The Sun.
London, England, 1858-01-20 00:00:00

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9th January, 1858.
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Euston Station, December 3d, 1857. By Order.

THE ATTACK ON CA WNPORE.

The following has been addressed to the Editors
of the Freeman by a gentleman named Gregson

Cawupare, Tuesday, Dec. Ist, 1857

The changes that have passed over us the last few
days have been startling and disaßtrouß, and had any
one predicted, a few weeks agn, the straits to which we
are now reduced, he would have been laughed at as an
idiot.

It is now nearly a month since Sir C. Campbell left
this place for Lucknow. The Delhi column, after forced
marches, reached Cawnpore the 26th of last month, and
was delayed here nearly a week, the Commander-in
Chief waiting for reinforcements from Allahabad, more
especially of the Naval Brigade, that he might go to
Lucknow strong enough to strike a swift and decisive
blow. Ou the 6th of last month, the .ast of these rein-
forcements having arrived, Sir Colin Campbell left us,
leaving only about 300 men to protect Cawnpore. This,
however, awakened no solicitude as troupe were daily
arriving, and there was little doubt of our being strong!y
reinforced before any foe could arrive to menace our
position. At that time, indeed, it was not thought pro-
bable that any enemy would venture to attack us. The
only enemy to be feared was the Gwalior Contingent,
and its movements were closely watched. It was not
strong in men, but very formidable in artillery. It
originally consisted of about 7,000 men. Part of these
had remained stedfast, and many others had deserted,
so that the remnant could not consist of more then 4,000
or 5,000 men. But they bad a most formidable park of
artillery, comprising not less than 40 pieces of ordnance.
Of these three were 8-inch howitzers, four 18-pounder
iron guns, 20 light field pieces, 6,9, and 12-pounders,
and the remainder mortars, 10, 8, and 53-inch. Their
magazine was something prodigious, and their entire
train of garis (is e. carts), bullocks, and beasts of burden
might have sufficed for an ordinary army of 50,000 men.
About the time of Sir Corm Campbell's departure
from Cawnpore these troops were on the move, and
a few days afterwards intelligence arrived that they
had reached Kalpee, distant about fifty-five miles from
this place. Here they remained some time. About
ten days ago it was reported they were coming upon
Cawnpore, and that one of the three divisions into which
they separated was on the march. This division was
said to be about 2,000 strong, and to have ten guns
Early last week it approached within ten miles of us on
the Kalpee road. In the meantime General Windham
having received very considerable reinforcements, went
out on the Kalpee road and pitched his camp there, and
the troops which were daily arriving from Calcetta were
immediately sent on to strengthen him, until by last
Monday, the 23d Nov.' he had a force of about 2,100
men. On Wednesday the advanced pickets of the two
armies were within sight of each other, and the general
determined on attackiig the rebels the following morn-
ing. Accordingly, on Thursday morning, the 26ili
Nov., he marched against them with complete success.
Carried their advanced position, capturing two 8-inch
howitzers and one light field piece, and completely routed
the enemy Their position was only about ten miles
from here, and after chasing them some little
distance he ordered a retreat. He was urged to advance
one mile further, when it was alleged there was an
almost perfect certainty of coming upon their camp,
capturing the remainder of their guns and all their
baegage. This he would not do, and here, it is said,
o ese Or oesesee se.ssse... Ib woe joy early lu the
day—his men had had some days' rest, and had only
marched a few miles and fought an easily won battle—
his loss had not reached sixty killed and wounded, and
the panic among the rebels from the capture of their
finest pieces and the defeat of their comrades was seen to
be great. But no, he would at once retreat. It is true
intelligence had been received that Cawnpore was
threatened on another side by some 2,000 rebels, chiefly
the rabble from Banda, who were defeated and lost their
guns a few weeks ago near Futtehpore. But these men
were without guns, were mostly an undisciplined mob,
barely furnished with muskets or ammunition, and com-
pletely demoralised by repeated defeats. Yet from fear,
it is said, of these men, he retreated, to take up his
position in another place, where he could protect Cawn-
pore from both the rebel forces,
The rebels took advantage of his retreat, followed him
quite home, and that night encamped within four miles of
Cawnpore. It would also seem that during the night
or very early in the morning the two rebel forces united,
and possibly were strengthened by the arrival of the
second division of the Gvsalior force. The following
morning, Friday, just after the 12 o'clock gun had fired,
the rebels commenced the attack. Two 24-pounders,
manned by the Naval Brigade, were ordered forward,
and advanced far in front of the infantry. Jack had no
sooner opened fire than be found himself exposed to a
galling cannonade from no less than four different quar-
ters, from his right and left flanks, his front, and again
between his front and right flank. This was more than
Jack bargained for, and to add to his misfortunes, the
bullocks galloped off with one of his ammunition tum-
brils, and so he thought it quite time to scamper off,
which accordingly he did. His guns were thus for the
moment abandoned, but fortunately soon after regained.
However, to prevent a repetition of so dire a disaster,
the guns were instantly ordered home, and we have
taken very great care of them ever since by not suffering
them to leave the entrenchment. Jack's troubles,
however, were rot yet over. In dragging them home
through the city one stuck fast in the bed of a little
stream, and baffled for the time all Jack's exertions to
release it, and the unfortunate 24-pounder, after being
spiked, was left in the city entangled in the mud and
exposed to the mercy of the rebels,
The sight of our retreating guns appears to have
spread dismay throughout the city, and caused a panic
throughout the camp outside the entrenchments. About
half-past two the cry was raised " The rebels are here,"
and every one made for the entrenchment. The scene
of confusion that ensued baffiee description. A. long
baggage train belonging to the Rifle Brigade, some 350
Strong, which had that morning arrived, was just enter-

