The Sun.
London, England, 1833-09-20 00:00:00

PORTUGAL.

(From the Times Correspondent.)
LISBON, SEPT. 3, 1833.
A meeting of the British residents took place
yesterday at the office of the Vice-Consul, for the
purpose of receiving communications from Rear-
Admiral Parker and Lord William Russell. That
of the Admiral stated that, in the " critical mo-
ment," British subjects and their valuables would
be received on board any of the vessels of the squa-
dron, and the yellow house was pointed out as the
most convenient spot for embarkation, and added,
that the Savage brig-of-war had been sent up the
river, and was anchored off Sacarem, that the com-
mander had instructions to point out to the Mi-
guelites, on their entering that place, the lodges of
wine (British property) in depot there, amounting
to several thousand pipes, and that the Admiral was
willing to co-operate with the merchants in any man-
ner for their protection, provided that their wishes did
not interfere with his instructions. The letter from
Lord Russell, of which below you have a copy,
gave considerable offence. It is scarcely a fort-
' night since Mr. Hoppner, on taking his departure,
addressed a letter to the residents, in which he ad-
mitted that their uniform neutrality in the contest
carrying on had much assisted him in the performance
of his duties on their behalf, but now the tables are
turned upon them, and they are sharply lectured by
the Minister for their active interference in favour
of one of the contending parties. Notwithstanding
the recognition of the Queen, the Government of
Great Britain will not interfere in her favour. An
application was made by Don Pedro for British
troops to garrison the forts of Belem and St. Julian,
which was rejected; therefore, if the absolutists of
Europe will only furnish money to pay the •Mi-
guelite army, the war may be carried on for some
time longer. Bourmont told Don Miguel at Mafra
that he did not visit Portugal on his account, but to
support the cause of Henry V., and of Don Carlos
of Spain. The Duke of Terceira having occupied
his position upon the heights of Villa Franca until
the construction of the lines of defence of the city,
has now retired to its neighbourhood; his head-
quarters are at Campo Pequeno : he has possession
of the heights of Bemfica on his left, and to his
right his force extends to Sacarem. The lines
are becoming very strong; a continuation of re-
doubts have been erected from the bridge of Al-
cantara, by the Campo d'Ourique, Picoas, Pedra
de Franca, down to the river, thus forming a
sort of semicircle at the back of the town, mount-
ing more than 100 pieces of cannon; these fortifica-
tions will be garrisoned by the national battalions of
the city, whose numbers are perhaps 7,000 men,some
of whom were those disbanded by Don Miguel in
1826 and 1827. The reserve will consist of the
troops from Oporto, about 4,000 men, the best in
the world for work, and about 300 horses. The
enemy's forces are scattered in all directions around
the the city ; a Miguelite flag was exhibited yester-
day upon a height between Belem Castle and Fort
St. Julian. lam assured, upon good authority, that
Bourmont has with him upwards of 3,000 friars and
priests of all sorts in arms. Don Miguel has cut off
the water of the aqueduct, therefore all the private
wells in the city have been thrown open to the
public, and a large number of barges and boats are
constantly engaged in bringing water from Almada,
on the opposite side, where it is plentiful. The
vessels are laid alongside the quays, and the welcome
supply is pumped out to the thirsty inhabitants by
means of small fire-engines. This measure of the
enemy %dil have a prejudicial effect upon the
public health. It was reported to be the inten-
tion of the enemy to march a column of troops
this evening through the passage of the aque-
duct which opens into the centre of the city, there-
fore Don Pedro had it blocked up with stone and
lime in such a way that not a mouse could creep
through it. Sir John Campbell, who was captured
off Figuiera in a merchant brig named the Queen,
is a prisoner in the Castle of St. George. He is
treated so well, that he has written a letter to Lord
William Russell, confessing the many attentions
for which he is indebted to the Government of the
Duke of Braganza. The Rainlia and Don John,
nave u,uppcu Uuvt II Elie riv.r inr the pr.,—
Lion of Forts St. Julian and Belem, both of which

are assailable on the land side. The Cybelle cor-
vette entered yesterday morning, reporting the
arrival of a Spanish frigate at Flguiera. She was
sent to sea again last evening.
The utmost confidence exists in the city, and
many thousands of the inhabitants of the surround-
ing country have sought refuge within it, bringing
with them everything movable in the shape of pro-
visions and household furniture. Tnere are some
exceptions, however, to this feeling of perfect safety.
An Englsh lady of rank, who has received into her
hou,e and affords protection to a daughter of the
Viscountess of Jetumenha, has taken the precaution
of sending all her valuables on board a ship of war,
and has been heard to maintain that Lisbon is in
great danger. The Admiral Cape St. Vincent says
he will land every blue jacket in his fleet, rather
than the capital shall again fall into the hands of
the babarians.

