The Sun.
London, England, 1861-05-15 00:00:00

The following appointments have been made at
the Admiralty :—Lieut. H. C. Gilbert, to the Tra-
falgar ; Lieut, E. E. Richards, to the Hero ; Lieut.
Noel Osborne, to the Marlborough ; Lieut. Alger-
non G. Wootton, to the Excellent; Lieut. Edward
G. Maddo.ck. fo thr. nimnrsnl T
ley, to the Southampton, for service in the ordinary;
Lieut. Alfred Eaton, to the Challenger; John C.
Hutchings, Master, to the Formidable ; John C.
Drew, mate, to the Medina ; G. G. Hunt, mate, to
the Mersey ; John Sear, chief engineer, to the Cum-
berland, for the Galatea, confirmed in rank ; Adam
Dunn, chief engineer, to the Asia, for charge of the
machinery of the Adventurer, after the latter ship
shall have been paid ; James Sangster, chief engi-
neer, to the Shannon ; James Mangnall, chief en-
gineer, to the Challenger; George 11. Beaton,
first-class assist-engineer, to the Driver; Joshua
Rothery, first-class assistant-engineer, to the
Diadem ; Robert Madge, first-class assistant-en-
gineer, to the Fisgard, for charge of the machinery
of the Antelope ; Alfred Mason, first class assist.-
engineer, to the Challenger ; George Wynhall, first
class assist-engineer, to the Asia, for charge of the
Cygnet ; William J. Thomason, acting assist-surg-,
to the Challenger ; C. M. S. Shuckburgh, midship-
man, to the Hero ; Leonard W. Sewell, naval cadet,
to the Mersey ; John Moir, second-class assist.-en-
gineer, to the Challenger ; Thomas N. Crowder,
third-class assist.-engineer to the Driver ; James
Mutter and James Bell (B),. third class assist.-en-
gineers, to the Challenger; Edward J. Miller, John
Dunlop, and Henry T. Smeddle, acting third class
assist.-engineers, to the Asia; Richard M. Griffith
acting third class assist.;engineer, to the Fisgard,
for the Vivid; Robert Jones, acting third class
assist.-engineer, to the Trident ; Peter Erskine, act-
ing third class assist.-engineer, to the Cumberland,
for temporary charge of the Bullfrog; James Frazer,
acting third-class assist.-engineer, to the Cumber-
land, for service in the Meanee ; James A. Dick and
John Taylor (C), to the Cumberland, as supernu-
neraries. C. J. Norcock, E. R. W. Noble, and Henry
Oldfield have been nominated to naval cadetships.

x'll E
ARMY.
A. General Order was issued yesterday, announc-
ing the appointment of Brevet-Major Wm. W. H.
Greathed, G. 8., Bengal Engineers,
as Assistant
Military Secretary at head-quarters, as a temporary
measure, vice Brevet Lieut.-Col. H. W. Norman,
C. 8., who has been permitted to relinquish that
appointment for thoparpooo of
rosunain that or
Deputy Adjt.-Gen. in Bengal.
A General Order, dated the 2d of May, was issued
yesterday at - the Horse Guards by the General
Commanding-in-Chief as to the use of the rifled
musket. He has observed that the destructive
powers of that weapon have not been developed to
the full extent. The failure is not, he believes, in
the rifle, but has arisen from the want
i of a dexte-
rous and skilful use of it. To render tas efficient
as possible a back sight has been affixed to the
weapon, so graduated as to furnish the required ele-
vation. for all distances, from 100 to 900 yards.
The correct adjustment of this sight entails a know-
alte of h
distances, which is not difficult to acquire,
oug practice is required to keep it up. The
rifle, when the sight is correctly arranged, may be
used with the fullest confidence of success by troops
carefully trained. Js‘
however, much allowance
must be made for the hurry and excitement conse-
quent on close action it has be en deemed expedient to
lay down rules for general information and for the
guidance of officers of all grades in command of
troops before an enemy, in order to ensure the file
and volley firing being in future effectively and
rapidly executed. It is therefore to be understlod
that when firing in line or square at and under 300
yards, the flap of the back sight is not to be raised
at all, but aim is to le taken through the flanges
which protect it. This will be found at once to
ensure sufficlent accuracy of direction, and prac-
tically to give adequate elevation, while the diffi-
culty, under the circumstances, of getting the eye
down to the bottom of the notch in the back sight
will be obviated. When firing in the open, at
ranges beyond 300 yards, and at all distances
when firing from behind parapets, or under cover