ing the gate of the fort. The frantic rushing, screaming
crowd of men and women and children, growing denser
as the road grew narrower, became inextricably mixed
up with the advancing column of billock-carts, camels,
and horses. The animals themselves seemed to catch
the panic, and bPgan dancing and capering and snorting
ie the wildest ma n:,r, How we escaped with our lives.
threaded our waythrough the denseanl intricate labyrinth,
or escaped being jammed together into one great lump,
is a mystery I have not yet been able to solve. Perhaps
fear sharpens the faculties or promotes agility. At all
events, I am not aware of any casualty haying occurred,
and when a few moments after we stood upon the ram-
parts panting and breathless, we linked around in vain
fora foe, a
or alnitytlepocrtoeouletro,rweth
prodigyou
ec:pueledinaeacyesassitawtee
so precipitate a retreat. After takin4 breath and
could hear no good news from the battle field, that it
Lannidghptalc,ekepdruudp a
aent so prepare for the worst. Accordingly
feawbie al
rt
a articles
we made a general sally in the direction of our tents,
other means of conveyance—for all had bolted—left us
able to bear into the entrene.htnefit. An order soon
the o
at
ncsle nne thing,
of
e such,e
3 other
and
eeees-arias and valuables
after came for all tents to be struck, and as there was no
time and no means to take them
contents, the _ropes .of each tent were loosened, or
loosesnaevde their
, andei
r
down came the superincumbent weight, crushing glass
and crockery and mingling them in wild confusion with
chairs, tables, inketande, and the otheraccompanitnents
of an Indian tent. . .