Cory OF LORD WILLIAM RUSSELL'S LETTER TO
J. MEAGHER, ESQ., BRITISH VICE CONSUL.
" My Dear Sir,—l understand that the British mer-
chants are to assemble this morning at your office, to
consider the best means of securing their property. I beg
you will assure the British merchants that both Admiral
Parker and myself will do everything in our power to in-
sure the protection of their property ; but the merchants
must understand that, although the British Government
has acknowledged Donna Maria the Second as Queen of
Portugal, still its position, as regards this contest, is
strictly neutral ; consequently the British merchants, by
intending actively on either side, would be departing
direztly from the line of conduct pursued by their own
Government, and would forfeit all claims to its protection.
If any merchants, from their enthusiasm in the cause of
the Queen, are determined to take an active part in her
cause, let them declare it openly, and give their names iu
at your office as persons who renounce all claims to
British protection, but I must beg of them not to abuse
that protection, by interfering under its wing, for by such
conduct (most unbecoming the high character borne by
British merchants all over the world, especially by those
residing at Lisbon) not only myself, as the diplomatic agent
of Great Britain, would be placed in a most embarrassing
situation, but the whole property of all the British mer•
chants would be endangered.
" I have the honour to be, very faithfully yours,
" J. Meagher, Esq. " W. RUSSELL."

SEPT. 2.—At a meeting of British merchants
convened this day for the purpose of receiving a
communication from Admiral Parker, his British
Majesty's Vice-Consul and Acting Consul, Mr.
Shore, being called to the chair,
It was proposed by Mr. William Payant and
seconded by Mr. Welby—" That it is desirable a
requisition be made to the Admiral for the protection
of British property in the India-house and Custom-
house, and that a force be landed, as it does not
appear any naval force moored in the river is suffi-
cient security for such property."—Carried una-
nimously.
Proposed by Mr. John Sugrue, and seconded by
Mr. J. E. Martin, " That it is desirable that a
board, with a notice, should be placed on the stores,
warehouses, and dwelling-houses within and without
the lines, containing British property; and that the
Admiral be requested to intimate, in the strongest
terms possible, to the Commander of the Forces of
Don Miguel, that his Government will be held re-
sponsible for any violation or plunder committed by
the forces, regular or irregular, under his command,
or acting in the name of Don Miguel."—Carried
unanimously.
Proposed by Mr. J. O'Donnell and seconded by
Mr. M. Galwey—" That the Admiral be requested,
in his notification to the Miguelite commanders, to
include the British property outside the lines in that
part of the country in the occupation of their forces,'
on which it is at present impossible to place the
notices alluded to in the preceding resolution, the
communication therewith being entirely cut off."—
Carried unanimously.
Proposed by Mr. Lucas, seconded by Mr. Welby
—" Resolved, that the thanks of this meeting be
presented to Rear-Admiral Parker, C. 8., for the in-

terest and readiness he has eviuced at all times for,
the security of British subjects and their property.'
Proposed by Mr. Lucas, and seconded by Mr.
Parley--" That his Majesty's acting Consul be re-
quested to transmit to Rear-Admiral Parker the
above resoultions."

Proposed by Mr. H. M'Corqudale, and seconded
by Mr. William Allen—" Resolved, that the thanks
of this meeting be voted to Mr. F. F. Shore, for his
able and impartial conduct in the chair."

At the meeting of British merchants convened
this day for the purpose of taking into consideration
a communication from Rear-Admiral Parker, C. 8.,
to adopt measures for the protection of British sub-
jects and their property, a letter having been read
by J. Meagher, Esq., his Britannic Majesty's Acting
Cousul, addressed to him by Lord William Russell,
his Majesty's Minister at this Court,
It was proposed by Mr. Robert Duff, and se-
conded by Mr. George Croft, and carried unani-
mously,—

" That the thanks of Mr. Hoppner, our late act-
ing Consul-General, having been repeatedly ex-
pressed to the British residents here, approving of
their conduct in not interfering in the political affairs
of this country, they feel surprised that an idea
should be entertained of a contrary nature, and are
anxious to ascertain what interpretation is meant to
be conveyed by the words active interference' in
that communication."

