The Sun.
London, England, 1851-09-20 00:00:00

THE ARCTIC EXPEDITION.

WOOL wica, SEPT. 19.—The Lady Franklin, com-
manded by Captain Penny, arrived at Woolwich yes-
terday afternoon, and was brought up at moorings,
alongside the Salsette, receiving ship, opposite the
dockyard; and the Sophia, her sister vessel, is daily
expected at this port. The Lady Franklin has come
home safe and sound, and in excellent condition, and
remarkably clean, and with as healthy and robust a
crew as ever sailed in any region, and without a
single complaint amongst the men on board, if it is
excepted that they say they cannot now eat so much
meat as they used to do of fat pork and other rich
edibles—their appetites having greatly abated since
they left the Orkneys for Woolwich. The Danish
interpreter has returned with them, and appears a
very decent and passably intelligent person, end ex-
presses his belief that the discovery ships, Erebus and
Terror, are still safe.

On going on board the Lady Franklin this morn-
ing, the first objects of attraction were five remark-
ably fine Esquiroaux dogs, brought home by Captain
Penny, all reposing or moving about on the decks, as
in this climate it would be prejudicial to the health of
these animals to allow them to go below.
The crew of the Lady Franklin appear a fine and
generally intelligent body of men, and zealously at-
tached to Captain Penny. In the course of conver-
sation with some of them, they all expressed their
decided belief that the Esquimaux had never visited
the spot where the three graves of the sergeant of
the Royal Marines, and the two men of the Erebus
and Terror had been found, and it is therefore ob-
vious that, in that case, they could not have re-
moved any documents left by Sir John Franklin at
that place.

At the departure of Sir John Franklin and the
Erebus and Terror for the Arctic regions, 600 tin
cases, hermetically sealed, with instructicns in six
different languages, were furnished to the expedition,
to be thrown overboard, or left at any place on land
at which they might touch. It is almost certain,
therefore, that Sir John Franklin left sealed docu-
ments at the same spot where the three graves were
found; and as it is now satisfactorily stated that
the documents could not have been removed by the
Esquimaux, the great probability, and almost cer-
tainty, is, that they were found and removed by
some enterprising whaler or other vessel, tempted to
search that high latitude by the Admiralty offer of
20,000/. for the discovery of the missing vessels and for
assisting them. It would have been contrary to hu-
man nature, where a prize of 20,000/. was in view, to
expect the finders of the documents near the three
graves would leave any traces of documents to en-
courage others to follow in the same track, as they
might have been the first to discover the missing
officers and crews, and afford them the relief that
would entitle them to the prize and honour of aiding
their fellow-creatures so long absent from this country.
The present season is described as being remarkably
open in the Arctic regions, and hope may yet be en-
tertained that the Erebus and Terror may make their
appearance. The Danish interpreter of the Lady
Franklin, iu describing the piece of wood found up
Wellington Channel, says it was of elm, and had been
painted, and, to use a homely expression, he said it
must have been " chucked" on shore by a passing
vessel, as it was found above the highest water-mark.
The crow's-nest is still up in the Lady Franklin,
where the persevering Captain Penny has spent
sometimes as many as ten hours in a day searching
with his telescope for the missing ships. The vessel
was to be taken alongside the wharf at the basin to-
day, to have the remaining provisions put on board a
lighter and taken to Deptford.

----------
T.HE LATE CATASTROPHE ON THE
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY.
BICESTER, FRIDAY ETENING.—The sufferers from
the late railway catastrophe are all somewhat better,
bat Mrs. Collis, Mrs. Terry, and Mr. Nevill are not yet
out of danger. Directors and officers of the company
visit the sufferers daily, and orders are given that all is
to be supplied that is necessary, and that every attention
be paid them. Mrs. Moore, the wife of the gentleman
who acted as foreman at the icquest, and other ladies of
Bicester, are diligent in kind offices towards the injured.
They have this week been seen by Messrs. Acland,
limier, and Allen, medical gentlemen of Oxford, as well
as by Messrs. Woodward and Dawson, the resident me-
died practitioners. There is now a much more careful
mode of driving than before the disaster, and it is evi-
dent that passengers are less exposed to danger. It is a
gratifying fact that all the patients can now get up, with
the exception of Mr. Sheldon and Mr. Nevill. Work-
men are still employed in making good the injuries done
to the station 2.ppronches by the crash of the engine and
carriages, and in a few days the station will present its
wonted appearances.

