The Sun.
London, England, 1858-01-29 00:00:00

COURT CIRCULAR.

THE ORDER OF THE GARTER.
WINDSOR, THURSDAY.
The Queen held a Chapter of the most Noble Order
of the Garter this afternoon at the Castle.
The Knights Companions were robed in their mantles
of purple velvet, and wore the gold and enamelled collar,
with the hoods of crimson velvet on the right shoulder,
the star of the Order being embroidered on the mantle
over the left breast.

The Knights were called over by Garter King of
Arms in St. George's•hall, when the following answered :
—The Duke of Cambridge, the Marquis of Exeter, the
Duke of Richmond, the Duke of Buccleuch, the Marquis
of Lansdowne, the Duke of Cleveland, the Marquis of
A.bercorn, the Marquis Camden, the Earl of Clarendon,
Earl Fortescue, Viscount Palmerston, Earl Granville,
and the Marquis of Westminster.
The Officers of the Order present were—The Prelate,
the Bishop of Winchester ; the Chancellor, the Bishop
of Oxford ; the Register, the Dean of Windsor ; Garter
King of Arms, Sir Chas, G. Young ; and Jae, Pulman,
'44.lcF, voting far Rao!!

The Bien'Cps wore their mantles of purple velvet, and
the other officers their mantles of crimson satin. All
carried their respective badges of office,
At 5 minutes pet 3 o'clock the Princess Frederick
William of Prussia passed through the Grand Reception-
room into the Throne or Garter-room, attended by the
Ladies and Gentlemen of her Household, her train being
borne by two of the Ladies of her Household. Tue Prince
of Wales (in the Highland dress) and the Princess Alice
accompanied their sister. The Prussian Minister and
Countess Bernstorff followed the Princess into the
Throne-room

Her Royal Highness was ushered to a chair at the
east end of the apartment.
The Princess wore a dress of white silk brocaded with
gold trimmed with gold lace, and a white satin skirt
trimmed with gold lace.
Her Royal Highnese's head-dress wet+ formed of holly,
gold leaves, white feathers, and diamond ornaments.
The Queen passed from her apartments, through the
north corridor, into the Tbrone-rootn, at 3-o'clock. The
band of the Scots Fusilier Guards, duty within the
quadrangle of the Castle, played the National Anthem'
op
as her Majesty passed,
Her Majesty wore the mantle of the Garter, which
was borne by the Groom of the Rolo:is and the Pages of
Honour in Waiting.
The Queen was followed by the Prince Consort and
the Duke of Saxe Coburg, who both wore the mantle
and hood of the Garter. The
Queen, the Prince, and
the Duke all wore the collar of the order.
Her Majesty was at ended by the Ladies and Gentle.
men in Waiting, and was conducted by the Lord
Chamberlain, the Lord Steward, the Vice-Chamberlain,
and the Comptroller of the Household to take a chair of
state of purple velvet and
old, placed at the went-eed of
gas coverel with purple velvet,
ornamented with gold lace.
The Knights of the Garter, with the officers of the
order, passed to the presence of tee Sovereign in the
Chapter-room, and the the chapter-table, which w
former toot their seats in the
following order :
On the right hand of the Queen ware seated the Prince
Consort, the Duke of Saxe Coburg,
mend, the Marquis of Lansdowroi the Marquis of
Abercoin, the Earl of Clarendon, Viscount Palmerston,
and the Marquis of Westminster.
Cambridge,
On the left of Crh ada•e the Duke of Rich-
ty were seated the Duke of
dont), the Duke of Cleveland, the Marquis Camden,
Earl Fortescue, and Earl Glanville.
The Prelate stood at the right hand of the Sovereign,
the Chancellor on the left, and ;he Register, Garter,
the Marquis 'lois Ex ter the Duke of Bue-
atel Black Rod at the bottom of the table.
The Chancellor signified to the Chapter her Majesty's
Royal will and
pleasure that a descendant of King
George the First should he elected in the person of Prince
Frederick William of Prussia. The Knights Companions
proceeded to the election, and the suffrages having been
collected by the Chancellor, were by bins presented to
the Sovereign, who cointnanded him to declare that
Prince Frederick William Of Prussia had been duly
elected a Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter.
Prince Frederick William, attended by Sir Frederic
Stovin, groom in wailing to the Queen ; General von
Schreckenstein, M. General von Moltke, Captain von
Schweinitz, Lieutenant von lustrow, Dr. Wegner,
rom
and
Captain von Lindern, was in, St. George's-hall, from
whence, by the Sovereign's elmmand, he was conducted
by Earl Granville and the Marquis of Westminster, the
two junior Knights Companions present, preceded by
Gaiter (bearing the Ensigns of the Order upon a velvet
cushion), and by Black Rod. Earl Granville was on the
right of the Prince, and the Marquis of Westminster on
his left.
The Prince passed through the grand Reception-room
into
Majesty's right hand. Prince Frederick William
knelt near the Queen ; and Garter King of Arms, on his
knee, presented the "Garter," and her Majesty, assisted
by the Prince Consort and the Duke of Cambridge,
the
Ca't
r-room, mid was conducted to the Queen
Chapter-room,
on
buckled it on his Royal Highness's left leg, the Chan-
cellor pronouncing the usual admonition.
Garter King of Arms presented in like manner the
Riband and George, and her Majesty, assisted as before,
pia the same over his Royal Highness's left shoulder,
the Chancellor pronouncing the admonition :
" Wear this Riband about thy neck, adorned with
the image of the bleised martyr and soldier of Christ,
St, George, by whose imitation provoked, that may'st
so over pass both prosperous and adverse adventures,
that having stoutly vanquished thy enemies both of body
and soul, thou may 'a not only receive the praise of this
transient combat, but be crowned with the palm of
eternal victory."
Prince Frederick William kissed her Majesty's hand,
and having received the congratulations of each of the
Knights Companions, retired.
His Royal Highness appeared in a Prussian uniform.
The chapter Herbieing ended, Garter King of Arms, by
her Majesty's command, again called over the Knights
Companions, who, withthe
from the presence of the Sovereign with the usual raver-
officers of the order, retired

