The Sun.
London, England, 1846-06-30 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY
‘MORNING, JUNE 80, 1846.

RESIGNATION OF MINISTERS.
(From The Sun of Last Night )
The general belief is, that, within almost an
hour of the publication of these remarks, the
walls of both Houses of Parliament will be filled I
to hear the official announcement of the resigna-
tion of Sir ROBERT PEEL'S Ministry. The occa-
sion is momentous. The pages of history will be
searched in vain for a similar political sunset. A
whole nation are intently gazing upon it. The lu-
minary descends to the horizon, surrounded by every
attribute that can add brilliancy to its exit. A bene-
ficent course has been run, and the solemnity of the
eclipse will create a sensation among grateful millions.
The dark clouds that have hastened to shroud the
closing scene, have, by the contrast afforded, only
added to its gorgeousness. The brilliant corusca-
tions of light emitted by the setting orb, in its sudden
descent, have pierced the feeble shadows of circum-
jacent enemies, and contributed a lustrous grandeur,
whilst it vanishes from the sphere in which it has so
nobly moved.
Sir R. PEEL will no doubt take occasion this
evening to review his governance of the greatest
empire, ancient or modern, in the known world, since
his accession to power in 1841. The summation of
his labours will renovate him with feelings beyond all
price. The gratifying close of the Chinese war, the
honourable termination of that of Affghanistan, the
brilliant victories recently achieved in India, the
preservation of peace, compatibly with the full main-
tenance of the national honour, in other parts of the
world, where concord has at times been seriously
threatened ; the; admirable - restoration of our
finances, the efficient state of the navy, the diminution
of crime in England and Scotland, the prosperity of
our agricultural, commercial, and manufacturing in-
terests—each and all of these are points of political
triumph at the command of Sir R. PEEL, and may
fairly constitute the ingredients of his address to the
House of Commons on rising to communicate the re-
signation of his trust as Prime Minister of England.
But, above all, may he dwell with pride upon the
crowning acts of his Administration, by which he
has broken down the barriers of monopoly, and
opened wide the ports of these kingdoms to the bounties
of nature, in exchange for our unrivalled productions
of art. The author of all this good resigns the helm
of Government—a man who, in the language of Mr.
COBDEN (a shrewd observer and faithful expositor
of the feelings of millions of our countrymen), " car-
ries with him, in retiring from office, the esteem and
gratitude of a larger number of the population of this
empire, and especially of the working classes, for hav-
ing successfully conducted one of the most magni-
ficent reforms, than ever followed any Minister that
was ever hurled from power."
To be deprived of a statesman to whom such
credit is due, and by whom such great things
have been accomplished, is a source of unfeigned
regret. In this feeling Mr. COBDEN himself parti-
cipated whilst giving his conscientious vote against
the second reading of the Bill for the Protection of
Life in Ireland. Unmitigated rancour drove a large
portion of the protectionists to stultify themselves by
voting differently upon the second reading to
what they had upon the first. They did so,
avowedly, upon the charge that they had been be-
trayed by the Minister. For ourselves we rejoice,
for reasons previously given, that this measure has
not met with the sanction of the Legislature. At the
same time we give full credit to Sir R. PEEL, and
believe that he had most reluctantly persuaded him-
self of the necessity of his measure for the repression
of crime in Ireland. But far otherwise were the
motives of the protectionists. They have committed
suicide. They knew - the Premier was too high
minded to hold office "by sufferance"—they knew
that other opportunities would present themselves,
independent of the Coercion Bill, to place the Go-
vernment in a minority ; yet such was the
blindness of their rage, such their fell and inve-
terate hatred, that the very first opportunity
was seized upon by them unhesitatingly to vote
black was white. It was idle bombast to allege they
would not trust unconstitutional powers in the hands
of Sir R. PEEL. They were inwardly convinced he
would not abuse them. Bent upon ousting him from
office, they must have known, that even if they had
paused the Bill by their continued support, its powers
would have been eventually lodged in the hands of
Lord JOHN RUSSELL, when the chances were they
would not have been resorted to at all, seeing that he
had conscientiously opposed its becoming the law of
the land. The monopolists failed to substantiate
their charge of treachery, in which, if they had suc-
ceeded, it must have told equally against the Duke
of WELLINGTON and other men of public celebrity.
Again, if they believed in the truth of the indictment
they preferred, they should, to have been consistent,
have voted against the first stage of the Protection
Bill, inasmuch as the treachery of the Government
was as manifest at that time as they conceived it to
be during the discussion upon the second reading.
The fact is, they hoped the Lords would alter the
Corn Bill, and thus, that either a dissolution
would have been forced, or a change of Ministers
effected ; but when they found themselves disappointed
in this respect, and that the Lords were for maintain-
ing the Bill in its original integrity, they determined
to "eat their leek," and, at all hazards, to vote directly
in the teeth of their former opinions upon the Irish
measure, in order that the hated, but dreaded, Mi-•
nister, should be peremptorily ejected from power.
Pitiable resource ! They have had their revenge. The
nation will not be slow to measure out to them retri-
butive justice. A severe, yet righteous, sentence will
be passed upon them when they shall be called upon
to render an account of their stewardship to their
several constituencies. It is remarkable that the an-
nouncement of the late decisive division was received
by the House of Commons in dead silence. Like
criminals, who have wrought themselves up to a
pitch of malignity and committed a foul act, the pro-
tectionists were unable to utter a single cheer in
the moment of their mock triumph. In the
language of the bard, " Amen stuck in their
throats." The House at large, by its marked silence,
unequivocally indicated its sense of the ignominious
conduct pursued by the protectionists. The dastardly
attack which they made at the last moment upon the
character of the Minister, in reference to his conduct
towards Mr. CANNING, will not be easily forgotten.
It elicited a triumphant refutation, ' which, to the
dismay of Lord GEORGE BENTINCK, Mr. DISRAELI,
and their chosen band, drew forth the warmest en-
comiums from Lord JOHN RUSIBLL, Lord MOR-

