The Sun.
London, England, 1861-12-26 00:00:00

E SUN, LONDON, TiERSDAY EVENING, DECEVITIER 2 lB6l.

and as giving a fair promise of increased skill at
future meetings. The balance in hand when the
first year's accounts of the association were made
up was £125, but this was due to the considerable

DESCRIPTION OF A VOYAGE UP THE
RIVER YAYG-ISE-KIANG, AUGUST 1861.

The voyage was from Shanghao to Hankow
(which is the extreme point on this river to which
Europeans are allowed to proceed at present) and

receipts from donations. Mr. T. W. Bramston,
M.P., was elected president of the association for
the ensuing year, and a subcommittee was ap-
pointed to make arrangements for the next prize
meeting, which will again be held at Southend.
The officers of the 2d Essex Administrative Bat-
talion have challenged the officers of the Ist and 3d
battalions to compete for a cup, or some other suit-
able prize.
In Suffolk the long-pending contest at Bury St.
Edmund's for the challenge cup presented by the
ladies of the neighbourhood has resulted in favour
of Private Burreil, who received the cup at the
hands of Major Wilson. In a match between 11
members of the Bun gay and 11 of the Beccles Volun-
teer corps, the former side won by 15 points, the
Bungay men scoring 84 and their opponents 69
points. The shooting was at ranges of 200, 300, and
500 yards.
A cup, presented by the Rev. W. Emery, chaplain
of the Cambridge University Corps, and shot for by
those members of the corps who belong to Corpus
Christi College, has been won by Mr. Stephenson
Greathead. The target practice of the March corps
for the past season shows that the highest number
of points in the first class has been made by Capt.
Catling ; in the second class by Private Hick ; and
in the third class by Private Hall. In a contest at
the Huntingdon butt between five members of the
St. Neot's subdivision of the Huntingdonshire corps
and five of the Eaton Socon section of the Biggles-
wade (Bedfordshire) company, the Eaton Socon men
won by 30 points, scoring 97 to their opponents' 67.
The ranges were at 150, 200, 250, and 300 yards.
The members of the Lincoln corps have had a
very successful anniversary dinner, at which Major
Ameotts presided, Captain-Commandant Trollope
occupying the vice-chair. In the course of the even-
ing the prizes won during the past year were pre-
sented to the successful competitors. A number of
prizes have been shot for by the Gosberton Com-
pany; the principal one, given by the officers, was
a timepiece, valued at six guineas, and was won by
Private Russell.

back. I landed both among Imperialists and rebels,
and will now endeavour to give you an account of
some of the scenes witnessed by me o❑ this wonder-

ful expanse of waters, for river it cannot be called
during this season of the'year, it being more like au

immense lake. The other day I saw the sun sot on

the water in the distance.

The Fernandez sailed from Shanghae on the Ist

of August at 5 p.m., and as no ship had yet been up
the Yang-tse-Kiang without grounding, added to
which news had just been received of the total less

of the steamship Manilla on her first voyage, and
also that the steamship Rajah was on shore in a

paddy field, it was with no slight feelings of anxiety
that I saw Shanghac gradually disappear in the
distance, as we swiftly proceeded on our voyage to
cope with the dangers and difficulties of the mighty
waters of the Yang-tse-Kiang. Anchored for the
night off Woosung.
" August 2—At about 8 o'clock in the morning
had the first intimation that we were not to visit
this portion of the territory of his Imperial High-
ness, brother to the Sun, Moon, &e., without hav-
ing to experience the same difficulties as our prede-
cessors, for at that time we touched on the Dove's
Nest Shoal. We were only detained by this mishap
about a quarter of an hour ; but this check at our
starting and the imperfect state of the survey, or
more properly speaking, from the great changes
constantly taking place in the river, was a fair pre-
cursor of what we had to expect. At noon gotrather
too close to the Flamer bank to be pleasant, and as
the river was so swollen that Plover Point could not
be made out with auy degree of certainty, the only
means by which we could proceed was to go very
easy, and feel our way along the edge of the shoals
(which are here abundant) by the lead. When we
anchored in the evening a distance of 66 miles had
been passed over.
" August 3d—Proceeded at daylight, and at 3
o'clock passed within a mile of the wreck of the
steamship Manilla, her mainmast being now all

that is left above water. The Chinese had been up
and stripped all the gear, &c., from the mastheads,
with the exception of the wire rigging, which I
expect our Celestial friends found too tough to yield
to their endeavours to remove.

