The Sun.
London, England, 1849-12-25 00:00:00

:171-1E SUN,

THE LONDON GAZETTE.

(THIS EVENING.)

LONDON,

WHITEHALL, DEC. 22, 1849.

The Queen has been pleased to direct letters patent to
ba passed under the Great Seal, granting the dignity of a
Baronet of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland unto Thomas Neville Abdy, of Albyns, in the
county of Essex, Evil, and to the heirs male of his body
lawfully begotten.
The Queen has also been pleased to direct letters
patent to be passed under the Great Seal, granting the
dignity of a Baronet of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland unto James Phillips Kay Shuttle
worth, of Gawthorpo Hall, is the county palatine of
Lancaster, Esq., and to the heirs male of his body law-
fully begotten.
WHITEHALL, DEC. 20.

The Lord Chancellor has appointed William Foster,
of Halifax, in the county of York, Gent. to be a Master
Extraordinary in the High Court of Chancery.
The Lord Chancellor has appointed Octavius Gardner
Walter, of Taunton, in the county of Somerset, Gent.,
to be a Master Extraordinary in the High Court of
Chancery.

NAVAL JNTELLIGENCE.

Nothing but routine business will be transacted at
the Admiralty during the present week, as almost all
the members and officers are spending the Christmas
holidays in the country. The First Lord is at his
country residence, Stratton Park, near Andover ;
Rear-Admiral Deans Dundas, C. 8., M.P., is staying
at Sarsden, Chipping Norton; the Hon. Admiral
Berkeley, C. 8., M.P., is at Berkeley Castle ; Captain
Lord John Hay, C. 8., M.P., is at Erlstoke Park,
Westbury ; and Mr. Parker, M.P., the First Secre-
tary, has proceeded on a visit to Arundel Castle. The
only two Lords in town are Captain Milne and the
Hon. W. Cowper, the latter having returned yester-
day from Brocket Hall, Welwyn.
Commander M'Clure, of the Investigator, dis-
covery-ship, has been appointed acting-senior officer
at Woolwich, vice Commander Eden. Captain
Austin, C. 8., Captain Hope, C. 8., and Captain Col-
linson, C. 8,, absent on leave.
Mates—Alexander Phillips (1848), has been ap-
pointed at Portsmouth for rank; R. T. G. Legg, to
the Investigator.
Second Master—Alfred Messum (1843), to the
Excellent, gunnery-ship, at Portsmouth.
DOCKYARD.--Mr. W. Wharton, third-class clerk
of Sheerness Dockyard, has been promoted to be
second• class clerk, and Mr. Leonard Groves has been
appointed a third-class clerk at that establishment.
The Indefatigable, 50, Captain Smart, is not yet
ready for sea at Davenport, although she has had
work done on her since she was reported complete,
which would occupy 2,000 men one day.
The Phaeton, 50, Captain G. Elliot, is reported to
be out of the hands of the dockyard at Sheerness by
Jan. 20, and to be ready for sea a fortnight after-
wards. She has entered little more than half her
complement, including her marines and boys. The
pinnace, built on Admiral Elliot's plan for the Eury-
dice, is ordered to be repaired at Portsmouth, and re-
issued to the Phaeton. She proceeds to Portsmouth
when reedy.
Tho Enterprise, Captain Collinson, C. 8., and In-
vestigator, Commander M'Clure, have entered a few
men since our last report.
The Britomart, 8, Commander Chamberlain, ar-
rived at Davenport on Friday night from the coast of
Africa station, having left St. Helena Nov. 1,
Ascension Nov. 18, and Sierra Leone Nov. 24. She

landed her mails, and was mustered and inspected by
Flag-Captain Sir Thomas Maitland previously to
going into harbour to be paid off. The Britomart bas
been in commission since July 12, 1847, and has
taken three prizes in the course of her service on the
coast. Most of her principal officers have been in her
during• the whole term.

The African squadron was healthy, and the slave
trade active, neither the steamers nor sailing cruisers
having the success which characterised the efforts of
the cruisers of former years.
The Centaur, steam-frigate, Captain Buckle, with
the broad pendant of the Commander-in-Chief;
Commodore Fanshawe, C. 8., with the Alert, 8, Com-
mander Dunlop; Bonetta, 3, Lieutenant-Commander
Forbes ; and the Frazer, screw-schooner, Lieutenant-
Commander Selwyn, were at Sierra Leone, when the
Britomart left. Seven slave prizes, two of them
taken by the Rattler, screw-sloop, Commander Can-
ning, and the others by the Kingfisher, 12, Comman-
der Harvey, the Flying Fish, 12, Commander Patey,
and the Phcenix steam-sloop, Commander Wood-
house, were at Sierra Leone for adjudication.
We reported some time since that the ship's com-
pany of the Royalist, Lieutenant-Commander Eve
rest, having fallen into a sickly state from service at
Borneo, she was ordered to China. She has arrived
at Hong-Kong, and we are gratified in being able to
announce that both officers and men were much im-
proved in health.