About four o'clock in came our retreating columns.
The whole camp, with its baggage, esd., was abandoned
to the rebels. Why, 1-have neverebeee able, accurately
to learn, We had suffered eno reverse though we had
gained no victory. Not a deem men had been hit, nor
had our force been driven back. From all the acconnts
I have heard it was a battle sus generis. Fur four hours
bad our guns been firing without seeing a foe. That
guns were being fired by somebody somewhere was
evident. for our men could hear them and even occa-
sionally catch a glimpse of a light cloud of pale smoke
wafted on the passing breeze ; but where they were, or
who manned them, to whether there was anything be-
sides the guns, was never demonstrably ascertained. It
was a battle in the dark. You took it for granted that
you had an enemy, and fired iu hope that by some
happy chance you might hit him. For four hours
this useless expenditure of ammunition lasted
when the fatal order to retreat was given. The
only explanation of this order I have beard is that an
aide-de-camp rode np to General Windham, and beseeched
him to return instantly as the entrenchment had fallen
into the hands of the rebels, and it is said he set off at
once with a storming column to recapture it. At all
events nothing was done towards repairing this lament-
able blunder. No effort was made to preserve the camp,
nor was anything done to prevent the advance of the
enemy. Though there is every reason to believe there
was abundance of time and means for both, we did not
see the enemy, and it is quite possible the enemy did
not see us. I believe pickets remained oat at the
theatre and assembly rooms, otherwise all oar troops
were located in the entrenchments, These entrench-
ments were scarcely fitted and never intended to enclose
so large a body of men. They were originally con.
strutted, on Havelock's first coming, to be held by a
garrison of about 300 men, though within the last week
or two large outworks have been added. The entrench-
ment is a narrow strip of land running along the river's
bank, perhaps 200 yards in length and 400 long. Until
within the last 10 or 15 days it was by no means a strong
style of defence. On the back is the river, close on the
left is the canal, whilst in front and on both sides is
ground at least on a level with the floor of the entrench-
meat, and until very lately abounding. in buildings and
number of rebels. Very
happily,sheltering
wplaces
threefo r almostw e
weeks
a s
an y
go, a new eugiueering offi-
car of pleat ability cane to superintend the works. He
at once saw the defects of the place, and setting at
defiance the orders he received, Proceeded to strengthen
them after his own fashion. He threw up a long breast.
work about 200 yards in front of the entrenchment on
the top of a deep ravine, and other breastworks to the
right and left. Besides this he cleared away a large
number of buildings and trees, and a whole native
bazaar, so that it is more roomy and stronger than ever.
Into this place some 2,000 to 3,000 men retreated. The
rebels must have been taken by surprise, and doubt-
less regarded it ae some piece of profound military
strategy. They docb leas looked round them cautiously,
approached with trembling and heedful steps our for-
eaken camp, and at length to their joy discovered it
abandoned. Then the work of demolition began. Much
booty (including one military chest, I believe of the 82d)
fill into their hands. They plundered what they could
and burnt the rest. Satisfied with their day's success,
they allowed ns that night to repose in peace. About 12
p.m., a detachmet t was sent to bring in the entangled
24-pounder. They found the-city silent and deserted,
and did not encounter the least opposition. Early the
next morning our troops were ordered out again. This
morning again, but still earlier, the rebels opened fire,
and the battle seems to have resolved itself into two little
engagements, neither of which knew how the other was
going. On the left flank the Rifle Brigade distinguished
them mucb. They found capital shelter in an attack
and kept up such a smart fire that the rebels fled and the
upon two guns, 18-pounders which the rebels were using,
two guns were soon captured and brought in in triumph.
Soon after this the rebels fled, and our left flank was
• wapletely tr.umVaant. About four o'clock just as the
successful left wing, flushed with success, were quickly
retreating into the entrenchment, an aide-de-camp rode
up saying the general desired, if possible, to have instant
reinforcements on the right. An hour elapsed before
they were sent, and I believe the right wing was already
on the retreat. It had met with a reverse. Early in
the morning the 64th were opposed to a four-gun
battery of the enemies. A very rash and ill-managed
attempt was made to storm it. About 150 men of
that regiment, headed by Brigadier Wilson, Brigadier
Major Murphy, and Major Stirling, made a most
brave but precipitate assault upon them. They had
to rush up a rising ground of about 400 yards in extent