The Bangor Volunteers have been recently re-
viewed by Mr. G. Douglas-Pennant, Major-Com-
mandant, accompanied by Capt. Peel and Capt.
Douglas, R.N. After the evolutions the Major
complimented the men upon their efficiency, urging
upon them increased attention to rifle practice, in
order that they might be prepared next summer for
the prizes which would be competed for. The Major,
after addressing the battalion upon the present
juncture with America, loft for Carnarvon, where
he the same day inspected the volunteer corps which
formed at Castle-square. The day was fine, and a
large number of spectators were present.
The Selby and Howden companies of Yorkshire
Volunteers recently met at Selby, the latter com-
pany having marched nine or 10 miles from town
to town for the purpose. The united companies
were reviewed by Adjutant Newall, inspecting
officer of Volunteers. They subsequently paraded
the streets, and, with their bands, kept the town
in a bustle till late in the evening, the Howden
corps returning home by the last train.
The Whitby Volunteers were inspected by Cap-
tain Pierson the same evening. The corps was
afterwards presented with a pair of cymbals, the
gift of Mr. Thomas Chapman, of London, the pre-
sentation being made in his name by Lieutenant
Chapman. A melancholy duty devolved on the
corps, owing to the decease of Gunner Zealand,
whose body they escorted part of the way to Scar-
borough, the band playing the " Dead March."
The Melton Volunteers have been recently very
successful in recruiting. There is every prospect
of forming a second company.
The Ist East York (Bridlington) Artillery Vo-
lunteers recently met to celebrate their second an-
niversary at their three-gun battery by a contest.
Lord Londesborough had presented them with £lO
for prizes for artillery practice, but owing to a
heavy sea and boisterous wind the floating battery
could not be got out, and eventually a dismissal
took place, to the disappointment of the corps, espe-
cially as a detachment of 20 men had come from
Flamborough. A regimental dinner, presided at
by Lieutenant-Colonel Haworth, was sat down to
by about 75 Volunteers at the Britannia Hotel in
the evening.
There is to be an annual match between the Vo-
lunteers of England and Scotland, the terms of
which have been arranged by Lord Bury, acting
for England, and by Mr. Horatio Ross, as the
representative of Scotland. The rules agreed
upon between Lord Bury and Mr. Ross, who
have been appointed to settle the preliminaries
are-1. That an annual match be established
between the Volunteers (effective, non-effective,
or honorary) of England and Scotland. 2. That
the competitors shall be eight in number on each
side, and that the test of nationality shall be pater-
nal descent. 3. That the first match shall take
place at the meeting of the National Rifle Associa-
tion at Wimbledon in 1862, and that the match
shall be shot every year at the annual meeting of
the National Rifle Association. 4. That as soon as
possible after the annual match in each year the
eight competitors on each side shall hold meetings,
and each side shall choose a captain, who shall be
responsible for arranging the details of the next
annual match, conducting the business and corre-
spondence connected with it, and selecting the com-
petitors. The captain of each side so elected shall
remain in office till the close of the next annual
match, and shall then resign. He may, however,
offer himself for re-election. The captain on each
side, on his appointment or within a week there-
after, shall nominate a substitute, who shall replace
him in the case of his death or illness during his
year of office. Lord Elcho having generously in-
timated his intention of presenting a shield, to be
called "The Elcho Challenge Shield," it is agreed-
5. That the Elcho Challenge Shield shall be the
prize shot for at the international match. That
each year the names of the successful side shall be
engraved on it ; that it shall be kept in some con-
spicuous place by whichever nation has the honour
of having his name engraven on the shield, each of
the successful champions shall receive some small
prize, to be kept by him for ever. The captains
are to have the privilege of settling what this
prize is to be, and it is to be paid for by the
losing side. 6. That each side shall ap-
point an umpire ; and that the umpires shall,
if they think fit, appoint a referee ; and that
the decision of the umpires, or of the referee, in case
of a difference of opinion, shall be final. 7. That
the regulations for shooting shall be the same as
those laid down by the National Rifle Association,
at the present time, for competitors for all corners'
prizes. 8. That the ranges be at 700, 800, 900, and
1,000 yards, each competitor to fire 15 shots at each
of the above distances. That the targets shall be in
size, number, and size of centre, according to the
regulations laid down in the musketry instructions
for the army for first•class targets ; but that Swiss
targets of the same dimensions and appearance as a
regulation set of first-class targets may be substi-
tuted for the regulation target at the option of the
authorities of the National Rifle Association. 9.
That when a miss is made, either high, low, right,
or left, it is to be indicated by a red flag from the
marker's butt. 10. That the umpires shall check
the number of points scored to the credit of each
side by personal inspection of the target, or in such
way as they may think best. 11. That an officer
of the Army, Militia, or Volunteers shall be in each
marker's butt. 12. That the captain elected for the
year shall ex officio have the absolute control of his
side in all matters relating to the match, whatever
hifish re atnhki
nakssafiNotr, al upnptoeienrt my be
anaoffie buter t that o
om ra ah may,
d his
,
firing party.

" August 4th—Touched the ground twice to-day,
once on a new shoal, not laid down in the chart,
and once on a shoal that has extended in each in-
stance. We only lost 15 minutes.