TZTII2 &c.
Every species of rumour has been rife as to what
will be the new political arrangements. We are not
among those who speculate upon the probability of a
coalition between Sir R. PEEL and Lord J. RUSSELL.
We have elsewhere stated that, notwithstanding the
fall of the Premier has been accelerated by the
desertion of a large body of his former political
adherents, yet the difficulties by which he felt him-
self to be environed, in respect to an alteration
of the sugar duties, identical in principle with what
he has effected concerning those on corn, has com-
pleted his conviction of the necessity of resignation.
The future Minister must deal promptly and boldly
with the question of free trade in sugar. There
must be no shilly-shallying; the country will not
brook any delay. If Lord JOHN assume the reins,
he must form his Government upon a broad baths,
with the "sine qua non" that Parliament shall not
be asked to continue the present duties on sugar for
as year, but shall, on the other hand, be invited to
sweep away these obnoxious impediments to the legi-
timate
flow of commerce, in the same masterly
manner in which his great political rival has removed
the duties upon corn. Should they take this straight
forward and intelligible course, and find themselves
foiled in the present House of Commons, they could
fearlessly appeal to the country to secure an adequate
support for effectuating this enlightened policy. se

h
Sunday was the eighth anniversaryr,ozfacpksetsraanlAcliaajreas‘tvya'ss
hoisted in the usual places, and at one o
Woolwich,
hutes were
,twhaeerteWalso gaily dressed
Tilbury
coronation. In honour of the day
tFI roerdt f rao
cm. t hrreh
eP avreks
saenl
iTn otthv eer
river
s
in colours.
The Hon. Mr. Talbot and his Lady and Mr. Remnant,
with dispatches for the Prussian: Ambassador, arrived in
London early yesterday morning, by the General Steam
Navigation Company's steam-ship Soho, after a very pleasant
passage.
ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY. REGENT'S PARS.-At
- a
meeting of Fellows held on Saturday, at the Gardens of the
Society, the Duke of Norfolk, E.M., in the chair, a ballot
took place, and the following ladies and gentlemen were
added to the Society :—Sir M. W. Ridley, Bart., Samuel
Pratt, Esq., Dr. Gairdner, Robert Stephenson, Esq., David
Salomons, Esq., J. Gibbons, Esq., Captain Culpepper, Mrs.
Goodman, Mrs,- foster White, Mrs. J. Irving Glennio.

