The Sun.
London, England, 1840-11-11 00:00:00

proached they blew up like some beautiful works, which in
English pyrotechnical science would be called a thwer pot.
The beauties of the sight, however, did not dissipate
the alarm felt by those on board the ships, who
were also fearful there might be other crafty schemes in
progress, and that they might be attacked from other
quarters ; consequently, most of the ships slipped their
cables and moved out of danger, each more anxious than
his neighbour to get into the rear. The scene and dan-
ger caused great excitement ; the night was very dark,
the wind slackened, and so many vessels being under
weigh at once in a small space caused great confusion,
and many consequently came in contact, but we have
not heard of any serious damage.
The boats of the squadron were actively employed
towing the rafts elcar of the shipping, and anchoring
others.

The junks were first turned adrift chained together
two and two ; nine of these rafts were counted, which
gives 18 hats. But it was ascertained that some had
not ignited, and some had exploded, the wrecks being
seen floating about the hay the next morning.
On examination, the fire rafts were found to be con-
structed of wiiat had been very old outside fishing
boats ; what remains of them will supply the fleet with
firewood for a month. They were cull of dross, the
remains of the -ombustible matter.
An anecdote of the gallantry and humanity of one of
the officers of the Mavis deserves recording.
The mandarins had seized two Chinese who were in
the habit of attending the shipping, and were convey-
ing them over the bills, no doubt for punishment, pro-
bably death. The officer of the Mavis, with a party of
Malay sailors, landed and pursued them ; their muskets
missed fire, but they charged the Chinese barrel in
hand, beat them hack right and left with the butt-ends,
and put them to flight, released the two prisoners, and
brought them safely down to the beach. The interest
of the scene was greatly heightened by tho arrival of
her Majesty's ship Alligator ; the light of the flaming
rafts guided her to the anchorage. This apropos arrival
wit rather damp the future enterprises of the subordi-
nate Chinese naval officers.
Our correspondent suggests that the men-of-war should
be stationed at the different entrances of the Capsing-
moon, instead of being anchored near each other.
The arrival of the Brigand at Calcutta has put us in
possession of advices from China to the 3d of July. Ad-
miral Elliott arrived in the Melville or. the 28th of
June, and sailed again for the northward on the 30th,
accompanied by Captain Elliot, who is to act as Pleni-
potentiary.
The following is an extract from a letter dated Macao,
the 3d of July :
.‘ It is now beyond a doubt that we intend to take
and fortify the Island of Chusan, and I expect, in little
more than a month, to hear of the British flag being
hoisted there. Captain Elliot, his secretary, and three
interpreters have gone up. I believe the blockading of
the rivers has caused a great sensation in Canton. All
the Americans are preparing to leave. I do not think
that the fleet will interfere in any way with the opium
vessels. Indeed, it is likely that their operations may
faci'itate that t-:rile, as the men of war junks will be
afraid to come out."
The three following letters, all from Macao, arc also
worthy of attention :

" MACAO, JUNE 26.

" As you will have heard from Calcutta of the de-
parture of the expedition for China you will be anxious
to learn of its sate arrival here and the proceedings at
the place of action. The first act of the Commodore
and Commander-in-Chief has been to issue a notice o'
a blockade of the port and river of Canton to take
effect on the 28th instant, for which pnrpose a force is
left here, and the remainder proceeded with the Com-
modore to the northward, supposed for Chusan. We
do nat at present pretend to form an opinion of the pro-
ceedings here, where everything is kept a profound se-
cret, but we do think, unless a decided blow is struck
without temporising, the great probability is, that the
business and the settlement of existing differences will
be protracted to a very considerable period, and it is
not likely,with the knowledge of the Chinese character,
that mere demonstration will bring about a steady ad-
justment. Under these circumstances there is from
present appearances every prospect of a long interrup-
tion to the trade. In the most favourable view and
position of matters we cannot expect to sec any business
in teas or silks till the favourable monsoon, S.E., shall
have passed, which is giving six months for the adjust-
ment of matters ; in the mean time, the alarm in the
interior will check the product of both staples ; and the
difficulties of carrying down produce will he increased
with additional expenses, whether to Chusan or Canton
we have still to learn."

" OFF MACAO, JUNE 23.