anti reached the guns panting and tired. But they did
reach them and succeeded in spiking three. They were
however, immediately overpowered. Four files of infantry
hitherto concealed by the nature of the
ground, now
appeared in view. They opened fire and their cavalry
charged, and our men, having no support, were obliged
to retreat in confusion. The slaughter of our men was
great. Brigadier Wilson was shot through the, left chest,
and was brought home, to die in a few minutes.
Brigadier-Major Murphyand Major Stirling were likewise
killed, with two other officers whose bodies have not yet
been recovered, and about 50 or 60 men were also killed
or wounded. This defeat was never repaired. It is
positively stated that with a sup port of 200 men the guns
must have been captured and retained. But whilst none
can deny the valour and spirit with which the charge
was made, none can deny that there was an utter lack
' of judgment and of skill. After this reverse the right
p e superior
and force
th e w,
wing never recovered itself. A vain and futile firing
was kept up for some hours, and towards evening our
troops retired into the entrenchment. The assembly
men against a very
rooms, a large building capable of being held by a few
• h was filled
with officers and soldiers' kits and many other valuables ;
the theatre, another large strong building just opposite,
and both within 300 or 400 yard. of the entrenchment,
and within 200 yards of our advancedl works,
. were both
abandoned to the rebels,sut and its out-
skirts left in their bawls ! Theloss of property has been
immense. The few houses that bad escaped the previous
desolation have been burnt. A few merchants anl others
who had recommenced business, and were scattered
throughout the suburbs, had their property plundred
and destroyed, and 3,000 European troops were ignomi-
niously forced to retreat into a small entrenchment by a
body of a few thousand rebels, not half the strength of
those who were driven helter-skelber out of Cawnpore by
General Havelock a few months ago, with only half the
number of our troops 1 That this result has arisen from
the grossest incompetency and mismanagement cannot
be disputedesand I have only heard one universal outcry
of indignation and regret at the generalship, or rather
want of generalship, which bas produced this serious
disaster. About 4 o'clock the. Commandersin•Claief,
who was expected from Lucknow, came in, accompanied
by a small guard, having ridden n few miles in advance
of his column, and the remainder of his force was seen
in the distance. But the rebels were already advancing,
and the Commander-in-Chief had scarcely crossed the
bridge of boats when a couple of allots, fired at the bridge,
fell into the river. Theydid no harm, and fell wide of their
object. We now hoped our troubles would soon be over,
all confidence in our military head was gone, arms with
the additional force from Lucknow, numbering 4,000 or
5,000 strong, and splendidly
equ;qied with horse artil-
lery and cavalry, we thought surely some decisive blow
would be at once struck. In this we were disappointed,
and, perhaps, properly so. Sunday morning arrived,
and the enemy had advanced still 'soarer the entrench-
ments, and at an early hour began
to pour forth their
grape and shot and seen. We heard them flying over
our heads in showers, but they did very little harm,
most of them going right over the entrenchment and
falling in the river. Our guns soon opened upon them,
and they retired for the moment to try another position,
and in this way the day passed. The rebels opened fire,
we answered, and they retreated to open fire soon after-
wards in another place. Oar casualties were few ; one
or two shots and much grape and
much musket balls
fell into the entrenchment, but did little harm—one
officer of the 821 was shot in the neck and killed at his
tent door, two or three men were shot about the ram-
parts, and a ball passed through a couple of bullocks and
a horse. This includes about the whole of our casualties,
and we have to thank the cowardice and unskilfulness of
the enemy that our loss was not much more serious ; for
the entrenchment was crowded—guns, gun-earriagee,
bullocks, camels, tents, hospitals, and men, filled almost
every inch of the ground—and not a shot could fail
proving effective. All this time Sir Colin Campbell was
getting over his immense train of baggage,
and
ladies,
and children, a train not less than 15 miles long. Much
surprise has been
expressed at his delay in attacking the
rebels. His
whole camp could have remained in safety
on the other side of the river, guarded by 1,000 men,
still leaving a force more than trebly sufficient to smash
the rebels. His policy, however, appears to be a cautious
one. Many think injuriously so ; and, certainly, unless
he completely destroys the rebels and takes all theirguns,
the delay will be very injurious. It destroys the prestige
of our arms, shakes the confideaoe of our friends, and les-
seas the fowl of tbe enemy. His object, however, appears