" August S--To-day we arrived at that part of
the river where for miles through the rising of the
waters, the country was all inundated. However I
may try I am confident my pen is quite inade-
quate to give your readers even a faint idea of the
appearance that was presented to my view. If they
can imagine themselves on the deck of the ship,
with a chart open before them and the river laid
down some two or three miles from bank to bank,
and then cast their eye from side to side to look at
the expanse of water, where no banks are visible,
but junks and boats of all sizes and description
sailing over what in the chart is dry land, they may
conceive my astonishment. The river between this
and Hankow in many places exceeds 20 miles in
breadth, and sometimes the land cannot be seen
on either sed from the deck excepting the hills
fill inland. The houses up to tho very roofs
are under water, which adds very much to the
strangeness of the scene. For many miles nothing
but tops of houses and trees are visible. As for
the banks of the river, they are just as imagi-
nary to us as your readers being here. The most
unaccountable thing is that many villages might
be built (above the level to which the river rises) at
the foot of hills, that in some places are situated close
to the banks ; but no ! even their own Celestial
brethren prefer to build on the low ground, al-
though the hills are so near, and they must at the
same time be perfectly aware that their houses will
all disappear, or, if not washed away, be quite un-
tenable for many months in the year. So soon as the
water begins to rise the villagers put all their chat-
tels into a boat (one is to be found at nearly every
hut for some miles inland) and pull for the nearest
hill, where they remain encamped in small mat
hovels; when the water subsides they return and
rebuild or repair their former habitation, which-
ever 'is necessary, and commence tilling the land,
which is all along the river most fertile, yielding
abundant crops, We now entered the rebel terri-
tory.
" Having this day, August 8, just read the

London and China Express of June 26, I quite agree
with the editor when he states, ' That the rebellion
is an intolerable obstruction to legitimate trade.' It
is not only so among our merchants, but also among
the Chinese themselves. I am now writing only at
a distance of some 35 miles from the rebel capital of
Nankin, having seen, close too, other large cities in
their possession—Wuhu, Nganking, &c.—having
also landed at some of their villages. However, we
may sympathise with them as the ancient and legi-
timate owners of the soil, that must not prevent
travellers from speaking of them as they find them.
The difference between all cities in the hands of the
Imperialists is most striking—magnificent pagodas.
fine houses, beautiful gardens, everything thriving
—showing evident signs of an industrious and
prosperous people; in fact it requires the pen of a
Russell, or some other illustrious writer of modern
times, to describe an Imperial city for it to receive
justice; but the pen of an humble individual like
your present correspondent can describe not only
the rebel cities seen by him, but also the villages
held by them on the banks of this river by four
words—mud, bricks, ruin, and desolation. Nan-
king, their capital, is one mass of ruins. One night,
when anchored near it, it appeared like ' a city of
the dead;' no light, not oven a sound proceeded
from it. What a contrast to one of the Imperial
cities, where the thousands of lights vie with the
very stars themselves in brilliancy ! And the Chin-
Chin joss of the inhabitants during their festivals,
just now on, however edifying to them, and although
not disagreeable to us, could be dispensed with, so
far as we are personally concerned, with some com-
fort to ourselves; but our Imperial friends are as
indefatigable in this as in the more serious avoca-
tions of life.
"August 10—Boarded this morning by a Chinese
priest about four miles above Pwanpienshan ; he is
said to be the head of a ruined monastery close by
here; he boards every steamer that passes, both
going up and coming down, and as he generally gets
100 cash from each (about 40), the opening of the
river has proved of infinite advantage to him, as for-
merly he had only the charity of the peasants to exist
by. He is an aged man, of an intellectull cast of
countenance and of a stalwart form. He well de-
serves the small pittance he receives, for he boards
the ship while she is going full speed, a
most frightful current running at the place where
ho comes off. A steamer coming down will pass at
the rate of 13 to 14 knots an hour. This makes no
difference to this enthusiastic alms-seeker ; he is
always on the lookout, and immediately you heave
in sight he pulls into the middle of the stream,
when, as you near his sanpan, one dexterous sweep
of his oars lays him alongside; the next instant he
is on board, book in hand, for your donations.
"Arrived at Hankow Sunday, Aug. 11, having
stopped one day at Kewkiang. We accomplished
the distance (about 730 geographical miles) in nine
d tys, having a tide at times of 7 to 8 knots against
us. Hankow is in lat. 30.33 N., and lon. 114.20
E. The trade here is growing up fast; ten steamers
running hard cannot take the teas and other pro-
duce down; many junks, some of 600 to 700 tons,
are employed also, being towed or convoyed by the
steamers. There can be no doubt from the depth
and volume of water in the river at Hankow that
it is navigable some hundreds of miles more inland,
which I expect European enterprise will not be long
in opening out. The water has risen this year at
Hankow 38ft. ; it fell a few days since 2ft. 3in., but
on Aug. 15, when we left, it had again risen a foot.
I had this information from an officer of H.M.S.
Snake, stationed here, and on board which a regis-
ter is kept. Steamers for this river must be power-
ful, and we must not be too proud to take a lesson
from our Celestial friends. To insure a small draught
of water steamers should be perfectly fiat-bottomed,