The Hecate, steam-sloop, Commander Shadwell,
arrived :at Madeira on the 23d November, and pro-
ceeded to Bermuda, and the Chesapeake, on the 26th,
with Sir Lytton Bulwer.
The Trident, 3, steam-vessel, Lieutenant-Com-
mander Risk, had arrived at Queenstown, from
Devonport, with supernumeraries for the Superb, 80,
Captain Purcell, and was dispatched to assist a vessel
in distress.

The Lucifer, 2, steam-vessel, Lieutenant Corn-
mender Lloyd, was paid wages on Friday, and left on
Sunday, for Queenstown.

The-tirchei, screw-sloop, in charge of Mr. Hen.
derson and party, arrived at Devonport at eight ♦.m.
on Sunday morning. She sent on board the Impreg-
nable some supernumeraries, after which she was
taken up the harbour to her moorings, where she will
remain as one of the steam reserve.

The Violet, Dover steam-packet, requires new
boilers. She will be undocked at Woolwich on the
31st.

PORTSMOUTH, aptain Henry Byam
Martin, C. 8., succeeds to the half-pay of 14s. 6d.
per diem ; and Captain Sir George Back to the half-
pay of 12s. 6d. per diem.
Mr. Freeland, gentleman cadet, passed on Friday
(with the others whose names we gave on Saturday)
for a commission in the Royal Marine Corps.
The Kingfisher, 12, Commander Harvey, cruising
in the Bights of Benin, captured in the latter part of
October a brig equipped for the slave trade, which,
she 'sent into St. Helena for adjudication. On the 3d
of November she took a schooner after two hours'

chase, with 305 slaves on board, which she shipped at
Whydah the previous day. The melancholy news
of the death of Mr. Duncan, the British Consul, is
conveyed in our letter. He died on board the King-
fisher, on the 3d of November, after a few day? ill-
ness. The Ranger and Phcenix were in the Bights,
all well, on the sth of November.

The Prince Albert freight-ship embarked this
morning, at Cowes, a draught of the 97th Regiment,
consisting of Captain Brabazon and 41 men, and Staff
Assistant- Surgeon Manners, for Jamaica.
WooLwic 11, DEC. 24 —The Terrible steam-frigate,
Captain Hope, 0.13 , has received her sailing cyders,
and will leave Woolwich on Wednesday, the 26th ult.
The Mary lighter NI brougl- t down from Deptford
yesterday by the Monkey steam-vessel, with stores
for the Enterprise and Investigator; and every exer-
tion is making to get these vessels ready for sea with
the least possible delay.
The Dasher steam-vessel, Lieutenant Commander
A. Parks, arrived here yesterday from Sheerness to be
refitted. She was recently employed on the coast of
Scotland, protecting the fisheries.
The Hermes steam-vessel is now in an advanced
state, and will be brought forward for commission at
this port.
The Argus steam•sloop, launched at Portsmouth
on the 15th instant, when docked and coppered, is
to he brought round to the river to have her oscil-
lating engines of 300-horse power, fitted by John
Penn and Son. The Messrs. Penn are also to fit
the Tiger steam-sloop, recently launched at Chatham,
and now in the East India Docks, with oscillating
engines of 400 horse power, and not Messrs. Sea-
ward and Co., as was previously stated. The Magi-
cian and the Retribution steam frigate are also to be
fitted each with oscillating engines of 400-horse-
power by the same firm.
It is understood Mr. Morris, Master-Attendant at
the Victualling lard, Deptford, since 1836, and Mr.
James Napier, Master-Attendant at Malta since 1837,
will be superannuated at the end of March next, the
close of the financial year.
Twenty-five more of the operatives in the steam-
engine factory at this dockyard have received notice
that their services will not be required after Saturday
next. It is not surprising that so many men can be
dispensed with, as it has been ascertained, by careful
calculation for one month, that four men working
with Nasymth's hammers were able to save each 1?

sterling, or 41. per day. The calculation was made
in the fairest manner, allowing for the amount of
capital expended in setting up the hammers, and a
percentage for wear and tear of the machinery, and
all other incidental expenses, compared with the
prices received for the old iron and the cost of the

re made bars to the Government. The saving effected
by the four men working with Nasmyth's hammers
was equivalent to the wages of twenty additional men
at 45. per day, or 1/. 4s. per week.