WAR IN KAFFIRLAND.
(From the Herald.)
We have just received later particulars of the hos-
tilities carrying on between the British troops and the
Kaffirs, together with the official dispatches of the en-
gagements of the 16th and 17th of April. The colony
appears to be in a most unsatisfactory state, and requires
immediate military reinforcements. We hasten to lay
this additional information before our readers without
further remark.
(From the Second Supplement to the South-African Com-
mercial Advertiser of April 29, 1846.)
The frontier post arrived in town this afternoon (Thurs-
day, April 30), at a quarter past two o'clock.
The latest intelligence from the Graham's Town Journal
of the 25th, given below, is in substance that up to the 22d
no action had taken place between the troops and the Kaffirs
subsequent to the 18th, but considerable bodies of the enemy
had entered the colony, particularly towards Lower Albany
or in front of Graham's Tows, in parties of from 100 to 200,
and had in some instances been checked, but in others suc-
cessful in carrying off cattle. The frontier is evidently in
most imminent danger, and the Governor has proclaimed
martial law to be in force over the whole colony :
PROCLAMATION BY ISIS EXCELLENCY LIEUTENANT-GENERAL
SIR PEREGRLNE MAITLAND,
Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order
of the Bath, of the Royal Military Order of William of the
Netherlands, and of the Imperial Order of St. Waldimir
of Russia, Colonel of her Majesty's 17th Regiment of Foot,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief of her Majesty's Castle,
Town, and Settlement of the Cape of Good Hope, in South
Africa, and of the Teiritories and Dependencies thereof,
and Ordinary, and Vice-Admiral of the same, Command-
ing the Forces, &c. &c.
Whereas, for the purpose of protecting the colony against
the Kaffir tribes, now in open hostility against the Govern-
ment and inhabitants thereof, and of inflicting such deserved
chastisement on those tribes, as may tend to deliver the co-
lony from their unprovoked aggressions and outrages, it is
expedient that the force at the disposal of the Government
be assisted and increased by the services and enrolment of
the inhabitants of the colony capable of bearing arms for
military operations, both offensive and defensive : I do here-
by proclaim and direct, that from and after the promulga-
tion of these presents, martial law shall be in force through •
out the whole colony, for all cases and in all matters con-
nected with the assembling, embodying, conducting, and
supplying her Majesty's forces, and the inhabitants who shall
be enrolled and embodied for the purposes above recited.
Given under my hand and seal, at Fort Beaufort, this 22d
day of April, in the Year of our Lord, 1846.
(Signed) P. M.AITLAND.
By command of his Excellency,
(Signed) BROWNLOW MAITLAND.
Private Secretary,
In the absence of the Secretary to the Governor.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.
SATURDAY MORNING, TEY O'CLOCK.
An express just come from Fort Peddie, brings us the fol-
lowing important intelligence :
" All is here excitement ; Kaffirs in large bodies around
the T'Slambie tribes. For the last few nights we have been
under arms, while the women and children have been placed
for security in the barracks. Yesterday the Fingoes and the
Newton Dale Settlement had sharp fighting with Pato's
Kaffirs, and which continued the whole day. Towards after•
noon firing was heard from Fort Peddle, and soon the war
cry was heard in all directions. Captain M'Lean (resident
agent) immediately sent Mr. Shepstone (Kaffir interpreter)
forward to ascertain the true state of affairs. He was ac-
companied by Mr. Tainton and Mr. S. Lucas. By the time
they had reached the scene of conflict the Kaffirs had
gained the day, and were hurrying off the Fingoe cattle.
Mr. Shepstone and his two or three gallant associates, in-
stantly rallied the Fingoes, and then made a dash on the
Kaffirs to retake the cattle. At this crisis Mr. Shepstone
and his companions displayed equal decision and bravery,
for making a dash to the rear of the Kaffirs he threw them
into confusion, and after firing a few shots he succeeded in
recapturing the whole of the cattle, and in seeing them again
in the possession of the Fingoes. At this time a detachment
of the 7th D. G. came up, and the Artillery, but too late to
take a part in the affair. Fani, a Kaffir of Pato's tribe (very
strongly suspected of being the murderer of the Rev. E.
Scholtz), came to Captain M'Lean and asked for protection
on the Fingoe Settlement. Captain M‘Lean remarked, " I
look on all Kaffirs with suspicion at this moment—prove the
sincerity of your intentions." To this Fani made no reply,
except that he wished to belong to the settlement. Captain
M'Lean rejoined, "Go and tell Pato that I must see him be-
fore noon to-morrow as a friend, and that if he does not come
I will consider him an enemy ; I want to inform him of his
daring attack on the settlement this day, and moreover, I
wish him to be informed that I have ordered allspies to be at
once shot." Two large bodies of Kaffirs were within two miles
of Fort Peddie last night.
Another hand writes :—" We are in a state of great
anxiety, surrounded by Kaffirs. We have not had our
clothes off since Monday, and have only had two or three
hours sleep each night. * * * We are afraid that Pato
and Umhala will both join the war party, and will probably
proceed into the colony."
• SiTURISAT, Noox.—A report just 'brought in that a body
of about 200 Kaffirs had made their appearance at the foot of
the hills below air. Fuller's, about three miles south of town.
A party of mounted Burghers hurnenly collecting to move
upon that point.
Reported that the country along the whole of the Kerreiga
and Kowie Rivers, was lit up last night by farm-houses fired
by the ruthless enemy.
HALF-PAST TWELVE O'CLOCK, P.M.—Diapatches from the
troops in front have this moment come in, brought by a
large party of mounted men and ten of the C. M. Rifles.
We are happy to announce that the troops have met with no
reverse—not having been engaged with the enemy since the
18th inst. All is reported as quiet in front up to the 21st
inst., and no idea seems to be entertained of the rush of the
enemy upon the colony.
The mail to Fort Beaufort was seised by the Kaffirs, the
bearers of it severely wounded, the mail bag cut to pieces,
and their contents scattered to the winds. A Cape Mounted
Rifleman, carrying an express, has also been shot by the
enemy. Double Drift and Hermanus Kraal (Fort Brown)
have been attacked by the enemy in great force but who
was repulsed. Everything around these posts have been
swept off. The post at Lieuw Fontein, about ten
mike south of Fort BeaufOrt, had also been attacked,
and with the loss on our side of three trier, one
of whom is named Clarke, formerly the manager of Mr.
Howse's establishment. Mr. Jay's inn, on the Fort Beau-
fort-road, has been fired, and reduced to a heap of ruins. An
account before us states that Botha's Post has also been
attacked, but that the defence was so vigorous and so effec-
tive, that the dead bodies of the enemy actually dammed up
the river. During Thursday night heavy firing was heard
at Fort Beaufort, in the direction of the Blinkwater Post, and
as the mail was closing, a reinforcement of sixty mounted
burghers were just starting for that point.
Captain Size, commanding the burgher force from Uiten-
hage, came in, the bearer of the Government dispatches, and
proceeds express to Uitenhage, to bring up the whole force
of that district. Martial law is proclaimed by his Excel-
lency the Governor throughout the colony, and we trust that
every *was attacked last night,
Thedsitsattriiocnt watillAniro.wpodhoitsts
fdaunnty
the enemy succeeded in capturing about 40 head of cattle.
The marauders were, however, followed into the thick bush
by a party headed by Mr. J. Pohl, and who succeeded in a
most gallant-manner in re-taking the cattle, and in killing
two Kaffirs and wounding a third.

The Kaffirs are said to be getting short of gunpowder, and
one main obect of their rush into the colony is said to be to
obtain a supply. A heavy attack, it is conjectured, will be
made upon the magar.ines at Graham's Town.
A detachment of about 60 men of the 90th Regiment, ar-
rived in Graham's Town this morning. The arrival of the
45th Regiment at the Cape is, it is said, expected daily.
The latest communication from Block Drift, dated the 22d
inst., states that his Excellency the Governor was about to
start via Fort Beaufort for Graham's Town.
We repeat, succour is required immediately from all the
western districts, and we trust that every disposable man will
move hither without a moment's delay.
The post was detained 27 hours at Graham's Town by
order of the Government. It experienced no obstruction on
the way.
CAPE TOWN, EWE MINUTES- TO FOUR O'CLOCK.
The Legislative Council has been summoned for this even-
ing to pass a law to make it punishable to refuse going out
when summoned by a civil commissioner.
The, post will be detained to six or seven o'clock, or later
if necessary.

Die?..ITCHEE FROM COLONEL SOMERSET TO MIS HONOIJ
THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR. COLONEL HARE.
Amatola Mountains, April 17, 1846.
Sir,—l have the honour to acquaint you that, having
marched from the Deba River on the morning of the 15th
instant, I proceeded to the Deba Flats, where I halted for
two hours. Having in the course of the morning been in
communication with Captain Sutton, who informed me he
had ascertained that the whole of Sandilla's forces were a,
sembled in the Amatola Mountains, I arranged with him to
join me, so as to unite the whole force on the 15th instant at
Burn's Hill, where I arrived with Lieutenant-Colonel Rich-
ardson's and my own division on that afternoon, and was
shortly after joined by Captain Sutton with the Kat River
burghers.
Having examined the ground, and finding that the whole
of the Kaffir force was in the Amatola, I decided upon at-
tacking them at as early an hour as possible the following
morning. At seven, A M., 16th inst., I moved 200 of the
91st Regiment, and 200 of the Kat River Burghers under
Major Campbell, 91st Regiment, into the Arnatola valley,
detaching Captain Sutton with the mounted Kat River
Burghers, and the Cape Mounted Riflemen under Major
Armstrong, over the Amatola hill, which hill not being very
passable for guns, I requested Lieut.-Colonel Richardson to
co-operate with the guns of his division and the 7th Dragoon
Guards, with a detachment of the Cape Mounted Rifles,
under Captain Donovan. With these I proceeded round the
Amatola hill, in order to unite with and support the troops
already detached under Major Campbell, Major Armstrong,
and Captain Sutton. These troops moved directly to their
front.