[ADVERTISEMENT .I—Holloway's Pills.—Fever, Influ-
enza, Bronchitis.--In our cold and changeable climate Hol
loway's Pills have proved themselves the best preventitive
of iil-health. They expel all impurities, steady the circula-
tion, regulate the respiration, and check the first erroneous
or depraved action. They aro more strictly preventives
than any other known medicine. They successfully strike
at the root of all bodily ailments, by eradicating every mor-
bid matter from the blood, and conferring on every organ
its natural and healthy action, without weakening the sys-
tem or irritating the brain or nerves. In all the varieties of
which now fearfully
swell our bills
,lo most salutary
desolation threat-
foefe
mortalityers and i
c-Led, nflammations
Pil exercise t
power. They often restore health when

with a slight keel and two sister kelsons ; then, if

PROSPECTS OF WAR.

the ground is touched, little or no damage will be I The following extracts irom a business letter from
sustained ; added to which great advantage may be
Canada embody some of the latest views current in
reaped, when the river is swollen, by steaming near
that country regarding the prospects of war :
the banks and keeping out of the tide. Left Han-
" The gieat question that agitates Canada, and I expect
kow Aug. 15 with loaded junks to convoy. agitates all England by this time, is ' War, or no war ?' At
"Aug. 16.—Landed at Wuhuitsou, a large Im- the moment I write this we are ignorant of the effect likely
perial town on the left bank, the ship being at to be produced in England by the Trent outrage and the
anchor about her own length off the shore in seven , capture of Slidell and Mason. Here we foeropwlaer,thfoart
fathoms. I fancy I must have been the first Euro- wt
ee
feel
sure,
from
d u
wtohuel
o t temper
give o f
them the
that, even if
and
peen that had landed, for I was immediately sur-
h Government
they were so inclined, 'the people' would not permit it.
rounded by some 300 to 400 men, women, and chil- The American press, which to a great extent makes the
dren, the women keeping a little in the back ground, public opinion which coerces the Government, would be
although not at all bashful or timid, and oh ! such unanimous in resisting the demand if made; and, more-
feet ! I was not likely to see a female thus far in over, the Congress, which has commenced its sittings within
the interior with such an ugly appendage as a large the past fortnighft, hor hiass eactdualtly pas
on tshed e
occasion,
voteoonf thanks to
upon it o
foot. The feet of these beauties must have been caps- Captain
Wilkes
that a war with England and an invasion of
ble of pleasing the most fastidious, lovesick Chinese Canada would be the most popular cry that could be raised
swain, as they did not exceed four inches, shoe, in the States. But you will say, ' How can the North at-
stocking, and foot as well. My clothes were all tempt a war with England with the Southern rebellion on
examined with great minuteness, even to the taking hand? She would be between two fires—the South on the one
off my hat, feeling my shoes and the texture of my hand, and Canada on the
Southwould
other .' That
he is verythe
gametrue ;
in andh in
r
own
other garments, as well as smelling them as well as the
hands. I event
of a
war f
war were declared, the policy of the North
myself. The eagerness of all to have a sight of and
would be to recognize at once the Southern Confederacy,
touch me was so great that I was in anything but make peace with the 'rebels,' and, thus being relieved of the
an enviable position ; being surrounded on all sides incubus, turn all her troops into the British possessions in
and the day very hot, I could hardly breathe. North America and in the West Indies. We are therefore,
Making my way close down to the water I managed of course, in intenseanxiety, andi
are unableto
shouldseewhat waris
to keep my inquisitive friends at bay on one side. bfeir: We
k
this will benothwe fullb wattle-elground however,lire that
have a Militia
A cram at the opera for admittance did not beat come,
here, but little has as yet been done in the way of drilling
our Celestial friends in their anxiety to catch a or equipping it. Of course, if war is seriously apprehended,
glimpse at me ; they were civil though with all active drill will commence ; but it will take some time to
their curiosity. When I got into the boat I made bring the raw recruits into discipline. Fortunatelv,Canada
a sign for them to come on board; from that time is well provided with half-pay officers who have seen ser-
till dusk we had hundreds of them backwards and vice in thefPie.nihnsula,dlndoia,eothemOri.mea,d &ffic.eeTrshered areld
en
forwards, and their eagerness to examine every-
npumhers
sioners who are likewise available as drill-sergeants and
thing was so great that it was only by placing a nucleus for the Militia. As to able-bodied men, we have
sentries we could keep them out of the engine- 100,000 able and ready—perhaps 200,000 could be enrolled
room and other forbidden places. But withal for service, if the necessary arms, clothing, and munitions
their behaviour was good, and in no instance of war were provided. Don't believe any reports as to
did they endeavour to purloin anything. We take `sympathy with the Yankees.' They are all false. Not
seeg one
Emralini
sihn
rsuol,e osru Ip p
imaing
thetd s ahyy i nAlmoeor, i Neveouu l du
ebpeu NJ
liilel
Ili nuTs
utio
our meals on the poop, and when we sat down to
dinner we had an admiring crowd watching our I believe Canada is sound and loyal ; we are well off, con-
every movement. A sightseer, after paying 6d. to tented, and happy under British rule, and, with the evils of
see wild beasts feed, never enjoyed the scene more Republicanism before us, we know when we are thriving,
than our Celestial visitors, and were you to land and prefer the mild and genial sway of Victoria to the ram-
them in the remotest part of the United Kingdom, pant democracy of mob law. It is a curious fact, but one
the natives could not be more amused with them whEichdiwilll be admitted
or chtt byt alhlosmetetleirss,athaotodthecmonasnerwvahtoi is
and their chop-sticks than our visitors were to see
ve
here I I know in this town two or threeg men who took a
us using knives, forks, spoons, and glasses. prominent part in the Chartist troubles of '47—'4B, who
"August 19.—Passed close to the steamship now utterly repudiate all Chartist doctrines and stand