EDINBURGH MIDDLE DISTRICT AUXILIARY BIBLE
SOCIETY.—The quarterly meeting of the above society
was held in the Rev. Dr. M'Crie's church, Davie-street,
on Monday evening last. The meeting was pretty
numerous, and was addressed in forcible terms by Mr
Andrew Arthur, and elso by the Rev. J. W. C. Pen-.
nington, minister of the Presbyterian ccloured congre-
gatioa of New Ycrk, on the value and importance of
the Scriptures, and the duty of Christians doing all in
their power to send the Bible to such of their benighted
fellow-creatures as are not in possession of it. The lat-
ter individual described in eloquent terms several in-
teresting instances of depraved characters of the African
race having been brought to the knowledge of the Gospel
by the simple perusal of the Bible without note or
comment, and he also mentioned it as his opinion that
the free and extensive circulation of the Scriptures
in the United States will be ultimately the means of re-
leasing from slavery the negro population there, who are
still in ignorance, and groaning under the bondage of the
oppressor. Mr. Pen❑i❑gten is himself a runaway slave,
and is a very interesting specimen of his race ; his
kupirior intellectual and other attainments completely
disproving the theory of the natural mental inferiority
of the negro. The mission of Mr. Pennington to this
country, in advocating the claims of his race, is to raise
a fund for erecting schools and a meeting-house for the
numerous coloured congregation in New York, of which
ho is minister ; and Mr. Zeigler announced that he has
for sale a very interesting memoir of this individual, the
profits from which are also to be devoted to the above
objects.
FATAL ACCIDENT AT NOTTINGLIAM.—On Satur-
day night James Wheatley, upwards of 40 years old, a
bailiff's azsistant, was crossing the railway, near the
goods department at Nottingham, when he was knocked
down by an engine and tender, which were running up
awl down the line, and killed on the spot. The night
w;s very dark, and deceased had been cautioned not to
I cross the rails.

The vacant inspecting field• officership at Glasgow
is,, we hear, likely to be bestowed on Lieut.. Colonel
blade, 9f the 9014 Itegiment.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE.