ence.
The junior members of the royal family witnessed the
ceremony from the grand Reception-room.
The Queen was conducted by the officers of State to
her own rooms.
The Court was attended by the Duchess of Satherlani,

Mistress of the Robes ; the Countess of Desart, Lady
in Waiting ; the Earl of St. Germans, G.C.8., Lard
Steward ; the Marquis of Breadalbane, K T., Lord
Chamberlain ' • the Duke of Wellington, Master of the
Horse; Lord Foley, Captain of her Majesty's Hon.
Corps of Gentlemen at Arms ; Viscount Combermere,
G.C.8., Gold Stick in Waiting ; Lord Ernest Bruce,
Vice-Chamberlain; Viscount Castlerosse, Comptroller
of the Household ; Lord De Tabley, Lord in Waiting,
&c.

The Queen gave a grand dinner in the evening, in the
Waterloo Gallery. All the Knights of the Garter
assisting at the Chapter were honoured with invitations.
The guests amounted to 71. .

. . The magnificent service of silver gilt was used upon
this occasion, and the plateau was brilliantly lit by
numerous golden candelabra filled with wax lights ; the
candelabrum of "St. George" forming the centre orna-
ment of the royal table.

The company present included the Prince of Wales, the
Prince and Princess Frederick William of Prussia, the
Duke of Saxe-Coburg, and the Duke of Cambridge, the
Duchess of Sutherland, the Earl of S-.. Germans; the
Marquis of Breadalbane, the Duke of Wellington' Mar-
quis of Abercorn, the Duke of Richmond, the Duke of
Buccleuch, the Duke of Cleveland, the Marquis of Lans
do wne, the Marquis of Exet,r, the Marquis Camden, the
Marquis of Westminster, the Earl of Clarendon, Earl
qua's ville, Viscount Palmerston, Viscount Combermere,
Viscount Sydney, Viscount Ca4tlerosee, Lord Ernest
Bruce, Lord Foley, the Bishop of Winchester, the
B,ehop of Oxford, the Prussian Minister and Countess
Bernstorft Prince Henry VII. of Reuss, Count Red ern,
C eintess Wally von Ilohunthal, Countess Marie se
Lynar, Count and Countess Perponcher, Lady Caroline
Barrington, Lady Chruchill, Majnr•General Hon. C. and
Mrs. Grey, Col. the Hon. (Merles Puipps, Lady Mary
Hood, the Dean of Windsor. and the Hon : Mrs. Wel-
eisley, Colonel F. H. and Lady Enily Seymour, the
Provost of Eton, Lieut.-General Sir F. Swviu, General
von Schreckenstein, Major-General von-hi:lke, Capt.
von Schwenitz Lieut. von Zestrow, Baron Er.ieet von
Stockinur, Dr. Wegner, Captain von Lindero, Colonel
Tyrwhitt, Baron D'Uokerrnenn, Baron de Treskow, M.
Sam wer, Mr. Gibbs, and Mr. Glover.
The following had the honour of receiving invitations
to join the royal party in the evening ; The Rev. Lord
and Lady Wriothesley Rit,eell, Mr. and Mrs. Russel,
Hon. Rev. W. and Mrs. Moore and Misses Moore, Lady
Anna Maria and Mies Cost, the Rev. Dr. Goodford, and
the Rev. W. Canning.
The Band of the Royal Horse Guards was in attend-
ance in the Castle, and played during dinner the follow-
ing compositions :
March " Knight of the Garter" J. R. Tutton,

Overture, Op. 24
Valse, Peri.
Selection, " J'4tais Roi

M end elesohn.
D'Albort.
Adam.

March, ‘-‘ Gamrnachos Wedding" Mandelssohn.
The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, Messrs. Law-
rence and Allen, accompanied by the City Remem-
brancer, waited upon the Prince and Princess Frederick
William of Prussia at 12 o'clock, to learn the pleasure
of the Prince and Princess relative to the reception of
an address of congratulation from the Corporation of
the City of London.. _ _

The Prince and Princess were pleased to appoint
Saturday next, the 30th inst., at half-past one o'clock, at
Backingham Palace, for the reception of the address.

CHURCH RATE DEPUTATION.

