The Sun.
London, England, 1846-09-23 00:00:00

TFIE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY 'MORNING, SEPTEMBER 23, 1846.

COMMERCIAL REPORT.

We have to announce the receipt, since our last issue,
of two dispatches from home, one vid Bombay, on the
18th ult., with Loudon dates to the Bth of June, and the
other by the Bentinck steamer, on the 4th curt, with
intelligence up to the 24th of the same month. The
advices by the former opportunity were, generally
speaking, of so undecided a tenour that they had but
little effect on our markets, with the exception of
causing a general feeling of disappointment at the ex-
tremely limited extent of the draughts on this Trea-
sury ; and although by the latter the accounts of some
of our staple exports were rather more satisfactory, the
amount of remittances was again so moderate that it is
not to any encouragement from home that the somewhat
improved state of affairs that we have to report can be
attributed.

The pressure in our money-market has been gradu-
ally decreasing throughout the past three weeks, in con-
sequence, in some degree, of the payments of dividends
on Bank Stock and of interest on one of the Govern-
ment loans, but more particularly from the receipt of
extensive remittances from China and Bombay, and also
to a moderate extent from the interior ; this ren-
dered the demand for accommodation less extensive,
and enabled the directors of the banks to reduce
their rates one per cent., which had the immediate
effect of lowering the rates of discount generally, and
inducing the parties who had hitherto kept their funds
locked up to bring them forward, and secure the com-
paratively favourable terms even then obtainable; under
these circumstances the prompt of the last opium sale,
which fell due on the 29th ult., was met with even less
than the usual excitement; and although it is not to be
expected that the effects of the late panic can be imme-
diately got over, there appears every symptom of a
gradual improvement.
Our exchange on England has been very unsettled;
for some time after our last issue good ten months' date
paper ranged from 2s. 21d. to 2s. 3d. per rupee; subse-
quently, however, a steady decline was observable, the
rates falling from 2s. 2d. to 2s. lid., and shortly previous
to the arrival of the Bentinck to 2s. Op., at all of which
considerable operations were reported; this decline was '
by some attributed to the improvement in the money-
market enabling the native dealers to take delivery of,
and pay for, their former purchases more freely than
they had previously been in a position to do, thereby
placing importers in funds, which they in most instances
immediately invested in the purchase of bills; but another
reason evidently was the anticipation of heavy remit-
tances by the mail just in, in consequence of the report
by the previous opportunity of the Court of Directors
being about to reduce their rate for draughts en this
Treasury, and this having proved unfounded, and the
amount received being extremely moderate, buyers
have since been manifesting rather less disposition to
operate, and a slightly upward tendency is again ob-
servable.

Government securities have been rapidly regaining
their position, and a short time since some heavy trans-
actions were effected at our quotations, which are still
the rates of the day, although within the past few days
there has been rather less doing. In Bank Stock but
few sales have been reported, the large dividends lately
declared having rendered holders unwilling to realise
except at higher rates than purchasers are willing to pay.
The late scarcity of money in the upper provinces, and
the impossibility of negotiating draughts on Calcutta, is
the cause of our market being less abundantly sup-
plied with produce than is customary at this season, and
consequently of the business done within the past month
being on a somewhat moderate scale, as well as of prices
being maintained ; and in fact of their having, in some
cases, slightly advanced, as will be seen by our remarks
on the various staples.
In ,ur import market there has of late been rather
more activity observable, but still neither the amount
of business doing, nor the prices obtainable, are at all
satisfactory, or what might have been anticipated from
the improvement in other branches of trade, and from
the season of the year.

Freights have not very materially varied ; shortly
after our last a slight decline was submitted to, but they
again rallied, and within the past few days have further
advanced to our quotations, notwithstanding rather nu-
merous arrivals.
InAgo—A very material alteration has taken place
in the prospects of the crop within the past month, in
consequence of a sudden rise of the rivers in some dis-
tricts, and continued heavy rain in all. In many parts of
Jessore the probabiltity of an early inundation induced
the planters to commence manufacture before the plant was
quite ripe, and when the state of the weather rendered
the produce anything bat satisfactory; since this an oc-
casional glimpse of fine weather has been experienced, but
there is now no chance of this district reaching last

year's out-turn. We stated in our last, that although
many concerns in Kishnagur and Rajeshaye had plenty
of plant, they would require unusually fine weather and
low rivers to enable them to do any good, and our anti-
cipations as to the improbability of this have been fully
realised, constant rains having completely ruined the
late sowings, and rendered the result even of the earlier
ones very uncertain, so much so in fact that the estimates
from some large concerns range from 50 to 75 per cent.
under last yea:. In Malda and a great part of Moor-
shedabad the weather has been equally unfavourable,
and caused a, considerable reduction in the expectations
of the planters, although not to the same extent as in the
districts previously noticed.
When we last wrote, Tirhoot was expected to send
down something under an averageseason, or about 20,000
maunds • from this may now be deducted fully one-half,
a fortnight of rain such as had never previously been
experienced, combined with a sudden rise in the Bau-
gruttee and Gunduck, having reduced the prospects of
some concerns to an eighth or even a tenth of what they
made last year, whilst those that make the half will be
fortunate. We have seen a list of several concerns
which last year aggregated nearly 9,000 maunds, and
which are now estimated at about 2,000. Fine weather
up to the conclusion of the season would doubtless cause
some improvement, but we are of opinion that io,ooo
maunds is the utmost that can be looked for from this
district, whilst a continuance of the rain, or further rise
of the rivers, would probably reduce it to 6,000 or 8,000.
The accounts from Bhaugulpore are also unfavourable,
and it does not seem probable this district will much ex-
ceed the half of last season's out-turn.

Our advices from the neighbourhood of Mirzapore and
Ghazepore are less favourable than when we last wrote ;
the unusually late drought having in these, as in other
districts, been succeeded by constant rain, and some
large concerns have reduced their estimates by one-
fourth. Higher up and in the Doab, however, they have
been more fortunate, and still anticipate a good season,
but as they have scarcely as yet commenced manufac-
ture, it is very uncertain whether their expectations will
be realised. Dacca, Furreedpore, and the neighbour-
hood, have been in every respect most fortunate; but
although these are now closing with fair results, the
slight excess from them will go but a small way to make
up for the deficiency in other parts; and although still
unwilling to name a definite figure, we think we are safe
in saying that there is every prospect of the total out-
turn being under 90,000 maunds.
Sugar—There has been a fair amount of business
doing in this staple throughout the past month. The
demand having apparently been but little affected by the
fluctuation in exchange, or even by the accounts from
home; all good yellow or dry brown descriptions have
found an immediate sale on arrival at comparatively high
prices, but the supply of these has continued very
limited. Benares has been arriving more freely, although
not to near the customary extent, and consists in a great
measure of low to middling second qualities, which have
been taken at 10r. to 10r. 4a., with a few parcels of really
fine white at 10r. 10a. to lOr. 12a. per maund, whilst
within the past few days, owing to a more general in •
quiry, a further slightly upward tendency has been ob-
servable. In Khaur there has been nothing doing ex-
cept for local re-manufacture. Exports to Great Britain
of all descriptions from the Ist inst. up to date amount
to 46,671 maunds.