(From the London New Price Current, Dec. 24.)
SUGAR.-Althoagh there has been a more plentiful
supply of Colonial at market, still prices generally have
ruled firm, and home dealers continue to be desirous to
get into stock; although large parcels have been brought
forward, still nearly the whole found purchasers. The
quantity of Foreign sold has been larger than previously
for all purposes, whilst better terms have been obtained.
An impression exists that for all useful sorts of Sugar
prices will advance early in the next year. Since our
last deliveries have exceeded arrivals: the stoek of free
labour sorts remains less than last year, with every pros-
pect that it will so continue. Of Foreign the quantity in
bond is not so large as of late. Prices for Sugar are
nearly on a par with this time last season. Previous
terms are well supported for West India Muscovado, and
the purchases amount to 1,200 hbda, So., for the three
market days, whilst prices ruled at from 34s 6,1 to 36s 6d
for low to fine brown, 36s 6d to 41s for yellow, and grey
35s 6d to 395, whilst yellow Barhadoea realised 383 to
42s per cwt. Business in the Sugar market was sus-
pended to day. and will remain so until Tuesday, Ist of
January, as is usually the case at this period of the year.
REFINED.-There has again been much activity in
the Refined Sugar market, and further advanced rates
are paid; indeed for low and middling sorts supplies are
not sufficient for home dealers' wants. For delivery se-
veral contracts have been concluded, and the market
, closed with a firm aspect. For brown lumps the value
is 50s to 503" 6d; standard lumps 51s to 51s 6d; tittles-8,
low to fine 50s 6,1 to 545, double 54s 61 to 555; Hambro'
loaves lyls to 64a 6d, and double 55s to 56e. Deliveries
from the sugar houses have again been larger than last
year at this time, but no falling oil' is looked for. Wet
lumps have sold freely at 478 to 47s 6d, and fine at 48s
to 48s 6d, whilst there are not generally sellers upon
these terms, and consumption is still getting greater.
For Treacle the market has a brisker appearance,
and higher prices are obtained for all kinds; the
supply is also smaller. Sales of boiled from West India
Molasses have been made at 15s to 15s 61, patent 16s to
17s, and golden syrupy 18a to 19s per cwt. There are
not free sellers at these rates, and consumption is still
getting upon a larger scale. Bastards have been in
lively demand, and stiffer rates are paid ; the value of
brown is 30s to 335, and yellow 34s to 375, whilst mid-
dling kinds met with most attention. The transactions
is Pieces have been to some extent, and at higher rates;
low to middling selling at 38s to 40s, and good to fine
41: to 435. In Bonded Crushed Seger the sales made
have been to some extent, whilst at 29s to 30s the market
is firm; for delivery several parcels have been done ut
similar rates. Treacle is still little wanted for shipping,
end cm be obtained at 13s ad to 14s. Sales of Wet
Lumps arc male at 28s to 23s 61. The sales made in
Bastards are small, at 18s to 21s for low to fine, end
Pieces 22s to 265. In Foreign Crushed Sugar business
to a fair extent has been done, and 25s to 29s is the value
of low to fine. For Loaves a good demand still exists,
whi Ist the rates paid are 31s to 32s 61 for 10 and 15 lbs
Uatnburgh, at which there are few sellers for delivery.
MAURITIUS.-With brown sorts the market has been
more freely supplied, and only a limited demand having
been experienced prices slightly gave way. Grey and
yellow met with a good sale and realised fully former
terms, although large parcels have been brought to
market. The public sales have comprised 7,500 bags,
and nearly the whole found purchasers; good and fine
yellow went at 38s 6d to 39s 61, low to mid 35s 6d to
38a, ord to good grey 34s 6d to 37s 6d. better sort 334 to
395, very low and mid brown 27s to 32, 61, geed to fine
33s to 35e 61 per cwt. The brown sugar was chi. fly
of the old crop, and of very inferior quality. Three
vessels have arrived with 14,000 bags of the new crop,
and the chief part is superior in quality to last year.
EAST INDIA.-For lower sorts of Madras there has
been a brisker sale, whilst the rates obtained have been
rather above those current previously, and the market
is less freely supplied. By private treaty several par-
cels have been sold: low to fine soft brown at 29s 61 to
31s, yellow ditto 31s 6d to 335, and rather bright 33s 6 I
to 35s per cwt, indeed some holders will net sell at
these rates, and thereare speculative purchasers. A large
amount of business has been done in better sorts, and
the parcels sold by private treaty are at rather higher
rates, whilst the supply at market is not much larger. At
auction 6,000 bags were all cold: fine colory at 43s to
44s 6d,, mid to good 39s 61 to 42i, good and fine white
like Benares 41s to 435. For Bengal former terms are
well supported for all kinds, and a good deal has been
done. The parcels sold by private contract and public
sale went as follows-low to fine white Benares 38s 6d
to 42s 6d, soft yellow 34s to 38s, brown 30s to 335, like
Mauritius, yellow 355 to 395, orown 31s to 345, strong
white 45s to 48s, and yellow ditto 383 to 445, but the
supply still consists chiefly of better sorts.
FOREIGN.-There has been a further increase in de-
mand for duty paid parcels, to supply the wants of home
dealers and refiners working under bond; indeed the
purchases made have been larger than for some time
past, and prices advanced 6d per cwt, although the
market has been fairly supplied. At auction 980 hhds
and 170 barrels Porto Rico sold, low to good yellow at
37s to 40s, fine 40s 61 to 43s 6d, and good brown 36s 61;
200 pkgs St. Croix 40s to 43s 6d for good and fine
yellow; 4,650 bags Java, ordinary brown 32s to 33s 6d,
and greyish yellow 36a to 36s 6d; 950 chests yellow
Havannah were taken in, buts old after the sale.
Privately 500 chests of Havannah realised 38s
61 to 41s 6d for yellow, and 1,000 hhds Cuba
Muscovado chit fly at from 36s to 36s 6d,
whilst there are speculative buyers rather under these
rates. Bonded parcels are in good demand, and
realised rather higher prices. Operations have been
a cargo of Bahia at 17s 9d for broeu, and white 19s 9d;
5,000 hags Manilla 16s to 18s 6d; 130 chests white
Bahia 21s 9d; 1,000 chests of yellow Havannah chiefly
at 23s to 25s for fine yellow and florette.

COFFEE.—To-day Cotieo was much sought after by
private treaty, and stiffer rates are paid. Sales of good
ordinary Native are reported at 54s 6d to 55s per cwt,
and some parties will not sell at these rates.

