The Sun.
London, England, 1851-03-10 00:00:00

GENTLEMAN'S.

The opening ^ paper of this number, on the
present state of English Historical Literature, ex-
poses the management of the State Paper-office as
one of such carelessness as regards the custody of im-
portant historical documents, and such obstructive-
ness to the efforts of those who have to consult them,
as to call imperatively for immediate interference ; we
trust that the attention of Parliament will be directed
to this important subject. Mr. Peter Cunningham
continues the interesting story of Nell Gwyn ; it is
brought down in the present instalment to the period
when Nelly quitted the stage. We have also some
newly discovered poems by Bishop Hall, and an ad-
mirable article on Socrates, besides several valuable
notices of recently published works and papers on
several antiquarian and genealogical subjects.

DOUGLAS JERROLD'S WORKS.
The number of this month contains another in•
stalment of " St. Giles's and St. James's."

CHRISTOPHER TADPOLE. By Albert Smith.
Another instalment of the reprint of this popular
tale has appeared this month.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Every month in noticing Ainsworth's we have to
particularise as its most excellent portions the bold
colouring and romantic design of the "Lancashire
Witches" and the practical good sense which charac-
terises the sketches of E. P. Rowsell.—The Sports-
man this month has a capital illustration—. The
Bay Beat !" The beaten horse is still straining
every nerve, but the desperation visible in its eye
tells that it is conscious its efforts are hopeless.
Among the literary contents of the Sportsman is an
article by Harry Hieover on those all-important qua-
lifications " Tact and Taste."—The Farmer's Ma-
gazine, in addition to various original papers, gives
the article " On the Progress of Agricultural Know-
ledge during the last Eight Years,' by Mr. Piney,
illustrated by Professor Dove's chart, which appeared
in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society.—
The London Journal of inventions, as usual, abounds '
in admirably well executed engravings of new
patent inventions.—Among the religious periodicals,
the Church of England Magazine preserves its
usual lesturt.s ; the Rambler contains some well-
written articles, one in reference to Lord John Rus-
sell's Bill, is entitled " How shall we meet the Pro-
testant Aggression ?" A little brochure, called " A
Monthly Packet of Evening Readings for Younger
Members of the English Church, is likely to prove
both interesting and useful for young readers. It
contains fictitious tales, and religious instruction
written in a simple and attractive manner.—The series
of Penny Maps is continued in undiminished Ex-
cellence.—The Belle Assemblee' under the judicious
management of Mrs. Newton Crosland, presents us
with a variety of pleasing tales and thoughtful criti-
cisms. In this number is an excellent article from the
pen of the editress.—Lc Follet continues to preserve
its place as the most graceful exponent of fashion.
—Mrs. Ellis's Morning Call is chiefly rendered inte-
resting by the story of the Editress, " Self-deception ;
or, the History of a Human Heart." Some portions
of this tale are beautifully written. A sketch on
" Interesting People" in this number is worth reading.
—Chambers's Journal continues to maintain its high
character, and a selection of excellent articles under

the bead of Chambers's Papers for the People,
neatly bound, which from time to time makes its ap-
pearance, increases the already weighty claims of the
Messrs. Chambers on the gratitude of the reading
public.—The People's Journal gives us an agreeable
variety of prose and poetry.—The Colonial Magazine
contains an interesting article on "The Present Sys-
tem of British Emigration."—The Naturalist, a
monthly magazine illustrative of the animal, vege-
table, and mineral kingdoms, has this month made its
first appearance.