Proposed by Mr. J. E. Martin, and seconded by
Mr. John Sugru, and carried unanimously, " That
J. Meagher, Esq., his Britannic Majesty's Acting
Consul, be requested to forward this resolution to
Lord Russell."

Asia, in the Tagus, Sept. 3.
Sir,—l beg to acknowledge the receipt this morning of
your letter, transmitting certain resolutions of the British
merchante, at a meeting held yesterday in Lisbon, and
hasten to acquaint you, for their information, that the
disembarkation of a force is incompatible with the positive
instructions I have received, except under certain contin-
gencies, but they may rest assured that every means in
my power will be adopted for the protection of British
property in the India and Custom Houses.

I have the satisfaction to add, that the other requests
contained in their resolutions are already, i❑ substance,
provided for, and I yesterday received a reply from
Lieutenant-General the Baron Clouet, Commander-in-
Chief of the Miguelite army, signifying unequivocally,
that British persons and property would be respected,
which communication was instantly consigned to Captain
Fanshawe, and shown by bim, at my desire, to yourself,
and as many of the merchants as remained on the Change
at the hour it reached me. No precautionary measures,
however, will be omitted to ensure the objects proposed
by the resolutions in their fullest extent.
It remains for me to express my gratification at learning
that the merchants are satisfied at my disposition to afford
security to British subjects and their property, and beg
to repeat that I have ever been, and shall continue to be,
most anxious to render every attention, protection, and
accommodation within my power to the British merchants
and their interests.

I am, Sir, &c.,
W. PARKER, Rear-Admiral.

RUA PRIOR, Sept. 3.

Sir,—l have this instant received a letter from you,
inclosing the copy of a resolution voted unanimously at a
meeting of the British merchants, expressing an anxiety
to know what interpretation is meant to be conveyed by
the words " active interference," made use of i❑ my letter
to you. These words appear to me to convey so clear a
meaning, that I am at a loss to understand the object of
the British merchants in calling for an explanation. The
words in my letter are these—" The position of the
British Government as regards this contest is strictly
neutral, consequently the British merchants, by interfering
actively on either side, would be departing directly from
the line of conduct pursued by their own Government,"
Ike. Interfering actively, is interfering by bearing arms, by
acting as agents without public avowal. lam not aware
of any other interpretation I can give to these words ;
but if the British merchants will mike their wishes more
clear to me, I will endeavour to give them all the ex-
planation they desire. May I beg of you to communicate
this letter to them, and to believe me
Your obedient humble servant,
J. Aleagher,_E4q., &c. W. RUSSELL.

P. S —Mr. Laroche, a British subject, has been or-
dered to quit this country in twenty-four hours, for inter-
fer;”,, , this is a practical proof I.f
the bad consequences of active interference, which my
friendly caution to the British merchants was intended to
prevent. W. R.

(FROM A NOTEIER CORRESPONDENT.)
LISBON, SEPT. 3.—The excesses committed by
the people in the first moments of their justifiable
enthusiasm, after five long years of barbarous op-
pression, have long since entirely ceased. All
thoughts are now directed to the preparations ne-
cessary to meet the threatened attack of Miguel and
his myrmidons, who within these few days have ap-
proached the outskirts of the city. All classes are
working with the greatest activity in the fortifica-
tions, which have already in less than three weeks
been thrown up all round the town. Don Pedro
himself sets the example, making his appearance in
one part or other of the works before daylight, and
sometimes passing the whole line two or three times
a day. This line, consisting of strong redoubts and
intrenchments, extends on the right from the heights
of CI elas, close to the river, through Arroyas,
Arco do Cego, Picoas, Visconde de Bahia, Cam-
polide, Campo de Ourique, down to Alcantara-
bridge. It forms something like a semicircle
of about three miles, and is much less in compass
than the now memorable lines of Oporto. Some
of the forts are within the very gates of the city.
Evei y available spot has been fortified, and though at
this present writing the fortifications are not entirely
finished, they are so far advanced, and the spirit of
the people is such as to secure the town against any
sudden attack. The readiness of all classes to enrol
themselves in the National Guards is beyond all
praise. Of these there have been formed nine bat-
talions, amounting altogether to about 12,000 men.
They consist principally of the decent and substan-
tial members of the middle ranks of society, whose
conduct and declared sentiments have so far com-
mitted them, that they must inevitably be lost if
Miguel succeeds in again entering Lisbon. The
greatest activity prevails in their training and orga-
nization. Within these few days not less than
5,000 to 6,000 men have arrived from Oporto—
Lancers, sth Rifle corps, 9th and 15th Infantry,
Belgian and Irish battalions, with many supernume-
raries. We have in all about 9,000 regular troops,
by far the greater part the very individuals who have
so often and so gloriously triumphed over the enemy
that is now approaching us.
An expedition sailed last week for Peniche, under
the command of Bernardo da Sa, the gallant Go-
vernor of Oporto. This force will act as a diver-
sion in the rear of the Miguelites. After the atro-
cious destruction of the wines at Villa Nova, Bour-
mont has been gradually but slowly coming down
upon Lisbon, bringing along with him the remains
of the terrified troops that fled with Cadaval and
Molellos.

