The Sun.
London, England, 1847-02-12 00:00:00

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

PORTSMOUTH, FED. 10.—Very great activity is being dis-
played in the Dockyard in preparing for another attempt to
float the Sphynx. Four camels are being prepared for the
purpose, and mechanics and labourers for the millwrights'
department were sent down yesterday to assist in removing
as much of her machinery as can be got out. Sanguine
hopes are entertained that the next attempt will be success-
ful. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next are likely to
be the highest tides.
The Sylvia (tender to the Seallower) arrived yesterday
from Jersey, and sailed on her return thither to-day.
The first division of the 56th Regiment arrived to-day by
train, and immediately embarked in the Belleisle.
The Gypsy tender, which arrived here yesterday afternoon
from Sheerness, sailed this morning for Cork, having only
called here for a pilot.
Woor.wzot, FEB. 11.—The Antelope steam-vessel went
down the river yesterday on an experimental trip, to ascer-
tain her speed and the working of her engines. The speed
of the vessel was found to be 12h knots by the common log
when the engines were making 28i revolutions per minute,
and 11.392 knots when taken at the measured mile in Long-
reach, the engines making 26i revolutions per minute.
The Antelope during the trip was immersed 10 feet inches
iu the fore part. and 10 feet 10 inches aft, and her engines
worked well. It is expected she will proceed to Chatham in
a few days.

The Olin steam-vessel, Captain Willi:tins, went down
the river on Tuesday-, it was unders:o:l, to have her
compasses adjusted, and proceed to Portsmouth to take on
board meat fur Ireland ; but after reaching Erith, she re-
turned the same afternoon to Deptford, and is now loading
with meal at that port, for the relief of the inhabitants of
Ireland.

The Medea steam-vessel, Commander Mason, went on shore
betwixt Plymouth and Falmouth, and was under the neces-
sity of returning to the former place.
The Monkey steam-vessel is ordered to proceed to Ports-
mouth.

The completion of the vessels of the provision squadron,
fitted at this port, being now effected, the men of the dock-
yard have resumed work upon the other vessels in progress of
building and refitting.
Notice has been given, that after the 10th of February inst.
no private ship of war, or transport, or other private or mer-
chant ship or vessel which may receive on board gunpowder
before leaving Gravesend, is to draw up opposite that place
when proceeding down the river.

THE LATE MR. J. TOOLE, THE TOAST-MASTER.
—The mortal remains of this well-known festive functionary
were last Sunday consigned to their last resting-place, in the
Nunhead Cemetery. Those who were accustomed to attend
the public dinners of the benevolent societies of the metro-
polis, the civic dinners of the magistracy, and the hall-
dinners of the City companies, will not easily forget the part
Mr. Toole performed on those occasions. He was a sort of
feature at those banquets, and not unfrequently were his
powers required to assist the chairmen in the preservation of
decorum and the regular series of the toasts. With his
Royal highness the Duke of Cambridge he was an especial
favourite, and, as the fugleman of the Duke, he gave the
word to fill and empty to the healthy proposed with an energy
and a character peculiarly his own. Ile has instructed and
formed some good pupils, but none more able to take his
place than his eldest son, who, unfortunately, possesses little
beyond the talents of his father, and on whom has devolved
the duty of supporting an orphan brother and three orphan
sisters. It is to be hoped that the public will not be
on theirbeback-
iilwhich his
g m
support,ward i n recognizing
et heclaims
sympathiesof o this young
conviviality
father excited will not evaporate in mere regret for his
death. Mr. Toole was the founder of a class of which an
efficient member is indispensable at public banquets; and no
members oe, fl
eldest
tcsuoclass iuspma ilorett calculated to take his place
A few days since, while butcher at Boston, Lin-
ic,:ll,4l j'airesix`;:„
jedd,:(l a
lto his great surprise he
the chine. The Axpenee was iu c'eery"b` thel'ac'c'k., thickest.butit
part
remains oaf
mystery how it came there, and how long it had been where
it was found.