The following is the statement read by Dr.
Foster to Lord Palmerston on Wednesday last
My Lr'rd,—We have been made aware by the public
journals that there has been laid before your l.riship,
under high sanction, a statement professedly based upon
the returns now before Parliament, to the effect that
church rates produce a certain income of about 350,0001.
a year, the whole of which is necessary to the due
maintenance of Divine service, and i 3 collected without
opposition or difficulty front 95 per cent, of the parishes
of the United Kingdom. We too, my I,rd, have exa-
mined the returns, and, in hope of early legislation, we
wish to expose a statement so erroneous as we believe
this to b.,„

It appears, then, my lord, according to the latest re-
turns (1854), that the whole sum received by church-
wardens from all sources to meet the annual expenditure
of the churches of England and Wales—comprising the
repairs, maintenance of Divine service, and repayment
of borrowed money—amounted to 484,0001. (484,5841.)
Of this amount the sum of 170,1951. was received from
sources independent of church-rates, and appears by the
returns to be a permanent income and to have increased
during the last 15 years by upwards 25,0001. a year.
With respect to church rates, on the other hand, it
appears that the income derived from this source is so
little to be depended on that it has undergone a contiuu-
ow; decline fr An 1827 downwards :—the returns giving
the amount at 519,000/. (512,3071.) in 1827 ; at 430,000/.
(432,5771.) in 1832 ; at. 351,0001. (351,7711.) in 1839 ;
and in 1854 at 314,0001. (314,6591.) only, and thus
showing an aggregate loss of 205,0001. or nearly one-hal
in 27 years.
This loss is certainly not dee to any diminution either
in the wants of the Church or the ability of the country.
On the contrary, judging by the addition during this
period of more than one-sixth to the number of
churches as shown by the census, and to the amount
of rateable income of the community apparent how
the income-tax and poor-rate returns, there ought
meted of this loss to have been au approximate addition
of 100,0001. a year to the original amount.
1t is, moreover, beyond doubt, my lord, that even
this diminished income is largely in l-XedBii for any pur-
pose for which the law requires those who are not mem.
bars of the Church of England to make provision on its
behalf, Of the expenditure for the year 1854, it will be
Lund that Sir W. Clay's return gives less than 245,0001.
(244,790/ ), as the amount expended on the fabric ; and
on careful examination it will be clear that a not incon-
siderable p ,rtion of even this amount must be deducted
as having in point of fact been applied to other purposes.
We believe the assumption to be a safe one that this sum
satisfied the whole provision required by law. Hav-
ing then, as has been already seen, an income from
other sources amounting to the sum of 170,0001. in
part supply of this expenditure, the conclusion is
inevitable that of the 314,0001., appearing to be received
from church rates, 74,0001. (74,3.91) only ought to be
raised :—the remainining 240,000/. (240,3601) (or nearly
6-7ths of the whole) being applied to purposes not con-
templated by law.
We do not say. my lord, that all this expenditure is in
the strict sense of the word illegal. That there is illegal
expenditure to an extent constituting a practical ele-
ment in dealing with the question is part of our state-
ment to your lordship, but we are now combating the
representation that a church rate income of about
350,0001. is necessary to that due maintenance of Divine
service which the law requires parishioners gen.:rally to
provide for the Church of England. We are clearly ad-
vised that the law does not require the parish to provide
the usual salaries for organists, tuners and blowers,
singers, parish clerks, beadles, pew-openers, and bell-
singers, with the numerous sundries by which rates are
now ordinarily doubled, trepled, quintupled, and even
more. These may themselves be very proper items, if
paid for by those who use them ; but they are in no sense
contemplated by the law of church rates, further than
that the churchwarden is not absolutely forbidden to
include them in his estimates if ho thinks it consistent
with propriety to do so. There is nu law to oblige a
vestry even to take them into consideration.

The proper amount to raise, thou, being 75,000/, a
year, we believe your lordship will hardly expect us to
treat seriously the question whether church rates are to
be maintained for the sake of this sum—it being an
amount which may be eisactly supplied by a pew rent of
three-halfpence per quarter per sitting upon three million
out of the five million sittings belonging to the Church
of England, leaving two million sittings free to the p or.
With reference to the 95 per cent. of tke parishes
which are said to retain church rates, we cannot but
observe that the return relied upon for this conclu-
sion not only prok.ses to give the least information,
but is, we believe, the most incomplete of any before
Parliament, and that the conclusion itself is not recon
cileable with the facts disclosed by the other returns.lt
ignores almost altogether the borough parishes, into
which the inquiry was directed by Parliament ; and
altleugis represented to your lordship as compri,ing
9,672 parishes, the real number comprised is certainly
1,004 less, and includes a striking number of places
which are not parishes at all, but districts paying rates
to the mother Church, and which appear to be counted
as if they were so many separate perishes. It appeare,
moreover, from comparison with Sir W. Clay's return,
that in a large number of the parishes represented as
granting church-rates, and entered no doubt with literal
truth as not having refused them during the 15 years
embraced by it, church-rates aro in fact not asked for,
owing to the existence of other provisios. The effect
e of
this single observation is, that while it has baeu stated
to your lordship that 409 parishes only have refused
church-rates, and 544 only have endowment 4, 440 being
doubtful, there appear on Sir Win. Clay's return to be
2,700 parishes to be deriving income from other sources,
slid 2,000 in which rates, whether granted or not, were
not collected ; and the bulk, certainly, of these to fill
up the 95 per cent. of parishes granting church-rates.
When to this we add, as information of the accuracy of
which we have no question, that in numerous parishes
the rates returned as granted are granted and accepted
as voluntary rates, the attempt to enforce which would
be the signal for general refusal ; we trust we have said
enough as to incompleteness and inaccuracy. But it
will probably strike your lordship that the aggregate
diminution of the rate throughout the country is a more
reliable test than is afforded by this return of the
amount of refusal by the parishes. The loss which has
been shown during twenty-seven years, of nearly half
the church-rate of the country must have been produced,
we submit, by opposition of a ;somewhat decisive
character in about half the parishes in the country ;
while, if the inquiry be confined to the last 15 years,
covered by the returns in question, during which the
pendency of the Braintree case produced a comparative
lull in the opposition, it will appear from a simple calcu.
'talon that the refusals must have extended, even then,
at the rate of about 100 fresh parishes every year. Bu,
this, my lord, only gives the state of things prior to the
decision ef the Braintree case ; its results we cannot, we
fear, give your lordship, even approximately. But we

