The Sun.
London, England, 1847-04-29 00:00:00

(Copy•)

U.S.S. Raritan, Anto❑ Lizardo, March 4, 1847.
Sir,—l have received your letter of the 27th ult., in
which you request, in anticipation of an assault upon
Vera Cruz, permission for the British merchants in that
city to withdraw and place on board the vessels under
your command their most valuable effects, with the view
of preserving them from destruction.
As my Government is desirous of mitigating to neu-
trals, as far as possible, in the present war, the evils
necessarily incidental to a state of hostilities, and as the
humane disposition on the part of my Government is
entirely in accordance with my own feelings, I accede
willingly to your proposition. You are, therefore,
hereby authorised to receive on board the vessels of war
under your command such portions of the valuable
effects of the merchants and others of -Vera Cruz, to
whom you may give refuge, as you may deem pn'per.
I must, however, at the same time request that you
will apply this permission to no one who is
.not a bona
fide subject, and that you will in each case exact a
reasonable degree of the ownership of the property
sought to be protected.
(Signed)

D. CONNER,
Commodore Homo Squadron.

The person by the name of William Macqueen,
whose name appeared in the Marlborough-street report of
yesterday, is not Mr. William Macqueen, of No. 104, Tot-
tenham-court-road.
THE FASHIONABLE SWINDLERS.—Richard Martin,
alias Aubsey, alias Conyngham, alias Beaufort Cooper, and
Brett, of the firm of Feuillon and Brett, of Barge-yard,
Bucklersbury, were finally examined at Bow-street yester-
day, charged with having obtained goods from various
tradesmen on false pretences; and with having negotiated a
bill of exchange, purporting to be accepted by J. M. Con-
nyngham, ensign of the 71st Highlanders, which was a
forgery. An objection was taken to the instrument, on the
ground that it was not a bill of exchange or a promissory
note. Mr. henry overruled the objection, and both prisoners
were committed.

POST-OFFICE ROBB Eay.—John Denby, a letter-
carrier, who was remanded on a charge of having stolen a
letter containing cheques, bank post bill, and notes to the
amount of 1101. 19s. 2d., the property of the Postmaster-
General, was brought up for final examination at Bow-
street, yesterday. A clerk from Messrs. Welch and Co.,
bankers, of Christ-church, Hants, proved the sending of a
letter on April 2d, containing bank-notes, &c., to Messrs.
Rogers and Co., bankers, of London. Be also identified
the notes produced, which had been traced to the prisoner,
who had parted with them to different tradesmen. The pri-
soner was committed tor trial.

THE MONEY-ORDER OFFICE.—(From a Corres-
pondent.)—Meautres are in contemplation for still further re-
ducing the charge of commission on money orders, issued and
paid by the Post-office authorities. This is another move-
ment in the "right direction."

EXTRAORDINARY AND FATAL ACCIDENT AT MID-
DLEHAM.—On Friday morning last, while at exercise at
Mindleham, Sir John Gerrard's mare Curiosity, and Mr. At
Johnstone's Little Nell, and one of the lads, were struck dead
by a flash of lightning. The poor lad, our correspondent
adds, was "shivered to pieces, limb from limb." The horses
were trained by Dawson.—Manchester Courier.
SOUTH AMERICA.—LIVERPOOL, TUESDAY EVEN-
ING' •the Viola, Captain Goodridge, we have advTces
5,800 reis per arroba. Freights •'%d. to 1(1-
from Pernambuco to Cie bill ult. Cotton bad declined to
per lb. /essels
scarce. Exchange firm, at 30 to 301. The Swordfish was
expected to leave about the end of the mouth.

MONEY and COMMERCIAL NEWS.
CITY, QUARTER TO THREE.
The Cotton market at Liverpool yesterday was very dull.
Sales 2,500 bales. Prices were %d. per lb. lower than on
Friday last. American sorts realised 61/td. to 74d. per lb.
In the Share market, on the contrary, there was an evident
improvement. The demand increased with reviving confi-
dence on the part of the holders.
The advices by the remainder of the Overland Mail vid
Southampton, have come to hand, and furnish a few general
items of interest. As the article of Cotton is at all times so
important an element in our commercial weal or woe, the
question of supply should occupy pre-eminent attention,
and we may hope that, beyond every other con-
sideration, attention will be paid to the extended
growth of the article in our Eastern possessions.
In the accounts before us from Ceylon, it is stated
that—" The questicn which now presents itself is, have we
in Ceylon any soil fitted for the cultivation of Cotton, where
at the same time there is a suitable climate? I believe there
is, and a very large tract too. While at Jaffna, I made an
excursion about GO miles inland, into that district called the
Wanny, and was much struck with the resemblance which
both the soil and the appearance of the natural vege-
tation bore to the cotton districts of Pernambuco: The
jungle in the Wanny is light, labour is abundant
and cheap, and I have no doubt that the Brazilian
plan of cultivation would succeed admirably. Both soil and
climate are favourable, and thanks to Mr. Dyke, there is an
excellent road to the district from Jaffna. if it be the in-
tention of our Government to make an experiment in cotton
cultivation, the Wain-1y is the district I would recommend as
being decidedly preferable to any other which I have yet
seen in the island."

