The Sun.
London, England, 1846-12-18 00:00:00

AMERICAN AFFAIRS.

NEW YORK, Nov. 30.—The Great Western left this
city on the afternoon of the 26th, the wind blowing a
gale. The next morning, between eight and nine o'clock,
she crossed the bar and put to sea.
During the past week we have had a most tempestuous
gale of wind on our coast. Among other disasters, the
Norwich and Wooster Railway Company have sustained
the total loss of the splendid steam-boat Atlantic, which
boat cost the company about 140,000 dollars, and was
not more than half insured; probably less. It is melan-
choly to add that the captain and some 40 other persons
were drowned or crushed to death when the boat went
to pieces. All our journals are filled with details.
The weather has been intensely cold for several days,
insomuch insomuch that our canals are icebound and closed f
sed; a
warm rain, however, would again open themcy fora
in t
a ire
days. A large amount of bread stuffs is caught
ice by this sudden change of weather.
We have nothing new from Washington. Very little,
and that of no importance, has transpired in relation to
the forthcoming Presidential message on the opening of
Congress. It is generally thought, however, that the
Administration feel their own incapacity to manage the
war. Hastily and indecorously as they acted towards
General Scott, at the commencement of the campaign,
they are now disposed to retrace their steps, and to place
some reliance
on the practical experience of thiS gallant
soldier. Of course, nothing is known as to the contem-
plated movement of the army under the new organize,
tion ; but it may be fairly presumed that much, perhaps
all, is to be left to the sound discretion of the command.
ing general; and this is the more probable, as the Pre-
sident, since he was outwitted by Santa Anna, has been
looking in every direction for an avenue by which he
might escape from further responsibility.
It is understood that General
.Taylor will not move
from Monterey; and that General Scott's command and
operations will be entirely separate and distinct. It is
conjectured, and, perhaps, with good reason, that Gene-
ral Scott's present destination is Tampico; but ultimately
Vera Cruz. In which event he would probably lay siege
to Vera Cruz both by land and sea. This, however, is
mere speculation, and may be incorrect. Under such a
state of things, should they occur, the great and im-
portant question is—what will be the movements of
Santa Anna? Ile is ardently concentrating in ene point,
and for some object, the military force of Mexico. He is
not the man to make such a display without a precise
and specific object.
It is expected that the nine regiments of volunteers
recently ordered, and now mustering in the United
States' service, will be in Mexico in 60 days. The Go-
vernment is at this moment chartering vessels for their
transportation. I apprehend, however, that this esti-
mate will net be realized, and that it will require at least
90 days to concentrate this force, perhaps longer.
General Scott and suite sailed this morning for New
Orleans, on board the packet-ship Union. From New
Orleans he proceeds, with as little delay as practicable,
to his place of destination.
Times. A GENEVESE TRAVELLER.