Saltpetre-I:Th-Tinactivity in this market reported in
our last continued for some time, and prices slightly
declined; this, however, again brought purchasers into
the market, and there has of late been a good demand
for Great Britain, at especially for the finer descriptions
full prices, notwithstanding that freight has not been
obtainable on first-class ships under 41. 4s. to 41. 7s. sd.
per ton. For America we have heard of but few pur-
chases.

Exports from the Ist instant up to date have been as
follows, viz. :—Great Britain, 6,249 maunds; North Ame-
rica, 465 maunds.

Rice—Notwithstanding that the advices from England
have of late been rather more encouraging for this staple,
it has continued entirely neglected for homeward ship-
ment, and prices are completely nominal.
For Mauritius and Bourbon a good inquiry has been
experienced, and Ballam and Moonghy have been taken
to some extent at about our last quotations.
Raw Silk—There has within the past three weeks
been more activity in this market, owing to several par-
ties having come forward to purchase, being apparently
tempted by the great falling off in the exports from this
part (those of the twelve months, ending 31st July, being
only 15,954 maunds, against 19,721 and 22,160 for the
same period of the two preceding years), and by the
somewhat improved demand for some descriptions of
Bengal Silk at home, as advised by the past mail or two,
as well as by the downward tendency of exchange.
Silk Piece Goods—A moderate amount of business
has been done in Corahs during the month, at for low
Gossimbazar goods, of which, with few exceptions,
stocks entirely consist, at 95r. to 105 r. per cargo; su-
perior, or even fair qualities, continue scarce, and would
bring high prices. In choppas or bandannas we have
but few sales to report, the only parcels in the market
being of very inferior quality.
Shell Lac and Lac Dye—Shell Lac has been in mode-
rate inquiry for England and America, and a few parcels
of middling Beerbhooms have found purchasers at Br. to
9r. per maund.
In Lac Dye there has been even less doing, and al-
most entirely in low and middling qualities, so that for
this article our quotations for most marks are necessarily
nominal.

Oil Seeds—There has been rather more doing in there
seeds for the English and French markets, owing to the
comparatively moderate demand for America having
compelled holders to submit to a decline, and also to
freight having in some instances been obtained on ships
anxious to fill up at a considerable reduction on the es-
tablished rates. Linseed has sold from lr. 10a. to 2r.
2a., but in very few instances has the latter figure been
obtained, and mustard seed at about Ir. 12a. to Ir. 14a.
for the best cleared.

Safflower—Several transactions have been effected in
safflower, at from 14r. Ba. to 26r. per maund ; the latter
is, however, an extreme rate, fine qualities being readily
obtainable at about 20r. to 22r.

Jute—There has been but little doing in this staple,
owing to the bazaar continuing scantily supplied even
with inferior qualities, whilst of really good there has
been none obtainable for some time past.
Hides—A considerable amount of business was done
in hides during July, especially in dead green Patna,
and in first and second quality Calcutta slaughtered, but
at reduced rates ; the bazaar is now almost bare of good
parcels, the present extensive stocks consisting almost
exclusively of second and inferior descriptions. Our
quotations are about the prices paid throughout the past
month, but holders are now demanding advance for any
good qualities.

Opiiim—ln our last we quoted Patna at 1,200 r. and
Benares at 1,120 r. per chest; these rates, however, were
only maintained for a few days, and the drug has since
been pretty steady at from 1,150 r. to 1,160 r. for the
former, and 1,075 r. to I,llor. for the latter, the market
being apparently but little affected either by the accounts
or remittances from China, or even by the alteration in
local monetary affairs. The stock in the Company's go-
down last evening consisted of 2,905 chests of Patna, and
770 of Benares.

A report is current to the effect that the prompt on
future sales will be reduced from one month to 15 days,
which will most probably materially affect speculation.
MONEY MARKET.—The declaration of a half-yearly
dividend by the Bank of Bengal, at the rate of 13.6 per
cent. per annum, as reported in our last, was followed by
the Union Bank at the rate of 7 per cent. The pressure
in the money market has!gradually:decreased, and we have
now to report a reduction of 1 per cent. in the Bank
rates, accompanied by corresponding or even greater de-
cline in the rates of discount generally. _

Government securities have been steadily advancing
in value, and are firm at the following quotations in Bank
Stock; we still seldom hear of operations, there being
but few parties willing to invest at the rates demanded:
CURRENT VALUE OF GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, BANK
STOCK, &C.

Transfer, Five per Cent.... ...Rs. 8 00to 10 0 0 pm.
Second do., according to Nos... 0 80 to 30 0
Third ditto ... 1120 to 24 0
New ditto ... 5 0 oto 5 8 9
Sicca rupees, Four per Cent... 6 00 to 70 0 dis.
Company's rupees, ditto... ... 4 80 to 50 0
Co.'s rs.

Bank of Bengal shares, 4,000 each Pm. 2,450 to 2,550*
Union Bank ditto ... 1,000 ditto 145 to 150-1-
Agra Bank ditto ... ... 500 ditto 240 to 250
Oriental Bank ditto ... 590 ditto 180 to 190
S
N. W. Bank of India ... 500 ditto old 190 to 290
newloo to 130
FREIGHTS.—The rates of freight to Great Britain
have in most instances been pretty steady throughout
the past month, with the exception of an occasional
reduction for an inferior vessel or one anxious to fill up
in a hurry, under which circumstances a considerable
decline has been submitted to. Shortly after our last
the tendency was decidedly downwards, but within the
past week or ten days rates have rallied considerably,
notwithstanding numerous arrivals, and are now appa-
rently firm.
* Exclusive of dividend. t Ditto.

SINGULAR CASE OF RESTORED ANIMATION.-011
Thursday last there was a regatta at Southend, ac-
companied with a variety of amusements of a rustic
character. Shortly after the conclusion of the regatta a
party, who had been out fishing in a boat some distance
below the pier, discovered the body of a man, respect-
ably dressed, floating on the surface. It was• imme-
diately taken on shore to the Ship Tavern, where, after
using the usual restorative means for several hours, ani-
mation was at length restored. It appeared that Lieu-
tenant Drake, R.N., had been walking on the pier, which
is a mile and a quarter in length, and by some accident
fell off unobserved by the spectators. He was borne
away from the pier by the tide, and floated to a consi-
derable distance till he was thus fortunately rescued,
whilst in a complete state of insensibility. Lieutenant
Drake is now convalescent.

THE LAST OF THE REBECCAS.—Henry Evans,
committed to the county gaol, September 3, 1844, for
being engaged in some of the'Rebecca disturbances, and
tried in March, 1845, and sentenced to eighteen months'
imprisonment, was discharged on Monday last, the period
of his imprisonment having expired. Ho is the last of
those unfortunate persons who were committed for
various terms of imprisonment, on aecount of their con-
nexion with Rebeceaism. When he entered the gaol he
was not able to speak a word of English, nor did he know his
alphabet; but when he was discharged he could speak
English fluently, and was able to read the Bible, and
repeated to the chaplain, who expressed great satisfac-
tion at his progress, the 3d chapter of Matthew, which
he had learned.—Carmarthen Journal.
PROPERTY LEFT IN PUBLIC VEHICLES.—Since the
22d of May last, up to the Bth inst., 69 umbrellas, 63
parasols, 61 coats, 7 parcels, 3 pocket-books, 11 cloaks,
8 opera-glasses, a prize oar, and 326 articles of diff,rent
deseriptions, have been left in'cabs and hackney-coaches
The Royal Yacht, with her tender, the Fairy, is
now in Portsmouth Harbour, and will go to her winter
moorings up the harbour in the course of the week.