Actually eight days has now elapsed since the contest
began, and we are @till penned up in the fort, fired at,
and shelled daily. Large reinforcements have arrived,
and now we must have a force as numerics as the
enemy, and vastly superior to them in every respect.
Last night the ladies and children started for Allahabad,
a large number of wounded were sent to the same place.
Still here we are, and what is to be done ! and when is
it to be do .e ! Nobody knows. Bot all think the at-
tack upon the rebels cannot be delayed beyond
morrow. For five days (this will be the sixth), have
we been pounded y the enemy, and ail this time have
been acting simply on the defensive. The ladies a d
children were taken to the ground
.near Wheeler's old
entrenchment, to which place the road is well protected
and no shots could reach them. Moreover, it is just
on the Allahabad road. The tactics of the enemy are
really very droll, and quite a burlesque upon the art of
war. He has his head quarters near at a large tank tw.b
or three miles off; but here he retreats at night, and
hence sallies out in the morning, merely leaving pickets
all round, who shoot all night at anything they can see
or fancy they see within our lines. At dawo he gets up
shivering in the cal ; wraps his garments around him,
and sits smoking his hookha until the sun rises and
thaws his frozen blood into circulition. By ten o'clock
he begins to feel comfortable, and thinks it time to pre-
pare his dinner, which accordingly every man does fur
himself. By half-past eleven, he has finished cooking
and eating, had another smoke, and the consciousness
begings to dawn upon him, that he is engaged in a
most important battle. He now begins to look after his
cannon, which he has posted in different commanding-
spots, and forth he goes. With great labour he charges
his piece, and having primed it all ready to fire, he drags
it from its his hiding-place very secretly, keeping under
cover all the time, and points at or rather over our en-
trenchments. He applies the match, and bang goes the
gun. Away our hero scampers trying to drag after
him the cannon into its original obscurity, from which
be probably, for the moment, feels it extremely rash on
his part ever to drag it, and probably resolving, if he
survives this time, he will never be guilty of a similar
piece of folly. Unfortunately for our hero, his gun can-
not be let off without flashing. That flash folio wed by
the smoke is the indication of its position, and before he
can find his hiding-place, half-a-dozen heavy guns send
their shots flying and bursting about him, and if he
survives he perhaps thinks it best at once to retreat to
his distant camp, and take his gun with him before both
are destroyed. In this way I assure you, gun after gun
is silenced. Firing just one round, and being silent the
rest of the day and night, to go through the same course
the succeeding day. But perhaps our champion is more
fortunate. He hits upon some splendid hiding-places
for a few guns, where he can fire without being seen.
There he will keep at it for half-an-hour at a time, but
the exertion is too much for him, and after a couple of
hours (irregular and desultory firing) he returns to his
camp to prepare for a comfortable evening. This is
the childish contemptible enemy who has been allowed to
seize our camp, to plunder cur property and houses, lay
waste the city, and drive us into this miserable entrench-
ment. The post is jest leaving and I must close. I feel
hopeful that, with the divine blessing, all will be quiet
after a few dare I believe Sir Colin Campbell's policy
is to surround and destroy them, if possible to a man.