Major Campbell having advanced some way in the valley,
the Kat River Burghers soon came in contact with the
Kaffir& As the troops advanced, they found themselves
opposed by a numerous body of Kaffirs, who opened a heavy
fire unon them. The troops under Major Armstrong and
Captain Sutton fell in with large bodies of Kaffirs on the
hill, whom they immediately attacked, and drove into the
wooded valleys. Observing that several Kaffirs had de-
scended into the kloofs south of the Amatola, I had an
opportunity of opening upon them with the guns, and I
have no doubt with some effect. After getting round the
mountain, I united with Major Armstrong's and Captain
Sutton's troops, but we met with some detention in passing
a bad drift with the gun. Having crossed this drift, I
moved round the hill. Observing a very large drove of cattle
to our left, Captain Sutton proceeded with a force of
Burghers, a troop of the 7th Dragoon Guards, under Captain
Pipon, and a troop of the Cape Mounted Rifles, under
Captain Donovan, to capture them, and he secured about
1,800 head.

Whilst this was in progress, accompanied by Lieut.-Col.
Richardson, 7th Dragoon Guards, Captain Brown, Royal
Artillery, with his gun, the Cape Mounted Riflemen under
Major Armstrong, and the Burghers under Field Cornet
Norton, I moved on to the support of Major Campbell, who
found himself opposed to a body of about 2,000 KaffirS, all
armed with guns. Major Campbell's men were greatly ex-
hausted. Capt. Brown immediately opened his gun upon
the enemy with effect.
advanced the skirmishers of the C. M. Rifles and the
Hottentot Burgher Force, who kept up a well-directed fire
upon the Kaffirs, who still maintained a continued fire until
silenced by the well -directed tire of Captain Brown's gun.
Observing that Captain Sutton had secured the cattle,
having united all the forces, and it becoming late, I moved
down the hill in order to cover the cattle, the men being
very much pressed by the Kaftiors, Lieutenant-Colonel Ri-
chardson moved into position the gun under Lieutenant Hill,
Royal Artillery, who was able to open on them with good
effect, and to check their advance. Haying collected the
cattle, I formed a camp on the flat under the Amatola about
sunset. _ _ .

-----
I regret to say this duty has not been performed without
some loss on our side, three men of the 91st Regiment
having been killed, and three raeu severely wounded ; two

men of the Cape Mounted Rifles wounded on the hill
with me, also one Hottentot Burgher shot through the body,
who, I regret to say, died this morning. I feel exceedingly
indebted to Lieutenant-Colonel Richardson for the able sup-
port and assistance he has afforded during the whole of these
operations.
Major Campbell informs me that the conduct of the men
of the 91st, in forcing their way through an overwhelming
farce is beyond all praise.
In conclusion I have only to observe that the steadiness
and conduct of the troops, have been everything I could
wish. These operations have been carried on in a thickly-
wooded country and the deep vallies of Amatola. It is im-
possible to form anything like a correct estimate of the loss
on the side of the Kaffirs, though we have reason to believe
it has been severe, as they had been seen to carry to their
rear numbers of their killed and wounded.—l have, &c.,

(Signed) H. SOMERSET, Lieut.-Colonel,
C. M. Rifles, Commanding Troops in Kaffirland.
His Honour Colonel Hare, C.B. and K.H.,
Commanding Troops.
Burnshill, Thursday Night, April 16.
Sir,—l have the honour to acquaint you, that this after-
noon, about three o'clock, I heard severe firing on the oppo-
site side of the river, and immediately put the troops under
arms. It was shortly after reported to me that some 10
Kaffirs bad made a dash upon some cattle that had been
feeding a short distance down the river side. I immediately
ordered out the few duty men of the Cape Corps, together
with Captain Bambrick's troop of the 7th Dragoon Guards,
and marched them to the top of the hill, overlooking San-
dilla's Drift. I then ordered Captain Bambrick to proceed
with Ensign Boys, of the Cape corps, to the Drift, and if he
saw the spoor he might proceed a short distance in pursuit
of them. His sergeant came to ask me if he was to go
far, when I said to him that Captain Bambrick was by no
means to proceed to any distance. He unfortunately,
however, led the troops, of which by my order he
had taken a division, into a very thick bush, and I
deeply deplore to say, that just as he was returning out of it,
after a shower of balls had been discharged at his party, he
was unfortunately killed. I had taken Lieut. Gregory with
one gun, and Capt. Rawstorne's company of the 91st Regi-
ment in support,—and on Capt. Bambrick's death being re-
ported to me, I marched the company of the 91st Regiment
to the vicinity of the spot, and taking a detour myself to a
rising ground exactly .opposite, with Lieut. Gregory's six-
pounder, and, after firing two rounds into the bush, the in-
fantry advanced and exchanged several shots with a large
body of Yaffirs, without any casualty on our side. Captain
Rawstorne, seeing that the Kaffirs were so daring, and that
they were approaching him in large numbers, and fearing
that he might be surrounded, retired slowly to Burnshill.
Seeing a large tress of Kaffirs congregated in the same
direction the 91st had left, I caused two shells to be ex-
ploded, which fall and burst exactly among them. I then
returned home.

This night, about seven o'clock, and just as I had dimi-
nished the size of my camp, we were attacked by a consider-
able body of Kaffirs, whom we beat off in about six or seven
minutes—l am sorry to say with the loss of four men killed of
the 91st, and four men wounded.