may say that applications for advice in church-,...e con•
tests come in daily. They are principally from the rural
parishes ; and although rates thus opposed are in a num-
ber of instances nominally carried, the cases in which
after-payment is not refused with impunity are to be
counted, we can assure your lordship, by the. units.
It is, my lord, a statement involving responsibility,
both to make and to hear ; but it must needs be sail—
that it is only by a severe strain upon the law that
church-rates are now maintained at all. Tricks are
played with vestry notices. Estimates are refused, or are
so drawn up as to convey no information, or 80 slurred
over in the reading as to be incapable of being con
dared. Legal and relevant motions are put wide ; the
pull of the parish is refused, or is fixed so as t i impede
classes of ratepayers likely to be opponents of the rate
from recording their votes ; while unimpeachable votes,
legally tendered, are rejected wholes:de. Even on the
bench it has too often been found necessary to bring
magistrates to a sense of their duty by the formal thi,at
of legal proceedings, or of a representation of their
conduct to the proper authorities. In this country, my
Lord, this state of things can but lead to ene
it has already become a recognised point in Anti
Church-rate tactics to wat.rh for these illegalities, an
make use of them afterwards for pre: eating the euforce-
went of the rate.

Confining, then, the -discussion within the limits of
expediency to which it has been restricted, we tru,t we
have said much to satisfy your lordship that church-
rates canna be relied on to produce a certain incorric—:
are not necessary for tile support of public worship—and
a--e not agreeatli to the wishes of the country generally.
We cannot believe that, under these circumstances,
your lordship will deem an "equivalent" necessary f-r
those who still euj )3, the use of the national buildings
without paying rent. And while we undoubteuiy
believe that the battle of church-rates is to be fought in
the parish vestries, we believe also that the difficulties in
the way of their logi-lativs abolition are not now in-u
Orable : -and every conilderation bearing upbn the peace
of the country and the interests of religion itself, lead, us
t ) urge upon your lordship most respectfully, but most
earnestly, to press forward this mode of settling the
controversy.

ADTBIAITUROUS CONDUCT OF SIR COLIN

CAMPBELL'S GUIDE.

The important service of guiding Sir Colin Camp-
bell in his advance to Lucknow was performed by
James Cavanagh. This man, disguised as a native,
had ventured out from the Lucknow Residency,
where 0 utram, Havelock, and Inglis were besieged,
and, passing through the enemy's position unmo-
lested, made his way to the camp of the Commander-
in-Chief. We subjoin Cavanagh's very interesting
and simple narrative :
Narrative of my Escape from the British Entrenchment
at Lucknow to the Camp of Sir Colin Campbell,
near Bunner, for the Purpose of Acting as his
Guide in his Advance for the Relief of the Besieged
Garrison.

While passing through the entrenchment of
Lucknow' about 10 o'clock, a.m., on the 9th inst.,
I learnt that a spy had come in from Cawnpore,
and that he was going back in the night as far as
Alumbagh with despatches to his Excellency Sir
Cohn Campbell, the Commander-in-Chief, who, it
was said, was approaching Lucknow with live or
six thousand men.

I sought out the spy, whose name is Kunoujee
Lall, and who was in the Court of the Deputy
Conanisioner of Darfabad before the outbreak in
Oude. He had taken letters from the entrench-
ment before, but I had never seen him till now. I
found him intelligent, and imparted to him my
desire to venture in disguise to Alumbagh in his
-company. He hesitated a gond deal at acting as
ray guide, but made no attempt to exaggerate the
dangers of the road. Ho merely urged that there
was more chance of detection by our goingtogether,
and proposed that we should take different roads
and meet outside of the city, to which I objected.
I left him to transact some business, my mind
dwelling all the time on the means of accomplish-
ing my oiject.
I had some days previously witnessed the pre-
paration of plans which were being made by direc-
tion of Sir 'Limos Outram to as•si.t the Commander-
in-Chief in his march into Lucknow for the relief uf
the besieged, and it then occurred to me that s me
one with ;he requisite local knowledge ought to
attempt to reach his Excellency's camp beyond or
at Alumbagh. The riws of Sir Colin. Campbell's
advance revived the ideas, and I made up my mind
to go myself at 2 o'clock, after finishing the busi-
ness I was engaged upon. I mentioned to Colonel
R. Napier, chief of Sir James Outram's staff, that
I was willing to proceed through the enemy to
Alumbagh if the general thought my doing so would
be of service to the Commander-in-Chief. He was
Surprised at the offer, and seemed to regard the
enterprise as fraught with too much danger to ho
assented to, but he did me the favour of communi-
cating the offer to Sir James Outram, because he
considered that my zeal deserved to be brought to
his notice.