THE BRAZILIAN AND RIVER PLATE
MAILS.

The Royal Mail ,Company's steamship Medway,
Capt. John Hammack, arrived at Southampton
yesterday morning with the above-named mails, in
charge of Lieut. Cartwright, R. N., Admiraltyagent.
Her dates are—Buenos Ayres, 2d Dec. ; Monte
Video, sth ; Rio de Janeiro, 16th ; Bahia, 21st ;
Pernambuco, 24th ; St. Vincent (C.rpe Verd), 3d
Jan. ; Teueriffo, 9th ; Funchal (Madeira), 11th ;
Lisbon, 15th.
She landed 20 passengers at Lisbon, and brings
77 to Southampton, among whom are his Excel
lency Mr. Trousdall (American Minister at Rio)
and son ; Assistant-Surgeon M'Clure, R.N., Capt.
Shores, Second Master Trewin, 8 lieutenants of the
Brazilian Imperial Navy, who have come to Eng-
land to take charge of gunboats ; Mr. George
Furness and party, &c. On freight the Medway
has 100 barrels of tapioca, 150 rolls of tobacco, 75
bags of cochineal, diamonds value 9,3001., and the
following amounts of specie :—From Monte Video,
580/. ; Buenos Ayres, 390/. ; Rio Janeiro, 96,8001.;
Bahia, 23,7001.; Pernambuco, 16,3221.; other ports,
2, 8401. 140,6321.
There is very little political news of importance
from Buenos Ayres by this arrival. His Excellency
the Governor was making a personal inspection of
the country districts, which had met with general
approbation, and was looked upon as an augury of
good. To the south the frontier question presented
a more cheering aspect. Our correspondent, in his
letter of the 2d ult., says—
" The only point of some consequence, and which,
perhaps, merits more attention than it apparentlyreceives
from our statesmen, are the diplomatic ongoing at the
Parana. It is known that the Brazilian Envoy is in
confidential confab with the President of the Confederate
Provinces. The immediate object, of course, is the
rumoured war with Paraguay ; but the c mclition of
General Urquiza's alliance will as certainly be
a definitive settlement of the question of Ar-
gentine nationality ; and, if that is to be settled by the
armed mediation or intervention of Brazil, it is one of
the worst modes I can imagine, and may involve us all,
with foreign commercial interests in the first line, in a
deplorable conflict. I trust Mr. Christie and the other
foreign diplomatists will see the matter in its true light,
and exert their influence in preventing such a catastrophe.
"The impending war will be a heavy blow to commer
vial interests in the meantime, with slender guarantees
of nitima,te benefit to any one.
" In connection with this, I may mention a sinister
rumour, tantamount, if true—which I half suspect—to a
commencement of hostilities. A passenger who arrived
here on Saturday last from Entre Rios affirms that on
the 24th ult. a special courier bad come from San Borja
bringing intelligence that on the 22d a Paraguayan force
of 800 men bad taken up a military position in front of
the said city. This force must have proceeded from
Itapna, and in its transit crossed the Argentine Misiones,
thus invading Brazil, and at the same time invading the
territory of the presumed ally,
"I can neither explain nor comprehend the apparent
apathy of the commercial community in a matter that so
nearly concerns it.
" The January mail must take important intelligence,
if aught from South America can be supposed interest-
ing to you while the life and death struggle in India
lasts. I can assure you that our sympathy in your
favour is as ardent and sincere as in any dependency of
the British Crown, and I venture to say that in due
course something handsome will be done on behalf of
the widows and orphans of those that fall in so unequal
and glorious a strife.
"Private correspondence from the north announces
another intended irruption of Indians, headed by the
formidable Cristo, in the direction of Pergamino.
" The conferences at the Parana have been brought
to a close, and the Imperial Envoy must be in good
hurneur, for he gave a splendid official banquet before
starting for the Ascension. The result of the conferences
has not transpired. As an indication that something is
in the wind some 70 half-pay officers have received Orders
Fromntiliteifoaialduvreicse•
to prepare for active service, and be ready to march
against the 15th inst. It may be for the frontier against
the Indians, which is the only kind of war that would
be justifiable in our circumstances.
" Our revenues continue progressing in a very satisfac-
tory manner, but unhappily the demands of the public
service also increase, and in consequence the Govern-
ment has announced the sale of 4,000,000 of public funds
that stood over from last year.
"The later news of Dr. Alsina report his arrival at
the Azul, whence he has applied to the Permanent Com-
mission requesting a prorogation of his leave of absence,
which was sanctioned last night. He seems intent on
putting things to rights on the frontier, in which I hope
he will be successful,"
" Dec. 3, 1857.—When closing my correspondence
yesterday I learnt that Mr. Christie had arrived on the
previous evening, and that the sailing of the Camilla was
delayed by his order to this day. Beyond the fact of his
of the
inte-
rest has transpired, unless it be a confirmation
Monte
complete triumph of the new Fusionist party in
pretty clear indications of an approaching
presence I am not aware that anything of general
Video, and
expedition against the Indians."
The Britisit, Packet of Nov. 28, says :
&ca.
General Roses against the law sanctioning the con 1
rcunistances z
tion and sale of his property. In other ci
is a
created a sensation ; for the present it .
might have
on commercial
"The last Southampton mail brought a protest of
dead letter, and can have no influence on
intending
prospects. Meanwhile it is proper t
a docu-
ment,Governments
were dull and
"
with becoming dignity in giving it publicity.
ofpackethasactedpur-
chasersand
allow
thethelast from
aaperfect revulsion intt, he
prices, and -
nu ac mod goods the
markeptrsodwuictehdf Ring
t. _ several
wholesale transactions during November were very
inconsiderable, mercantile
produceerc Southampton
Stocks were large of articles for
a itrlentomtahelf 6th Dec. By them
daily consumption.
At Monte Video the elections went off quietly, and
the Government, or Fusionist party, had gained an
undisputed triumph. Brigadier Don Manuel Oribe
was dead.