Besides this force we have the national battalions
mentioned above, amounting to at least 12,000 men,
a great part of whom consists of the old constitu-
tional regiments of commerce, rifles, and artillery
that were disbanded by Miguel when meditating his
intended usurpation. In short, not the smallest ap-
prehension is entertained for the result of any attack
that Miguel with all his friars may attempt upon
Lisbon.* It was supposed that they would approach
by the line of the Tagus, and Villa Flor ten days
ago began to intrench himself at Alhandra (five
leagues from this up the river), the very spot where
the Duke of Wellington's lines began on the right
in the peninsular war. Towards the end of last
week, however, he received information of their

* These monks, by the by, are supposed by certain great
personages on your side of the water to be fighting for their
religion. If the said great personages really think so, they
labour under a great mistake. The monks are fighting not
for religion, for they know full well that it would exist just
as well without them, but for their estates and houses, and
in this their conduct is natural enough, particularly after the
decrees, perhaps precipitate, promulgated in the name of the
restored Government, by their arch enemy, Joze de Silva
Car valho. But I repeat that it is an abuse of terms to
call such warfare a " religious warfare." The friars are
fighting for their exclusive privileges mid property, and there
is an end of it.

approach from the north by Torres Vedras and
Mafra, when he immediately broke up and formed
his line from Sacarem on to Queluz, through Lu-
miar and Cal nide. Since Sunday he has withdrawn
within the lines, and this morning sent out a recon-
noissance to about a league's distance, which was
able to discover nothing but here and there parties
of wretched armed peasants who fled at the first
approach of the lancers. In the mean time, and
episodically, it probably will amuse many of your
readers, if not my Lord Vane Londonderry, to know
that his gallant friend of epistolary celebrity, Sir J.
Campbell, late assistant Commander-in-Chief of
the Miguelite army round Oporto, has at this mo-
ment, in the castle of St. George here in Lisbon,
leisure to sooth the solitary hours of imprisonment,
by writing to that Noble Lord fresh letters in praise
of Don Miguel's regal and manly virtues. He was
taken by one of Don Pedro's cruisers, off Figueira,
attempting on board of an English vessel to make
his escape from this land of his adoption and mili-
tary adventures. This knight of a rueful countenance
it would seem, was anxious even at this last hour to
make himself serviceable to his phoenix of monarchs.
The Chronica says, that the papers found upon
him prove that he was going on a commission for
the Usurper. One of his attendants, who passes
as his Secretary, it is said, is a notorious spy of
Santarem's, nicknamed Techuga, who rendered
himself infamous by secret denunciations during the
Miguelite government. Another agent of the same
Government has also been apprehended within
these few days, Francisco Jose Lopez da Cunha,
an attache to Miguel's representative i❑ Madrid,
whose letters and papers will, it is said, be not less
interesting than those which have been already pub-
lished in your paper.

TUESDAY EVENING,

The latest information I can obtain is, that Don
Miguel's head-quarters are not yet further advanced
than Cabeca de Montachique, or at most at Loures.
He has thrown a small body of cavalry, and a few
guerillas, towards Sacarem, on his left, and as far
as Mafra, Cintra, and Queluz on his right. Villa
Flor has concentrated all his army within the inner
lines of Lisbon, fearing, perhaps, some conp de
main on the capital before all the works are com-
pleted : but this may now be considered as done,
and that so effectually, that, if properly defended,
which there is no reason to doubt of, not 50,000
could force them, we may look forward to see Don
Pedro take the offensive ere long, and so soon as the
proper moment arrives.