_
GAME.
Mr. Wright head
gamekeeper to the Earl of Galloway,
reports to a friend as follows respecting his beat, one of
the most extensive in the south of Scotland :—Partridges
on dry sharp land, a fair average crop, in good condition
as to size and weight, while on wet ground they are not
only scarce in number, but small in size. Among the
extensive wilds of Minnigaff, which he has traversed
many a time and oft for the last ten years, he never met
with so many diseased grouse in all his experience. The
murrain, on examination, is evidently tape-worm, how-
ever contracted. The birds thus weakened are easily
obtained, although of little work; while healthy heath-
cocks are packed in:flocks of a hundred and upwards—
their favourite resort being the patches of corn crop
growing among the moors. When in Minnigaff so late
as the sth curt., he found the tendency to packing for
mutual protection increased and increasing. Pheasants
are plentiful, well grown, and form a great ornament to
the woodlands of Galloway. Of hares no complaint is
made, whether of the smaller mountain breed, or the
larger which inhabit the plains below. During the whole
season the grass lands have thriven, greening apace,
even while other kinds of vegetation either remained
stationary or retrograded. hence the number and
plumpness of the mawkins which, in stealing at dawn On
their early fare, are not necessitated, as yet, to make
marauding visits to kail-yards green. Mr. Wright has
abont fifty young pheasants running about his doors, as
tame as the chickens with which they associate. But
they will be planted out by and by to their native
woods, there to shift for themselves, and increase the
number of beautifully plumaged breeders which had
become rather scarce in the noble pleasure grounds
around Galloway House. From the above it will be
observed that the south, as regards grouse, contrasts
rather unfavourably with the north of Scotland, where
so many notable feats of sportsmanship have been per-
formed since the campaign opened, some of which are
recorded in our present number. It seldom happens
in our varying climate that the weather suits alike
every description of cropping ground ; and the re-
mark, we suppose, extends to the winged tribes taken
under the protection of Acts of Parliament. Nor is
1 this all. The game on some Highland estates, includ-
ing deer, pays proprietors better than sheep—an advan-
tage that calls into action the most vigilant protection,
in maintenance of the character of the sportsman's
rounds. During the present season footpaths have been
shut up and guarded by game-keepers, previously open
to pedestrian tourists time out of mind, when in quest
of health, and the pleasurable emotions derived from
scenery by turns picturesque, sublime, and romantic.
And should these things be ? chiefly that such crack
shots as Mr. Campbell, of Monzie, may kill more than
200 head of game in one day, aided by servants, some
of whom keep relays of guns constantly loaded, while
others beat the bush in search of coveys, taking care
that not even fragments of time are lost. Such per-
formances are but baitue work at best—wholesale
slaughtering, which is not the legitimate object of sport-
ing, compared to the health and strength gentlemen
fowlers acquire in threading the moors, by trusting
simply to the instincts of their dogs, and their own in.
dividual efforts.—Dumfries Courier.

ACCIDENT ON THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAy,
An accident occurred to the boiler of the eng;,ne attached
to the mail train, which left PaddingtrAil
on Sunday
night for Exeter, between the Paddinp:;ton terminus and
the Hanwell station, causing a stnprpage of upwards of
an hour. The up luggage train, however, arriving with
two engines, one was got upo-.1 the down line and at-
tached to the mail train, which then proceeded safely on
its journey.
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE BY A FEMALE FROM A
STEAMBOAT.—QA Monday afternoon, between three and
four o'clock, great consternation was:caused on board the
Jessamine, belonging to the London and Westminster
Steamboat Company, and plying between London and
Westminster Bridges, in consequence of an elderly.,
respectably-dressed woman jumping overboard, when the
boat was between Paul's-wharf and Blackfriars-bridge.
The Bachelor steam- boat passing at the time, the cap-
tain, after some trouble, succeeded in rescuing her, and,
upon arriving at the Blackfriars-bridge Pier, gave her
in custody. She stated that her name was Beach, and
resided in Chester-place, Herbert's-buildings, Webber-
street, Blackfriars-road. Thirty-four duplicates were
found upon her, some of which were for the most trifling
SUM*

REMARKABLE PHENOMENON.—The sea, at a short
distance from the coast here, has presented some re-
markable appearances during the present week. On
Tuesday last, about four o'clock in the afternoon, about
low water, the sea, for about thirty yards from the
shore, and along the coast from the Cove to the bay of
Nigg, appeared of a purple colour, and continued to
darken as the afternoon advanced. Our informant, who,
with a large number of fishermen, observed the appear-
ance, thinking it might arise from any reflection of the
sky went out in a boat and examined the water. To his
astonishment, he found the boat actually in a sea of
purple, and the water of a glutinuous nature, containing
so much colouring matter that it actually died red what-
ever object it touched. No efEluvia could be perceived
arising from the water. As the tide rose the coloured
water packed closer in shore, and continued to become
darker and darker. Next afternoon, the same appear-
ances were observed to occur, but not to such an sx-
tent. We wish some of our scientific friends wilidd
afford us a clue to the cause of this phenomenon. Nothimg
of the kind seems ever to have been observed in t is
quarter before, although, perhaps, in other placeilideh
appearances may have been witnessed. We may state
that, on Monday, the fishermen between this and the
Cove observed the sea, at about seventy or eighty yards
from the shore, breaking out in dark spots, which may
be supposed to have multiplied and magnified till they
presented the appearance above-mentioned.—Aberdeen
Herald.