we learn that the disastrous commercial intelligence
taken out by the Medway, had caused an almost
total torpor in trade, especially in coffee. Such a
restriction of business in this article as has prevailed
since the beginning of Oct. has not been remembered
for many years past, for during this period of a
season when generally an amount of transactions is
calculated upon, the sales only reached 166,000 bags,
against 550,000 in the same time last year. About
16,000 bags were disposed of from the 13th to the
30th November at a decline of 10Ors., but a further
reduction of 50Ors. established between the 4th
and 9th D-c., 13,000 having been sold. The im-
portant intelligence to hand by the Medway would
naturally increa,e the embarrassment already exist-
ing, and keep business in further suspension. This
paralysed state of the market must tend in a great
measure to decrease the supplies henceforward. Of
29,000 bags in all sold since Nov. 13, 12,000 were
the United Sates, 8,000 for the Channel and north
of Europe, 2,500 for the Mediterranean, and 6,500
for the Gape of Good Hope. Nothing was doing
in hides, of which there were 3,887 in stock, all of
small weight. A great depression in exchange had
taken place since Nov. 22, chiefly caused by the
almost entire absence of transactions in coffee. Tile
business done for this mail was important, chiefly
at 261 d., 90 days ; a moderate amount was also
negotiated at 25id., 260., 261 d., and 263. The
Bank had drawn a large sum at 264(.1. The National
Bank of Brazil had raised the rate of discount to
10 per cent. Exchange on Paris, 362 to 368 ;
Hamburg, 693. Freight quotations nominal.
In his letter of Dec. 21 our Bahia correspondent

says :--
"The news by this conveyance and Petropolis (18th)
have caused great sensation in this market, and business
is very dull in consequence. Stocks of goods rather
heavy, demand very small; outstandings of dealers large,
and prospects of recovery decidedly bad in consequence
of the depreciated value of all our produce, and add-to
this great the loss that must accrue from the low rate of
exchange.
" Sugars sold early in month at 2,100, exchange then
26d., but may now be quoted at 2,400 for average browns,
which stand in 204. ld. ex. freight ; whites no demand.
only sale 3,200 to local refiner. Stook, 3,668 cases, 556
boxes, 969 barrels, and about 15,000 bags.
Cotton.—No sales during the month ; stock, 1,950
bales ; last quotation from Maceio, 7,400, free on b.,ard,
or 6 1-103. per lb. ex freight.
" Coffae.—Only small sales at 3,900, or 345. 10d. ex
_

freight.
" Cocoa.---Last sale 6,600, or 575. 91. ex freight ;
very little to go forward, crop being over.
" Hides.—No sales lately ; 240 dry salted and 280
dry are the prices asked ; stock about 7,000.
" Rum in demand, at 1,500 Canada.
"Tobacco Leaf.—Nothing done ; stooks about 6,000
bales, and crop said to be small.
" Freights.—Vessels abundant ; 100. has been ac-
cepted for Liverpool, 20s. and 25i. for London, and 355.
for Gibraltar and the Mediterranean.