From Singapore accounts have been received to the,
Ist of August. Produce continued in good demand, and
there had been considerable activity in imports, especially in
cotton manufactures and twist. There were no later dates
from Labuan.

The commercial accounts by the Overland mail are
not on the whole regarded as unfavourable, the sales of ma-
nufactured goods having been large, although at lower prices
in China, and at scarcely any improvement iu the Indian
markets.

The accounts from the continental cities state that
the exchanges are everywhere becoming more favourable for
this country. Should the advance continue, arrivals of gold
mays e expected. A small amount was received to-day from
Holld.
Sin W. P. WOOD.A communication has been
received from the Solicitor-General, by W. Brunner, Esq.,
his agent, stating that he has determined not to accept the
appointment of Vice-Chancellor, preferring to retain kis
connexion with the city of Word.—Banbury Guardian.

2'HE LOSS OF THE PASHA' STEAME.fi,
ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS.
In the accounts published of the loss of this ves-el,
reference has been made to the probability of the Lrin
being desirous of " speaking with the Pasha," and
that, in the end, this desire to communicate might
prove in a great measure to have contributed to the
calamity. Subsequent inquiries tend to show that the
information is somewhat doubtful. Mr. Miller, ,he
commander of the Pasha, only joined her at Hong-
Kong, and on the day of her leaving Singapore he
continued on deck from sunset up to the period of the
collision. The course the vessel took, and the varia-
tion of the compass, we have already noticed. From
the distance steamed, and an indifferent sight of
Mount Formosa, the captain evinced some anxiety as
to his position with respect to a bank or shoal which
was laid down in Horsburgh's chart, and was seid
to be dangerous to approach. Among the traders
of the Straits it was known to have twelve teor, of
water upon it at its shoalest part of low hies
About this period some lightning over the Mot nt
gave him a glimpse of it, and almost immediato elf
afterwards the light of the Erin was observed, out
whte!-I at the time was thought to be on short, or
oil some vessel close inlanu. Cousiderieg ilia,- elf
much clo6er to the shore than he rtally was—and ,he
light of the Erin at this particular juncture is sale to
have been dropped tor a short time order to be
trimmed—the helm was ordered to be put Astarbmrd,
and the Pasha's course shaped'W. by ie., awl after-
wards W., so as to run out more towards the ,anid(le
of the channel. The light in the distance was again
seen, with a red one on the port side, and a blue light
being fired on board the Pasha, it was ascertained
that they were signals of the steamer. We may here
allude to the regulations laid down by the Brethren
of the Trinity-house, in accordance
with the direc-
tions issued by the Lords of the Admiralty, to tk3B
effect that, when any steam-vessels are proceeding
in an opposite direction, and there is a proba-
bility of their coming in collision, each vessel shell
put her helm sport, so as always to pass on the lar-
board side of each other. We have before men-
tioned that the Pasha had her wheel put astarboard, and
which, it seems, was continued after the Erin had been
observed, and indeed up to the moment apparently of
the occurrence. It is stated that the helm was so
kept, in the hope that the Pasha would not only keep
out of the way of the shoal, but give a clear berth to
the approaching steamer. It was anticipated that the
captain of the Erin would perceive the peculiarity' of
their position and movement, and steering S.E. by E.,
as it is alleged, have passed astern of the Pasts.
The Erin appears not to have understood what was
intended by those on board the Pasha, for in addition
to the starboard course being at variance with the
Trinity regulation, there did not to them seem any
immediate danger that would render the helm being
put up in that direction, for the shoal which wee
judged to be near by was some four or five miles
distant. From the moment of the Pasha's lights be-
ing distinguished the helm of the Erin was put sport,
and both vessels being so steered, it will be noticed
that they must have been making almost fur each
other. The Erin kept her helm aport, and apparently
did everything to get clear of the Pasha, whose
wheel, kept still astarboard, led to an impression
that she wanted to speak with the Erin, but
which, as previously mentioned, was to let her pass
astern. Why the Pasha was allowed to continue
her direction when it was seen that the Erin was
pursuing her proper course remains yet to be ex-
plained. They went on towards the middle of the
channel, and seem to have approached each other on
two curves. Their hulls were not visible until they
were close upon each other, and they came in confect,
as before detailed.
An investigation into the circumstances of the
catastrophe has been commenced by the authorities of
Singapore. Captain Barker, of her Majesty's ship
Amazon, and the master-attendant have assisted at
the inquiry, which had not closed at the period of the
mail being dispatched.
The directors of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam
Navigation Company have received from their super.
intendent or manager, at Singapore, a report of the
disastrous loss, which they consider it prudent to
abstain from making public until the result of the
above proceedings are known. We may here mention
that the directors have already determined upon send-
ing out another of their fine fleet in the room of the
Pacha.
The wreck lies in 25 fathoms of water, and by the
next mail we may probably hear of an attempt being
made to get up some portion of the valuable eerie:.
As may be known, the divers on the Malacca coast
are very expert, and we doubt not that they will suc-
ceed in recovering some of the valuable treasure
which formed part of her freight. It consisted, from
China to Calcutta, of 42 boxes of gold, 45 boxes of
dollars, 6 boxes of sycee, 1 case of diamond rings, 1
case of silver ware, 21 pieces of silk goods, 126 chests
of green tea, 92 boxes of vermillion, IS boxes of Prus-
sian blue, 1 ease of velvets, 46 packages of sundry
merchandize, for Pering, from China, 1 hex of dollars
and package of tea.
Some of the cargo was insured, but the vessel was
not, the company maintaining a reserve fund, and no:
insuring their fleet. The value of the cargo siluee is
estimated at nearly 600,000 dollars.

