to establish a surer and

Aatiotair the permanency of peace /nil the
of its blessings.
subject we have the pleasure to insert the
tter addresied to Mr. Harvey, Weyinoulh, by
. L. G. ThouiaF, Bart.; and when it is rrmembered
that tho gallant writer was the earliest member of the
It)yal Yacht Club, and is not undistinguished in nautical
matter; arid thoroughly acquainted with all the bearirgs
of this interesting and grand national project, we are
satiA“l that a more rekspectable authority cannot be
cited.

" Sir,—l am exceecligi oe3b7OeL:it he
0, 9 7 h July, 1329.
n"Wy
fur t
of your valurik!e. remarks resixig eting- ou
the pro' e tav
ect Of a
breakwater for Portland 'loath, and shall feel much
pleasure in prihenting them to the Royal Yacht Club by
whom lam sure they Will be highly approved. In 'my
opinion, which is founded upon a familiar knowledge of
the locality, such an undertaking is urgently demanded
for the protection and advancement of the na-..al and
mercantile interests of this country; and if the import-
ance of the situation and all its superior advantages were
properly understood and appreciated, I am persus.dt d it
would be prosecuted without the slightest delay. In the
mean time every wellwisher to this national wo:k must
feel obliged to you for your praiseworthy and persever-
ing endeavours to impress a due consideration of its
utility and importance upon the public mind, and I sin-
cerely hope that before long it will be commenced.
"I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,
" W. L. G. Trtoms.s.
" To Mr. Harvey, postmaster, Wey mouth."
In addition to the above observations, and in confirma-
tion of their value and correctness, we shall now submit
the sentiments of the late Sir John Sinclair, who, it is
well known, was the first to bring over to this country
the plan of the 'cones at Cherbourg, and to rouse the
attention of the British Government to that important
undertaking. Sir John declares that "he has no doubt
either of the policy or the practicability of executing
the Portland Breakwater," and remarks that, "perhaps
the future safety of the country may depend upon its
erection."

It seems, then, undoubted that a structure of this
kind would rank among the first maritime stations in
the world, be not unworthy the renown of Old England,
and render Weymouth more gloriously inviting for the
renewed presence of the royal line.

I
LAYING THE FIRST STONE OF PORTLAND
BREAKWATER BY PRINCE .ALBPRT.
SOUTHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY.—IIiS Royal Highness
Prince Albert arrived in the Fairy yacht at a few mi-
nutes before nine o'clock, this moraing,pn a to).. -
Portland, near Weymouth, whera_heitjairili_a.,'-'. the foundation-stone of the breakwate '
strutted there. His Royal Highness, who was attended
by Colonels Phipps and Seymour, landed immediately
on hiss arrival, and at once entered: the state railway
carriage; and after a few minutes spent in conversation
with Mr. Mills, Mr. Stovin, and other gentlemen con-
nected with the London and South Western Railway,
started for Dorchester. The train, which was a special
one, was one hour and a half in performing the journey.
His Royal Highness was received at Weymouth with
every demonstration of attachment and respect, and
with expressions of sincere gratefulness for his kind
condescension in complying with the solicitations
of the civic auth Tities to give eclat to the
commencement of the Portland Breakwater, by
personally identifying himself with that great national
work. Attended by the Gallant Naval Commander-
in-chief at Portsmouth, Admiral the Hon. Sir Thomas
Bladen Capel and other officers, the mayor and corpora-
tion, the staff of engineers, the clergy of the neighbour-
hood, &c., the Prince went through the interesting cere-
mony in a most busine2,s-like manner, the conclusion of
which was marked by salutes from thefguns of the Royal
Marine Artillery, and the enthusiastic cheering of the
crews of the men-of-war, and the many thousands of
-pectators. Siisi-quently his Royal Highness received
the congratulations of the authorities, to which he re-
plied in appropriate terms ; and after partaking of some
refreshments, returned by land to Southampton at 6.30
o'clock, when the train proceeded at once to the docks,
where his Royal Highness alighted, and having em-
barked in the Fairy, steamed at once for Osborne.
The Victoria and Albert yacht was at Portland, in
readiness to convoy his Royal Highness across the
Channel to Osborne, but the weather proving boisterous,
the Prince preferred returning by the special train by
way of Southampton.
In addition to the royal yacht, the following of her
Majesty's vessels were present at Portland on the occa-
sion:—the Fire Queen, steam-tender, with the flag of
Admiral the Hon. Sir T. B. Capel, K.C.8.; the Sph3 nx,
6, steami-sloop, Commander Hewlett; the Stromboli, 6,
stiltm• sloop, Commander Lord A. W. Beauebrk, and
the two exercising brigs for the naval apprentices;
Nautilus, 6, Lieutenant-Commander Dolling, from
Devonport; the Rolla, 6, Lieutenant-Commander Fen-
wick, from Portsmouth.

(CURT CIRCULAR.
OSBORNE, WEDNESDAY.
The Queen and younger branches of the Royal Fa-
mily walked this morning early in Osborne Park.
His Roy al Highness the Prince Albert left Osborne,
attended by Colonel the Hon. C. B. Phipcs and Colonel
Seymour, at hal&past seven, and proceeded in the Fairy
yacht to Southampton, en route to Portland, where his
Royal Highness lays the first stone of the proposed
breakwater.
There was no addition to the Royal dinner party yes-
terday.
Lord and Lady Bloomfield left Osborne this day on
their return to London.

