The Sun.
London, England, 1858-11-08 00:00:00

PIRACY" IN THE CHINA SEA&

We have been favoured with a copy of the fol-
lowing letter, dated Amoy, September 4, 1858 :
" Gentlemen,—lt is with feelings of the most pain-
ful regret I have to inform you of the loss of the good
ship Richard Battersby. We were detained some
time in Shanghai, as I stated in my last, through
sickness among the crew, and afterwards by strong
contrary winds. We left the light vessel, at the en-
trance of Shanghai, on the 27th of Aug., and, after
a quick and pleasant voyage, for the season of the
year, arrived at the entrance of Amoy on the 31st.
The weather being hazy over the land, I stood
in under the weather land, and came to the conclu-
sion, by the bearing of Dodd's Island, which so
nearly correspondS with Chapple Island, and the
appearance of tke land generally, that I was at the
right entrance. A seaman I had on board, and
who had been -trading to Amoy for six voyages,
said we were in the right bay, but after proceeding
some distance I found my mistake, and, the flood-
tide being strong, came to an anchor in 31 fathoms
of water, but when the ship swung to the wind
under the stern there was but 21. I commenced
immediately to get the ship into deeper water,
when she grounded at 3.30, as nigh as I can judge,
of the Ist. She came off with a light fair wind,
which carried us about half a mile, when it again
fell calm, and we were forced to let the anchor go
once more. During the early part of the morning
several large boats crowded around the ship, mak-
ing signs that they were willing to tow the ship
out when she floated. At noon of the same date
when she was nearly afloat, the men were sent to
dinner. As soon as they were out of sight the
wretches on deck made a rush at me with the
weapons they had concealed about their persons.
I soon became insensible. They then laid hold of
the steward, cut his throat, and threw him over-
board; the carpenter,_four boys, and one seaman
were also thrown over, but two of the boys and the
seaman succeeded in regaining the ship, and were
saved; so that all who perished are the carpenter,
steward, and the poor boy Johnstone. About four
p.m. they left the ship for a few minutes, she being
scuttled in three places; the seamen appear to
think it was owing to a large junk heaving in sight
that caused them to leave ; they immediately came
from where they were hid, and while some got the
gig out others got the wounded ready, and placed
us in her. The wounded consist of Mr.J. Sale, the
chief mate, covered with spear wounds and bruises
all over his body ; H. Hales, apprentice, his shoulder
blade cut through, having remained two hours in
the water ; Robert Booth, apprentice, several scalp
wounds, from holystones, from bolts, and any other
missiles the wretches could procure ; he was also two
hours in the water ; Johnstone, seaman, a spear
wound through his hand. As for myself, I am
covered with wounds. My head is one mass of
cuts and bruises, my right arm and leg were both
useless for two days, two fingers on the right hand
cut to the bone, and the fourth finger dislocated by
one of them pulling the ring off with his teeth.
The doctor appears to think that it will be some
time before I shall be able to do anything ; but I
hope better fortune. The Chinese admiral has sent
a notification to our Consul here that the ship is
burnt to the water's edge, so I went and extended
the process, but they fear they will not be able to
give me a copy to-day for the mail. I hope they
will, that I might enclose it with this. lam
giving orders for the seamen's wages at three days,
which I trust you will duly honour ; everything, of
course, is lost in the shape of paper ; but previous
to my leaving Shanghai every man had signed his
account, so that I have a good recollection of what
is due to them. .The 1,285 dols. I brought with nie
of the freight also fell into their hands. I had to
make my escape from them without even a pair of
trousers. I now beg leave to conclude, as my
fingers are very sore and my head aching very
much, and beg to remain, gentleffien, your most
obedient servant,—joHN DUFF.—Messrs. John
Chisholm and Co."—Liverpool Daily Post.

It is expected that a Privy Council will be held
by the Queen, at Windsor Castle, in the course of this
week, for the further prorogation of Parliament.
The formal announcement of the household of
the Prince of Wales will be made in the course of the ensu-
ing week. One by one of the Equerries of his Royal High-
ness have been to Windsor Castle, and, without the for-
mality of a regular representation, have received the
sanction of the Queen to their appointments. Each was
honoured with an invitation to remain a night at the Castle,
and took leave the following morning. On the Prince of
Wales completing his majority, officers of a higher rank in
his household will be appointed.—Court Journal.
Next season will probably witness the entree of
the Princess Alice into the Court circle, and she will be
present at one or two Drawing Rooms. The Princess has
dined at the Royal table several times lately, and become
the chosen companion of the Queen in her morning walks.
It is, therefore, a great satisfaction to find that her Majesty
has in her second daughter so charming a successor to the
Princess Royal. The Princess Alice bids fair to be tall, her
figure is very elegant, and she is very like the Queen.—
Court Journal.

Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cam-
bridge and the Princess Mary leave Cambridge Cottage,
Kew, to-day, on a visit to the Queen and the Prince Con-
sort at Windsor Castle until after the festivities at the
Castle in celebration of the Prince of Wales's birthday.
The Duke of Rutland passed through town at the
close of the past week to visit Mr. Andrew and Lady
Elizabeth Drummond, at Cadlands, and Mr. and Lady Ger-
trude Sloane Stanley, at Poultons, Hants. His grace will
return to Belvoir Castle at the end of the week for the
hunting season.

The Marquis of Donegal and Lord and Lady
Harriet Ashley will leave town to-morrow for Harefield
Rouse, near 'Uxbridge.
The Earl and Countess of Abergavenny have
been receiving a succession of visitors at Eridge Castle.
Viscount and Viscountess Torrington, Count and Lady
Cecil de la Feld, the Hon. Mr. and Lady Isabel Bligh,
Mr. and Lady Dorothy Nevin, and the Hon. Sir Francis
and Lady Stapleton were among the guests last week.
DEATH FROM AN OVER-DOSE OF LAUDANUM.—
The Liverpool coroner held an inquiry yesterday into the
death of IN illiam Radcliffe, a tailor, who recently carried on
'business in Ranelagh-street, but who resided with his
father, also a tailor and draper, in Wavertree-road. The
thhitshdeseeathetiraenu dtu a..
deceased was addicted to drinking,nking, alsohanisddwing bouts.
inthehatitt
of taking doses of laudanum after
ofroveredriedtosNeree re
causelautdumanuedmiuwasaeteheerdaneewith of
stances. - - -

.....
A new hope has been infused into our drooping
souls by the positive announcement of a tax to be laid upon
all empty apartments. This, of course, has given the cold
shivers to the proprietors whose greed of gain has driven
us outside the barriers. It is marvellous to behold how the
rents have dropped since last term. The idea is asserted
to have its origin with the Emperor.--Court Journal.