DURIIAM.—A Mmat's FUNERAL —A .distressing
scene is described by a correspondent as Laving taken
place on Tuesday evening, in the graveyard, St. John's,
Weardale. The body of J. Kidd, a masterman washer,
and a man highly esteemed by all the miners for honesty,
sobriety, and orderly behaviour, was to be interred. The
Rev. J. Green, the curate, sent word to the friends of
the deceased that he would not allow him to be carried
into the church, as he had died of fever. His medical
attendant then certified that the disease of which he had
died was non-contagious; on which the reverend gentle-
man answered, that as the deceased never came to church
when alive, but did all he could to oppose it, he would
not allow him to come in when dead. The relations and
friends, not wishing for any unpleasantness on the occa-
sion, sent for the Rev. W. Eckersell to perform a cere-
mony over the corpse before it was removed from home;
after which they moved with the coffin to the grave,
wishful to dispense with the latter part of the service,
as they were denied the first. When they got to the
grave they immediately placed in it the coffin, and com-
menced to fill it, on which the reverend gentleman in-
sisted that he should be allowed to perform his duty.
The men respectfully answered, that as he had refused
the whole duty, they would not have a part performed.
The gentleman, evidently greatly excited, called on a
policeman who happened to be present, to support him
in his duty; whereupon the mass of the people imme-
diately retired. and left the gentleman to finish his self-
abridged rites. Though he only performed half his
work, he claimed full pay—and the friends gave it.
It was a heart-rending scene to see the the widow with
her three children hanging over the grave, surrounded
by scores of the miners, while this altercation was
going forward. The excitement among the miners hi
very great.
PADDY OUTWITTED.—On Monday morning a poor
Patlander went into the Gorbals Police-office, Glasgow,
to complain in the first place that he had been robbed
of six pair of shoes and one pair of boots, and in th,
next place to solicit for himself a pass by which as a
pauper he might be conveyed home to Ireland. Ho made
the latter application because he was starving, and had
not a single farthing in the wide world to help him.
Lieutenant Reid being on duty, at once proceeded to in-
vestigate the facts of the case, and in so doing asked
Ptoadsdeye tiof lnayondeowofn
tahelarge lost bsuhnodesle
wheereheelodnitnainlues hdiann
id,
t.
This the complainer declined to do, at the same time
declaring on his honour it contained nothing of any
value whatever. After some discussion Paddy was in-
duced to give up the bundle, which being opened was
found to contain two bags, a milk jug, a considerable
quantity of horses' harness, and other articles, the pro-
perty of Mr. James Gray, farmer, Mains by Cathcart,
from whom they had been stolen. It seems Paddy had,
been employed by Mr. James Gray at- the harvest,
which accounted for his possession of the property in
question. Not being able to give any satisfactory ac-
count of how he came by these articles, he was detained
for examination. Previous to being locked up, Paddy'.
clothes were examined (much against his inclination),
when a purse tumbled out containing one sovereign in
gold and thirty-five shillings in silver. On this the man
who had been robbed, and was starving, and wished a
11 pass to take him home to Ireland, was passed into the
custody of the house constable, who brought him before
the sitting magistrate on Tuesday morning, by whom he
was ordered to be transmitted to the sheriff of Renfrew-
shire.—Edinburgh Advertiser.
LAUNCH OF THE "JOHN WESLEY."—We under-
stand that Wednesday next, the 23d inst., has been
finally fixed upon as the day for the launch of the new
ship which has been built by Messrs. White, of Cowes,
for the use of the Wesleyan Methodist Missions in New
Zealand, and in the Friendly and Nee Islands.—
Watchman.

ELECTION OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COURT OF
REQUESTS, WESTMINSTER.-011 Monday the annual ap-
pointment of resident householders to act as Commis-
sioners for the Westminster Court of Requests for the
ensuing year took place. The parish of St. Martin's-in-
the Fields appointed 40 ; St. Ann's, Soho, 24 ; St. Paul,
Covent-garden, 20 ; St. Clement's Danes, 24 ; and St.
Mary-le-Strand, 12.
REMOVAL OF THE CONVICT SMITH TO THE MILL,.
DANK PRISON.—In the course of the afternoon of Satur-
day Mr. Cope, the Governor of Newgate, received from
the Home-office a reprieve, and also the order of removal
to the Millbank-prison, for John Smith, who was tried
and found guilty of the wilful murder of Susan Tolliday,
at the Guildhall Coffee house, on Saturday, the Ist of
August.
KINGSWINFORD.—FATAL MINE ACCIDENT.—A
fatal accident occurred on Thursday week, to a man
named James Millington, whose death was occasioned
by an explosion of sulphur in a pit which he worked at
Hart's Hill. The mine was considered perfectly safe,
and had been examined with the safety lamp, but the
foul air is so rapid in its accumulation, large quantities
being frequently liberated in the working of the mine,
that before the men became aware of it the explosion
took place. Several poor fellows were badly burnt, one
of whom, named Thomas Winwood, expired a short
time after at Millington. The others are in a fair way
of recovery.—Birntinghani Journal.
I\,ioNtoTßl.,ootMlettalyer:
withfrom Arch-
angelcarg
, heated, and will protably discharge.
snEd'onS,EPTarr.ive 18.—The11e e laAsltfrneidgl

