The Sun.
London, England, 1857-01-01 00:00:00

INDIA.

The following is from the summary of the
Bombay Times of the 3d of December :—" A
strong reserve force of seven or eight thousand
men is at present being organised at the Presi-
dency in connection with the Persian Gulf expe-
dition, of which we have heard no intelligence
since our last. A force of five thousand men is
now moving from the Kohat frontier towards
Cabul, with what object it is not known. Sir J.
Lawrence has had an interview with Dost Maho-
med, and an Ambassador has been sent to the
Court of the Khan of Khelat ; all these things being
supposed connected with the Persian quarrel. The
Guicowar of Baroda died on the 19th Oct., and has
been succeeded on the throne by his brother. Severe
conflagrations have occurred within the past
month at Rangoon, at Kurrachee, and at Bom-
bay. Our local exports are increasing at such a
pace, while our imports stand still, that above
three millions and a half of silver from
foreign ports has been required to redress the
balance, three millions of this having been at once
absorbed in the presidency.—The Governor-Gene-
ral and Governor of Bombay are at the seats of
administration. Lord Harris was expected at
Mangalore on the 27th ultimo."
An extra of the same journal dated 1 p.m., 3rd
of December, says :
We have received by this day's post the follow-
ing extra of the Lahore Chronicle :
" Lahore, November 24, 1856.
" We have just received intelligence ou the high-
est authority, of the fall of Herat,"

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE:
MBAY market
, DE 2.
We have no change to report Bin our money
during the fortnight ending Dec. 2. Bank rates of
interest remain unaltered, and the market on the whole
may bs considered easy. Government and other secu-
rities remain much about the former quotations, and dull
of sale.

The market for cotton piece goods has been steady
since the last report, and prices on most descriptions have
advanced slightly. The holders begin to show firmness.
Business has been done to a fair extent. Bleachinga
generally are in very good demand ; those of middling
quality are moderate and are enquired after ; while the
higher ones are dull of sale. Both water and mule cot-
ton yarn are much inquired for ; but woollens of all
descriptions are dui), and flannels continue scarce. With
regard•to the exports of cotton wool, there are no stocks
'4 any kind gathering, owing to heavy purchases made,
which are being delivered as they arrive. Since the
arrival of the last English Mail, prices have ad-
vanced, and the market has been very active during the
course of the fortnight.

IN COFFEES.—Mocha is in good demand, and there is
no chan4e in value to be noted; Malabar has alsolbeen
in demand, and has advanced.

The opium market has been somewhat unsteady dur-
ing the past month, the first half having been marked by
great firmness, the latter became dull.
TONNAGE.— Freights have been pretty steady, and we
quote for Liverpool 3/. to 3/. ss. ; for London, 31. to
31. ss. ; and for China Rs., 11 to 12 per candy,
EXCHANGE.—Superior sterling has sold for 2s. 2id.,
until two days ago, when holders of China drawn Bank
quitted at 2s. 2d. 3-16th. Local Bills and Documents
have been done chiefly at 2s. 23d.
Court's bids 60 days' sight on Calcutta Rupees 981.
Madras 30 days' sight Rupees 99.

China GO days' sight Rupees, 216 to Rupees 2171.

CALCUTTA. 22.
In our produce market we have again, toNov report a
moderate amount of business since the departure of the
last mail. Previous high prices have been, however,
fully maintained, and those for sugar and saltpetre are
still higher.
In imports, there has been less activity since our last,
and notwithstanding the ruling high prices in, Man-
chester for both Piece Goods and Twist by the last ac.
counts, prices in our market seem to have a downward
tendency. The Metal market has continued firm with
an upward tendency in price, but transactions have not
been large.
The money market remains as easy as last represented.
Government Securities in anticipation of a rise on the
margin of leans of Government Securities at the Bank of
Bengal last week there had been a further fall, the Sicca
four per cent. had gone to 19-8 and the Company's to
17 per cent. discount, but such alteration having taken
place there has been again a re-action. The 4} per cent.
is pr;airzie;Giesg., but very slowly.
Ec
—The business done for this mail has not
been large. The rates opened at 2-18 for first class
pacer,
and immediately-rose to 2 14, at which the busi-
ness has nearly all been done. Document bills are at
2.14, and have been scarce ; at the present there is a
tendency upward, and 2 1:1, may be quoted for credits
and 2.2 for documents ; but probably little will be done
at these quotations, as the operations for the mail have
nearly all been completed.

FREIGHTS.—Rates have been unsettled since our last.
T ()linage fur rice and cotton in some vessels for Great
Britain have been engaged at 4/. There has been
general improvement since the departure of the last
mail.