The Sun.
London, England, 1861-06-17 00:00:00

THE VOLUNI EBBS.

On Saturday, pursuant to a previous arrange-
ment, the London Rifle Brigade, under the command
of Lieut.- Col. Hicks, had a field-day on Chatham
Lines with the whole of the available garrison
there, some 3,000 strong, composed of Royal i o.
i-
neers, Royal Marines, and three depot battalions,
all under the general command of Major-General
e Eyre, the commandant. The brigade, to th
num-
ber of about 800 men and officers, mustered in
Guildhall at 3 three o'clock, and then marched to
the London-bridge railway station, preceded by
their two bands, from which they were conveyed by
the North Kent Railway by special trains to
Chatham. On arriving at Strood station the Bri-
gade embarked on board a steamer, and proceeded
down the Medway to a convenient landing-place
near the barracks, where 20 rounds of blank car-
tridge to each man were served out. Thence they
marched to the fine open plateau above the town
known as Chatham Heights to the music of their
bands, where the troops were drawn up in a line of
contiguous columns, and where some thousands of
People had assempled to witness the spectacle. The
day was charming, the heat was tempered by a light
breeze, and the whole local community were in holy-
day garb. Of the Royal Engineers who took part in
the subsequent evolutions there were about 400, com-
manded. by Col. Collinson • some 550 of the Royal
Marines, under the command of Col M'Xillop ; the
Ist Depot Battalion, about 650 stron c'ommanded by
Lieut.-Colonel Jervis; the 2d Depot Battalion, 650
in number, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Phillips ;
and the 3d Depot Battalion, about 750, under the
command of Lieut.-Colonel Pairclough, making in
all, with the bands of the Engineers and Marines
and with the Volunteers, a force of about 4,000 men.
For the occasion the Volunteers were brigaded with
with the regular troops, the R DyttlEngineers occupy.

ing the extreme right, the Marines and the three
Depot Battalions the centre, and the Rifle Brigade
the left. Major-General Eyre was attended by a
Staff, among whom were Lieut.-Colonel Gordon,
Colonel Twiss, Capt. Congreve (Brigade-Major),
Capt. Lempriere, Capt. Godfrey, and Lieut.
Dauncey. The General and his Staff having as-
sembled at the saluting-flag, the whole of the troops
wheeled to the right and marched past in com-
panies at quick time, the bands playing the marches
adopted as those of the respective regiments. At
that time the spectacle was extremely picturesque
and animated. The bright uniforms of the re-
gular troops and the sombre dress of the Volunteers
were each heightened by contrast. The march-
ing of the Engineers especially and next perhaps
of the Marines was, for precision and stateliness,
perfection itself ; while that of the London Rifle
Brigade and their general appearance, imposing from
unmistakeable indications of physique and intelli-
gence, elicited repeated manifestations of applause
all along the line of spectators. The remaining evo-
lutions, occupying about two hours, consisted of a
sham fight against an enemy supposed to have
landed at Sheerness, which could be seen in the dis-
tance, and to be advancing upon Chatham lines. At
the conclusion of the ceremony General Eyre en-
tertained the officers of the garrison and of the
Rifle Brigade at dinner, and the men in the brigade
were supplied with refreshments in the garrison.
On Saturday afternoon a spirited rifle shooting
contest was a matter of considerable attraction at
the extensive grounds of the Middlesex Victoria
Rifles at Kilburn. The contest was for two prizes,
consisting of a beautiful silver goblet and a valu-
able field glass, open to all comers of the regiment.
Fifty members competed. The winner of the
first prize (silver goblet) was private H. F. Dickins,
and the winner of the second prize was Private
Herbert Barnard. The distance was five shots at
200, 300, and 400 yards, making 15 shots in all.
The highest total number of points gained was 22,
but on shooting off the tie Private Dickins was
declared the winner of the first prize by one point,
Private Barnard having missed the target. This
corps joins the Hon. Artillery Company in their
brigade field-day, to take place in Richmond-park
this day.