GREAT CITY IMPROVEMENTS.
Yesterday a very numerous and respectable meeting
of the inhabitants of Tower Ward took place at Baker's
Hall, in Harp-lane, in consequence of a requisition pre-
sented to Alderman Lucas, to consider plans fur the im-
provement of the thoroughfare through the ward, on
account of the numerous accidents which have occurred
there.
Alderman Lucas, in calling the attention of the meet-
ing to the subject, said it was one to which they must
look with a broader view, inasmuch as the funds from
which the improvements were to be defrayed were not
the funds of the ward, but the Government consolidated
funds from which all the extensive improvements of the
metropolis were to be drawn. If they were to change
the ancient line of traffic, it must be considered that they
must have new sewers, new paving, lighting, and watch-
ing, and other novelties of an expensive nature ; and in-
stead of having one capacious street adapted to the in-
creasing commerce and population, they would have two
small streets, affording no public relief, and perpetrating
a vast deal of mischief upon the inhabitants.—(Hear,
hear.) Some years ago, when the subject of the London-
brige improvements was agitated, Alderman Sir Matthew
Wood,who was the great organ of communication between
the Government and the Corporation, took care that the
well-known objectionable parts of Mark-lane should
stand forward most prominently for alteration. There,
however, existed a difference of opinion in the ward on
the proposed plans ; and Mr. R. L. Jones perceiving that
such opposition of feeling existed, said that if the inha-
bitants could not agree amongst themselves, the project
of improving the locality must lie upon the shelf, and so
idea
of had been shelfed ever since.—(Hear, hear.) The
of the Government was to make Tower-street a great
street, and the disagreement of the inhabitants upon the
subject was the cause of the widening of streets which
comparatively required no enlargement, while that
thoroughfare was left in its old condition. Those who
heard bim knew perfectly well that more carriages passed
through Mark-lane and Tower street in one day than
were to be seen in Cateaton-street in a fortnight.
Mr. BARKLEY rose to propose the first resolution,
which was, " that the inhabitants of the Tower Ward,
deeply impressed with the necessity for an immediate
alteration in the leading thoroughfares of Great Tower-
street and Mark-lane, in consequence of the greatly in-
creasing traffic through the confined streets in the neigh-
bourhood, by which most serious accidents and stoppages
on the highway, causing suspension to business, were
constantly occurring, earnestly requested that that part
of the City might be presented as requiring greater faci-
lities for the transmission of heavy goods to and frog
the docks, &c., and that the Aldermen and Common
Council of the ward be solicited to bring the same before
the notice of the corporation without loss of time." It
gave him the highest gratification to find that the vener-
able Alderman, who had been born in the ward, was un-
willing to see the principal street in it should become
a back street.—(Cheers.) It was the wish of the first
man in the country (the Duke of Wellington) that
Tower-street should be preserved, and he sincerely
hoped that the straight line, which formed one of the
projects, and which would infinitely damage the property
of numbers of the population of the ward by making
that thoroughfare a back street, would meet with no
supporters.—(Hear,! hear.) The meeting were aware
that Coleman-street was formerly an excellent street
of business until Moorgate-street was built. The shop-
keeper, who, in Coleman-street, paid 501. a year for his
house, was finally obliged, from the total disappearance
of business on account of the alteration, to take a house
in Muorgate-street, at the large rent of 2501.—(Hear,
hear.) The suggested improvement in Tower Ward, to
which he alluded, would just be to Tower-street what
Moorgate-street was to the unfortunate street called
Coleman-street.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. GARRETT seconded the motion, which was, after
some observations from several of the inhabitants, put,
and declared by Alderman Lucas to be unanimously
carried.
Mr. WYLIE, after a few words, approving of the
unanimity with which the first resolution was carried,
moved a resolution to the effect that the inhabitants,
viewing with alarm the alterations contemplated in the
formation of a new street from Little Tower-street to
Trinity-square, which, in intersecting Mincing-lane and
Mark-lane, would seriously disturb the Colonial and
corn markets, besides destroying a large portion of the
most valuable rentals in their vicinity, and by which
also the trade of Great Tower-street would be entirely
deviated, and the property in that and the adjoining
streets greatly depreciated, called upon the Aldermen
and Common Council to state such feelings to the Cor-
poration and the Commissioners of Metropolitan Im-
provements, in order that some other plan of alteration
might be adopted, whereby their interests might not be
so seriously injured.
31r. WARD seconded the motion.
Mr. TITE, the eminent architect, requested permis-
sion to make a few remarks, because it appeared to
him that the resolution just proposed was inconsistent to
a considerable extent, with the former proceedings of
that ward. He held in his hand documents which
showed that in 1837 improvements in the ward were
suggested by Mr. Falkner, a young architect, which
were supported by all the leading inhabitants. Those
improvements consisted of a new street from Mark-lane
to Tower-hill, to be continued across Postern-row, to
the Docks. At a wardmote, held in that year, a sub-
committee was appointed. That sub-committee reported
in 1840 to the wardmote, recommending a Bill to be
brought in for affecting that improvement. He held in
his hand a copy of the Bill, which was to the effect of
the recommendation. That street and these improve-
ments were consistent, to a very great extent, with that
which it was understood the Commissioners for the Me-
tropolitan Improvements were friendly to at the present
moment. The Bill was abandoned because it was based
on the opinion that a new street could be cut, and the
frontages sold, so as to produce a return ; and the report
of the committee even spoke of a large profit. He was
consulted by some friends interested, and after some in-
quiry he gave them as his opinion that no such return
could be obtained, and that without the assistance of a
public grant the improvement could not be carried out.
In the course of the present year the inhabitants of the
Ward of Tower had memoralised the Commissioners of
Public Improvements, in consequence of certain resolu-
tions passed on St. Thomas's day, 1845, detailing all the
proceedings from 1837 to 1840, and craving the assist-
ance of the Commissioners to carry them out. In that
state of things he suggested to the meeting that it would
be desirable to pause and to appoint a sub-committee, who
might consider all the question, rather than by a resolu-
tion of that day to negative all the proceedings from
1837 downwards.—(Hear.)
Mr. HALL said that in order to carry out the last re-
solution, he should move, as an amendment to that pro-
posed by Mr. Wylie, " that a committee be appointed to
take into consideration the various plans for the im-
provement of the Wards of Tower, and to approve of a
pre tent plan to be laid before the ward at a future
meeting."
Mr. Tu.soer, and other gentlemen, opposed the
amendment, and stated that they had already plans be-
fore them, and it was to decide upon the choice of one of
the.re plans they had assembled.
Mr. Hall's amendment was then negatived by a very
large majority.
Mr. HOWELL then proposed the following as an
ame adment to Mr. Wylie's proposition :—" That in the
opinion of the wardmote, it is most desirable that a
good. thoroughfare should exist from London-bridge
and that part of the metropolis south of Cheapside, di.
rect to the Decks and the eastern part of London, over
Tower-hill. That it is most important towards the
completion of this plan, as part of the route is beyond
the I units of the city of London, that the new thorough-
fare required in the front of Postern-row should be re-
cpini nended for adoption by the Metropolitan Commis-
sion, TS, and carried into effect by the proper authorities.
That such portion of the improvement as may be re-
quired within the city of London is a good street, not
less t hurl 50 feet ANide, from the beginning; of T,°,.
Wan% on to Tower-hill, and their wardmote consider
that sluch street should pass on the north side of Barking
Chur Ch ; and that this wardmote, while it does not de-
terms ne on any exact place, earnestly desire that such
improvement should be effectual in every way for the
relief of the annoyance complained of, and commensu-
rate s rith the commercial importance of this ward, and
the in creasing intercourse and traffic of the City gene

Mr. HANSON seconded Mr. Howell's amendment,
which was negatived by a great majority.
The original motion was then cart ied.
Mr. Ntssort proposed the last resolution, which was as
follow s :—" The inhabitants of the Tower Ward, having
obtain ed information that the Government intend open-
ing for a carriage way that part of Tower-hill known as
Poster n-row, and having ascertained from direct survey
that access thereto from the east end of Great Tower-
street ca .n be gained without difficulty, earnestly direct
the att mtion of the Corporation and the Metropolitan
Commissioners to the plan for widening Great Tower-
street, being No. 14 plan of the City improvements
(1837), by which it was proposed to remove one side of
Tower- street, a small portion of Barking Church-yard,
and two or three houses at the corner of Trinity-terrace,
by which alteration vehicles to and from the docks of
the eastern parts of London would be carried across
Trinity •square, a better approach would be gained to the
western entrance to the Tower, the traffic would be con
fined to the loading thoroughfares of the ward, and the
ventilation of this part of the city considerably improved,
leaving also the colonial and corn markets unmolested,
and affecting in a much less degree than any other plan
proposed, the existing interests of the inhabitants of the
ward gelieroy."
Mr. CHILLI:cc:WORTH seconded the proposition, which
was agreed to by a vast majority.
Mr. T'J.SON, as one of the representatives of the ward, I
assured the meeting that he would give expression to
their son.'dments in the Court of Common Council with
high gratification.

Afi-er tkutnlcs wer. voted to Alderman Lucas, the v&
nt:rab!e Alderman of tho ward, the meeting separated.

SEPT. 17. —Arrd. 11!anci:, Falkenbrid:!e, S
John's, atrti sailed for 'Westport.
SErr. 20.—Arrd. Qicco. Pearson, Quebec.

GREAT TOM OF OXFOEI).—Thi3 new work, b.
the authc4r of Peter" Prig,gins," will p:Tliaps be con
sidr!r,,il as the rn )st amusing of all his lively narratives.
We under stand it w H ba found to convey various ex-
tremely curious pictures of c.,llege life, in which under-
graduates and masters, proctors and scouts, learned
doctors an.d idle students, are made to pass in review be-
fore the refuter, and in all the picturesque features of
life at Oxfor.rd. The author, it is well known, has had
peculiar advantages for observing all that is going on
behind the scenes of that vast educational institution,
and it is f,:o be hoped that the result will be attended
with equal pleasure and profit to the-reader.
PHENO3 lENON AT WAINYBROLcir, MONMOUTH-
SHIRE. —0 a Monday the bees and wasps congregated
from east, west, north, and south, and engaged in deadly
warfare. ar.'hey appeared in swarms as far as the eye
could see, a.ind the ground for a large space uadeineath
was coverer with the dead, mostly wasps.