Sir James did not encourage me to undertake
the journey, declaring that he thought it so danger-
ous that be would not himself have asked any offi-
cer to attempt it. I, however, spoke so confidently
of success, and treated the dangers so lightly, that
ho at last yielded, and did me the honour of adding
that if I succeeded in reaching the Commander-in-
Chief my knowledge would be a great help to him.
I secretly arranged for a disguise, so that my de-
parture might not be known to my wife, as she wa3
not well enough to bear the prospect of an eternal
separation. When I left home, about 7 o'clock in
the evening she thought I was gone on duty for
the night to the n3iues, for I was working as as
assistant field engineer, by order of Sir James
Outram.

By half-past 7 o'clock my disguise was completed,
and when I entered the room of Colonel Napier no
one in it recognised me. I was dressed as a Bud-
mash, or as an Irregular soldier of the city, with
sword and shield, native made shoes, tight trou-
sers, a yellow silk koortah over a light fitting white
muslin shirt, a yellow-coloured chintz sheet thrown
round my shoulders, a cream-coloured turban, and
a white waistband or kumurbund. My face
down to the shoulders, and my hands to the wris(s,
were coloured with lamp black, the cork used being
dipped in oil to cause the colour to adhere a little.
I could get nothing butter. I had little confidence
in the disguise of my features, and I trusted
more to the darkness of the night ; but Sir James
Outram and his staff seemed satisfied, and, after
being provided with a small double-barrelled pistol,
and a pair of broad pyjamahe over the tight drawers,
I proceeded with Kunoujee Lall to the right bank
of the river Goompty, running north of our en-
trenchment, accompanied by Captain Hardinge,
of
the Irregular Cavalry.
Here we undressed and quietly forded the river,
which was only about 4i feet deep, and about a
hundred yards wide at this point. My courage
faded me while in the water, and if my guide had
been within reach I should perhaps have pulled him
back and abandoned the enterpii,e. But he waded
quickly through the stream, and teaching the op-
posite bank went crouching tip a ditch for thre
hundred prds, to a grove of low trees on the edge
of a pond, where we stopped to dress. While we
were here a man came down to the pond to wash,
and went away again without observing us.
My confidence now returned to we, and with my
tulwar resting on my shoulder, we advanced into
the huts in front, where I accosted a matchlock-
man, who answered to my remark that the night
was cold, "It is very cold—in fact, it is a cold
night." I passed him, adding that it would be
colder by and bye.
After going six or seven hundred yards farther,
we reached the iron bridge over the Goompty,
where we were stopped and called over by a native
officer who was seated in an upper storied house,
and seemed to be in command of a cavalry picket,
whose horses were near the place saddled. My
guide advanced to the light, and I stayed a little
back in the shade. After being told
.that we had
come &cm Mundoon (our old cantonment, and
then in the possession of the enemy), and th it we
were going into the city to our homes, he lot us
proceed. We continued on along the left bank of
the river to the stone bridge, which is about eight
or nine hundred yards from the iron bridge, pass_
ing unnoticed through a number of sepoys and
matchlock men, some of whom were escorting per-
sons of rank in palankeens preceded by torches.
Recrossing the Goompty by the stone bridge,
went by a sentry unobserved, who was l ywe
co
ques-
tioning a dirtily dressed native, and intotshel-ecauk,
or principal street of the city of Lucknow, which
was not illuminated as much s it used to be pre-
vious to the siege, nor was it so crowded. I jostl, d
against several armed men in the street without
being spoken to, and only met one guard of seven
Sepoys, who were amusing themselves with some
women of pleasure.
When issuing from the city into the country we
were challenged by a chowkeedar, or watchman,
who, without stopping us, merely asked who we
were. The part of the city traversed that night by
me seemed to have been deserted by at least a third
of its inhabitants.

I way in great spirits when we reached the green
fields, into which I had not been for five mouths.
Everything mound us smelt sweet, and a carrot I
took from the road-side was the most delicious I
had ever tasted. I gave vent to my feelings in a
conversation with Kuaoujeo Lall, who joined in

1
nay admiration of the prpf— --- d men-
tation that it was now .tirtlieakii4e,-0 ehes
whose misgovern ~
if VI, aeity,Xiire-ruii i it.
A. further' walk of litilOitjeiAituVatititeiiipli hed
in high spirits. But 4tis-11;":4114114, us.
We had token the wroi
,' rt-71704ieikeiiisti out
of our way in the Dilko
_`ii - -k-‘ sa as Oa-
cupied by the etierv. I we tikl wain *yarde of
two guns to see what strength they were; and re-
turned to the guide, who was in great alarm and
begged I would not distrust him _because of the
mistake, as it was caused by his anxiety to take me
away from the pickets of the enemy. I bade him
not to be frightened of me, for I was not annoyed,
as such accidents were not unfrequent even when
there was no danger to be avoided. It was now
about midnight. We endeavoured to persuade a
cultivator, who was watching his crop to show
us the way for a short distance, . but he urged
old ago and loneness, and. another whom I pe-
remptorily told to come with us ran off scream-
ing, and alarmed the whole village. Ave, next
away into the canal, running' under
twhaelkoehdaqr
buai
gcichl,yiu. which I fell several times, owing
to my. shoes being wet and slippery and thy feet
sore. The shoes were hard and tight, and had
rubbed the skin off my toes and cut into the flesh
above the heels. - i- .
In two hours more we were again on the right
direction, two women in a village we passed having
kindly helped us to find it. About two o'clock we
reaceed au adeal,ced picke- of Sepoys, who told us
the way, after asking where we had come from and
wi.i her we were going. I .hought it saner to go up
to the pic!e!- than to try to pass theta unobserved.
Kun ujee Lail now begged I would not press bim
to take me net., Altunhagh as he did not know the
way in, and the enemy were strongly posted around
the place. I was tired, and in pail., from the shoes,
and would therefere have preferred going into
Alumbagh, but as the guide feared attempling it,
I desired hfm to go on to the camp of the Com-
mander-in-Chief, which he said was near Butinee
(a village 18 miles from Lucknow) upon the- Cawn-
pore road. The moon had risen by this time, and
we could see well ahead.