CocoA.:LA greater demand has been experienced for
all sorts, of foreign, and prices keep on the advance,
whilst only moderate parcels are offered for sale. At
auction 400 bags of Guayaquil were sold at 30s 6d to
31s per cwt. British Plantation met with less attention,
still lower rates are not acceded to, and a part only of
700 bags of Trinidad at auction found buyers. The
value of red is from 42s to 443, good to fine 45s to 50s,
and low to good grey 40a to 431 per cwt.a:The stock is
still larger than last year, but deliveries are nearly equal
to that time, and they are expected to get larger as. the
new year proceeds.
MOLASSES.—Of Bengal Treacle largo parcels nave
been sold at 14s to 14s 6d, and some parties will not
accept
.these prices, whilst the stock continues to get
smaller. There is firmness in the market for West
India Molasses, and a fair quantity has been sold at 15s
to 18s for low to fine, whilst deliveries are still greater
than arrivals.

MA.—Since our last report the dulness in the market
for Caper and Orange Pekoe has increased, whilst sup-
plies are more plentiful, and prices have declined Id to
lid per lb. Green met with little attention, and there
are sellers of most sorts rather under former terms,
whereas the quantity on offer is larger than for some
time past. Black Tea is dull of sale, and sellers are
willing to accept late terms, as supplies far exceed
dealers' wants. There are further arrivals, and the stock
is equal to this time last year, still there is no falling off
in home trade deliveries.
RICE —There has been much excitement in the
market for East India since our last report, and prices
have advanced 6d to 9d per cwt. The total purchases
amount to 40,000 hags chiefly on speculation, indeed
the market has been nearly cleared of parcels in first
hands, whilst white sorts met with the most attention.
For good and fine white Bengal prices rule at Ila to
11s 6d, mid 10s to lOs 6d, cargo 93 to 9s 6d, Madras
pinky white 9s to lOs 6d, and pearl barley 9s to 9s 6d
per cwt. An impression also exists that prices have not
yet arrived at their highest point, as there is every
prospect that arrivals will bo much less than in the
former season, as well as an increase in deliveries for all
purposes. For Cleaned Rice the market has a more
active appearance, whilst there are not free sellers of
low to fine Patna at 12s to 19s, and town dressed Carolina
at about 22a to 26s per cwt.
SAQo.—The public sales have been rather extensive,
viz., 470 cases 686 bags Pearl, which partly sold at stiff
rates; 22s 6d to 24s for fair to good; 460 bags Borneo
only part sold at 14s to 15s; 330 bags Sago Flour were
mostly bought in at 22s to 235.
SPICES.—For Nntmegs full terms have been obtained,
and at public sale 82 pkgs sold—goodmiddling and good
26 10d to 3s 3d, middling 2s 6cl to 2s 9d, low 2s 2d to
2s sd, very ordinary out of condition is 6d to 2s, wormy
6d to Is 7d. Mace is in more plentiful supply, and
prices have again fallen Id per lb. At public sale 70
pkgs were disposed of, middling and good at 2s 4d to
2s Bd, mouldy 2s to 2s 7d, low is 4d to is Bd, and
damaged 2s to 2s 4d, but the chief part went at 2s 4d to
2s 5d for sound. Pimento is still in scanty supply, and
the small parcels sold by private treaty were at sid to
6d per lb. In the value of Cinnamon there is no vari-
ation, and few buyers are to be mat with. Cloves
continue in good demand, and the market is firm ;
Bencolen at is 7d to 2s; Penang is 4d to Is 9d. At
auction 54 cases of good boll Bourbonlfetched 7-id to
7'43-d. Ginger is quiet, and at auction 1,224 bags 612
pkts Bengal went at rather lower rates; shipping sorts
selling at 19s 61 to 21s 6d, and damaged 13s to 19s.
Home trade sorts are held with firmness, and 4/ lOs to
ill is the value of low to fine Janiaice A small parcel
of middling Colima at auction realised 62s to 655. Of
Cassia Lignea 500 boxes went rather higher; first pile
at 100 s 6d to 101 s Gel; second ditto 98s 6d to 1008 6d,
third ditto 97s 6d, mouldy and broken 92s to 945. For
Malabar Pepper stiffer rates are paid to-day, and 1,153
bags of shot realised 3id to 31,d, and damaged aid to 3id.
SALTPETRE.—Fine and good sorts are wanted and
former rates of 27s to 28s 6d per cwt are supported, at
which sales to a fair extent have been made. The
market for other kinds is dull, and there are sellers at
25a 6d to 265. British refined is not much wanted, still
the rates asked are 29s to 30s. In Nitrate of Soda a
good trade has been done at 13s 3d to 13s 6d per cwt.
INDIGO.—Of East India several parcels have been sold
since our last report, and at prices exhibiting an advance
on those of the last quarterly sales of 2d per !h. but
ord sorts continue to meet with the most attention.
Holders appear to be sanguine in their expectations as
to the future position of the market for Indigo. For
Spanish a small advance have been paid, and supplies
are small.