What Don Miguel's hopes are, no one can form
an opinion of. Cut off from any communication by
sea, deprived of the resources of his capital, his
munition of war nearly expended, and without
probability of getting more unless from Spain,
which even so it would be a difficult matter to ma-
nage, one single defeat might ruin him for ever, and
that he may get entangled in the net spread out
before at Lisbon is not improbable. Bourmont and
his officers have, it is true, their honour to retrieve
for their shameful defeat at Oporto. This may
lead them on, but Miguel may be their victim.
It is impossible to conceive how Frenchmen
should patronize the brutal warfare which Don Mi-
guel's army is carrying on against the peaceable in-
habitants of the country. Every place they enter
seems doomed to pillage and wanton destruction,
the furniture is destroyed, the wine and oil casks
let to run loose, trees cut down, the corn carried
away, and happy the owner if his house is not set
on fire. Such are the atrocities complained of, and
though perhaps somewhat exaggerated, yet I am
afraid a great deal of this conduct is too true.
Baron Clouet has promised, however, protection
to all British property, and we are inclined to hope
it will be religiously observed, either through com-
plaisance or fear of the future result. I send you
the particulars of a meeting held by the British re•
sidents here, to consider of the best means for the
protection of their property; as also Admiral
Parker's reply. A curious appendix to this will be
found in Lord W. Russell's friendly hints to his
countrymen herewhich, together with the merchants'
reply, and his explanations, might be a little more
commented upon, if necessary.

. -
Herewith is also a note of the actual state of Don
Pedro's army around Lisbon, showing that it is
really effective, and promises to be so on some
future day, when the Lisbonians will burn with
anxiety to emulate the conduct of their noble coun-
trymen from Oporto : Men.
Caqadores, No. 2
3
5
10
Infantry, No. 1 • 6OO
3
4
6
9
15
Students' corps (Cacadores, Artillery)
Marines (greater part on board) 4OO
Sappers
Cavalry, No. 11 (horses, 350) 450
Lancers (horses, 190) 2OO
Artillery (-1 park, 3-pounders
400
Mules, 100 t 2 parks, 6-poundersi
Queen's 2d Regiment (foreign)
Irish corps

Experienced soldiers
New men, but well-disciplined 3,410
New men, not well-disciplined
Battalions of National Volunteers, of which about one-

9,:n0

third have seen Militia service
In Peniche and here are about 1,100 men, including
230 Poles and French.

(PROII ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT.
LISBON, SEPT. 3.—The Emperor has not been
inactive; our fortifications begin close to the Tagus,
at a place called Alto de S. Joao (heights of St.
John) and finish at Alcantara, forming a semicircle
of about eight miles. The forts which defend the
line will be mounted by about 100 pieces of artil-
lery of different calibres, and engineer officers of
high reputation state that it will be impossible for
Bourmont to force these lines with the elements he
has got under his command.
Our army also has been increased by several
thousand victorious soldiers, who arrived in steamers
and sailing vessels from Oporto, and are eager to
meet that enemy again which they have so often
triumphantly driven before them. Our Guarda
Nacional are also exercising themselves, and if they
show the patriotism and valour of which the inha-
bitants of Oporto have given them so noble an ex-
ample, Don Miguel will never see Lisbon again but
from afar.

The brave Admiral Viscount of Cape St. Vincent
is also to me a sure pledge that it will be a hard-
fought battle, and that every chance of success is on
our side; also the arrival of several deserters shows
that there is a great disposition in some regiments
to desert the standard of the usurper as soon as they
find an opportunity.

With the Duke of Terceira, General Saldanha,
General Valdez, and in fact all the superior officers,
there exists such an emulation that every one wishes
to be foremost in the brilliant field that is opening
before Them.

DOES THE SCORPION COMMIT SUICIDE ?
.—Lieutenant Hutton, 37th N. I. (India,) appears, from
an account of some experiments given in the Journal of
the Asiatic Society of Bengal, to have set at rest the
question respecting the scorpion's stinging itself to death
when placed within a fiery circle. He siys—" Arguing
one day on this subject, and not being able to convince
my adversary, I procured two scorpions for the purpose
of testing the truth of his statement, and found the result
to be as I had anticipated. The poor animals, a ter twice
or thrice running over the glowing charcoal, and being
put back again, were in a minute or two completely
roasted by the heat, and expired without making the least
attempt to sting themselves. The animal when in pain
lashes its tail about very quickly, which might possibly
have given rise to the opinion that it was stinging itself. 1
consider it as next to impos,ible fir them to commit
suicide, as, independent of the hardness of their covering,
it is a known fact that the scorpion, when endeavouring
to sting, strikes backwards with much force ; whereas in
stinging itself it must push forward, which I think it
unable to do ; but, even if it could, I should question
its ability to pierce the armour with which nature has
clothed it."