By 3 o'clock we arrived at a- grofe of mango
trees, situated on a plain, inwhich a man was sing-
ing at the top of his ♦oice. I thought ke_was a vil-
lager, but he gut alarnieclon hearing us approach,
and astonished us, too, by calling out a guard of
25 Sepoys, all of whom asked questions, Kunoujee
Lall here lost heart for the first time,,and.threw
away the letter entrusted to him 'for Sir Colin
Campbell. I kept mine safe in my turban. WO
satisfied the guard that we were poor men travel-
ling to Umroula, a vil,age two miles this side of the
chief's camp, to infOrm a friend of the death of his
brother by a shot from the British entrenchment at
Lucknow and they tad us the road.. They appeared
to be greatly rel 4tved ondiscovering that it was not
their terrible foe, who was only a few miles in ad-
vance of them. We went in the direction indicated
by them and after ywalking for half an hour we got in
a jheel or swamp, which are numerous and large in
Oude. We had to wade through it for two hours up
to our waists in water, and weeds, for before we
found out that we were in a jheel we had gone
too far to recede. I was nearly exhausted on get-
ting out of the water, having made great exertions
to force our way through the weeds, and to prevent
the colour being washed off my face. It was nearly
gone from my hands.
I now rested for 15 minutes, despite the remon-
strances of the guide, and went forward, passing
between two picquets of the enemy who had no
sentries thrown out. It was near four o'clock in
the morning when I stopped at,the corner of a tope
or grove of trees to sleep for an hour, which
Kunoujee Lall entreated I would not do, but I
thought he overrated the danger, and, lying down,
I told him to see if there was any one in the grove
who would tell him where we then were.
We had not gone far when I heard the English
challenge " who comes there" with a native accent.
We bad reached a British cavalry- outpost ; my
eyes filled with jayful tears, and [shook the Sikh
officer in charge of the picquet heartily by the hand.
The old soldier was as pleased as myself when he
heard from whence I bad come, and he was good
enough to send two of his wen to conduct mo to
the camp of the advanced-guard. AU officer of her
Majesty's 9th Lancers, who was visiting his pickets.
met me on the way, and took me to his tent, where
I got dry stockings and trousers, and what I much
needed—a glass of brandy, a liquor I had not tasted
for ucatly two months.
I thanked God for having safely conducted me
through this dangerous enterprise, and Kunoujea
ball tor the courage and intelligence with which he
had conducted himself during this trying night.
When we were questioned he let me speak as little
as possible. He always had a ready answer, and I
feel that I am indebted to him in a great measure
more than to myself for my escape. It will give
me great satisfaction to hear that he has been
suitably rewarded.

In undertaking this enterprise 1 was actuated by
a sense of duty, believing that I could be of use to
his Excellency the commander-in-chief when ap-
proaching, fur its relief, the besieged garrison,
which had heroically resisted the attack of thirty
times its own number for nearly five months,
within a weak and irregular entrenchment ; and
secondly, because I was anxious to perform some
service which would ensure to me the honour of
wearing our Most Gracious Majesty's Cross.
My reception by Sir Colin Campbell and his staff
was cordial and kind to the utmost degree, and if
I never have more than the remembrance of their
condescension and of the heartfelt congratulation
of Sir James Ou'ram and of all the officers of his
garrison on my safe return to them, I shall not re-
pine, though to be sure having the Victoria Cross
would make me a prouder and a happier man.
JAMVS CAVANAGH.
Camp, Alumbagh, Nov. 24.

SERIOUS CHARGES AGAINST A CLERGYMAN.

The commissioners appointed by the Lord Bishop
of Chester to investigate the charges made against
the Rev. R. A. Gent, curate of the Rev. Dr.
M'Neill, commenced their inquiry yesterday, at
the Chancellor's Court, St. George's Hall. The
commissioners were—the Revs. C. A. Thurlow,
Chancellor of the diocese ; J. Wood, Archdeacon of
Chester ; Archdeacon Jones of Liverpool, T. G.
Leigh, Vicar of Walton, and J. Stewart, Rector of
West Derby.
The commission alleged that the Rev. Mr. Gent
was charged by the churchwardens of St. Paul's
Church, Toxteth Park, with repeated acts of in-
toxication in the vestry, and iu various other places,
during 1856 and 1857 ; there were also charges of
improper familiarity with the female who cleaned
the church, and with his own servants.