ROYAL MARINES.-PLYMOUTH, MARCH 8.—C01.-
Commandant William Fergusson has, at his own request,
much to the regret of all ranks, retired, on the full pay list,
from the command of this division, after a service of up-
wards of half a century. His commission as a second lieute-
nant is dated Sept. 10, 1798; from which time up to 1829
he engaged in several severe actions, and received many dan-
gerous wounds. He was at the capture of Admiral T'errie's
squadron from Egypt, when in the pursuit of the French and
Spanish fleet, in 1799; was at the blockade of Molta, when
the Genereux and part of her convoy was captured; in the
Queen Charlotte, when burnt off Leghorn ; and remained
three hours in the water, eighteen miles from the mainland,
and received a severe wound in his breast from part of the
wreck. In the numerous engagements in which he subse-
quently took part he had many hair-breadth escapes, and
was instrumental on more than one occasion in turning the
tide of fortune in favour of his own service. He was pro-
moted to the rank of first lieutenant on the 29th of April,
1804; captain, 23d of February, 1814; brevet-major, 10th of
January, 1837 ; lieutenant-colonel, 10th of July, 1837 ; co-
lonel, second commandant, 9th of November, 1816; colonel-
commandant, 3d of April, 1849. He retires from the divi-
sion with the good wishes of all who have been in any way
connoted with him.

CUSTOM'S FACILITIES IN SOUTHWARK.— There
has been for some time past a movement on the part of the
wharfingers and others interested in the trade of the south
side of the Thames, with a view to obtain from the Govern-
ment increased customs facilities in regard to the landing
and warehousing of goods. We have the satisfaction of
stating that, in reply to the memorials of the merchants on
the subject, the Government has consented to restore to these
wharfs the privileges of landing and warehousing foreign
goods, with but one tr two exceptions.

-.LHE ARMY AND NAVY CLUE HOUSE.—The Car-
case or shell of the building cost 18,5001. (Mr. Trego con-
tractor); the interior cost 16,5001. (Messrs. Smith and
Appleford contractors); in all 35,0001. exclusive of the fit-
tings. The comparatively small plot of land on which it
stands has cost the club 52,000/., and the total expenditure
may be called, in round numbers, 100,000/ —Builder.
IRISH WIT.—At the Theatre Royal Dublin, lately,
one of the " gods' 'called for a cheer for ex-mayor (Reynolds)
when a wag in the pit immediately called for another cheer
for the double X Mayor (Guinness), which caused a roar of
laughter.
A company has been formed for the manufacture of,
sugar from beet-root in Ireland. They have secured all the
patents for improved methods of manufacture, and contem-
plate operations on a large scale.
The unfortunate woman, Mrs. Smith, who was
so much burned on Friday night, at No. 23, Skinner-street,
Clerkenwell, expired during yesterday from the effects of the
injuries she had receive'].
SIR JAMES MATHESON AND THE LEWIS FISUINGS.
—We have pleasure in quoting from the Banffshire Jour-
nal:—" Sixteen boats have left Buckle and Portknockie to
pursue the haddock and cod fishing off the island of Lewis.
Two of the crews have been engaged partly for the pur-
pose of instructing the native fishermen in the proper
mode of pursuing those branches of the fishery. They
have been engaged for this purpose by a 13auffshire curer,
who intends, if encouragement offers, to se the permanently
in the island. Ile has receivect every countenance front tho
spirited propi iet.r, Sir James Mathe,on, who is sensible of
the great benefit that would be conferred on the i.idand,
were the population instructed in the best means of taking
advantage of the store of wealth lying around their
shores."

ORIGIN OF HARLEQUINS.—In a note to his trans-
lation of Priscus' "Histori f the Embassy sent to Attila by
Theodosius the Younger' (Mist. Civilz. app. iii., vol.
430, Bougue's edit. European Library), 111. Guizot remarks,
alluding to the appearance of Zercho, a Moor, at Attila's
feast :—" Is it not singular to find an harlequin at the court
of Attila ? Yet such is the origin of these buffoons. The
colour of the black slaves, the strangeness of their face and
manners, caused them to be sought after as er.cellent
ministers of mirth ; to complete the singularity, Zercl,o asks
his wife at the hands of Attila, closely paralleling hex lequin
demanding Wumbine.",— .Sotes and Queries.