" We arrived here yesterday ; Wellesley, Cruiser,
Algerine, and transports, with 26th Queen's Regiment,
head-quarters and part of the 18th Regiment Irish
(the remainder being at Singapore may be expected in
a few days), the Native Volunteers, and Madras Ar-
tillery. It is expected the following will leave to-
morrow for Chusan :—Wellesley, Conway, Volage,
Larne, Cruiser, Alligator, Algerine, her Majesty's
schooner Hebe, and the Hon. Company's steam-vessels
Queen, Atalanta, and Madagascar, transports and
troops. The Enterprise steamer may be looked for in
a few days from Singapore, with Mr. Maddocks, Com-
pany's agent, on board. It is stated nothing will be
done at the Bogue until the arrival of Admiral Elliot
and squadron from England, &c. A depot is to be
formed at Chusan, probably preparatory to an attack
upon Pekin. The Larne brought on the March over-
land men from the Enterprise, at Singapore. The
transports are kept outside and amongst the islands, not
to disturb the nenes of our old friend
squadron and troops are in good health, generally
speaking, and most anxious for some amusement on
shore."

" MACAO, JUNE 18.
" Several vessels being under despatch, we avail our,
selves of the opportunity to continue our usual advises.
" Business at Canton has gone on quietly since our
last, though to a limited extent, owing to the scarcity
of teas, and to the languid state of the market for im-
ports, caused by the general belief of the Chinese that
there was no truth in the report of hostilities being
about to take place.
" Exchange with England continues at about 5 to 4
101 at six months' sight.
" Captain Elliot has announced his being authorised
to draw on the Government of India, and has invited
waders, but we have not heard of any transactions. It
is believed his rate will be about '2lB per 100 at 30
days' sight.
P.S.—June 24, 1840.—The export of tea to Eng-
land since the Ist of October last amounted to
24,826,5991 b., to which must be added about 1,500,0001 b.
sent to Singapore for transhipment.
" The export of silk amounts to 2,403 bales and a
good deal stored outside, waiting an opportunity for
England."
From this letter will be seen the whole export of
teas from China for England, and, considering our pre-
sent position with the Chinese, it is hardly to be ex-
pected that any further quantity of tea will be shipped
for Great Britain for some time to come.
We hear that the new Chinese man-of-war Chesa-
peake, late Cambridge, has been stationed at the first
bar, as likewise a number of junks laden with granite
ready for sinking to stop up the passage. It has also
been said, though we do not believe it, that the Chesa-
peake has been ordered to the Bogue to act against her
Majesty's ships, should they attempt entering. 111 e
know not what her armament may be, but with a view
probably of giving her an imposing appearance, she has
been painted blood-red all over, whilst the two cutters
(of 25 tons each) lately built.for the imperial navy
challenge respect by a coating of imperial yellow. We
understand that the vessels now at Whampoa (there
were on the 12th instant only five American and seven
Spaniards) will probably remove to the second bar, so
as not to be inconvenienced by the blocking up of the
river, should this be deemed necessary ; at least a pe-
tition to that effect has, we are told, been presented to
the Canton authorities.—Bombay Courier.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE INDUS,

SUKKUR, SEPT. 5.

Tile convoy under the command of Major Clibborue,
which left this on the 12th ult., encamped at the begin-
ning of the pass of Surtof on the 29th ult., and re-
sumed their march on the morning of the 30th over
this rugged and slanting mountain, above a. mile in ex-
tent, and by the most strenuous exertions of the sepoys
the guns and stores were taken to the top after a weari-
some march of 14 hours in the burning heat of the sun.
Ear'y on the 31st they moved on to the encamping
ground of Nufoork, below the pass, about six miles dis-
tance ; after a little rest they started again for the
second range of mountains, through which lay the route
to Kahun, which was, after great trouble and difficulty',
surmounted by the cheerful and unceasing exertions of
the sepoys. The advance of the convoy, consisting of
six divisions of infantry, about 450 strong, two 12-
pound2rs, and 50 of the Seinde horse, arrived at the halt-
ing ground. The enemy on the heights kept up a brisk fire
on the convoy while approaching its ground : the guns
were placed in position to enfilade the pass in front : here
a detention took place for the arrival of the rear-guard,
consisting of the right flank company of the fat Grena-
diers, 1 howitzer, and the Poonah Auxiliary Horse,
under Lieutenant Loch. The Major ordered the left
flank companies of the Ist and 2,-i Grenadiers to storm
the heights, who were led on with admirable coolness
and order by Captain Raitt, supported by the remaining
companies of the Ist Grenadiers and fifty volunte( rs of
the Poonah Auxiliary Horse, under Lieutenant Loch,
who kept up a galling fire on such of the enemy as np,
peared below the crest of the mountain, and the howit.
zcrs cleared the head of the pass, while the storming
party advanced over a miserable road, obgracted by
breastworks covered with thorn bushes. 'file enemy
opened a very heavy fire, but our •darty
advanced and gained the head of the pass, and
were ready to push on, when a dense mass of tl;c
enemy overwhelmed the storm'..og party with mus,
ketry and showers of stmes, while others fell
on them with sabres, cokmuittini a fearful havock ott