The Kaffirs appeared to be in great numbers around us, and
I consider it to be very dangerous our attempting to move
with so large an amount of ammunition and baggage in the
present excited state of this neighbourhood, especially as we
are so completely surrounded by them, as we observe their
fires and hear their cries in every direction. I would, there-
fore, most respectfully request you will join me here, or send
me a strong reinforcement, as you are aware of the immense
quantity of baggage and stores I have under my charge.
I have, &c.
JOHN HOPE GIBSON,
Major 7th Dragoon Guards, commanding
at Burnshill.
Cslonel Somerset, commanding troops, Kaffirland.
Tyumie Camp, April 18th, 1846.
Sir,—l have the honour to acquaint you, that in compliance
with your instructions, I moved trona Burnshill yesterday
morning, at about half-past ten o'clock. I formed an advance
guard, consisting of some men of the Cape Corps, one division
of the 7th Dragoon Guards, under the command of Lieutenant
Butler of that regiment; one company of the 91:4 Regiment,
under the command of Captain Wright of that regiment ;
and a gun under Lieut. Gregory, of the Royal Artillery. The
baggage waggons I placed between the advance and rear-
guard, and they were 125 in number, including ammunition
waggons. The rear-guard was composed of the remaining
division of the troop of the 7th D. G., Capt. Rawstorne's com-
pany of the 91st Regiment; one gun of the Royal Artillery,
which I placed under Lieutenant Stokes, of the Royal En-
gineers. From the number of the waggons, and the neces-
sity of giving adequate support to the guns, I was obliged
to make this disposition of a front and rear guard, and
was unable to detach any men along the line of waggons.
In about an hour after the advarce guard had started, the
rear guard (under my immediate command) moved off its
ground, having the ammunition waggons of my division
immediately in front of it. After proceeding for about one
mile, I observed a stoppage in the line of waggons, and
hearing several shots proceeding from a gully by the side of
the road, Lieutenant Stokes marched the gun up to a point
some 300 yards in advance, which he raked with shell. I
shortly afterwards understood that the Kaffirs, when one-half
of the line of waggons had passed, made a dash upon one of
them, firing at the drivers and some officers' servants that
were attached to them, who were obliged to fly; that they
then took,.oa- the oxen, and wheeled the waggon across. the
road. I found myself now attacked on every side by an over-
powering force of Kaffirs, who rushed down the hills in every
direction, and who kept up an incessant fire on my men : the
fire was returned by my men with great spirit, as well as by
the company of the 91st Regiment, and the gun was served
with much skill ; but I found all unavailing, and that it was
absolutely necessary, to prevent the men from being com-
pletely cut off, to return to Burnshill, where I again put
the troops in position. A short time afterwards I saw a
company of the 91st Regiment advancing, and keeping up
a heavy fire in skirmishing order, along the brow of the
hill, to which the road diverged at about two miles and a
half from Burnshill. Seeing that the waggons had com-
pletely blocked up my road, and of course prevented me
advancing along it, I made a detour by the left of it, and
after considerable difficulty, succeeded in getting the ammu-
nition waggons into the proper line of road, but fcund it
quite impossible to save the baggage waggon., from the
Kaffirs having driven away the oxen. About this time one
of the ammunition waggons broke down, but the ammuni-
tion was removed to another waggon. Major Campbell also
came up with a reinforcement some time afterwards, and we
had to keep up a considerable fire all the way, especially on
our nearer approach to our present camp. I beg also to re-
port, that one man had his arm severely fractured, he be-
longs to the 7th D.G., and one man of the 91st was killed.—
I have, &c. . _ _

JOHN HOPE GIBSON, Major 7th D. Guards.
To Colonel Somerset, K.H., Commanding
the Troops, Kaffirland.
No. 4.] Chnmie, 18th April, 1846.
Sir,—l have the honour to inclose two reports from Major
Gibson, 7th Dragoon Guards, who was left in charge of the
camp on the 16th inst. during our operations.
Upon the receipt of Major Gibson's first report, I imme-
diately proceeded with 200 infantry, under Major Campbell;
the Cape Mounted Rifles, under Major Armstrong, and one
gun, under Lieut. Hill, Royal Artillery, to Major Gibson's
support. On arriving at the Keiskama Drift, about two miles
from the encampment, I found the brigade waggons of the Ist
division in the act of passing the drift. Remaining there-
fore with 60 men, Cape Mounted Rifles, and the gun, to de-
fend the drift, I dispatched Major Campbell with 175 men of
the 91st Regiment to the assistance of Major Gibson, but I
regret to say, before Major Campbell had joined, the enemy
were in possession cf the waggon oxen, which rendered the
removal of the waggons impracticable, although the timely
reinforcement enabled Major Gibson to secure and bring off
his ammunition waggons.
I propose moving upon Block Drift this morning.
At dusk last evening the leader and driver of one of the
gun ammunition waggons ran away into the bush, and
abandoned the oxen. The guard was obliged to leave it. I

am going to send for it this Morning.
I requested to be informed what lam to do with the
captured cattle. I send Captain Sutton, who is perfectly
acquainted with our operations, and to whom I feel greatly
indebted for his active and zealous services.

I beg to add that I have only two days' forage corn and
one day's biscuit.
I shall return to Block Drift if practicable ; it not I shal
proceed to Chumie Post with the troops.—l have, &c.,
(Signed) H. SOMERSET,
Colonel Commanding.
His Honour Col. Hare, C.B. and K.H.,
Lieut.-Governor