The following letter, dated Valetta, May 8, is
from a Malta correspondent :—" Her Majesty's
surveying-vessel Medina, Capt. T. A. B. Spratt,
C. 8., returned into Valetta on Saturday last, hav-
ing completed the soundings between Malta and
Tripoli; and the Scourge corvette, Commander
W. J. Jones, has also returned to Malta, after con-
veying to Tripoli and Bengasi the telegraph stores
for those stations, and a portion of the staff of the
Alexandria and Malta telegraph. On the arrival
of the steamer Malacca :from England with the
Malta and Tripoli portion of the cable,- these two
vessels will accompany her to show the line of
route, and otherwise to assist in laying the cable.
The operation of paying out will be conducted by
Mr. Forde, telegraph engineer, while Capt. Spratt
will, on board his ship, lead the way for the Ma-
lacca. The depth of the first 40 miles of the route
has been found to be greater than anticipated, bat
not so much so as to give rise to apprehensions that
any serious difficfilties will have to be encountered,
the extreme depth being not more than 400 fathoms.
Her Majesty's gunboat Assurance, Command Ayn-
sley, left this port on the afternoon of the 2d inst.
for Candia ; and the Mohawk, Commander Howard,
arrived from Corfa on the sth, which place she left
on the 3d inst. I enclose you an extract of a letter
from Corfu of this date There has been a slight
disturbance at Zante between the islanders and the
English soldiers in garrison, and two of the latter
were stabbed. At Corfu the most perfect tranquil-
lity prevails, and the paragraphs in the papers
abroad stating thatgreat agitation exists here among
thepeople are:untrue. His Excellency the Lord High
Commissioner, who left this on the 18th ult. for
the Southern Islands, accompanied by two men-of
war, is expected back about the middle of the pre.
sent month.' " •
The ,inauguration of No. 10 dock at Portsmouth,
forming the outer entrance of the steam-basin of the
dockyard, took place yesterday on the occasion of
the admission into it of the Marlborough, 131,
screw, Capt. W. H. Stewart, C. 8., flagship of Vice-
Admiral Martin. No. 10 has been built in oon
tinuu-
tion of No. 7 dock, and forms a new passage to the
eteam-basin from the harbour, more available at cer-
tain times of tide than the old entrance at the north
corner of the yard. It may be fairly considered the
only dock at Portsmouth capable of receiving a ship
of the Marllmreugh's size, with her guns, stores, and
crew on board. The design of the new dock, is,
however, defective from the unnecessary height of
the inverts over the dock flooring, which decreases
the depth of water, a fault which should have been
most studiously avoided.
The Meg mra, screw troopship, Com; S. Henderson,
arrived at Portsmouth yesterday from Devonport,
with supernumeraries, &c. She requires repairs in
her engine department, but will be made ready for
the conveyance of draughts of regiments to the
Mediterranean.
The Icarus sailed from Spithead yesterday for
Sheerness.
The Industry is expected to sail for Woolwich
from Portsmouth to-day.
The Avon, paddle, having been found to have
sustained little damage by grounding, will sail for
Devonport today or to-morrow.
No orders have yet been received at Portsmouth
for the outfit of any fleet of gunboats for service on
the North American station, or elsewhere, as has
been reported, and the only known cause which may
have led to such a-rumour is the instructions re-,
cently issued by the Controller of the Navy for the
regulation of the first class steam reserves.
The Cressy, 80, screw, 400-horse power, Capt. T.
Harvey, arrived at the Nore on the evening of the
13th. She was inspected by Vice-Admiral John-
stone yesterday, and brought into Sheerness har-
bour to be paid off.
The Ganges, 84, Capt. J. Falford, will be paid
off at Sheerness this morning.
Although some progress has been made, there is
still a great deal of machinery to be received al
Chatham Dockyard from the Government and pri-
vate engineering firms before the works connected
with the building of the new iron steamer Achilles
can be commenced.