THE

,ATE.

(From the Gazette of last Evening.)
ADMIRALTY, SEPT. 21, 1846.
Dispatches have been received at this office, from Rear-
Admiral Inglefield, in the River Plate, addressed to the
Secretary of the Admiralty, of which the following are
copies
Her Majesty's ship Vernon, off Monte Video,
17th June, 1846.

Sir,—Adverting to my letter, No. 94, of the 9th inst.,
I have now the satisfaction of forwarding to you, for the
information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admi-
ralty, a copy of the report I have received from Captain
Sir Charles Hotham, of her Majesty's ship Gorgon,
acquainting me with the successful passage of the con-
voy (of 110 vessels) under the protection of the English
and French vessels of war, named in the margin,* past
the batteries which General Rosas had caused to be
erected on the heights of San Lorenzo, in the river
Parana, for the express purpose of obstructing the pro-
gress of the convoy down the river.
Although this success, owing to the grounding of the
British barque Caledonia, was not perfectly complete,
yet I feel persuaded their Lordships will give the
tallest credit to Captain Sir Charles Hotham, and
his colleague, Admiral Trehouart, for the able and
judicious manner in which their arrangements were
made, and also to all the officers, seamen, and royal
marines serving under their orders, for the cool and
steady manner in which this difficult service was per-
formed, fortunately without a single casualty in any of
the men-of-war or merchant vessels, a circumstance '
which, considering the strength of the position of the
Buenos Ayrean batteries and continuous fire, cannot but
be regarded as quite providential.
I trust their Lordships will permit me to call their
attention to the names of the officers whom Sir Charles
Hotham especially brings under my notice, as baying
occupied situations more prominent than others.
Their Lordships will be gratified by learning, that the
unanimity and good understanding which existed be-
tween Sir Charles Hotham and Admiral Trihouart, and
the respective vessels under their orders, from the com-
mencement of the expedition, has continued, without in-
termission, to subsist between the two squadrons, a re-
mark which, I am happy to be able to assert, is equally
applicable to all occasions when English and French
have been acting together, during the time I have had
the honour to hold this command.--I have the honour
to be, &c.
(Signed) S. H. INGLEFIELD.
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.

Her Majesty's Ship Gorgon, Obligado, June 7.
Sir,—l have the honour to inform you, that the con-
voy of merchant vessels of all nations, amounting to
110 in number, have passed the enemy's batteries and
obstacles in the Panne, in comparative safety.
The severe treatment which her Majesty's ships Alecto,
Lizard, and Harpy experienced from the batteries and
infantry stationed on the heights of San Lorenzo, in
their respective passages up the Parana (as exemplified
in my dispatch of the 20th ultimo), rendered it incum-
bent upon Admiral Trehouart and myself to adopt
every precaution which might tend to obviate disaster.
The heights or barrancas of San Lorenzo are sixty
feet above the river, the face is nearly perpendicular, and
the ground, from the edge of the cliff, recedes ; a table
land, of five or six miles in length, extends from one end
to the other, presenting a dead level, with every facility
for transporting artillery on travelling carriages to any
required point.
At the north end of this barranca, the cliff projects
and tends westerly, thus offering a salient point for a
battery commanding from N.W. to S.E.
Half a mile to the southward, a position, nearly
similar, had been selected for a second battery, and
parapets, with embrazures, had been erected for single
guns along the remainder of the barranca; the general
breadth of the navigable channel is about three-quarters
of a mile, widening gradually from the north-west en-
trance, with a current of three knots per hour running
through.
It was obvious that the nicest gunnery could alone
drive the enemy from their guns ; the immense thick-
ness of the embrazures and parapets protected them
from a flanking fire, and such was the character of the
ground, that even with a spy glass nothing could be seen
but the wheels of a carriage or muzzle of a gun.
Having carefully weighed these difficulties, Admiral
dhouart and I decided upon the following plan of
attack, as best suited to the protection of our convoy.
That the heavy steamers of both squadrons should
anchor and engage the batteries during the time the
convoy were passing, and that a masked rocket battery
should be prepared on the island in front of the second
battery, distant about one thousand two hundred yards :
the convoy in the mean time passing at allotted distances
under cover of the sailing ships and small steamers
named in the marginet
Accordingly, being favoured with a breeze from the
northward, at 51•30 A.M., on the 4th instant, I made the
general signal for the steamers, Gorgon, Firebrand,
Alecto, Gassendi, and Fulton to weigh. At 10'20 A.M.
the Gorgon opened her fire; and the Firebrand and Gas-
sendi, having reached their appointed station one thou-
sand yards from the north battery, anchored in an enfi-
lading position.
The three remaining steamers, Gorgon, Fulton, and
Alecto, proceeded past the batteries and anchored nine
hundred yards from the barrancas abreast, and two
thousand from the first battery.
On the first gun being fired from the Gorgon, the
rocket party unmasked their battery, and opened a
heavy and effective fire, which helped to divert the
enemy's attention from the three steamers, who were I
passing within grape and musket range.
At 10'40 1.7.1. the action had fairly commenced be-
tween the batteries, field pieces, infantry, and the
steamers of the combined force, and the English rocket
party ; a channel five hundred yards wide was left
between the steamers and the islands for the convoy.
At 11.50 A.M. the Dolphin, leading the convoy, passed
the Gorgon, the respective divisions sailed by in their
proper order, about twenty only remained, when I was
sorry to see the British barque Caledonia, uninjured, and
with the wind dead aft, run on shore on a small bank
off the point of the second island. In so ill-assorted and
numerous a convoy of all sizes, badly equipped, and
lumbered with enormous deck cargoes, I confess I cal-
culated on the loss of some, but I had hoped to have
been spared the pain of witnessing a fine English barque
handled in a sts le by no means creditable to those
on board, and grounded without any reason under the
enemy's fire.
I immediately signalised Alecto and Lizard to proceed
to her assistance. At 12.50, the convoy having all passed,
I made the general signal to weigh.
The Caledonia still remaining immovably fixed, she
had tseaten over one bank, and lay on her port side, with
her bottom exposed to the enemy's fire, through which
six or seven shot had already been put, and the officers
sent on that service being unanimously of. opinion that
she could not be got off without discharging her cargo,
by my direction she was set on fire to prevent her falling
into the enemy's hands, and two coasting vessels, simi-
larly situated, were also destroyed.
This was the only drawback to a most satisfactory
day ; the arrangements answered even better than my
colleague or myself had dared to anticipate. Tho enemy
brought iato play from sixteen to twenty guns ; during
five months they had prepared heated shut and studied
every stratagem to secure themselves and punish us, in-
stead of which we dismounted some of their guns, and
drove them repeatedly from others.
We selected the steam force in consequence of the ad-
vantage which their pivot guns give, and it is difficult to
imagine finer gunnery than they displayed. Marvellous
to say, that although each of these vessels were hulled
and hit repeatedly, and that more than three-fourths
of the convoy were severally struck, there is not a man
killed or wounded amongst us. I have received
every assistance and support from the officers of this
squadron, but some have occupied situations more pro-
minent than others, and I feel it my duty to bring them
to your notice.
The officers in command of the rocket party were
Lieutenant L. B. Mackinnon, her Majesty's ship Alecto;
First Lieutenant C. L. Barnard, Royal Marine Artillery,
her Majesty's ship Firebrand ; Mr. David 11am, gunner,
her Majesty's ship Alecto ; the party were obliged to
remain two clays and nights concealed unter the enemy's
nose, and they, with the marine artillery and seamen,
deserve credit for the discipline and skill with
which they conducted their operations, and I consider
that they rendered us most essential service. I have
repeatedly derived advantage from the ability and zeal
of Mr. Henry Baker, Master of this ship, during my ab-
sence from the Gorgon; he made a most excellent chart
of the passage and channels near San Lorenzo, and he
piloted this ship, leading the steam force past the ba