Rajah; she has three feet of water under her bows, firm to constitutional government. The reason is,
and seven fathoms from amidships right aft; she we are alongside the great model Republic, and we watch and
will most likely float off when the river rises next
tohbasetruvletriats.
Dweemakoncreastsiecsinanstditduetifoecntss.
thleVt eelseeeetivtheaptrmesoidbeluatws law,
year. Steamed up and down while our convey
elective judo•es, sheriffs, and all the other offices which are
passed the rebel city of Nanking, which is closely in the gift of the Crown at home, but in the hands of the
besieged by land and water by the Imperialists, people in America, bring in their train corruption, fraud,
and which it has been, I hear, for two or three violence, and the repression of freedom of opinion and
years. The besiegers are now again exerting them- liberty. We see the necessity of a monarch and a strong
selves to take the place. Conservative party, to stand between liberty and Democracy,
"August 20.—Landed at daylight on the left
to shelter the Constitution from the storms of popular vio-
lence and ignorance, which will sweep every country if not
bank among the rebels, at a village opposite Niang-
withstood. These are some of the reasons why Canada is
shan-ki, and walked about two miles along the loyal, not only to the Queen and the Home Government,
bank of the river. The appearance presented by but to constitutional rule and usage.
the people and all around was most pitiable ; they " The ease with which this country could be defended by
had just migrated from the hills, the water had any armed force who first got possession of it is very re-
fallen about seven feet, and the land was now about markeable.Allouofr
aromaidlse
fromhave
twhoeordosednat
others
tli
half
side,
aat some
mile,
a
two or three feet uncovered. The people had
places
c very s quarter
often within gunshot. An opposing force could be
nothing but fish and herbs to live on, all their last harassed at every step by riflemen and sharpshooters, con-
year's rice being exhausted. Cultivation had just cealed batteries, &c., along the line of march. The country
commenced. These people were not all inquisitive, being but partially cleared, no great army could operate in
and looked upon my landing as a matter of course ; the open plain as at Waterloo, Magenta, or Solferino. The
they did just suspend operations for a minute or so why the Federals have been unable to do much
reason
against the rebels on the Potomac is because every approach
to look at me, and then resumed their work.
into the enemy's ground is lined with concealed batteries
"August 2l—Dropped anchor and landed at Nan- and riflemen. Look at the late Federal disaster at Leesburg
king. Her Majesty's ship Centaur and gunboats for a notable instance of the kind of warfare we might ex-
-90 and 95 at anchor. Landed and had an inter- pect in Canada if war broke out. If England goes to war,
view with the rebel King, to obtain permission to she must send large bodies of troops here simultaneously
withh thee
r
the INe luudc
ohf wFoeu lb r
ud da
re
yp eonrd
mu pas
et the
of
xis e
archon
which shortens the distance very materially ; he of t
pass through a creek adjacent to the city, and
no troops could lie out under canvas for the cold. When
granted the request. Shortly afterwards he winter breaks up the thaws swamp the roads and render
paid a visit to the Centaur, and the crew were them almost impassable. The creeks and rivers are un-
exercised at gun exercise, longg range, shelling, fordable, and oftentimes the bridges are carried away by
&c. At 6 o'clock this evening the ship grounded off the floods. It will be quite the end of April before the
the north-east pointof Tsaouha Island, but this was roads get into a state to admit of military operations, and
be
and
dthat vesselsda t date
withl tSrte.epLeaeweruelndcpe
usnhavui navigation a
a more serious affair than any of the previous ones, ttieonQuwebilelebe
By
yenthede
as the ship was hard and fast. By dint of great ex- time you get this Canada willbe sealed up with ice. Canada
ertion, blowing off boilers, &c., we floated off into is just now well prepared to sustain a large army in food.
deep water at 11 o'clock that night, close to land 10 Beef, pork, and mutton are mere drugs here ; the neat is
and 12 fathoms, and then 18 fathoms water. now selling all over the upper part of the province at 2d.
per
411 b. ;lowheat,
is
m oats, hay,
sterling. c.,
Every
are in
" August 22.—Passed the extent of rebel terri- sterling (twdoupueene Te b.
ee)
tory, and anchored at Chin Keang Fo. Here is sta-
ecinal h
is stored with grain and produce of all descriptions
farm
tioned the ' Imperial Custom-house,' being a ship Of horses there is a great abundance—hardy Canadian
at anchor, named the Swallow. All steamers, junks, horses, just fit for cavalry or artillery service. 200,000
&c., have to send their clearances to be examined, horses can be had if wanted. At no period would Canada
whether proceeding up or down. The Custom- be better prepared to endure a war than at the present.
house officers are all English or Scotch. There is an Raitlwaysintersect the country
from extremity
east and west, north and
English consul stationed on shore (Mr. Adkins).
sorlioVh,llCOni t
to triloeoposthcaenr he
in 48mhours. On the opening of the of the
This is a very picturesque part of the river. Chin p
navigation the gunboats of both countries would of course
Keang Fo, on the right bank, is a large walled city scour the lakes, and the great cities would be liable to at-
with the usual amount of pagodas, houses, gardens,
certainly.
V nclollnenstrictiuncipenr.taklete witoust beinnasttetTirbelwe war
r
&3. Ahead we have Gold Island (having a fine t:eerkt;
whole strength into the contest, and strike a series of ter,
pagoda on it), and astern is Silver Island. Both rifle blows."
these islands are high rocks, rising out of the bed of
the stream, covered with trees and foliage, and hav-
ing several very pretty buildings on them. I do not
know from what they derive their name. Lots of
game here, pheasants, partridges, snipe, &c., as
there is also along the river. Fish is abundant and
of very good quality ; pears, peaches, apples, and
vegetables of every description ; fowls 1 dol. per
dozen. This is applicable to all towns on the banks
of the river, excepting where the rebels hold posses
sion.