On Monday a detachment of 56 non-commissioned
officers and men of the Royal Indian Engineers,
under the command of Capt. W. B. Cosset, left the
headquarters of the Royal Engineer Establishment,
Chatham, for Warley, where they are to be sta-
tioned until they embark for Calcutta.
During the time the Ist Subdivision of the sth
Company of Royal Engineers was under the rifle
instruction at Chatham they made exceedingly good
practice, no less than 11 obtaining the distinction
of being first-class marksmen, while the figure of
merit was above 40.
In addition to the 31st Company of Royal Engi-
neers, about 200 men of that branch of the service
have been taken off all other duty at the Royal En-
gineer establishment, Chatham, and are now em-
ployed on the field works, and in sapping and
mining operations at the practising-ground of the
Royal and Indian Engineers.:
The Diadem, 32, screw, Capt. Cockburn, steamed
into Portsmouth harbour on Monday morning,
where-the left wing of the 30th Regiment, under
the command of Major Atcherley, disembarked,
and were forvvaraPd by special train on the South-
Wersteru itailway to Farnborough, whence they
marched into camp at Aldershot.

The usual periodical brigade field days of the
troops at Chatham having commenced for the sea-
son, the whole of the available force of the garrison
was yesterday taken out on Chatham Lines. The
troops were drawn up in review order at 10.30 a.m.
On the arrival of Major-General Eyre, accompanied
by the garrison Staff, they were put through a va-
riety of manceuvres,;occupyiug about three hours.
On Monday Major-Gen. Lord F. Paulet inspected
the Royal London Militia, 450 strong, in the Ar-
tillery-ground, Finsbury-square, who were found to
be in an efficient state ; and afterwards the Queen's
Own Tower Hamlets Militia, at their head-quarters,
Bethnal-green.

The Radnor Division of the Cardigan, Brecon, and
Radnor Royal Rifles, under the command of Major
L. H. Peel, assembled for training on the 6th inst.
at headquarters, Presteign. There were only three
absentees, and the regiment is complete in its estab-
lishment. The regiment will be inspected on the
31st inst. by Major-Gen. Lord F. Paulet, C.B.
Yesterday the Ist West Kent Light Infantry
Militia were inspected by the Lord Lieutenant of
the county, Viscount Sydney, in the square of the
cavalry barracks, Maidstone. The regiment, which
is upwards of 400 strong, went through the dif-
ferent evolutions with rapidity and precision.
On Monday the 4th West York Militia were-
reviewed upon Woodhouse-moor, near Leeds, by
Colonel Campbell, C. 8., Inspecting Field-officer at
York. The strength of the regiment was about

630 of all ranks. The reviewing officer expressed
himself satisfied with the manner in which the men
went through their evolutions.

THAMES' ENBAIVENENT AND

RAILWA Y.

On Monday the Commissioners appointed by the
Crown to inquire into and report upon this question
had several important plans placed bafore them.
Mr. I. SEWELL, C.E., proposed an embankment
6ft. above low-water mark, to be constructed slop-
ing up to the existing wharves, so as to form a bed
for barges to lie on. Under this is to be a sewer, and a
Thames Railway is to be carried on pills over it,
leaving access to the existing wharves under-
neath. He also proposes a bed for barges and a
tour lines of railway running from the Victoria and
Pimlico Railway to London-bridge, in front of the
douses of Parliament, with a goods and coal station
at Hungerford, and stations at all the bridges at a
total estimate cost of £1,000,000. The railway
would be four miles long, uniting all the southern
and western railways, and, being self-supporting,
its revenues would pay the cost of construction, and
also yield a dividend.
Sir W. WORSLEY explained his plan for the puri-
fication of the Thames, in conjunction with a Thames
embankment with intercepting sewer and rain-fall
culferts down each side of the river, communicating
with the existing metropolitan sewers, built in ter-
race embankments faced by quay walls from a suit-
able distance above the river down to London-bridge.
These terrace embankments on the high-water dock
principle, it was stated, would be comparatively
inexpensive, commercially advantageous, and very
ornamental.
Mr. T. PAGE, C.E., delineated on diagrams and
drawings an embankment from Westminster-bridge
to Blackfriars, with side channels entered through
openings in the embankment, provided with single
gates. There would be a low level sewer under-
neath, a road_on "the embankment running from
Whitehall-place to Blackfriars-bridge, communi-
cating with Norfolk-street, Strand, and passing
under Hungerford and Waterloo-bridges. There
would also be a railway between the embank-
ment and the shore, communicating with the
London, Chatham, and Dover, and other rail-
ways, and a new street from east and of Temple•
gardens to Tudor-street, Blackfriars, so as to
open up communication with Fleet-street and
Bridge-street, Blackfriars, at a total estimated
cost of £450,000. The principle of his plan was
based on the requirements of the wharfingers and
the public, and for this purpose he gave a preference
to a detached over a solid embankment. The sewer
would be on the foreshore, between the wharves and
the embankment.
Mr. BAZALGETTE proposed an embankment on
both sides of the river, that on the north side ex-
tending from Westminster-bridge to Queenhithe,
and that on the south to Bankside, with docks
giving access to the existing wharves, the level of
the embankment being 4 ft. above Trinity high-
water mark for the wharves, with a roadway over
and a headway. The roadway would be 100 feet
wide, and the low level sewer, commencing at the
outlet of the Victoria-street sewer, would be carried
along the whole length of the embankment to Can-
non-street in the city, and thence onward by the
system of sewerage he ryas now carrying out for
the Metropolitan Board of Works. The estimated
cost of an embankment with docks, sewer_, oze., to
Queenhithe, .oa a new street to the Bank, would
be £1,260,000.