teries, much to my s3tislaction.
Monsieur Mazires, Lieutenant commanding the
French steamer Fulton, on seeing the disastrous state

of the Caledonia, basteneA to her assistance, and I hope
this officer will permit me ito thank him for his uniform
and effective co-operation.
In all my communications I have alluded to the great
satisfaction I have derived in having Admiral Tao-
houart as a colleague ; dun ng eight months we have
. _

acted together, and I make bola to say that more perfect

harmony and unanimity has nt-rver existed than between
the two commanding officers, tc, whom yourself and Ad-
miral Lain entrusted the direction of the service in the

Parana.—l have, &c.,
(Signed) CHAS. HOTHAM, Captain.
Rear-Admiral S. ll.lnglefiel d, C. 8.,

Commander-in-Chief.

* English—Gorgon, Firebrand,. Dolphin, Fanny, Lizard
:arpy, Alecto.
French—San Martin, Fulton, G: tss endi, Coquette, Procida.
English—Dolphin, Fanny, Lizard, Harpy.
French—San Martin, Coq mette, Procida.

FEARFUL RAILWAY ACCID SPIT.—AS the nine P.M.
tin was leaving Rugby statio.n :for Leicester, on Satur-

day last, an engine belonging to the London and North-
Western R Lilway Company was. standing below the
points at which the Midland li ae di verges from the for-
mer ; no sooner had the eiy?,•ine and tender passed the
points, than the engine-driver •.)f the London and North-
Western Company turned on his steam, and the result
was that the engine ran into the train before it had
cleared the line, broke fur S.! the carriages, throwing
them off the rails, and tearing- -op the latter for some
distance, whilst several of the I as ;angers were seriously
shaken and bruised. Mr. llud; ;on,. the chairman to the
Midland Company, but better lin ; ovn as the "Railway
King," was in one of the carriage; ;, but escaped unhurt.
Assistance was promptly rendore d to the sufferers, to
whom every attention was paid 1 )y the officials of the
London and North-Western C om pany, and, after a de-
tention of about an hour, the p assengers were placed
in carriages belonging to the batter company, and for-
warded on their journey. The ~guard was so seriously
injured that he was obliged to toe left behind. We un-
derstand that the engine driver, ithrough whose careless-
ness the accident occurred, will la ndergo an examinati9ll
before the magistrate.

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

MALTA, SEPT. 11.—On Monday a court-martial was
held on board her Majesty's ship Tyne, for the trial of
William Johnson, David Douglas, and Charles Wright,
engineers of her Majesty's steamer Hecla, the first for
contempt and disobedience of orders to his captain,
Duffil, in refusing to send a forge on deck for the use of
the ship without a written order from the captain, and
on being placed in arrest turning sneeringly round and
saying, " I thank you, sir, very much;" the last two for
refusing to take charge of the engine-room and engines
when Johnson was put under arrest.
The charges were fully proved, and Johnson was sen-
tenced to be mulct of his pay and allowances due to the
day of sentence, to be dismissed the Hecla, and reduced
to the rank of second engineer for 12 months, with a re-
commendation to the Admiralty to reinstate him, should
his conduct be good during that time.
Douglas was acquitted, owing to an informality in his
description.
Wright was sentenced to be mulct of pay due, and to
remain a second engineer, without being able to advance,
for 12 months.
The Hecla went to Tripoli to day with Mr. Crowe,
the new consul.
The Fantome went out yesterday with provisions for
the Inconstant at Beyrout.
The Indian mails are daily expected.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SQUADRON.
In Malta Harbour.—The Ceylon, 12, receiving ship,
bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir L. Curtis, Bart.,
second in command and Superintendent of Malta Dock-
yard; the Tyne, 28, Captain W. N. Glascock ; the
Amazon, 49, Captain J. J. Stopford; the Harlequin,
Commander Curry; the Avenger, Captain T. Williams;
the Locust steamer, Lieutenant-Commander Power;
and the Wee Pet steam-tug:
Oa Surveying Duty.—The Bonetta, Commander T.
S. Brock; and the Research cutter, Lieutenant Spratt.
At Sea.—The Hibernia, 120, Captain Peter Richards,
C. 8., bearing the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir W. Parker,
Bart., G.C.8., the Commander-in-Chief.
At Gibraltar.—The Virago war steamer, Commander
John Lunn; and the Phoenix steam-vessel, Commander
Dennis.
At Corfu.—The Meteor, Lieutenant-Commander
Butler.
At the Piraeus of Athens.—The Jackall steamer, Lieu-
tenant-Commander W. M. J. G. Pasco.
At Beyrout.—The Inconstant, 36, Captain C. H. Fre-
mantle.
At Smyrna.—The Syren, 16, Commander H. E.
Edgell.
At Constantinople.—The Bloodhound steamer, Lieu-
tenant R. Phillips.
En route to Tripoli from Malta, the Hecla war steamer,
Commander C. Starmtr.
En route to Beyrout from Malta, the Fantome, 16,
Commander Le Hardy.
MAIL STEAM-PACKETS.

At Malta—The Spitfire, Lieutenant J. A. M'Donald,
and the Trident, Lieutenant C. E. Rigge.
En route from Malta to Marseilles, the. Flamer, Lieu-
tenant Lavie.
En route from the lonian Islands and Greece to Malta,
the Volcano, Lieutenant Crang.
En route to Trieste from Malta, the Ardent, Lieute-
nant G. Spong.
PENINSULAR AND ORIENTAL STEAM NAVIGATION COM-
PANY'S FLOTILLA.