Mr. Deighton (barrister) appeared on behalf of
the churchwardens. He disclaimed all hostility on
the part of Dr. M`Noill or his wardens. In the
course of one of Dr. M'Neill's absences from home,
rumours had arisen as to Mr. Gent's conduct, and,
oil au iwerview between the rev. doctor and Mr.
Gent taking place, the former advised his curate to
seek another sphere of labour, to which Mr. Gent
at first acceded, but afterwards changed his mind
and, after a correspondence with the bishop, Mr.
Gent wished an inquiry to be instituted.
Elizibettl Powell' the first witness, stated that in
November, 1856, Mr. Gent called her into the
vestry, and, after telling her that he,must give her
someling for attending to his fire,,presented her
wall halt a sovereign, and then `abk certain in-
decent liberties with bar. T..is witnessed stated
that Mr. Gent, on the occasion referred to, was the
worse for drink. _ _

Cross-examined by Mr. James, Q.C., on behalf
of Mr. Gout—She bad been employed in cleaning
the -church ever since it was opened. Although
she did think Mr. Gent's conduct was very wicked,
she said nothing about the liberties he had taken
for a long time, notwithstanding she saw him in the
pulpit every Snnday. Mr. Gent had
wiahelnBs7 herhdaughter
ehedg refused
given her
i,moneynd onat
otherseveral
times,c B i obnust
Dt
egi
gi
MaryhvetohuAlri
nmsd
hio
otn
wey
was:
35
years
was called and examined by Mr.
in Mr. Gent's service in May,
of age. Went to lire
aofnathbeadsatmolBs6, and left in Dec.
same
taarl table. Mr. Gent used to tread
She was servant of all work,
on her toes when she was holding the
plate by his
side. Could not say how many times that conduct
was repeated. In July, 1656, Mr. Gent, his wife,
his children, and witness went to spend a day at
Eastham. They took their dinner on the grass,
and while there, and within a few yards of his wife,
Mr. Gent put his hand up her clothes and took
hold of her leg. She recollected on one occasion
Mr. Gent's coming home so intoxicated as to be
unable to walk straight. On one occasion when
witness was carrying one of the children upstairs
her master followed her and put his hand up her
clothes and took hold of her leg.
Cross-examined by Mr. James, Q. C.—She was
not married but had a child 8 years of age. Mr.
Gent bad reproved her for being absent from church,
and she went and gave her mistress notice ; but
before the notice expired Mr. Gent dismissed her
at an hour's notice for impertinence to her mistress.
She had written a letter to Mrs. Gent complaining
of that lady's not giving her such a character as she
wished. She had said that she could say things
about Mr. Gent as bad as he could about her.
Sarah Bowdie was called and examined by 3611.
Deighton—She was between 16 and 17 Yeara
and had lived with Mr. Gent as nurse forialo
baby's toes, but instead of doing tat
She had seen Mr. Gent pretendinto
improperly towards her. j
es, Q a—She recol-
Cross-examieed by Mr.complaints to her mother.
looted Mrs Thee mask
ingtiu
proceeding.)
cas wil aitattedthe

,~ 1

THE NEW PRUSSIAN ALLIANCE.
9 HE SPECTATOR of Saturday next, the 30th
1 January will contain a compact Synoptical Account of the
EIGNING FAMILIES of Europe, their Origin, Intermarriages,
s t d Connexions. The survey not only affords the means of estimat-
ing the New Alliance with Prussia, but it also explains the nature
o f the Royal Power and Influence in European Combinations.—
Once, 9, Wellington-street, Strand..
via

DEB MAJESTYI'S THEATRE.— I
By command of Her MAJESTY.
In honour of the Nuptial 4 of her Royal Highness the
PRINCESS ROYAL with his Royal Highness the Prince
FREDERICK WILLIAM of PRUSSIA,
THIS EVENING, FRIDAY, Jan. 29, will
Sheridan's Comedy of be presented
THE RIVALS.

With the Farce of
THE SPITALFIELDS WEAVER.
During the evening the National Anthem will be sung by
Madame Clara Novello, assisted by Mr. Benedict's Vocal
Association of 300 voices and the Chorus of Her Majesty's
Theatre. Conductor, a Benedict. to
Applications for boxes, orchestra. stalls, and tickets s
be made at the Box-office of the Theatre, and at Mr.
Mitchell'
Royal Libroy, 33, Old Bond-street.

Brit MAJ A.
EST Y'S THEA.TRE.—EXTRA
PERFORMNCE.
TO-MORROW EVENING (SATURDAY), Jan. 30,
LA SONNAMBULA.
Piccolomini ; Lisa, Sannier ; Il Conte Rodolfo
mino' ,
SellAetti ; and Elvin, Giuglini.
Conductor, Signor Arditi.
To conclude with the
'H FestivYMENEE4I Divertissement, entitled
The State Festival Decorations will be retained.
prices:--pit Stalls, 128 6d; boxes (to hold four persons),
pit and one pair, 2/. 2s; grand tier, 3/. 3s; two pair, 11. 55.;
three pair, 150 ; gallery boxes, lOs ; gallery stalls, 38 6d ;
pit, 3s 6d; gallery, 2s.
Applications to be :node at the Box-office of the Theatre.

