The Sun.
London, England, 1850-02-09 00:00:00

CO WAS, ISLE OF WIGHT.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
COWES, FEB. 9
FORTUNATE ESCAPE.—During the gale on Tim,-
day night, Captain Kruft, of the Prussian barque
Commerce, left Cowes in • his boat, with four hands,
to return to his ship in the roadstead, having with
him Captain Dethlef,en, of the schooner Hamburgh,
intending to put him on board his vessel. They
made the bArque and hailed her, stating they were
going to the schooner, which was lying a little to the
eastward, to put the master on board, but, it being
dark, the gale drove them by her, without their see-
ing her, and in spite of all-their efforts to regain the
barque, they were driven to the- eastward during the
night; their boat being a poor sea-boat was nearly
half filled with water, when, fortunately, they dis-
covered a sloop driving before the gale, and got on
board of her. The storm continuing all Wednesday,
they could not get back to Cowes, and the greatest
anxiety was felt for theta, the captains of the other
foreign ships sending shore boats in search of them ;
but it was not till Thursday morning that their safety
was ascertained, when the Prussian flag was seen
floating in all directions, that being agreed on as a
signal for their safety.
Some few trees were blown down, and a few tiles
and chimney-pots displaced, but no serious accident
happened, either on shore or afloat, during the storm.

ROYAL SCOTTISH SOCIETY'S

BALL.

The members and friends of this new institution cele-
brated the anniversary of its formation, on Thursday
night, by a splendid ball, at Willis's. There must have
been at one time not less than five hundred present,

- of fair wori.ea
And brave men."

Of all national re-unions, says a contemporary, the hearC-
est, most spirit-stirring, and picturesque is a Highland
gathering, and that none with any feeling for the manly
in masculine attire, and graceful in feminine, can avoid
disparaging the contrast, when he dances over a ball-
room bright with the many hued and varied tartan,
and exhibiting in its best proportions the human figure,
without some touch of indignation that the servility of
fashion should have reduced Europeans to sparrow-tailed
coats and horrid continuations. We need hardly add
our concurrence in his indignation, and if any scene
would call it forth, that of Thursday evening was the
most likely, from the magnificent dresses worn on
the occasion, and tke extreme taste displayed in
uniform and costume; altogether, perhaps, Willis's Rooms
have not had so gay an assembly since the Waverly
Ball of 1845, or the Celtic of 1847. Dancing, to music
of the newest and choicest composition, discoursed by
an admirable band, led by Mr. Henderson, was con-
tinned throughout the evening with unabated vigour,
including the elegant Strath.ley. The stewards were
assiduous in their attention, and the refreshments were
of the best, and most ample. The members of the Cale.
donian Society joined their countrymen on the occasion,
vieing in their efforts of enthusiasm and patriotism in
the benevolent cause of charity. The objects of this
society are twofold, that of dispensing charity extracted
from social enjoyment, and its success will be remem-
bered by its magnificent display last June in Holland-
park, having had the honour of the royal patronage and
prese❑ce on the occasion. The management, with Mr.
Boucher, their indefatigable secretary, deserve the
greatest credit for their enterprise in catering for the
public the agreeable amusements in their prospectus,
and we are sure that they will be supported at their next
gala, which is announced to take place in Jnne. Mr.
Douglas, their steward, was most attentive on this as on
all former occasions.

RAILWAY RETURNS
RAILWAY TRAFFIC.—The following are the Total Receipts of Rail-
ways for the past week—that is to say, up to the date to which the
respective returns arc made, together with the receipts of the same
week in the previous year:—