No: 5.] Block Drift, April 18, 1846.
Sir,—Finding myself much encumbered with 1,800 head of
cattle, captured from the enemy on the 16th inst., I decided
to return to this place this morning, and observing a very
large force of the enemy assembled on the heights above me,
I made the folio v%ing disposition and order of movement, a
copy of which I have the honour to inclose.
These arrangements were admirably carried into effect by
the troops in the face of an overwhelming force of the
enemy of upwards of 3,000 men, who from the time that
we left the ground, made their disposition for attacking the
troops.
Lieutenant• Colonel Richardson was good enough to make
the necessary disposition for the rear guard, and covering
the movements of the troops, while I proceeded with the
body of the troops to make the arrangements along the gene-
ral line of march. Captain Sutton, with the Hottentot
Burghers, commanding the advance guard with the cattle.
On arriving at the Chumie, I posted a strong party of the
Mounted Rifles across the drift, the enemy pressing us on
every point. I then passed over again under Lieutenant Hill,
and fortunately got the gun into a position that commanded
the ford. 1 his gun made excellent practice into the dense
bush along the river, the enemy pressing on and opening a
severe fire on our advance. I directed Lieutenant Armstrong
to scour the bush along the river with a party of the Cape
Mounted Rifles, which checked their advance. The flanking
parties of the 91st Regiment kept up a strong fire upon the
enemy, as they pressed upon the waggons, which the Kaffirs
returned incessantly, taking shelter in the bush.
In the mean time, the enemy pressed our rear with an im-
mense force, bringing up their tortes on both flanks. Lieut.-
Colonel Richardson dispersed the 91st, under Major Camp-
bell, tci meet these dispositions of the enemy, supporting the
rear in the most able and gallant manner with the 7th Dra-
goon Guards, whose steadiness under fire Lieut.-Colonel
Richardson speaks of in the highest terms. I was able to
observe these dispositions from every point, and nothing
afforded me greater satisfaction than the way in which I saw
them carried out. Major Campbell held the drift with the
91st. while the waggons passed. Captain Brown's pins
taking up an admirable position, and doing great execu-
tion with the guns, although constantly subjected to a se-
vere fire.

These dispositions enabled me to bring off the waggons,
and secure the ammunition, having to pass a difficult drift,
under a heavy fire from a very superior force, encumbered
with 1,800 head of cattle, for a distance of ten miles, and I
am happy to say I have established the camp at this port,
having given the enemy-a severe beating, with a very severe
loss to themselves.

The loss on our side has been one officer, Lieut. Cochran.,
91st Regiment, severely wounded, and two men, 91st Regt.,
killed, and three men 7th Dragoon Guards, severely wounded.
I regret also to report that four then out of the six of the
Cape Mounted Rifles who brought the dispatches to me this
morning were shot by the enemy this morning.
I trust his Excellency will feel satisfied with the moye-
ments of the troops this morning, which were most gratify-
ing
to witness. lam greatly indebted to Lieutenant-Colonelway
Richardson for his able assistance and supper in
-evrgunted
and to Major Armstrong, in command of the Cape
Rifles, Major Campbell, commanding 91st Regiment,
ceCaptain
Brown, commanding Royal Artillery, and all the offi a
troops on this occasion.
Captain Sutton directedfthes
pvnceyr e
every
Burghersruy t
Informs_
brought off the cattle in theianceeyofbaylarge
twineforc. I transmit
this dispatch to his Excel ebi
having been present caanni KExatceCßllaei
geijavtse of the troo
tion upon all the movH. somp_s**7 Lhave, &c.,
(signed), ER 'T, Colonel.
Lieut.-Col. Cloete, 1C...ti., Qr.-Mr.-General.

is stated that after Sir Robert Peel had declined a
peerage
a e for himself, her Majesty repeatedly offered a peerage
for Lady Feel.
Mr. Charles Kemble, the celebrated English actor,
whose talents are still remembered with pleasure In Paris, and who
has retired from the stage for some years, is at present is town on a
short visit &Ohl 1•911411?-0147710fiti.

•
MONEY and COMMERCIAL NEWS.
(From The Sun of last Night.)
The Cotton market at Liverpool, on Saturday, was
and the sales were only about 3,000 bales, of which 200 were
for export. There was no change of importance to notice,
but the market was favourable for purchasers. Shares were
much the same.

There are a great number of arrivals in the City this
morning from most parts of the world. But before referring
to the advices, it may be as well. to mention that the mer-
cantile interests are looking with deep anxietyfor the Minis-
terial explanations before quitting office, if such should
prove to be the case, and to ascertain who are to take the
reins of Government for the future. Up to the present hour
there is not any thing stated that can be relied upon with
respect to the probable members of the new Cabinet. Upon all
hands it appears to be considered that Lord John Russell
will be the new Premier. However, merchants care little
who takes the lead, provided the regular course of commer-
cial operations is not interfered with.
The private advices received from the Cape of
Good Hope do not supply, by any means so
full an account of the warlike movements against
the rebellious natives as that contained in the
published accounts, and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer
further to the subject here, as the details will be found in
another column of The Sun. As to business details, in
the letters that have come to hand to-day there are but
very few comments, all parties being in a state of excitement
on the subject of the pending hostilities.
Accounts from Van Diemen's Land and South Australia to
late dates have been received this morning. Both colonies
appear to be in a state of improvement.
From Quebec, there is a statement of the arrivals of emi-
grants in the week ending the 6th instant. There had landed
from England 684, from Ireland 1,425, from Scotland 7, total
2,036 ; all in the steerage. Previously reported 9,409 ; total
this season, 11,445.

By far the most important point in the advices to-day is
that from the United States, representing that the Oregon
dispute was on the point of adjustment, if not actually
settled at Washington, when the Hibernia steamer left
Boston

But for the state of the ➢linistry at present, no ques-
tion can exist but that the Public Securities would have

improved fully to the extent of % per cent. Consols for
Aceount opened pretty firmly this morning at 954, but not
much business has yet been transacted ; the more current
value at the present moment is 95%. The Three per Cent.
Reduced Annuities have also rallied to 95%. The New
Three-and-a-Quarter per Cents. command 963/4 %. Ex-
chequer-hills are rather flat, at 14s. premium, and India
Bonds at 235. premium.
The business in the Foreign Funds was limited to-day.
Mexican Five per Cents. were sold at 271-A ; the Deferred at
16%; the Portuguese Converted Three per Cents. at 48%;
the Four per Cents. at 48%; Spanish at 241 ; the Three
per Cents. at 37; and the Four per Cent. Dutch at 961/.
In the Railway Share Market business has been pretty
steady. Prices are not well sustained.

BRITISH FUNDS.