FRUlT.—Operations in Raisins have bean small, and
a greater disposition is evinced to sell at 47s per owe,
In Currants operations have been upon a small scale,
and prices are on the decline for ord, but fine realize
full terms. The value is from 38s to 435. Figs are
offered at a reduction, and supplies are abundant of all
sorts.

new year. Holders of Jamaica have confidence, and
I 1 higher rates are expected to prevail shortly. Since our
last sales to a fair extent have been made; we quote 26
to 29 per cent °reproof at from 2s 2d to 2s 6d, 30 to 35
over 2s 6d to 2s 9d, good 2s 10d to 3s 2d, and fine at
3s 3d to 4s per gallon. There is every prospect that
imports in 1850 will be less than this year, and
that deliveries for all purposes will be better.
Brandy has been in improved demand, holders display-
ing greater firmness, and prices are on the advance.
Sales of Cognac, best brands of the vintage of 1848,
have been made at 4s 8d to 4s 10d, 1847 ditto at 5s 4d to
5s 6d, 1846 ditto 5s 8d to 5s 10d, 1845 ditto Gs 2d to
Gs 4d, inferior sorts 2s 10d to 4s 4d, and Bordeaux 2s 8d
to 2s 10d. Sales of Geneva are made at is 9d to is
10d, fine 2s 8d to 3s, British Spirit at 9s Bd, and Gin at
8s to 8s 6d per gallon.
TALLOW.—The demand for Russian has been less
active, yet holders generally displayed firmness and re-
quire 383 6d to 39s 6d per cwt on the spot for prime,
and 39s to 39s 3d for delivery in three first months of
next year. At these rates contracts to a fair extent
have been made, Home melted has sold freely at 37s
6d to 38s nett cash, but there are small parcels on offer.
Of Sydney 500 casks at public sale were only in part
disposed of at 37s to 38s Gd for sheep, and ox at 34s to
36s 6d, 1,360 packages South American low to fine 34s
3d to 38s 3d per cwt. Prices are still lower than in the
former years, but deliveries are less, and the stock is
greater. For Rough Fat the value is 2s 3d per atone,
and the supply is plentiful.
OlLS.—There are sellers of Cod at 30/ 10s to 31/ per
tun, still few buyers are to be met with, and lower rates
are expected to prevail. In the market for Seal there
has been much dulness, and prices have a downward
tendency; pale is to be obtained at 381 las to 391, straw
and tinged 341 to 371, yellow and brown 301 to 33/.
Whale Oil has been purchased with caution, and prices
are drooping, althoush a less quantity is on offer. At
auction 40 tuns Sealei,hent Oil were sold 321 to 33/,
while 12 tuna Davis' Straits Whale were taken in at 321
10s. Sperm continues iu excellent demand, and rates
rule firm, although a larger quantity has been offered
for sale. At auction 117 tuns were sold at 821 lOs to
83l for fine Colonial, with a few lots of Head-
matter at 851 15s to 861, whilst on the part of hol-
ders there is confidence on account of an en-
larged coneuraption. There has been no arrival of
Fish Oil since our last report. A much better sale
exists for Linseed Oil, chiefly from home dealers, and
prices have advanced, several parcels having been sold
at 28s 6d to 29s per cwt. on the spot. For delivery con-
tracts to a fair extent are reported at 28s to 29s for the
early part of next year, and some parties will not accept
these rates. Rapeseed Oil mot with little attention, but
as supplies are small prices continue brown is
held for 41s 6d to 425, pale 42s 61 to 435, and refined
foreign at 44s to 455. For Cocoa Nut Oil a much better
demand exists, and several parcels have been sold at
32s to 355, whilst the market has a firm appearance,
and is likely so to continue. There is still a good trade
doing ie Palm, and for fine the rates current are
32s Gd to 335, there is also not a more plentiful supply.
Perchates to a fair extent are made in Olive, and holders
remain firm; Gallipoli is quoted at 44/ lOs to 45/, and
other sorts at 42/ to 441 per tun.

SPIRITS.—There has been more disposition to transact
business in Demerara, and prices are firmer; parcels have
beta sold at 2s 2d to 2s 3d for 32 to 37 per cent over-
proof. Sales to a fair extent have been made in Leeward
Island at is 5d to is 51d proof, and the market is firm.
East India is held for is 3id to is 4d proof, whilst a
much better sale is expected to take plane early in the

TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 25, 1849,

ALLEGED MURDER.

