The Sun.
London, England, 1858-03-25 00:00:00

LONDON, THURSDA EVEN! NO,

HIGHLAND SJCIET Y.

The anniversary of the battle of Alexandria was
celebrated by the members of this society by dining
together at the Freemasons' Tavern, on Monday.
Owing to the unavoidable absence of Lord Saltoun,
the chairman of the day, the meeting was presided
over by The Chisholm, supported by between 90
and 100 gentlemen, amongst whom we observed
the Marquis of Westmeath, Lord H. Gordon, Gen.
McNeill, Gen. McLean, Gen. de la Motte, Sir. J.
Grant, Col. Grove, Sir Digby Neave, Sir G. Hal-
kett, Major Macdonald, Capt. Forbes, R.A., Capt.
Pounder, Capt. Westley, Major Adair, the Hon.
Major Grant, Dr. Colquhoun, Mr. De Jersey, Mr.
Macalister, of Glenbar, Rev. C. McKenzie, Rev.
J. Macbeth, Mr. Lindsay, M.P., Mr. J. F. Camp-
hell of Islay, Mr. F. W. Caldwell, and Mr. J.
Stone, who was accompanied by twelve officers iu
the Brazilian navy—viz., Capt. de Almedia Portu-
gal ; Major Stockmeyer ; C.ipts. F. Foisceca, Mon-
taurey, Pinheiro, Pereira (to Cunha, Barros, Santoz,
and D. -Funceca ; Lieuts. Peixoto and Gama ; and
Capt. Carneiro da Rocha.
Toe health of " The Queen," of "The Prince of
Waits, Duke of Rothesay and Lord of the Isles,"
with the rest of the Royal Family, having beea
drunk, a special bumper was dedicated to "The
health of his Royal Highness the Patrice Consort,
Chief of the Highland Socie
" The Army and Navy " was next given, the
Chairman reminding the company that the scaiety
always met to celebrate the anniversary of one
glorious campaign, in which the Highlanders espe-
c ally distinguished themselves, and that all eyes
were now bent and all attention directed to the
proceedings of a gallant officer at the head of our
army in India, wh with the assistance of truly
British troops, no matter what part of the country
they came from, would, he doubted nor, soon re-
store peace and tranquillity to those distant pos-
sessions. He could not forget the services of the
Davy, which had ev: r been foremast in acts of gal-
lantry, and which had been recently brought into
closer connection with the army than was formerly
the ca-e. The sailor had ben looked upon as a
somewhat amphibious animal, neither fish nor
alligator—(lauhter)—an I whilst it was always
known that they could fight well by sea, the naval
brigade had recently proved they were equally effi-
cacious on lend. (Laughter.)
G.-neral McNEiaa having acknowledged the com-
pliment,
The CHAIRMAN gave the "Indian Army and
General Do la Motte," who, he reminded the com-
pany, was an old Indian offic,r who had crossed the
Des:rt with Sir David Baird to join the immortal
Abercrombie in Egypt.
General DE LA MOTTE replied;and expressed his
confidence that the Anglo-Indian army would
always do its din y so as to meet with the approba-
tion of their countrymen.
The CHAIRMAN said they were that evening ho-
noured by the company of eeveral visitors, among
whom were a number of officers in the Brazilian
navy, whom he heartily welcomed among,t them,
and he was sure the company present would be
glad to drink to the " Braz:lian Navy."
The toast having been responded to with High-
land Ln Hours,
Capt. DE A. PORTYGAL said—Mr. Chairman and
gentlemen, I did not know when I entered this room
that I should have the honour of returning thanks
for the toast of " The Brazilian Navy," which has
been so kindly drunk by this honourable company.
Gentlemen, it gives us pleasure to find our s-rvice
so well looked upon by the British nation, and
peculiar pleasure to find mil...elves so well received
by a society of Highlanders. Gentlemen, our na-
tion, our service, has groat reason to be grateful to
'he Scottish people, because we cannot help recol-
lecting that the implerneat which organised the
Brazilian navy was a Scotchinan. (Cheers.) It
coal Lord Cochrane that taught us how to manage
our navy and how to disch4r4e our duty. We do
not attempt to do more ; but it is our utmost en-
deavour to copy the example which that distin-
guished B itish officer and noble Scotchmau set, us.
(Applause.) I very much regret teat the Brazilian
Minister at present in this country is not present
tins evening, as I am cure he would have much
better acknowledged the compliment which you
have paid t r the Brazilian navy, and through them
the Brazilian nation, than I have done. I have,
however, t request you will accept my thanks, and
those ef my colleagues, for the honour you have
done us. (Cheers.)
The " Memory of the officers and men who fell
at Alexandria, and in other climes," having been
drunk in solemn silence, the Chairman gave the
healths of those gal Lint men who, having taken
part in the campaign in India, were still preserved
to their country, for which the Marquis of West-
meath briefly and appropriately expressed his ac-
knowledgments.

The he—alll of the Chairman, of • the Ladies, and
various o•her toasts, were drunk ; the Queen's
piper, the band of the Royal Caledonian Asylum,
Mr. Gene Genge, and some gentlemen in the
company, tending by their exertions to erilivou the
ant when our reporter left the ladics
ip.ini)ceethdeinc,
gallery had just been introduced into the
bAy of tue room, and dancing commenced with
the Highland fling, in which it was evident the
lalies were not quit.; .) practised as their military
partners. . .

We sliould not omit to state that, amongst the
toasts, one was specially drunk to the success of
the Caledonian Asylum for the education and main-
teLaoce of the children of Highland parents be-
longing to the army, navy, or marine services,
which was originally established through the insti
mentality of this society—the Chairman reminding
the compa❑y tl.at the jubilee festival would take
place on the 7th of May, and inviting every gen-
tleman present to meet him on that occasion, ac-
companied by as ma❑y friends as could be induced
to lend their aid in supporting such a truly national
and valuable institution.