.
Mr. BURGE suggested a roadway 150 feet from
the wharves on columns, with a barge-bed below
with a low level sewer in it, and the Commissioners
adjourned.
The Commissioners resumed their inquiry yes-
terday ; Col. Jobb in the chair.
Walker, contemplatedoptthinfegcot
Mr. CARPMAEL ad
nhestltiuncetsiolhaidofdoawnnby
em-
bankment on each side the Thames, the river
t wallshf
tw. baetienrg,
wide,
with raani raised da
ast three
faces of the embankment°
or four feet above Trinity
ter-
race road on iron columns 100 1101
lof 10 ft. between it and the rivert for landing quays,
uniting with the leading landthoroughfares. The
cost of it, he contended, would be
small as contrasted with plans
where docks
floating basins were required.
Mr. S. SPROUL designed to cut comparatively
or
river
° fife belt from
the
f
130 f
wasidef,aranddoLnnt iatswiDthepatford, a
solid wall of stone, 60 feet
to be devoted to ranges of public buildings, and GO
feet for public *promenades. He also contemplated
quays, bathing-grounds, and a level-level sewer
under the embankment.
__

have evidence as to the des
Mr. LEACH, engineer to the
ira Tblheanmesessocfonesoenrsvtarnaecyt:
rng a Thames embankment, and with reference to
dredging the river and improving the navigation.
of allowing., easy access to the existing wharves_ byat
arcade railway
Mr. ITAGGET'S idea of an embankment was that
means of main docks, together with a sewer and an
Mr. R. TURNER, C.E.
with open wharves under, suggested an embankment
a capacious roadway for
the through traffic, and a low level street to com-
municate with the wharves. lie also proposed a
low-level sewer, streets, and a railway, at a
total
cost of £560,000.

The Commissioners then adjourned.

'of any sort, the back sight is to be care-
fully adjusted; a true alignment, taken through
the notch of the backsight, on the object aimed at,
and a correct elevation for the estimated distance,
being essential to aceNtrate shooting. The general
order directs that these rules be carefully explained
to the non-commissioned officers and privates by
captains and officers of companies, and that they be
observed at all evolutions; also, that officers gene-
rally make themselves proficient in a knowledge of
distances, and thoroughly acquainted with the
powers of the rifle. Officers commanding divisions,
brigades, and garrisons are to ascertain by fre-
quent inspections and close examinations that the
field and company officers possess a correct know-
ledge of distances, and of the theory and practice
of rifle shooting. If the instructions herein detailed
are attended to, his Royal Highness is satisfied that
the rifle will be found to be a weapon of great
value in silencing artillery at distances up to 900
yards.