BRISTOL, DEC. 24.—Considerable excitement was
created in this city last night by a report that a man
had been shot at Devonshire-buildings, Bed minster.
It appears that the deceased was a young man named
William Braund, and that yesterday (Sunday) after-
noon, about half-past four o'clock, he was taking a
walk in company with two other persons named
Edward Horgan and Henry Coggan. As they were
passing over Bedminster-bridge they saw two boys,
named Collins and Dauncy jumping, over some
iron posts. Denney was in the act of
leaping, when Horgan exclaimed, " Oirer it."
Both Denney and Collins immediately began abusing
the deceased and his companions in a most outrageous
manner. Horgan ran after them, when Collins
began to spar at him, and then ran off down Coro-
nation road closely pursued by Horgan, who caught
him by the railings of Zion Chapel, and struck him
twice. Whilst he was doing this Dauncy came
behind him and struck him in the face, and on
his letting go of Collins and running after him,
Dauncy pulled out a brass barrelled pistol and
presented it at him. Collins likewise pulled out
a large life-preserver, and waved it about in a
very threatening manner. Denney kept exclaiming,
"Come on; I'm not afraid of you. I'm ready for you.
I'll have you." Horgan, the deceased, and Coggan,
not wishing to create a disturbance in the streets on a
Sunday, went on, and Collins and Denney fhllowed,
jeering and abusing them. They stopped at the top
of Brown's-row, and as Collins and Denney stopped
too, Horgan looked round at them and said, I will
give it to you by-and bye." The deceased also said to
Collins, "I'll let your mother know that you have
got a life-preserver, and get something done
to you." Collins drew out the life-preserver, and
the deceased then rushed at him and laid hold of it.
Denney then tried to lay hold of the deceased to
make him let go. Coggan and Horgan stocd before
him and prevented his doing so. Denney then pulled
out the pistol again and presented it at the deceased,
and said, "If he doesn't let Collins alone shoot
him." Horgan said, " Will you ?" and he replied,
" Yes' and you too." Denney then put down the
pistol between his legs and cocked it, got up, rushed
past Horgan close to the deceased, and fired the pistol
at him. The deceased man Braund instantly
put his hand to his breast, staggered and
fell to the ground. A quantity of blood poured from
his mouth, and some persons who were passing
at some little distance ran up and endeavoured to
support him in their arms, but it was found that he
was quite dead. Dauncy, who in the meantime had
endeavoured to run away, was pursued, and shortly
afterwards captured. On his way to the station-
house he said, " That he supposed he should be
scragged ;" and afterwards he said, " That the pistol
was not loaded with ball, but shot." On being
searched, at the station-house, there were found in
his possession seven bullets, a bullet mould, four
percussion caps, 3/. ls. 6d. in money, and three pieces
of lead. The unfortunate deceased was as soon
as possible, by direction of Mr. Samuel Browne, one
of our city magistrates, who witnessed the latter part
of the occurrence from his dining-room window,
conveyed to the infirmary, where on examination it
was found that a bullet had passed through the lungs
in a slanting upward direction, passing through a
part of the windpipe and dividing a large artery.
It was extracted from the back of the opposite
shoulder, having lodged there. The bullet hal carried
a piece of the coat with it the whole of the way. The
deceased was in the employ of Mr. Gillett, wine-mer-
chant, Redcliff-street. He never spoke aftex he had
received the fatal shot. The prisoner is fourteen
years of age; he is the son of a journeymara miller,
and was in the employ of Mr. Prowse, surgeon. He
is apparently of a most hardened character, not having
betrayed the slightest emotion at the situation in
which he is placed, or expressed the least commisera-
tion for the fate of the unfortunate deceased. The
coroner has impannelled a jury to investigate the
whole circumstances of the case, and a post mortem
examination will take place.

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.
The neighbourhood of Ottmoor has for some days
been excited in consequence of the mysterious dis-
appearance of a woman in the service of Mr. John
Coates, farmer, Murcott, and of rumours that she had
been unfairly dealt with.
The facts, as far as ascertained, are as follows