-7.
POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS IN SOUTH WALES.
The existing postal arrangement's in some parts I f
South Wales are a source of much discontent and in-
convenience, and the inhabitants are endeavouring
induce the Post office authorities to remedy the evil, and
effect changes that will aid the business pursuits of the
inhabitants. The following are a few of the instances
in which great delay results from the wretchedness of
the present system:—From Sv•ansea to Remain and
Aberdare the distance is about twenty-six miles, yet,
notwithstanding this short journey, letters pored at
Swansea before breakfast time are not delivered at
either of these places till next day, more than twenty-
four hours being occupied in traversing twenty-six miles.
The town of Neath, which is some eight miles nearer
than Swansea, is also similarly situated. The commu-
nication in the Vale of Neath is even worse, and so de-
fective and inefficient is it that when extra dispatch is
required special messengers are used, the post not being
equal to the task of delivering a letter a few miles off on
the same day as posted. A communication from Neath
to the Lamb and Flag, ten miles, wends its way through
Cardiff and takes nearly a day and a half to go an hour's
journey! The labour-employing districts of Aberdare
are under worse disadvantages pith respect to the coast,
as letters from Herwain lie twenty-four hours at Aber-
dare, and aro two days reaching Cardiff, only twenty-
three miles. It is affirmed that the present contracts
have been entered into for the period of twelve months,
and that consequently for such space the districts will
be denied the advantage of rapid transit resulting fromthe opening of the Vale of Neath line, when they would
bo brought within an hour's journey.