A pair of beautiful silver bugles, of the value of
45 guineas, have been purchased by Captain A. B.
Leech, and will shortly be presented to the 28th
Middlesex (London Irish) Rifle Volunteers. At the
base the bugles are elaborately worked, and on each
are engraved representations of round towers, &c.
An inscription, recording the presentation, is sur-
rounded by a wreath of shamrock, surmounted by
an Irish harp and crown. It is expected that the
bugles will be presented after the inspection of the
regiment.
On Saturday the 19th Surrey Rifles, with the Ist
Surrey Artillery, and the 10th and 23d Surrey,
mustering 700 strong, marched to Peckham Rye,
and under the command of Major Roupell, assisted
by Capts. Jolfin, Glover, and Payne, went through
a variety of evolutions in a very excellent way.
The advance and retiring in line was particularly
good, and the final charge elicited great cheering
from the numerous spectators. The ground was
kept by the Ist Surrey Rifles, and at the conclusion
the companies formed into line and were compli-
mented on their efficiency by Major Roupell.
The 9th Tower Hamlets Rifle Volunteer corps
has been attached to the 2d Tower Hamlets Rifle
corps for drill and administrative purposes.
Efforts are being made to raise a Volunteer Ma-
rine Battalion of six companies, the head-quarters
of which are to be in London, the First Lord of the
Admiralty for the time being to be ex officio honorary
colonel. It is proposed to raise one company for
the metropolis, and the remainder on the seaboard
of Great Britain, at a distance not exceeding 12
miles inland. In the event of invasion, or urgent
circumstances in the opinion of the Government
requiring the assistance of the battalion, they will be
liable to be called upon to serve in marine fortresses,
or on board of guard or block ships ; but should their
services be further required they will be allowed to
volunteer to do duty as marines on board any of her
Majesty's ships, at a distance of not more than ten
miles from the coast of Great Britain.

On Thursday evening a numerously attended
public meeting was held at the schoolroom attached
to the church of St. Jam-es-the-Less, Victoria-park,
for the purpose of completing the formation of the
sth or Victoria-park Company of the 4th Tower
Hamlets Volunteer Rifle Corps. The chair was
occupied by the Rev. W. J. Grundy. Several gentle-
men enrolled their names as members. A handsome
set of colours, the gift of Mr. J. Long, will shortly
be presented by Mrs. Long to the regiment.
The bagpipes subscribed for by Scotch ladies resi-
dent in London will be presented to the 15th Mid-
dlesex (London Scottish) Rifles in Westminster-
hall on Wednesday next, and the corps will be
inspected on Saturday, The regimental prizes will
be shot for at Wimbledon on the 25th, 26th, and
27th of July.
Several influential gentlemen are organising an
Artillery Volunteer corps in the metropolis, which
will consist of colonists who are natives of the West
Indies, the Cape of Goo& Hope, Australia, New
Zealand, British• North America, and other depen-
dencies of the Crown.

A public meeting for the purpose of raising the
Stonebridge and Haggerstono Company, to be at-
tached to the North-East London Rifle Brigade, is
announced to take place at the Albion-hall,Dalston,
on Thursday next, when the Rev. A. M. Meyers
will take the chair.

Nos 1 and 2 troops of the Surrey Light Horse are
to be paraded on Clapham-common on Friday, the
21st inst., at 2 p.m., in heavy marching order, for
inspection by Major-General the Hon. Sir James Y.
Scarlett, K.C.B. Since the termination of the
riding-sehool exercise in March the corps has been
in active drill on Clapham-common twice each
week, and the evolutions are now made with very
great precision. .

The inspection of the Ist Middlesex Engineers,
by Col. M'Murdo, is announced to take place on the
27th inst., and the inspection in engineering on the
following day.

The second administrative Middlesex battalion,
comprising the Highgate, Hornsey, and Hampstead
corps, will be inspected by Lient.-Col. Ibbetson on
the Brookfield parade-ground, Swain's-lane, High-
gate, on Wednesday next.

The annual inspection of the West Middlesex
Rifles, by Col. M'Murdo, is announced to take place
on the 25th inst., at Lord's cricket-ground.
Volun-
teers commenced
The Castle-yard
The rifle contest of the6th North York
day. The first- Scarborough on Tuesday last.
presented. the appearance of a gala-
by Sir J. V.
Epr
Johnstone,
shot for was the silver cup given
competitors, each having
M.P. There were 40
and 500 yards. It
points, Private Mackereth was five rounds at 100, 200,
rwetolin by Private Bolton, 24
eoring 22. The next
contest was for a short Enfield
rifle and sword bay-
onet, given by Sergeant Jefferson. It was won by
Corporal Dove, the beingdistaneessil :
bzr. Dent,
the same. A
bM
first series of money prizes, presented
M.P., the distances the same, were o
Private
Bennett, 21 points, and Private Livingston, gst
points. Mr. Dent's second series of money "'. 19
• prizes
(five rounds at 200 and 400 yards) were Won as fol-
lows :—Private Bawling, 14 points; Colour-Sergt.
Beckett and Private Richmond, each 13. [Sergeant
Beckett ultimately obtained second honours. On
Wednesday there was a strong S.W. breeze across
the range. The first contest was for a third money
prize, given by Mr. Dent, at 700,800, and 900 yards
(the winner of the cup excepted). It was won by
Private Mackereth, nine points. The silver medal,
given by Messrs. Hart and Hill, limited to those
who had scored 7 points during the target practice
at 700 to 900 yards, was gained by Corporal fetch.
The proceedings throughout were most satisfactory,
the umpires not being once referred to. The prizes
will be distributed in the Town-hall on Tuesday
next:

On Friday week a match between the University
and County of Oxford was shot at Botley, eight on
each side, at 200, 500, and 600 yards. The County
scored at 200 yards 40, at 500 yards 22, at 600
yards 25,—total, 87 ; the University 65, 31, 24
total, 120. The best individual scores were for the
University—Mr. Lipscombe 19, Captain Parker,
Captain Hussey, and Mr. Weeks 17; for the County
—Colour-Sergeant Bacon and
.Mr. Timberlake 15,

Capt. Mallam and Lieut. Thompson 14. The Uni-
versity of Oxford Rifle Corps, being now more than
500 strong, will be represented at Wimbledon by
four members who have made the highest scores at
200, 600, and 600 yards, 15 rounds at each range.
Mr. Lipscombe and Mr. G. Norsworthy made 53
points each, Mr. E. Owen 51, Captain Hussey 49.
On Monday last the musical instruments sub-
scribed for by the ladies of Oxford were presented
to the 2d Oxfordshire (the City) Rifle Volunteers
Corps, in the gardens of St. John's College, by per-
mission of the President and Fellows. In addition
to the usual set of instruments, a pair of cymbals,
taken from the Summer Palace of the Emperor of
China, was included in the presentation, having
been sent over by Capt. the Hon. Sydney Annesley.
Her Grace the Duchess of Marlborough, accom-
panied by the Duke, in presenting the gift, made a
spirited speech which was received with great en-
thusiasm. Captain Parsons replied on behalf of the
officers and men.

On Wednesday evening, the 12th, a concert was
given by permission of Lady Meux, in the Tennis-
court, Theobald's-park, in aid of the band fund of
the 11th Herts Rifle Volunteers. Upwards of
1,000 visitors were present, and the entertainment
was eminently successful.

On Friday the Ist Suffolk battalion, compris-
ing eight companies, and under the command
of Lieutenant-Colonel Anstruther and Adjutant
Barnardiston, was reviewed at Bury St. Ed-
munds. The proceedings were wound up with
a dinner in the botanic gardens, at which 600 per-
sons were present.
The Royal Forest of Dean Rifle Corps, mustering
from 200 to 300 strong, was reviewed at the Speech
house, on Wednesday afternoon, by Colonel Pur-
nell. The Colonel expressed his satisfaction with
the day's proceedings.

On Friday evening the right wing of the 2d
battalion 26th Kent (Royal Arsenal) Volunteer
Rifles, was inspected by the commandant of the
corps, Colonel A. T. Tulloh, R.A. After inspection
the Colonel said that he regarded the proper ob-
servance of the military salute to be important as a
matter of discipline, and likely to promote a good
feeling between the two services so well represented
in Woolwich. Referring more immediately to the
result of this day's proceedings, he was glad to re-
mark satisfactory indications of a well-disciplined
corps.

A review of Volunteer Artillery Corps of Glo-
cestershire and Somersetshire by Major-General
Sir R. Dacres, K.C.8., is to take place on Wednes-
day next on Durdham Down, Clifton. Some prizes
for carbine firing and heavy gun practice are to be
competed for on the previous day, and will be dis-
tributed among the successful competitors at the
close of the review.

A VISIT TO THE GREAT WALL 01
CHINA, VIA PEKIN.

Mr. E. B. Fonblanque, in a letter to the Times,
says :—A few days ago you did me the honour to
publish a record of my impressions of the ascent of
Fusijama. Next to the sacred mountain of Japan,
few places have hitherto been more inaccessible
to the European than the Great Wall of China ;
and from a visit to this wonder of the world I have
just returned, bringing with me a brick, duly
labelled, under the head and seal of two credible
witnesses, as having been actually taken off the top
of the wall, and which brick is now on its way to
England to be deposited in the United Service
Institution.