ONE

CLOSING

O'CLOCK. PRICES.
Three per Cent. Reduced Annuities .. 951,6% 95%
New Three-and-a-Quarter per Cent. Anus. 96%% 96%
Long Annuities, Expire Jan. 5, 1860
Ditto, 30 years, Oct. IQ, 1859 .. 10 1-16 10 1-16
India Bonds, 1,000/. ..
Ditto, under 1,000/. .. 23 p 23 p
Consols for Opening 95% % 95%
Exchequer Bills. I%d.
1,0001... .... 14 pm. 14
5001. . • 14 10 pm. 10
Ditto. Small pm. 10
ONE CLOSING
FOREIGN FUNDS. O'CLOCK. PRICES.
Brazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent ..
Ditto, New Bonds, 1829 and 1839 .. 83
Dutch, 242 per Cent., 12 Guil • • • • 60%
Mexican Bonds, 1837, 5 per Cent .. 27 27
Ditto, Deterred .. 16% 16
Portuguese Three per Cent • • .. 47% 474
Ditto, 4 per Cent .. • • .. • • 48% 49
Spanish Bonds, 5 per Cent .. 24% 24
Ditto, Three per Cent .. 37 27
Dividends on the above payable in London.
_ _ _

Belgian Four-and-a-Half per Cent .. 96%
Dutch Two-and-a-Half per Cent ..
Ditto. 4 per Cent. Certificates

BUSINESS
DONE AT
CES OF CLOSING
RAILWAYS HARES. PAID.PRICES
ONE O'CLOCK.

...... 2

l'e
24
7N? p
1%
5%

1% p

3!
14%
4%

n ~
. >,

LATEST from the RIVLR PLATE.
(From the Journal du Havre of June 26.)
By the Curiolan, which arrived lire this morning,
we have news from Monte Video to the Bth of
May, eighteen days later than our previous ad-
vices. The revolution which was being effected
in the Government of Monte Video had peace-
ably pursued its career. Restored to the possession of
power, General Riveira, after having provided for the
administration of municipal affairs, had left at the head
of 500 or 600 men, of whom one•third were Basque
volunteers, who followed him of their own accord. He
has embarked and intends, it is said, to land at Colonist,
in order to combine his operations with those of the
army of Corrientes.
Oa the other hand, it is stated that news had reached
Buenos Ayres from that province unfavourable to the
cause of the insurgents. According to these rumours
the Corrientans had abandoned the cause of General
Paz, and had recommended him to quit their territory.
Nothing has been heard relative to the expedition
to the Parana since the announcement that its departure
was fixed for the 9th May. It was expected to arrive
at Monte Video by the end of the month. At the de-
parture of the Cenolan, the French gun-boat, the Ma-
louine, had arrived at Monte Video from Buenos Ayres.
From the postscript to commercial letters from Buenos
Ayres, dated May 8, we learn that, during the night, an
English and two Sardinian brigs had succeeded in evad-
ing the combined blockading squadron, and had reached
the inner harbour. The English and French com-
manders, on discovering this flagrant violation, sent
armed boats against the vessels, which were shortly
afterwards captured.
The two Sardinian brigs having run aground, were_,
set on fire ; the English brig was brought out, and
placed at the disposal of the British Commodore. An
English officer sent to Buenos Ayres to negotiate, bad
bet n massacred by the excited populace. This event
has produced the most lively sensation. It is not yet
known what step will be taken by the combined forces
to revenge this assassination.—Chronicle.

T}IE PLEASURES OF HOME
(TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.)
SIR,—I trust you will permit me to trespass on your
attention for a very brief space, respecting the following
paragraph in your review of my poem iu your paper Of
Monday last :—" But while thus according high but de-
served praise to the poetry of Dr. Farquharson, we
must protest against his criticism. In a preface, which
extends over sixty-six pages, he has thought proper to
revive and elaborate the malicious libels of a rancorous
renegade' and to drivel oceans of nonsense in vitupera-
tion of the Satanic school of poetry.' "
The wide circulation, and the value which is setupon the
critical remarks which appear in The Sun, and the truth
by which they are invariably characterised, renders me
anxious to make a few observations on the above pas-
sage. The libels of the late laureat were certainly de-
serving of censure, and were given with a gusto and an
ill-natured severity which betrayed anything rather than
good sense ; such is not the style of observations I have
indulged in in any one line of my preface ; and the obser-
ic
vations, such as they are, respecting the '‘ Satan
school," occupy but a small portion of the sixty-six pages,
the end and aim of the preface being remarks on the art
of poetry generally, and not merely to drivel oceans of
nonsense in vituperation of," &c. Far be it from me, or
any genuine lover of all that is beautiful in poetry, to in-
dulge in sarcastic and libellous detraction of any of the
bright and glorious names of that galaxY of choice beings
who burst on the world in the early part of this century.
It is the imitation of the style of certain poets, without
their excellence, that prompted the observations
re
I have indulged in, and amounted to nothing mo
than this—that a poem might be just as diver-
sified and redolent of wit, pathos, and imagery
" Don Juan," without its licentiousness.
The name of Byron is one of which England may well be
proud, whatever the Chapter of St. Peter's, Westminster,
may think to the contrary. With respect to the critical
notices of the poem itself, they are in such a generous
tone of good-natured encouragement and zeal, as to ap-
pear more like the eulogy of one " that has passed that
bourne from which no traveller returns," than one in the
land of the living, and which affords me the hope you
will permit me to counteract the effect your review may
andcirculatingthelibelsimpressionofthat"Behaved
il
nisi bonum," for modest merit is like fruit hid amid!t
it
autumnal leaves, remaining untested, unperceived, unt
it falls, and thus by its very death appearing and burst-
ing into life ; so I would aim no shaft at those who, un-
happiest among the unhappy, became the laureates of
despair, nor seek to revive forgotten slanders.—l am, Ste.,
STUART FARQUHARSON, D.C.L.