Elizabeth Stanton, the young woman in question,
aged twenty-four, daughter of Samuel Stanton, mat-
maker, of Fencott, went, on the 11th instant, baying
with her at the time her mistress's child, about two
years old, to Mr. T. Kimbell's, of Fencott, a shop-
keeper, to purchase some goods. This she did, and
having paid for them, left, and went to her father's
house, where she had tea. At about seven o'clock
she left for her master's, having with her the child, and
being accompanied part of the way home by a younger
sister. At about eight o'clock a Mrs. Faulkner heard
a child cry, and on going out of her cottage saw
Stanton and spoke to her. She had the child with
her at this time, and it was in her way from Mr.
Coates's. Between 8 and g o'clock the same night
Mr. Hatwell, of Murcott, when returning from
Charlton, and near Fencott bridge, over the river
Ray, was pasted by a woman. They wished each
other good night. The woman, who had a child in
her arms, went for Charlton, and Mr. Hatwell for
home. Henry Cooper, carter to Mr. Hatwell, when
going home to Fencott, and when near to Charlton
windmill, at about a quarter to 9 o'clock, heard a
woman's voice cry " Murder" four or five times. The
cries appeared to come from the bridge; but
on his passing over all was still. He went home
and told his mother what he had heard. As the girl
did not return with the child to her master's house,
the family became alarmed, and unsuccessful efforts
were made to obtain tidings of her. At a little
before 7 o'clock on the morning of the 12th a young
man of the name of Higgs, of Fencott, when driving
a team over the above bridge, saw a child lying on
the road. He, thinking, as he says, that it was a
gipsy's child, moved it out of the road, and went on
his way. At about 7 o'clock James Preston, a
labourer, on going over the bridge, saw a child by
the side of the road. He took it up, and it proved
to be Mr. Coates's and the one that Elizabeth Stanton
had. A shawl, which it appears is the one thalt Stanton
had on the day before, was found on the bridge a few
yards from the child. The goods which Stanton had
purchased were found near the residence of Mx. Faulk-
ner, but of the young woman nothing bad been
ascertained up to Thursday last. After she was
spoken to by Mrs. Faulkner she must have repassed
her father's house to reach the bridge where the child
and her shawl were found. The river is now deep,
and has overflowed its banks. It is therefore impos-
sible to drag it properly, but it has been partially
dragged, and it is intended to make a thorough
search as soon as the subsiding of the waters will
admit of it. The magistrates of the Ploughley divi-
sion have instituted proceedings, with a view of
bringing the mysterious disappearance of the woman
to light. The child, from its tender age, is ',inca-
pable of giving the slightest information. The cry
of murder is suspicious, and leads to the inference
that the missing woman was foully dealt with, and
then thrown over the bridge into the river. This
river falls into the Cherwell a few yards north of this
city. —Oxford Chronicle of Saturday.

THE ARCTIC; EXPEDITION.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMMS.

Sir,—The accompanying letter, on the subject of
our missing Arctic expedition, appears to me to be of
public interest, as exhibiting, very strikingly, the
interest and sympathy of the Americans in the fate
of our gallant countrymen. Should you deem it
suitable for the Times, the insertion of it would
oblige, Sir,

Your obedient servant,
The Athenccum, Dec. 24. W. SCORESBY.

Providence, Rhode Island, Nov. 29.
Rev. and dear Sir,—l sent you a few days ago
the Providence Journal, containing a plan for an
expedition to go in search of Sir John Franklin,
the principal feature of which was to send a steam.
boat propelled by a screw, &c. This plan, which is
my own, as well as the article in question, has been
extensively copied by the American papers, and seems
to meet with general favour. I had also the honour
to submit the plan to the President of the United
States.

Among other remarks and letters which my plan
brought forth was a letter from Captain Lynch, late
of the Dead Sea expedition, by which it appears that
this officer has tendered his services to the Govern-
ment, and proposes even to fit out a steamer by pri-
vate subscriptions, in case the Government will
sanction it. Captain Lynch's letter, accompanied by
further remarks by me, appears in the Providence
journal of to-day, which I also send you.
I have still another object in view in this matter—
it is to bring the subject up before the New York
Historical Society at its meeting next week, and pro-
pose a memorial to Congress. I have no doubt a me-
morial from the largest commercial city will have its
weight. General Taylor, I presume, is well disposed
towards a Government expedition, and will press the
matter on the consideration of Congress if he is sup-
ported by the people.
I ought also to mention that Captain Wilkes hcs
also tendered his services to go in search of Sir John.
With high respect, &c.,
To the Rev. Dr. Scoresby. J. R. B.

MERCHANT SEAMEN'S SOCIETY. - Yesterday a
quarterly general court of the governors of this chari-
table corporation was held at the society's offices, Bir•
chin•lene, Mr. George Lindsay in the chair. The btisi-
Lli'ss tr.zisacted was chiefly of a routine character, but
we may mention that the applications of upwards of 50
claimants for relief were considered, and succour ordered
to be granted. It was also announced that during the
past year about 1,400 applications have been before the
committee, temporary relief or a permanent pension
haying been allowed in each case,