DESPERA7E ENCOUNTER W 1771 A

" August 23 —Left Chin Keang Fo, came into the
dangerous part of the river again to-day, passed
wreck of Manilla at 3 40 p.m.—she is stranded on a
shoal north of Starling Island, with Chooshan Pa-
goda N.W. by W. Anchored for the night off
Kyang Yin.
" August 25—Proceeded at daylight and an-
chored about 30 miles lower down, the wind being
ahead, and our convoy being some miles astern and
unable to make headway.
" August 26—Still at anchor, our convoy not
being in sight. Since the survey of 1858 many and
great changes have taken place in this river. What
were shoals then have now formed up into
islands, in some instances covered with houses and
brushwood, and in high state of cultivation; chan-
nels then in existence are now filled up, while
others then unnavigable have now water sufficient
for a line-of-battle ship ; many new banks and
shoals have grown up. At the Langshore crossing
and other places where beacons and buoys have
been placed to facilitate the navigation, the tide
runs so strong that several have already disap
peared, and it will only be by constant care and
watching that they can be kept in their proper
positions. On the passage up to Hankow the ther-
mometer ranged from 86 deg. during the night to
102 deg. to 105 deg. during the day, and this under
double awnings. This last day or two the thermo-
meter has been at times to 82 deg. Notwithstanding
the thermometerbeing at 105 deg. I personally
have felt the heat in the:Red Sea, with the ther-
mometer at 98 deg. much more oppressive and
unbearable.
" Aug. 28—Weighed. Proceeded as far as Plover
Point.

" Aug. 29.—Steamer Williamette passed us at
noon on her way from Hankow to Shanghae. At
12 30 p.m. she ran ashore on the Actaion Shoal,
but as the tide was rising she was got off in half an
hour.
" Aug. 30.—Weighed anchor at daylight. Found
two of the beacons gone, that on the S.W. point of
Bush Island, and the other not far from it on the
western side of the channel. We have not yet been
able t ) discover whether the beacons are removed
by some interested Celestials or if they are washed
away. Arrived at Shanghae at 1 p.m."
I remain, yours truly, W. W. PALMER.
Steamship Fernandez, at anchor off the
Imperial city of Chin Kyang Foo, Aug. 23.

SCOTTISH LIFEBOATS. —The Glasgow Branch of
the National Lifeboat Institution has just transmitted to it
an additional contribution of £143, to assist the parent
society to meet the great and increasing expenses in keeping
up, in a state of efficiency, its numerous lifeboat establish-
ments on the Scotch coast, This large amount was collected
through the zealous exertions of Captain Small, treasurer ;
and Mr. A. Ranken, honorary secretary to the Glasgow
branch. At the present time the National Institution is
engag d in completing and renovating the Dundee lifeboat
establishments, at an expense of upwards of £5OO. We,
therefore, trust that the Scotch people will continue to ex-
tend their support to the lifeboat society. Amongst the
300 persons saved from shipwreck during the year which is
now closing, are to be found the crews of many a Scotch
vessel.

NIGHT ROBBER.