' and most offensive description. On one occasio
he struck her with his fist, and knocked her down,
while she was in the kitchen. She went to the
parlour, and he folbwcd her. He asked her
what she was looking for, and she said she wanted
her bonnet. Upon which he took hold of her by
the hair, and dragged her along the floor. He
afterwards locked her np in a room, where she re-
mained for three hours, and she released herself by
forcing off the lock of the door. She then stated
that she was obliged lo seek the protection of the
magistrates ; but or her husband's promises of
amendment she went to live with him again.
She accused him of hs familiarity with the woman
Edwards, which he ud not deny. He said to her
that she was no wifeof his, and only a paltry ser-
vant when he married her. She had some conver-
sation with him reecting his eldest son on the
subject of doing beer for him by putting him into
business, on which occasion he c ught hold of her,
and threw her out )f the house into a ditch. She
then went to Welend, and afterwards obtained
admission into the Hillingdon workhouse. There
she was visited by I'dwards, who brought her some
things, and she wmt to a lodging in Hillingdon.
Her husband earns to fetch her, and she was so
weak and ill that she had to be carried down stairs
to the fly. Whea they reached home she was
placed in a bed in her loom, and was ill for a fort-
night, but she had no doctor during that time. On
one occasion she repeated to him a conversation
that she had overheard between him and Edwards,
and he kicked her on the side. As soon as she was
able to leave the house she came to London, and
went to the Palace Stores, Pall-mall. The witness
then detailed )ther acts of ill-treatment which she
received while under her husband's roof, and ac-
cording to her statement one of the sons had
threatened to throw her into a pond unless she left
the house, and called her --. In reference to
this remark, her husband said it was all right, that
she was a -- during her whole life, and that if he
had known what he did then he would never have
married tier. It appeared further that from the time
of the marriage till she finally left they separated
frequently, and during one of these temporary ab-
sences he threatened to shoot her if she returned
home.

In cross-examination the witness admitted that
she had thrown a saucer at her husband, and that
on one occasion he complained of her fami-
liarity with a man named Pinks, a barman, who
had lived in service with her at Mr. Wallace's
public-house. She took out of a bureau a gold
watch which belonged to her mother, and a silver
tankard which had been given to her by a deceased
relative, as well as a gold snuff-box which had been
given her brother by the Marquis of Westminster.
She had also taken away her clothes against his
wishes. She denied she had ever taken home any
brandy, or that she had ever been intoxicated.
Two witnesses were tilled, who deposed to the
state of the petitioner's health at the time she was
at Hillingdon, and to disputes having taken place
between the parties.
Mr. Cole, a farmer, sale he called on the respon-
dent on business about foir years ago, and saw him.
His wife was in the room with him, and some dif-
ference took place between them, when he turned
her out of the room. Mrs.Hitcheock called her hus-
band an " old devil," ant said that he had killed
his first wife. Mr. Hitchcock frequently asked her
to be quiet and allow him to transact his business.
In turning her out of the room Mr. Hitchcock did
not use more violence than was necessary.
Thomas Skipton, a polimman, stated that in Oct.,
1859, he was called into the Duke of Kendall, or
the Kendall Arms public-house, for the purpose of
removing Mrs. Hitchcock, who was stated to be
creating a disturbance there. He went up stairs and
found Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock in a room. Mr.
Hitchcock was in the act of searching her boxes.
He asked Mrs. Hitchcock if he was her husband,
Ind being told that he was, he said he could do no-
thing in the matter, and was about to leave, when
Mrs. Hitchcock came across the room with a news-
paper in her baud, which she wanted to show wit-
ness. (The paper was understood to contain an
order of affiliation on the respondent by the magis-
trates.) Mr. Hitchcock caught hold of her round
fromth the waist
but did
andendneoatvosuucreedecd.to take the newspaper
Some other 'evidence as to what occurred at the
Duke of Kendall was given, which closed the peti-
tioner's case.
For the defence the respondent was examined,
who denied in the most positive manner that he had
ever been guilty of ill-treatment towards his wife,
but, on the contrary, that she behaved most vio
lently to him, throwing cups and saucers at him,
and on one occasion threatening to stab him with a
carving knife. She was addicted to intemperance,
and he had to pay a large bill which she incurred
at a public-house.

The case was not concluded at the rising of the
Court, and was adjourned till Thursday, 23d inst.
Mr. Sergeant Ballantine and Dr.S wabcy appeared
for the petitioner, and Mr. Hawkins, Q.C., and Dr.
Spinks fur the respondent.

11.1.1.UDL.6WEX SESSIONS.—May 14