At Southampton—The Pottinger, Tagus, Ariel, and
Duke of Cornwall.
En route fOr Southampton and Gibraltar from Malta,
the Montrose.
En route for Constantinople and Ports of the Black
Sea from Malta, the Achilles.
En route from Alexandria to Malta, the Oriental.
At Malta, the Iberia.
FOREIGN SHIPS OF WAR AND PACKETS IN PORT.
French steamers, the Mentor and Hellespont.
PORTSMOUTH, SUNDAY.—A circular has been issued
from the office of Rear-Admiral J. W. D. Dundas, M.P.,
C. 8., one of the Lords of the Admiralty, calling upon
the lieutenants upon the active list to state if they are
prepared to serve at sea, or would prefer the Coast
Guard appointments. This would appear like prepara-
tions for organising an available force for an emergency.
Much dissatisfaction is expressed at the manner in
which the new China medal has been executed. The
medal is of silver, but the receptacle for the riband, a
conspicuous feature in the honour, is of uMata or Ger-
man metal. Thus, whilst the medallion looks bright
and respectable, the clasp presents a dingy, brassy ap-
pearance. We yesterday saw twenty medals lying upon
the counter of a silversmith in this borough, which had
been sent by various officers to have silver substituted for
the spurious metal, which entails an expense upon their
purses of about 16s. each. Such is the manner in which
bravery is rewarded.
The Echo steam-tug took down yesterday to Cowes a
capstan and hawsers for the Ajax steam guard-ship, in-
tended to be floated out of dock at Cowes on Tuesday.
The Moozuffer, Captain Ethersey, I. N., a very fine
handsome steam-frigate, recently launched, belonging to
the fleet of the Hon. the East India Company, arrived
on Friday at Spithead, under sail alone, in most beauti-
ful style. It would seem that while the royal dockyards
turn out steam-vessels of the most inefficient descrip-
tion,
the merchant builders achieve the most enviable
excellence in that all-important branch of naval archi-
tecture. The Moozuffer is a beautiful sample, built by
Fletcher and Co., of Limehouse, with beam engines by
Seawark and Capel. She is 250 feet long; 37 feet beam
outside the wales; 1,444 k tons burden; has a comple-
ment of 180 ; mounts two 68 and four 32- pounders,
and is 500 horse power. Her funnel and paddle-wheels
are unshipped, as she proceeds to Bombay under sail
alone, brig-rigged.
The Helena, 16, Commander Sir Cornwallis Ricketts,
was in the Moaambique Channel on her passage thence
to the Cape on the 25th of June. Fever and dysentery
were raging on board, and had been fearfully prevalent.
Eleven of the crew had died, and at the above date forty-
three were on the sick list; the infection, however, was
subsiding. Sir Cornwallis had himself been attacked, and
the ship had for a fortnight been worked and commanded
by the first lieutenant, Mr. Phillips. At one time, we are
informed, only fifty-seven of the crew were fit for duty,
the commander, two lieutenants, and master at the
same time being sick. Only four of the officers had
escaped.
The Cygnet, 6, Commander Layton, was at Loando
on the 15th of June, at which time Commander Mon-
ti6sor had not arrived to supersede Commander Layton.
Four of the slaver prizes, out of 17 taken by the Cygnet,
had turned out blanks in adjudication.
The Abo, Russian store-ship, saluted the Commander-
in-Chief this morning soon atter eight o'clock, with 17
guns, which was returned immediately by the Victory,
with Sir Charles Ogle's flag temporarily suspended at
the main. She also exchanged salutes with the garrison
this afternoon.
The Adventure, naval transport, arrived this morning,
with stores, from the eastward.
A temporary cessation of the traffic between this place
and Gosport was occasioned yesterday by one of the
chains of the floating bridge breaking between four and
live o'clock in the afternoon, when the bridge was in the
centre of the passage ; the passengers, &c., were obliged
to be removed in boats at the expanse of the bridge pro -
prietors. It was very fortunate no large vessels required
to pass in or out during the time the obstruction lasted,
which was removed at ten this morning.
The Cambrian, 36, was undocked (having bad a
thorough repair) this morning.
Tne master of the Victory, Mr. Flynn, and his party
of men, who took the Rifleman steam-gun-vessel to
Woolwich for her engines, returned by train from Lon-
don this evening.
The Comet, steam-vessel, Lieutenant-Commander
Johnston, arrived at Cork from Waterford on the even-
ing of the 17th inst. The squadron of evolution were
not expected there. The Madagascar, store -ship,
Master-Commander Burney, and the Dee, steam-trans-
port, Master-Commander Driver, were in harbour at
Cove when the Comet arrived. The Stromboli, steam-
sloop, Commander Fisher, left Cork for the Shannon
with grain on the 16th. The Dec was about to ship a
similar cargo. The Comet landed at the Custom-house
40 boxes of specie, each box containing, in crowns, half-
crowns, shillings, and sixpences, 5001. sterling. Between
five and six o'clock on Friday morning she left for
Tralee, whence she would proceed to Limerick, Galway,
Sligo, and Westport, disembarking at each port money,
&c., for the relief of the prevailing distress.
Wooewrcer.—ln the latter part of the Parliamentary
session of 1845 a Bill was brought in and passed into a
law, empowering the Admiralty and Board of Ordnance
to take, without any previous sessional notice, as was
formerly the case, any quantity of ground that might be
required for the service of the army and navy, or for
naval and military works contemplated to be constructed
in the United Kingdom. This Bill was framed to meet
the difficulties which had occurred in the attempt to ob-
tain a better practice-ground in the marshes at Wool-
wich; and, although that object has not yet been ac-
complished, in consequence of other localities having
been suggested, the powers of the Bill have been made
available in introducing very important improvements
and additions to Woolwich dockyard. The whole of the
buildings on the north side of George-street, Woolwich,
leading on the Greenwich road from the residence of the
captain-superintendent of the dockyard to the large
chimney of the foundry has been valued by a jury, and
the amounts decided on paid to the proprietors, and in
the course of the present week the dwelling-houses will
be sold for the value of the old bricks, the whole cleared
off immediately, and the walls of the dockyard extended
so as to enclose the newly-acquired property. From
what has transpired since the visit of Field-Marshal the
Dukeof Wellington,Commander- in-Chief,andGeneral the
Marquis of Anglesey, Master-General of the Ordnance
to the fortifications at Tilbury Fort, Sheerness, and
Chatham, it is contemplated that Woolwich will be made
the greatest, as it is certainly will be the securest, naval
depot in this kingdom or in the known world. In order
to extend the resources and accommodation of the Wool-
wich dockyard, a jury has been summoned to decide
upon the value of the marshy ground on the west side of
Charlton pier, extending as far us the manor-way on the
Greenwich side of the dockyard, for the purpose of form-
ing a basin capable of containing ships and steam-vessels
of the first class, for which the place is admirably
adapted, the depth along shore on the Kent side being
fifteen feet, at low water, close to the land. Thi,; spot
would ha the most. eligible of any in the country, from
91e facilitiee it possesses of receiving ships in ordinary,
instead of allowing so many of them to remain exposed,
as is the case when moored is the Medway. It will
be recollected that several of the French steamers of
war visited Sheerness last year without any pre-
vious announcement of their visit, and after a short
stay returned to Treport, where the King of the
French decorated with his own hand several .of
the non-commissioned officers on board the steamers
with the cross of the Legion of Honour, in consequence,
it was surmised at the time, of the manner in which the
vessel bad arrived at Sheerness, and the satisfactory re-
ports of the voyage. At the present moment a fleet of
French war steamers, in the event of hostilities taking
place, could leave the coast of France under secret