At Elysee, in the Island of Jersey, the residence
of Colonel de Visme, on Sunday morning, occurred
an encounter with a robber such as it is not often
our lot to chronicle. John Kennedy, gardener to
Colonel de Visme, is the adventurous nero of the
story.
About three o'clock in the morning of Sunday,
Kennedy rose from his bed, for the purpose of pro-
curing a draught of water. Having duly refreshed
himself at the pump, Kennedy thought he perceived
a man lurking about the large doors of the farmyard.
He accordingly returned quietly to his room, made
some necessary additions to his toilet, and taking a
gun—which he believed to be loaded—sallied out in
order to verify or dispel the suspicions which he en-
tertained. On reaching the yard, he soon found
that his apprehensions were well founded.
A man was stealthily decamping with a large bag,
which afterwards proved to contain a quantity of
poultry, pillaged from the roost. A challenge to
stop for the purpose of being overhauled was little
heeded, except that it had the effect of making the
fellow run the faster. Foiled in the exercise of his
" right of search," and seeing the contraband and
the intruder disappearing together, Kennedy resor-
ted to his weapon but found it was without a
charge. He accordingly pursued his flying enemy,
and, havirg overtaken him, the booty was dropped,
for the more important essential of defence ; and
then commenced a struggle which, considering its
duration and the weapons employed, might have
easily resulted in the death of one of the
combatants. Kennedy was armed with the gun
which he still carried ; while his antagonist,
a more powerful man than himself, carried a
heavy crow-bar, which he appeared fully disposed
to use without scruple. Without heeding the
fellow's threats, Kennedy effectually parried with
the gun a blow aimed at his head; but the force of
the crow-bar broke the gun in two, and left our
friend to defend himself with the pieces. Nothing
daunted, he dealt his antagonist a heavy blow
with the butt end of the weapon. The fellow was
floored by the blow; but, recovering his legs rushed.
at Kennedy and attempted to close with him. Ken-
nedy, however, again floored the fellow ; and, tak-
ing advantage of the superiority of his position,
belaboured him with the broken ends of the gun
until he roared for mercy. Releasing him at length
on the assurance that he would quietly accompany
him to the house, Kennedy permitted him to rise.
But the intruder was no sooner on his legs than he
made another rush at his assailant, though with no
batter success than before, and in the course of a few
minutes he again found himself on the ground.
Seizing a piece of the broken gun, he struck at
Kennedy as well as he was able ; but tho latter
maintained his advantage, and managing to get hold
of the crowbar, threatened to take his life with it if
he did not cease his resistance.
In this way Kennedy held his man for the space
of three-quarters of an hour, during which he fre-
quently called for assistance. At length, failing to
obtain any aid, he was compelled by the exhaustion
of the struggle to relax his hold ; .and the fellow,
gladly availing himself of the opportunity, took
himself off, pleased to get away without broken
bones, and leaving the plunder behind him. Ex-
hausted, if not personally injured, Kennedy got back
to the house, and aroused the inmates to narrate an
adventure which, though it had prevented a robbery,
had promised well nigh to result in a murder.
The police have been fully informed of the facts,
and are actively engaged in tracking out the pre-
datory ruffian.

RIBBONISM IN SLIGO.—The county magistrates
sat on Thursday last until sundown hearing cases arising
out of Ribbon disputes—although that secret cause is reli-
giously kept out of sight. Things are gradually preparing
for a climax, and a bitter harvest will soon be reaped if the
Government do not listen to our cry for more force is be
stationed here to overcome the turbulent. Sligo is proud
of her resident Depui y. Lieutenant Griffith. Surely he will
now represent the true state,of matters to the authorities.
They would certainly listen to his representations.—Sli9•
independent.

SCOTLAND v.

ENGLAND.

The North British Daily 'sal publis has the fol-
lowing :
To THE VOLUNTEER 801 3TLAND.
I have the honour of annoi tracing t o you that there
will be an annual match bet ween tb e Volunteers of
England and Scotland. Th e term sof this match
have been arranged by Lord .1 gory, acting for Eng-
land, and by myself, as the t *ev,,res'entative of the
Scotch. I beg to refer you tot eir rules, which are
annexed hereto, and which wil lbe published in all
the Scotch newspapers. Lord Elcho, with his usual
liberality, and as an additional , p roof of the interest
he takes in the Volunteers of b, )th countries, has
pr,-;mised to present to them a sL tield, to be called
the 4, -Eic,l-to Challenge Shield." This is the prize
for which we
are to contene The country
which gains it w:.!I have the tonour of hold-
ing it for a year, and the names of the
successful champions are to be I ;ngraved on it.
I have undertaken the duty of ' selecting the
competitors who are to represent Scotland in the
first contest, and 1 feel assured Ist all receive every
assistance from m je• brother volt inteers. I hope
are qualified 1 o take a pert
that all volunteers who, frot n their shoot-
'
will COt nnvnicate with
ing, think they
in this great match ,
me. I shall always lie happy to :receive them
rd to them a n opportunity
with )31vself at the
at Netherley, and to affo.
of testing their powers al, 'g
Netherley rifle range. `pared wit h England,
)n.
,n times, as many
'y may pick their
Scotland is a small and t bin ly people d country.
The English have nearly sev,
n favour of men as we have, from when tht
best shots. There are great odds i
Eng-
land, but we must endeavour to .counteract them
by that dogged perseverance and enorgy which
havehithe do been characteristics ofou, "colt ntrymen.
Whatever the result may be let us a t all events
deserve succeos, by embracing every opportuni,47 of
of jmproving in rifle shooting, and preparing
ourselves for the rifle tournaments at Wim-
bledon in 1862. To bring the shield back to Edin-
burg would be a great triumph ; to have our names
engraved on it, 'he highest distinction which as
rifle shots we cou. 'd attain; it will be gaining the
" Victoria Cross" c our order. The prospect of
this interesting inter •national match will, I am cer-
tain, be sufficient to Amite all Scotch Volunteers
" shoulder to shoulder " in giving every assistance
to each other, and in d o jug their best to bring for-
ward next year men wile • are likely to do credit to
the country at Wimbled ot I.—l have the honour to
be yourefaithful servant,

HORATIO Ross.
Netherley, near Stoneb.as 'en, Dec. 19.