June 25.
[We willingly give insertion to the above, and are re-
joiced to find that Dr. Farquharson did not intend the
language he uses in his preface to bear the interpreta tanic
tion
which we have put upon it. The term Sa
school," however, is one we should wish to see expunged
from his second edition. As to the tribe of imitators, we
give them up to the wrath of any one who may think it
worth while to expend wrath upon them. In poetry,
imitation " is most intolerable and not to be endured.
En. Sun.]

ELI HIT BURRIT T.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Stn,—l was proud to read in your evening paper a day or
two since an article on the life and character of the learned
American blacksmith, Elihu Burritt. Many of your readers
perused it with pleasure : teetotallers, likewise (for they no9f
mrin a large portion of your readers), read it with joy. But,
`•;ir, you only gave a short extract of his life, without allud-
ing to his being a teetotaler, and the object of his coming to
London in a few weeks' time. I will, however, inform you
that the learned blacksmith is coming over with Archdeacon
Jeffery, Dr. Beecher, and other gentlemen, as delegates (who
will form part of the expected 500) to the " Grand Tempe-
rance Convention," August 7. The daily sittings will be at
the City of London Literary Institution, and the last (the
great) meeting will take place in Covent- garden Tit eatre
Ins sole object in coming over is, I believe, to attend the
convention, which, if hinted at in your article, would per-
haps have caused England and other places to think upon
the matter. lam exceedingly thankful to you, Sir, for the
kindness you have shown in inserting an extract from the
London Teetotaler (for it appears to have been taken therure-
from), but, Sir, the metropolitan teetotallers will, I am se,
be thankful to you if you would in a future number just ad-
vert to his being connected with the temperance movement.
It is intended, I believe, by the National Temperance
Society, should the editors f newspapers object to reriort the
meeting which is to be held at the theatre. to pay them for
it, or at least those of you who will do it when paid for. It
is, however, a great pity that the metropolitan journals are
so much opposed to the cause of teetotalism, while, at the
same time, many of the country editors frequently notice the
cause in their journals.
If, Sir, England alone could be teetotalised, would you not
sell ten times the number of copies you now sell? would not
the people become men and women of reflecting minds?
would they not advance in the scale of intellectual know-
ledge? and, their condition every way bettered, commercial
affairs would be entirely altered, and our country would as.
Rime another aspect for the better.
Could you not write your views in a leading article upon
the question of " Drunkenness v. Sobriety," and the ad-
vantages resulting, physically, morally, socially, politically,
and religiously, from temperance? You are well able to
handle the subject in its political bearings. Apologising for
the liberty I have taken, I remain, Sir, yours respectfully,
91, Harrow-road, June 28. E. RO W SE.

GENERAL LITTLER AND THE
62d REGIMENT.
In consequence of the remonstrance of General Lit-
tler against the censure passed on him in the letter
addressed by the Military Secretary of Sir Hugh Gough;
to Major Shortt the following letter has been addressea,
to General Littler by Major Grant, Adjutant-General of
the Bengal army :
" Adjutant-General's Office,
" Head-quarters, Lahore, 7th March, 1846.
"Sir,--I have had the honour to submit to the Com-
mander-in-Chief your letter of the 6th instant,
bring-
India
inn to notice the publication in the Friend of
newspaper, of a letter addressed by his Excellency's
military secretary, under date the 27th January last, to,
Major Shortt, commanding her Majesty's 62d Regiment,
which letter you conceive 'reflects injuriously on your
character.'
" In reply, I am instructed to state that no one cart
more strongly than the Commander-in-Chief. reprobate
the publication of any official document in the columns
of a newspaper, and his Excellency's strongest repre-
hension of the publicity to the letter in question, will be
communicated to Major Shortt and the Officers of the
62d Regiment.
and ned.
yourth a t
dispatch,i n falling
" I am directed to state that the Commander-in-Chief
is not surprised that you should, in ignorance of the order
to retire, so culpably given to the 62d by Brigadier Reid
back
khotuhte
croerfpersehnacdemtoisycoonua,
uhcatevde
and correct statement of facts as they appeared to you
written under this impression, must be viewed as a true
it was under
at the time to exist. When the letter of the 27th
January was written, the Commander-in-Chief did not
i tire la
know that you were unaware of the order gives by
his Excellency considered that the character of the 62d
Regiment had been aspersed.
.. The letter was prepared on instructions verbally
'this impression that
Brigadier Reid, and.
given to the officiating military secretary, and he inad-
vertently dispatched it with it
out laying before the'
Commander-in-Chief for hi • s Excellency's approval.
Had the Commanier ' •
-in• Chief seen the letter he would
have expunged the sentence, which describes 'the
that
battery had been •
gallantly charged by the 62d regiment,
for his Excellency
is satisfied that no such charge was
made, and that no soldier of the corps ever advanced -to
the battery.
"The Commander-in-Chief knows that you, of all n 3 en,
are utterly incapable of suppressing information vvliiell.,
you ought to have furnished, or of making a prejudiced
report on any subject, and he trusts that the explama,tiori-
contained in this letter will satisfy you that no such Do'
pression could for a moment have found place ivi the
mind of any one acquainted with the circumstances '.f the
case, and the high and honourable reputation you. bore
established and ever maintained.

" While the Commander-in• Chief will not ultorther
debar you from making the contents of this letter kvowit
to your friends, he strongly deprecates arty further Pub-
lie agitation of this unpleasant discussion, and he trusts
that you will yourself see the proprie'ty of abstaining
from having recour,e to a procedure so injurious to the
discipline and character of the army—as an appeal to the
public press.
. .

" I have the honour to be, &e."

CHATHAM, JUNE 28.—This morning, the annivcirsarl'
of her Majesty's Coronation, was ushered in by merry peal.
from Rochester Cathedral, and other churches in thlis neigh'
bourhood. The Poictiers, guard-ship, and other 'oessals ort
the Meway, were l decrated with the fls of ail
nations, d
and every demonstration of joy has bee,a, maganifested
in this locality on the occasion. To-morrow- will be ob-
served as a holiday in the dock-yard and other public
establialunents..