Yesterday was the birth-day of her Royal Highness
the Duchess of Cambridge. The auspicious event was
celebrated at Kew, where a select party of the nobility
paid their respects to her Royal Highness.
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester left
town on Tuesday for her residence in Richmond Park.
I Mr. Parker, M.P., Mr. Chapman (Deputy Chairman
of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway),
Mr. Ellison,and Mr. Stevenson (Directors of the Com-
pany), bad an interview with the Commissioners of
Railways yesterday, at their Office in the Board of
Trade.
Mr. R. Terry, Judge of the Supreme Court of New
South Waits, had an interview with Earl Grey yester-
day. Mr. B. Colin had also an interview with the Noble
Earl yesterday, at the Colonial-office.
The Commissioners of Inquiry into the use of iron in
railway structures had a meeting yesterday, Lord Wrot-
tesley in the chair, at the Board of Trade.
Sir Thomas Fremantle, Chairman of the Customs, had
au interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer y es-
terday, at his official residence in Downing-street.
A deputation, consisting of Mr. Maitland (agent for
the owners of the Halbeath and Townhill Railway), Sir
Charles Adam (a party), and Mr. Jopp (Engineer), had
an interview yesterday with the Commissioners of Rail-
ways. A second deputation were also present at the in-
terview with the Commissioners, consisting of Mr.
Webster, Mr. S. Macdoual, Mr. R. S. Clyd, and Mr.
Bouch, Consulting Engineer.
Dispatches were received yesterday at the Colonial-
office from the Governors of New South Wales, the
Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Gibraltar.

Yoe Marquis of Lansdowne left town on Tuesday for
Wilton Hulse.

THE NEWSVENDERS' FETE.— The annual dinner
given to persons employed in the newspaper trade was
celebrated yesterday, at the Ilighbury Tavern, Isling-
ton. Shortly after two o'clock the " boys," amounting
to nearly 300 in number, did ample justice to a substan-
tial repast. The remainder of the day was spent by
them in playing at various healthful games suited to
their age. Shot tly after seven o'clock, the " boys that
were," amounting to nearly 400 adult persons employed
in tile newspaper trade, sat down to dinner under the
presidency of Mr. Spilling. An instrumental band was
in attendance on both occasions, and played a number
of popular pieces. The usual loyal toasts were received
with enthusiasm, as were also those that appertained to
the occasion, including " The Founders of the Peast,"
" Success to the News Trade," " The Stewards of the
Day," " The Chairman," &c. A ball in the large room
concluded the festivities of the day. The whole pa-sed
off with (clot, considering the unpropitious :tile of the
weather, which in some degree prever.ted the guests
reaping the full enjoyment derivable from spending a
summer evening in the pleasant grounds attached to the
Highbury Tavern,
REPRESENTATION 01' READING.—READING, WED-
NESDAY EVENING.—A requisition to Mr. Charles Rus-
sell, Chairman of the Great Western Railway, and one
of the late Members for this borough, to come forward
as a candidate on the Conservative interest for the va-
cant seat here caused by the elevation of Mr. Sergeant
Talfourd to the judicial bench, has being lying for sig-
nature today, aLd has already received a large number
of signatures. A handbill has also been circulated
flouncing that a gentleman of known integrity,
of the
and sound principles, and everyll"p'3,ese"notr;iiMstlf for
support of the Liberal electors,
well
meeting of the
their suffrages forthwith; a
haenddintdateple'iliddeanyt.
constituency favourable.
and Liberal candidate stot
intendedhned re return rt no
be
ef
the qui vice consequent been en
We may add that the Ll,iberaelsnthoanvetfboer
esoxmpeectdedaypsropmasot.
have been mentioned as likely to come
tion of the Learned Sergeant, and although the names
1( several parties
no candidate has 'up to the present time an-
nouncedhimself: It is stated that Mr. A. Morrison,
who awasrd unsuccessful at Wallingford, son of Mr. James
,Aoloorffrie ,r 0 of
himself
Ba
assi 1 daocna-npadirk near
candidate
t eou the this
Lt
bwdenry
illorw..hSeerran
al ti
merest.
egeheetnrfahlariluedr with greater
eTahnet appointmenty
u d g esh
ip
has
to the va-
satisfaction than by his native townsmen and consti-
tuents.
THE FIRE IN RING EDWARD-STREET, CITY.—
Yesterday an inquiry took place before Air. Payne, at
the Ball and Mouth, opposite the Post-office, into the
cause 01 a fire which took place on Sunday mre fling
eat ly, at the Its?d Lion, King Edward. street, Little
Pritaie. It was clearly proved the tire was accidental.
Mr. Tabernacle, the landlord, bitterly complained of re-
ports prejudicial to his character which had been spread
about the neighbourhood by a policeman, whom lie had
refused to serve in church hours on one Sunday morn-
ing. It had been stated confidently that lie had set the
house on fire, when the fact was at the time it occurred
ha himself was at Gravesend, and everyone iu the house
in question was in bed. The jury returned a verdict
that the fire was accidental,
slaignhdtesthtaitmtpheja i.tiaolin• nothingo n\r
.
in the evidence to cast the
Tabernacle.
RAILWAY ACCIDENT.—BIRMINGHAM, JULY 2,3.
Moe was a rumour in Birmingham to-day that a fatal
accident had occurred on the London and North-Western
The facts were much
train came in contact
elixnaen,
gneeraarteCci,o.veiTtthrye,,dtohwisnmmoronrinnign.g
with an engine left on the hue, by which it was detained
nearly all hour. One or two passengers were slightly
injured, but none fatally

..9
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,i, (-.'- better foundation for the permanent;
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enjuopyomne natios f:utsbibcleetsswinegs.
hove the ply
copy ( r a letter addresied to Mr. Har,
:7-7-- Sir %V. L. G. ThoutaF, Bart.; and vilic
that the gallant writer was the earli
11.Jyal Yacht Club, and is not undistin