It is urged, however, by another local writer that—

"Before speaking of the soil which has been found best
adapted for the growth of cotton, I shall offer a few remarks
on the climate suitable for the production of profitable crops.,
About climate Mr. Finnic seems to have some vague ideadi
but does not give us any information on the subject; speak:4
ing of the cotton counCtics of the south-west of the United
States, ho mentions that the climate is quite tro-
pical during seven months in the year ; but what
different interpretations of this statement would he
made by a Kandian and a Jaffna planter I From
other sources, we know that these seven months is a period
of almost uninterrupted sunshine, or at least of dry weather,
and this is quite the climate which is requisite for the per-
fecting of the cotton-pod. In the cotton districts of Brazil,
the planters can calculate on at least seven or eight months
together without raiu, and it is during this period
that the crop is collected. ' The cotton plant,' says
Kaster—himself a planter—in his work on Brazil,
requires that a great portion of the year should be
dry ; for if much rain falls when the pod is open the wool
is lost : it b.:comes yellow, decays, and is rendered com-
pletely unfit for use.' What is the climate of Coirnbatore ?
Nearly the same, but perhaps with a little more raiu, from
its proximity to the elevated range of the Neilgherries. Now
the question occurs, have we such a climate in any part of
Ceylon? most assuredly we have, but only in the northern
provinces."

Although discounts continue high, there is an improved
feeling in the City, and whether the Legislature aff,rds re-
lief or not, we feel satisfied that the Bank Di-
rectors will, to the full extent of their power,
having acted under the curbing influence of Sir liobert
Peel's Act, and only recently restricting from necessity, not
choice, their advances upon the first and safest bills,
continue every exertion to mitigate the evil of want
of confidence. As regards the Stock Exchange matters
are certainly more promising for the, present, and there are
continued purchases by some of the most influential brokers.
It is supposed by many that the Bear accounts were
so extensive on the last account, and so many were
carried on, that it will be impossible for these speculators to
avaid purchasing stock gradually, in order to square
matters by the 27th of May. The hope indulged by
the Bears, however, is, that the pressure fur money
will compel the public to sell stock largely, al-
though we believe ourselves that the annuitants
to a great extent, do not feel the pressure. It falls upon
men in trade. who do not invest largely in stock ; and as to
the banks, private and joint-stock, it is probable that they
have been prudent enough to provide themselves with
funds ere this, where these had to be obtained by sales of
stock. It is known that the London bankers have clone so,
and that they have money, but in the uncertain state of
affairs feel naturally reluctant to loan it. Ease this uncer-
tainty, and discounts will soon become easier—prolong it,
and we would not answer for the result ! '

Consols have been 80/4 1!.3 for present transfer, and 8614
3<l, at one time rather buyers at the highest rate, for Ac-
count. Exchequer-bills of 5001. have been 3s. to ss. dis,-
count. Bank Stock has fallen to 189, and India Stock is
heavy at 214.

Foreign Bonds are quite neglected. Spanish Three per
Cents. have receded to 34%.
In Railway Shares there is very little doing.
BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK.
(From the Official List.)

Bank Stock .. .. • . • . .. 189
Three per Cent. Reduced Annuities • • 85% % %
Three per Cent. Consols Annuities .. 86% is
New Three-and-a-Quarter per Cent. Anns. 87% %
Long Annuities, Expire Jan. 5, li6o .. 8 15-16 9
India Stock .. • • • • .. • • 244
Consols for May 27 .. . • .. • • 86% %
Three per Cent. Consols, Scrip.. .• • • 2% dis
Exchequer Bills. I%d. 2d.
500/. .. • • 7 3 dis
Ditto, Small • • •• • • 5 1 dis
PRICES OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Russian Bonds, 5 per Cent • • • • 108
Spanish Bonds, 5 per Cent. .. • •
Ditto, Passive Bonds .. • • 514
Diti*, Three per Cent .. • • 34%
Dividends on the above payable in London.
Dutch Two-and-a-Half per Cents. 58%
Ditto, 4 per Cent. Certificates .. 88