BRUTAL CONDUCT O 1 A FATHER.

►---
-.---...

An inquest has been h eld about two miles from
Exeter, before R. It. Cro sse, Esq., county coroner,
on the body of a young w •ornan named Piper, about
19 years of age, who drowned herself in the Exeter
Canal on the 19th inst., th,,o ugh the brutal conduct
of her father. Mrs. Harriet Louisa Piper deposed
as follows : —The deceased alas my daughter. She
has not evinced anything etrange in her manner
until within a few weeke since, when she seemed
unusually merry—singing th at I could hardly stop
her. My husband has seen .a very cruel father to
her. He has turned her out of doors at night, and I
have heard her say that if he ever came home again
from prison and treated her I:ad ly she would drown
herself. He has left home. since her death. His
conscience, I believe, would not allow him to
remain at home. The deceased h as told me she could
not pass through again what ship had already borne
from him. She was not so merry on Saturday when
my husband came home as she had been before.
She seemed depressed in spirits, and cried because
he had returned. On Sunday night last my hus-
band and the deceased had some words because she
came home late, about 11 o'clo ck. She had been
with some friends, but he wouhl not believe it; and
when she assured him that she .had, he ordered her
not to answer him, or else he wot ild give her agood
ld never do that
thrashing, and would tear her 1,
ilothes to pieces.
The deceased replied that he slum
again, for she would rather drown herself.
She then left the room and slept on the stairs
all that night until five o'clock the next morn-
ing. She told me on the following dOy that she
did this because she was afraid of her father. On
Monday she had some breakfast and complained of
being cold. I sent her to Mr. East's, boot and
shoemaker, to inquire about some work, but she
returned and told me she could not obtain any work,
as Mr. East did not intend to take on any more
hands until after Christmas. Upon this ber father
replied that he knew she would not get any wsork
because she wanted to keep up the Christmas
holidays, and he should remember her as soon
as he got into work. She did not sleep at home
that night, and I did not see her again until five
o'clock on Tuesday night. He then became very
angry with her, and said ho would not give her any-
thing he worked for. Deceased told him she should
not want it, and with the same she left the house,
looking exceedingly wild and dejected. I have not
seen her alive since. The body I have seen today
is that of my daughter. She was a member of the
Bristol Prudential Insurance CoOpany, for which
she used to pay ld. a week. She hzul been a mem-
ber of it about two months. Her executors or re-
presentatives were entitled at her death to receive
£8 lls. A verdict of found drowned was Ireturned,
the coroner and jury expressing an opinion that if
the father had not thrown her into the water, he
was the cause of it.

COUN2 BY 211ARKL A AS.

HULL—DEc. 24.

Arrivals of wheat have been rather large this week, and
consist almost entirely of Baltic shipments per steamer.
Continental markets are firm, but without activity. The
wheat trade durinF, the week has been steady, and a fair
amount of business done at fully late currency for best de-
scriptions of red ; but white, being more plentiful, has im
some instances been sold at a decline of is per qr. At our
market to-day there was but a poor attendance, and a
limited business was done. English sold slowly at last
week's currency, and foreign in some instances realised is
to 2s above the quotations of the week.
Wheat ....Old white....per qr ... 54s Od to 58s Ocl
Old red
New white .. ~
New red .... ~
Dantzic, Konb , &c. old white 63s Od to 67s OA
Dutch, Belgian, and French. 58s Od to 628 Od
Baltic and Hamburg, red 6os Od to 62s Od
St. Petersburg and Riga, old sos Od to 52s Od
Barley.... English malting
Grinding 3os Od to 32s Od
Saal and Oderbruck
Holstein and Danish 3ls Od to 36s Od
Grinding
Oats English, old
Archangel and Riga, per et osl2ld to 13d
Friesland and Dutch osl3d to osl3d
Swedish and Danish oBl2ld to osl3d
Beans ....English, old, per qr 4Bs oa to 50s Od
New pigeon 42s 05 to 44s Od
New tick 4os Od to 42s Od
Egyptian .. 38s Od to 40s 05
Peas Foreign breakers
Grinding
Tares ... . Spring. —s Od to —s Od
Indian Corn
Linseed, feeding
crushing
Linseed cakes (Hull) £9 15 0 to £lO 10 0
Foreign 8 5 oto 9 0 0
Rape cakes 517 6to 6 0 0
Bones 5 6 oto 510 0