" Exchange opened at 261, gradually declined to 24d.
and closes at that rate.

" Gold bought up at 2 to 6 per cent. premium, and a
good amount goes by this conveyance."
The following letter is from our correspondent at
Pernambuco, dated the 23d Dec. :
" Our last advic.s went it,rward per Tyne on the 21st
ult. The Medway arrival on the 4th inst. with L•wn-
don dates to Nov. 9, and telegraphic advices via Lisbon
to the 12th idem. The Petropolis arrived on the 16th
with dates to the 24th and telegram to the 28th.
"The unfortunate position of the money markets in
England and United States has had its full effect on this
side, and business throughout the month has been very
depre.sed. Exchange declined to 24P., and subse
quently to 24d. 90 days' sight, and at this rate there
were but few drawers. S4ine operations are report,d
at 231 d. and 231 d., 60 days' sight, but the bulk of the
exchange has been done at 24d. The bank increased its
rate of discount to 12 per cent., and in private hands
15 per cent. per annum was freely paid.
"Sovereigns, 10 dollars each.
"Old Joew (Portuguese, 6,400 reis, pieces), 16,800
reis to 17.

" Produce has not declined as much as might have
been expected. Sugars, after the Medway e arrival,
gave way, but on the rapid fall of exchange the decline
was speedily made up. We quote average to selected
Muscovadoes-2,200 reis to 3 per arroba, equal to 18'. ld.
to 245. per cwt. tree on board, ex freight ; and whites,
3,400 reis to 4,700 reis per arroba, or 28s. 2d. to 375. 8d
per cwt. Supplies have been good, but mostly of the
better qualities, for which the demand has been large
for native port 9, River Plate, and Valparaiso.
"Cottons.—We quote 6,600 reis to 6,800 rein per
arroba, eqnal to 5.0. to 61 I. per lb. Maceios, 6,800 reis
per arr,ba free on board, or 5 11-32 d.
"Hideo.—Quite nominal at 170 reis to 180 reis, er
4til. to sd. per lb.
Freights for Liverpool, 20s. and 5 per cent.; sugar
ballast. 7-16 d, per lb.; cotton for Channel, 355. and 5 per
cent. United Kingdom, with the usual extras for conti-
nent. _

"In Pert--Her Majesty's brig Syren. Port healthy.
Dro. 24.
"The Medway takes about 30,0001. specie from this."

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

At Montevideo, her Majesty's steamer Virago.
At Rio her Majesty's ships Cumberlaud, Harier,
and Madagascar. The Ganges sailed on 12th Dec ,
an 1 the United States' frigate Merrimac on the
16th, for the Pacific.
At Pernambuco, her Majesty's ship Syren.
The screw steamer Petropolis, from Southampton
25th Nov, arrived at Pernambuco 16th Dec., and
t Bahia on the 18. h.

The screw steamer Leopold the First, with troops
for India, arrived at St. Vincent's 14th Dec., and
sailed on the 19th, all well. _ _ _

The Agra screw steamer, belonging to the Euro-
pean and American Company, with detachments,
arrived at St. Vincent's Jan. 1, and was to sail for
India in a few days.
The Royal Mail Company's steamer Australasian,
with the 68th on board, arrived at St. Vincent's on
the 2d inst. at 8 a.m., after a splendid run of 8 days
from Portsmouth, having left there at 8 a.m. on
Dec. 25.

The emigrant ship Windsor, from Gravesend to
Australia, was totally lost on Hartwell Reef, Bona-
vista, Cape Verde, on Sept. 1. The passengers and
crew were all saved, except the boatswain and one
seaman, who were drowned. Twenty-seven of the
passengers and 25 of the crew came home in the
Medway.
At 10 a.m. on the 14th inst., off Lisbon, the
Medway passed the Royal Mail steamer Tyne, with
the outward mails for the Brazils.