THEA TR E-R 0Y A fa, DRIJRY-LANE.
Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith.
THIS EVENING will be performed HIS FIRST
CHAMPAGNE, in which Mr. Leigh Murray will
LITTLE JACK
erform.
After which, the new grand pan
HORNER.
Commence at 7.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Lessee—Mr. J. B. Buckstone.
THIS EVENING, to commence at Seven! o'cloek, with

A FISH OUT OF WATER.
After which, a new comic Christmas Pantomime, entitled
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY IN THE WOOD; or, Harle-
quin and the Spiteful Fairy. Harlequin, Mr. A. Leclercq ;
Columbine, Miss Fanny Wright ; Pantaloon, Mr. Mackay ;
Clown, Mr. Charles Leclercq.
Concluding with A KISS IN THE DARK.
Orchestra Stalls (which may be retained the whole of the
evening) 6s. each. (No charge for booking.)
First nee. s. d. Second price. s. d
Dress Boxes 5 0 Dress- Boxes 3 8
Upper Boxes 3 0 Upper Boxes 2 0
Pit 2 0 Pit 1 0
Gallery 1 0 Galleryo 6

ROY AL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
Proprietor, Mr. Charles Kean.
THIS EVENING, will be performed Shakapere's Play of
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM.
After which, a new grand 'orris Christmas Pantomime,
entitled HARLEQUIN WHITE CAT ; or, The Princess
Blanche Flower and her Fairy Godmothers. The Princess
Blanche (White Cat), Miss Kate Terry ; Harlequin, Mr. Cor-
mack ; Clown, Mr. Huline ; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo ; and
Columbine, Miss C. Adams.

THEATRE ROYAL, .A.DELPHI.
Lessee—Mr. Ben. Webster.
THIS EVENING, will be performed the new drama,
THE POOR STROLLERS, in which Madame Celeste, Mr.
B. Webster, Paul Bedford, and Mr. Wright will perform.
After which, a Mythological Extravaganza, entitled
THE LOVES OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. Jupiter,
Mr. Panl Bedford ; Cupid, Miss Marie Wilton ; Psyche,
Miss Mary Keeley ; Venus, Mrs. Billingtou.

ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. —Sole Lessee
and Manager, Mr. C. Dillon.—
Triumphant Success of Leigh Hunt's new play : vide the
Public Press.

THIS EVENING, will be performed Leigh Hunt's new
Play, LOVERS' AMAZEMENTS. Supported by Messrs.
Charles Dillon, J. G. Shore ; Mesdames Charles Dillon and
Woolgar.
To conclude with the Burlesque and Pantomime, LALLAH
ROOKII, and the PRINCESS, the PERI, and the TROU-
BADOUR ; or, Harlequin and the Ghebers of the Desert.
Supported by Mesdames Charles Dillon, Buckingham White,
Eliza Webb, Maria Ternan, Esther Jacobs, and Woolgar ;
Messrs. Barrett, Calhaem, Holston, Poynter, and J. L.
Toole. Clowns, Messrs. T. Matthews and It. Stilt ;
Harlequin, Mr. J. Ricketts; Pantaloon, Mr. A. Stilt ; Sprites,
Herr Zeleski and Sons ; Columbines, Misses Malcolm and
Lees. Gorgeous Feast of Lanterns.—Fenton's Grand Trans-
lonisation Scene.
Doors open at half-past 6, to commence at 7.
A Morning Performance to-morrow, Jan, 30, to commence
at half-past 2.
In active preparation, a new and original Drama by West-
land Marston, Esq., and a powerful Novelty.
'lox-office open from 11 to 5 daily.

ROYAL SURREY 'THEATRE.
Lemma, Messrs. Shepherd and Creswisk.

THIS EVENING, will be performed PERILS BY LAND
AND WAVE.

After which, QUEEN 31AB ; or Harleciain Romeo and
Jolliet. Clown, by the Surrey Buck ; Pantaloon, Mr. Brad-
bury.

CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road.—
OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow-
ingcompany of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of
Selections from all the popular OPERAS, MADRIGALS,
CHORUSES, GLEES, DUETS, &c., viz. s—Miss Russell,
Mrs. Badzey, Madlle. Marietta, Miss Brugell, Miss Ray,
Madame Bartoletti, Miss Montague, and Madame Marietta ;
Herr F. Jonghmans, Mr. Henshaw, Russell Grover,
S. Jonee, J. Barker, W. Melling, Senor Antonio, E. L.
Himedifr. Badgey, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Bell, and Mr. Ber-
nard; Messrs. W. T. CHtchfield and E. Mackney. Piano-
forte, Mr. Cecil Hicks ; harmonium, Master Williams ;
Director, Herr F. Jonghmans. Commence at Seven o'clock
precisely. Suppers, die., until twelve o'clock.
Mr. AUGUSTUS BRAHAM will make his sth appear-
ance THIS EVENING.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Tina DAY—Morn., 50 min. aft. I—Even., 15 min. aft. 2
Te-1110BROW—Morn. 40 min. aft. 2—Even., 5 min aft. 3

THE WEATHER—SUN OFFICE, JANUARY 29.
I HIERMOMETIR, IN THE SPUDS.
46—highest since noon yesterday.
44—lowest this morning and during the night.
52 —this day at noon.

BAROMETER, 30.28.
Wnem, S.W.; light, with dill weather. Rain in the
morsing.

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711