Several Europeans joined with me in " doing"
Fusijama, and in Lord Amherst's time the members
of the Embassy accomplished a visit to the Great
Wall ; but, with the exception of myself, no man
living or dead has done both, and on these grounds
I claim another short space in your columns descrip-
tive of my late journey.
Accompanied by Mr. Dick, an excellent Chinele
scholar, and attached as interpreter to the Commis-
sariat, I left Tien-tsin on the 11th of March, and,
after a three days' ride through as uninteresting a
country as can well be conceived, came in sight of
the fine solid wall which encloses the straggling
mass of ruin, dirt, and decay, called Pekin.
Chinese villages are. at best, dreary and squalid-
looking, but on this route, where the dogs of war
have so recently been let loose, there is something
harrowing in the misery and desolation of the
scene. Has grinding oppression and long suffer-
ing deadened the heart of the Ch;neou peasant to
all sense of injury Or has he, after all, a Christian
feeling of forgiveness towards his enemies, for which
no orthodox Churchman would give the Pagan cre
dit ? I cannot explain it, but I own to something
like a sense of shame having come over me as we
two solitary unarmed strangers passed through
crowds of men, women, and children, standing by
the charred ruins of their homesteads and among
their shattered household gods, without being met
by a single angry look or gesture—nay, more, al-
ways receiving a ready and friendly reply to every
question. Perhaps they felt grateful that we had,
at any rate, spared their lives, which is more than
they can expect from their countrymen, the rebels,
when they pay them a visit.
Some of the villages along our road were mere
heaps of rubbish ; others retained more cr less
the semblance of human habitations. In the larger
ones, such as Ho-si-woo, which it may be remem-
bered was for some time in occupation of our
troops, the late enemy's inscriptions on doors and
walls seem to be piously preserved as agreeable
relics, and such familiar garrison words as " Offi-
cers' Quarters," " Canteen," " Fane's Horse,"
" Commissariat," " General Hospital," &c., meet
one at every turn ; though one cannot but remark
with regret that the buildings which appear to have
afforded shelter to the invaders are sadly devoid of
everything in the shape of woodwork, which was
probably used as occasion required for cooking din-
ners and boiling water. A celebrated and imposing
pawnbroker's shop, which was " looted" here, has
not yet recovered itself; but let it be borne in mind
that in pillage, as in wanton destruction, the Chinese
themselves far excel the British or even the French
soldier ; the bonds of restraint once removed, and a
Celestial mob have no patriotic or religious scruples
as to the property of mandarin, priest, or peasant—
as they fully exemplified at the sacking of Yuen-
ming-yuen and the Llama temple, the sacred pro-
ceeds of which are to this day openly offered for
sale at more or less exorbitant prices in the shops
of Tien -tsin.

At Ho-si-woo we met a French missionary bishop
on his way to Europe, after having passed 25 years
in China ; he was dressed in the native costume,
even to the pigtail, and appeared to be treated with
great reverence by the unbelieving crowd who
flocked in to see the " mandarin priest." The self-
devotion, the zeal, and, as a very general rule, the
pure and simple lives led by the French missionaries
in China (and their number throughout the empire
and the kingdom of Siam exceeds 1,500), are not
without their effect upon the people, although this
is not displayed by wholesale and indiscriminate
conversion to nominal Christianity.
Passing over the fine stone bridge of Palichou,
which bears unmistakable marks of the French
which
cannon, and where a craven mandarin, smarting
from a wound, ordered poor Brabazon to be decapi-
tlantteodp, we_k e. cabme upon the broad paved road leading
e
path
was m p
such wretchedarallel with
and which after a
wearyrepair
that
we preferred a
teiinterior
running
dusty ride of three or four
hours brought us to the
three miles through wide
C
h
a
n
-
t
Yung gate of the Cc.
lestial capital. Another h
streets flanked by trees, andresembling rather the
approach to a village than
city, led us to the portal of Liearinor. kof a populous
ung-fu, the
residence assigned to the Britisi! Legation—a
straggling, dreary, dilapidated building, Which time
and money might convert into a tolerably habitable
barrack for a brigade of infantry, but 3vhich can
never become a comfortable or suitable residence
for a .Minister and the few members of his suite.
Europeans are still novelties in Pekin. Seine
grandees that we meet in chairs, and some manda-
rins, numerously attended, on horseback, carefully
averted their gaze from the offensive foreign devils
as we passed ; but the shopkeepers came to their
doors and stared at us with mild curiosity, and the
mob, and more particularly its juvenile portion,
followed us in crowds, and occasionally saluted us
With expressions more familiar than polite, Upon