EXTRAORDINARY DEATH.
Yesterday afternoon Mr. Bedford held an inquest at
the Strand Union 'Workhouse on the body of a young
woman named Rebecca Freeman, whose death took place
under very peculiar circumstances. It appeared from
the evidence that a party from Cirencester came to town
on Wednesday last, to see the Exhibition, amongst
whom were the deceased and a young man named Rich-
ards, who was paying his addresses to her. On arriving
in London deceased and her lover left the rest of the
party, and after wandering about some time to see the
sights of the town, went to a public-house in Bow-street,
where Richards asked for a bed for the two. From the
respectability of their appearance, the landlord supposed
them to be man and wife; and as no other room was at
liberty, he gave them a double-bedded room. The next
morning the young man came down stairs, and said that
the young woman had been very ill all night, when the
landlady went up to her bed-room, but soon after came
down, and said, " She's fast asleep, and it would be a
pity to disturb her." Towards the close of the day she
got worse, and a medical man was sent for. The evi-
dence was rather contradictory, inasmuch as the young
man (Richards), who admitted that he slept in the same
room with deceased, denied that he had slept in the same
bed, whilst the landlord and landlady of the house (the
Marquis of Anglesey), swore that a single bed was asked
for, and it was quite by accident they were put into tt
double-bedded room, and that one of the beds had not
been slept in when she went to look at the deceased
next morning. A portion of the surgeon's (Mr. Ed-
wards) testimony is not fit for publication; but be
stated that the deceased died from exhaustion, which
might have been caused by various circumstances. The
jury returned a verdict of "Natural Death," with which
but satisfied.%
the Coroner stated himself to be anything

TROOPS FOR THE CAPZ.--It is stated that four
regiments from the Irish and English establishment will
shortly leave for the Cape of Good Rope—the Royals, 40th,
and 43d, from Ireland; and the 85th Light Infantry, from
England, besides artillery. No orders are, however, issued
for their embarkation, nor is it likely until the arrival out
of the 2d, or Queen's, 60th Rides, and 12th Lancers, is
known at the Horse Guards. The 12th, from the Mauritiub.,
and the 18th, from India, are supposed to have arrived at
the Cape ere this.—Limerick Chronicle.

FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT IN THE ClTY.—Yesterday
(Friday) morning, shortly before eleven o'clock, a melan-
choly accident occurred in the City to Mr. Francis Fi°ld,
aged 61 years, a cashier in the Bank of England. It appears
that the unfortunate gentleman was on the way to the Bank.,
and while in the act of crossing Princes-street, towarda
Threadneedle-street, was knocked town by the horses at-
tached to a heavily-laden waggon, and before the driver
could stop the vehicle, the near wheels passed over his right
leg, and afterwards across the loins. Several of the toot pas-
sengers who witnessed the accident ran to him and raised
him up, but he was found to be quite insensible, and most
fearfully injured. A police-constable immediately proc,ued
a cab, and the injured gentleman was conveyed to the aoci-
dent ward of St. Thomas's Hospttal, where the house-surge 7.1
had him at once attended to, and placed in bed, but the caLw
was of such a complicated and dangerous nature that it was'
deemed necessary to send for Mr. M`Murdo, the senior snuen-
goon to the insti ution, who, upon examination, aseertaoluncdi
that the unfortunate sufferer had sustained
fracture of the right leg, and severe externtalbcteofilb
Two ribs were fractured, and there was no
o'clock,the
a be w.e3
symptoms that he had received exteLsiyee.
sumed, fatal injury. Last night,
at
ttenrtnained of his ram
insensible, and no hopes were en
recovery. Id, it if:::
MANSION-HOUSE.-- es Y t rday the Lord Mayor en-
tertained a small
party of
.ttheceitlioznengspoafeLouorndon at dinner.
Covers were laid for forty
n he
nany sat down tol
as elvia
a sumptuous
otherous r
ladies,epast cia
repast, at and the COM-.
whichpresetilx Lady
t layoress, as irel