BUSINESS DONE IN RAILWAY SHARES AT ONE O'CLOCK
RAILWATS. PAID. PElt SHARE.
Aberdeen • • . • • • • • • •• 30 ••.. 24 .... to
Amber., Notting.,Boston, & Eastrn Jn. 2% .... 134 .... to
Birmingham and Oxford Jtutction .. 10 .... 17% to
Buckinghamshire • • .. • • .. • • 6/. 45... • • 74 1 dis. to 5,4 dis.
Caledonian .. .. • • • . .• 30 .. 233 a % 1,4 %to
Ditto, Half Shares .. • • • • • • 234 •• • • 2 .... to
Eastern Counties .. 20 •• .. 18U .. to 1914
Ditto, York Extension .... 5 to
East Lancashire .. • • .. 17 .. • • •• •• to
Ditto, New .. .. • • • • .. 734 6% .• • • te
Ditto, ditto, New Scrip .. • • .. 1 .. • • 1 .... to
Edinburgh and Glasgow • • • • •• 50 .... to
Ditto, Quarter Shares • • • • • • 12% ••• . 17 •••• to
Great Northern .. • • • • .. 33 . • to
Great Southern and Western (Ireland) 30 .... 26 to
Great North of England .. • • • • 100 •• • • 231 .. ••to
Great Western • • • • .. 85 ....113
Ditto, Quarter Shares .. • • • •
20 12% 1734,..•
Ditto. Fifths .. •.•• • • • • .• • • 2634 to 25%
Ditto. New • • .. 434 . • 734 .. to—
Huddersfield and Manchester .. • • 16 .• .. 16 .. • • to
Leeds and Bradford .. .. 40 .... 83 t•
Leeds, Dewsbury, and Manchester .. 3234 .... 32 .... to
Leeds and Thirsk .• • • .. 2234 •• • • •• • • t•
Do., do.. Preference, 6 per Cent • • 334 3% .... to
London, Brighton, and South Coast •• 50 .... 50%X to
Ditto, Guaranteed Five per Cent.. 9 .•• 11 .. ••to
London and North-Western • • • • 100 •• .. 172 .. . to 171
Ditto, Quarters .. • . L. and B. 7 .. • • 223¢ .. • • to
Ditto ditto New .. .. • 2 .... 1134 34 .. to
Ditto. Fifths .. .. • • • • • • 2 .... 15 .... to
Ditto, 10/. Shares .• M. and B. (B) 5 ...• 10X • • • to
Ditto, 101. Shares .. M. and B. (C) 1 •• • • 5%.... to
London and South-Western 411.6 x. 10d. •• • • 63 to
Ditto, New •• .. • • .. 2734 .... 29 X to
Manchester and Leeds .. . 82 ....101 to
Ditto, Thirds (Reg.) 71. 45... • • % p.. to
Manchester, Buxton, and Matlock - • 425..... % % dis. to
Manchester and Southampton .. • . 2 •••• to
Midland •• •• •• •• •• —lOO ....114 115.. to 114
Ditto, New .• 2 .. .. 434.% .. to 456
Newcastle and Berwick .. .. •. 20 2.474 25 24% to 2514
Ditto, New . • • .• • • .. 5 •• • • 6X••• • to 7
Norfolk .. • • • • .. • • .. 100 . .. ••to
Ditto, Extension .• .. • • .. 10 934 .. •.to
Ditto ditto, Waveney Valley • • .. 2 .... 134 to
North British • • • • • • 25 .... 31 .... to
Ditto, Half Shares .. •• 1234 14X • • to 14
Ditto, Quarters • . .. • • • • 2X 3 . .. to 2%
Ditto, Thirds .. .. 1 .... 234 ••to
North Staffordshire .. • • • • 5 .. • • 6% •• . • to
North Western • • .. • • .. .. 4 • • 114 X•• to
Preston and Wyre •• •• 25 .... 34% .. to
Ditto, Half Shares (A.) ••• .. • • 834 11% to—
Scottish Central .• • • .. 1734 .... 23% •. • • to
Shrewsbury and Birmingham (A) .. 334 •• • • 3%.. • . to
South Staffordshire ................ 2/. 125... % dls.. to
South Eastern and Dover .. •. ..331. 2s. 4d. •• .. to
Ditto, New (do. 301.) No. 3 .. •• 15 • • 13% ••to 14
South Wales .. • • • • • • 10 .• • • 7 •• • . to
South Yorkshire. Doncaster, & Goole 2 •• •• 11.4 •• • • to
West Riding Union .. 41.25..... 34 p.... to
Windsor, Staines, and South-Western 425. •• • • % p.. to
York and Newcastle .. .. 25 .. • • 33% .. • • to
Ditto, New .. .. 10 .... 14 •• . . to
Ditto, Preference .. .. • • 4 .. • • 734 .. •• to 6;
York and North Midland .. 50 .... to
Ditto. Extension .. 25 .. • . 40 ...• to 39%
Ditto, Preference .. 2 .... 1034 .... to
FOREIGN RAILWAYS.
Lyons and Avignon (Constituted) •• 5 •• •• 2% .• • • to
Orleans and Bordeaux •• 6 6q •• •• to—

8 5,

• • • • tO -