The Sun.
London, England, 1850-09-13 00:00:00

~7-

days from Copenhagen, parted with her on the 16th of
June, and arrived here four days before her, although •
we had the Mary in tow. I have only to add that we
Are all well and in high spirits, and that I am yours
very faithfully,
" A.Barelay, Etq.

" JOHN Ross.

" P.S. I have the pleasure to add that I have suc-
ceeded in obtaining an Esquimaux who understands
the Danish language; and, having now made all the
preparations necessary for cur arduous undertaking,
we are now getting under weigh. I intend first to
try to get across at once, ani, if I fail in that, to
follow the usual course up the east side of Baifin's
Bay, &c."

GLOUCESTER MUSICAL FESTIVAL.
GLOUCESTER, THURSDAY. —Last night's concert
proved a bumper, and on the whole went off with
spirit. Miss Lucombe sang the songs allotted to her
in the programme, having recovered from her indis-
position, and Miss Dolby sang one song, but was
obliged to retire immediately afterwards. The con-
cert commenced with Mozart's Grand Symphony (E
fiat), which was played in a splendid manner by the
band. Miss Lucombe made her debiit "Que le voce,"
from Puritani. It was well sung, but the lady's voice
wants mellowness. Formes's " Wanderer," of course,
created a powerful impression, but we must confess
our preference for Staudigl. Madame Castellan's ap-
pearance in the orchestra at once showed her to be a
favourite with a Gloucestershire audience, and she
well rewarded the confidence placed in her by the
execution of the delicious " Dove sono," which was
most sweetly and eloquently rendered by the fair
and accomplished artiste, while • the accom-
paniment was subdued in the best taste
by the band. The La mia Dora-
belle" exchanged places in the scheme with
the quartette from Acis and Galatea, and " Star-led
chiefs," which was but indifferently performed by
Miss Lucombe, Mr. Lockey, and Herr Formes. Sims
Reeves in the " Com' e soave," from Rosamuncla di
Ravenna, proved that his falsetto had improved. Oc-
casionally, however, his voice was painfully over-
strained. Then followed the "Bid me Discourse,"
from Venus and Adonis, as composed by Sir H. R.
Bishop. The overture to Oberon opened the second
' act, and was perfectly performed. A song from Mac-
farren's new opera of Charles 11., " She shines
before me like a star," again developed the beauty of
Miss Williams's rich contralto. Madame Sontag and
Mr. Sims Reeves sung the duet, "Da quel di," from
Linda di Chamouni, perfectly; and the former was
as brilliant as ever in the "Quand je quittai," from
Roberto le Diable. Mr. Henry Phillips, the only
true illustrator of Dibdin left us, on coming forward
to sing his favourite "'Twas post meridian," was
warmly received and welcomed as an old friend.
What shall be said of Madame Sontag's "Home,
sweet Home," but that she has restored to us one of
our national ballads, and proved how much can be
made of simple means by talent and natural gifts.
There is evidently no abatement of interest in the
festival, and the cathedral was well filled in every
part. The performances finished about half-past four.
Part I. of this morning's musical performance con-
sisted of the first and second part of Haydn's
beautifully descriptive oratorio of The Creation,
the principal solo parts being allotted) to Madame
Sontag, Madame Castellan, Miss Lucombe, Mr.
Sims Reeves, Mr. Phillip:, Mr. Lockey, and Mr.
Lawler. The singular dramatic introduction, repre-
senting chaos, went off with its usual effect, and was
a peifsct performalice. Mr. Lawler was judicious in
his interpretation of the recitative commencing "And
God made the firmament." Of the choruses we may
say generally, that, with few exceptions, they went off
very well. Henry Phillips appeared to have gained
new life in the first air allotted to him, "Rolling in
foaming billows." The delicious gem of this beautiful
oratorio, " With verdure clad," was given by
Madame Sontag. Madame Castellan reaped
for herself new laurels in the air, "On mighty
pens." The fine symphonies and accompaniments
allotted to the band in this oratorio were delicately
rendered. The terzetto, "Most beautiful appear,"
was given by Miss Lucombe, Mr. Sims Reeves, and
Mr. Lawler. Phillips was happy in his delivery of
his descriptive recitative, " Straight opening her fer-
tile Womb ;" every word was distinctly uttered. "In
native worth," was given to Sims Reeves, and here
the principal tenor far outshone anything which he
had attempted at this festival. After the selection
from the Creation was given one from Beethoven's
Service in C. As usual, the Latin was outraged most
unmercifully, every syllable being dashed with an
Italian accent. The second part of the morning's
performance consisted cf Mendelssohn's "Laude
Zion," and a selection from Jeptha. Little can be
said in favour of the " Lauda Zion," which embodies
most of the faults of the lamented composer, and but
few of his excellencies. After this sacred cantata,
the double chorus, " He rebuked the Red Sea," from
.Handqs Israel in Egypt, was well given by the
choral body, and was followed by Handel's " Holy,
holy," divinely sung by Madame Sontag, but her
"Let the bright Seraphim" proved in some measure a
disappointment. _ _

TO:morrow is the last day of the festival. The col-
lection to-day is not yet cast up.

CHURCH EXTENSION.
The following new churches are in course of erec-
tion, and will be shortly finished and consecrated :
Birmingham, St. Martin, district of St. Jude, in the
diocese of Worcester—style, Gothic, of the 13th cen-
tury, to accommodate 300 in pews and 1,002 on free
seats—estimated cost, 2,800/. Birstall, district of
Gomersall, in the diocese of Ripon—style, decorated
English, of the 14th century, to accommodate 125 in
pews, and 341 on free seats—estimated cost, 2,0001.
Bristol, St. Paul, district of Veir, in the diocese of
Gloucester and Bristol—style, middle pointed, of the
14th century, to accommodate 208 in pews and 634
on free seats—estimated cost, 2,87. W. Bury, district
of Ramsbottom, in the diocese of Manchester—style,
Gothic, to accommodate 318 in pews and 210 on free
seats—estimated cost, 3,273/. Cadoxton, district of
Skewen, in the diocese of Llandatf—style, early de-
corated, to accommodate 48 in pews end 252 on free
seats—estimated cost, 1,0701. Chard, Tatworth, in
the diocese of Bath and Wells—style, early
English, of the 12th century, to accommodate
305 on free seats, at an estimated cost of 920/.
Cborley, St. Peter's, in the diocese of Manchester
—style, early English Gothic, of the latter part
of the 12th century, to accommodate 163 in pews and
648 on free seats—estimated cost, 2,45 C/. Croydon,
in the diocese of Canterbury—style, Gothic, of the
14th century, to accommodate 293 in pews and 493
on free seats—estimated cost, 7,3501. West Derby,
Edgehill, in the diocese of Manchester—style, Gothic,
cif the 13th century, to accommodate 500 in pews and
500 on tree seats—estimated cost, 3,800/. Duffield,
district of Bridge-hill, in the diocese of Lichfield—
style, early English Gothic, to accommodate 152 in
pews, and 448 on free seats—estimated cost, 2,250/.
Gresford, Gwersyllt, diocese of St. Asaph—style,
Gothic, of the 13th century, to accommodate 334 on
free seats—estimated cost, 2,1801. Leeds, diocese of
Ripon—style, Gothic of the 14th century, to accom-
modate 756 on free seats, at an estimated cost of
2,515/. Llanelly, district of St. Paul, in the diocese
of St. David's—style, Gothic of the latter part of the
13th century, to accommodate 503 on free seats, at an
estimated cost of 2,200/. St. Pancras, Haverstock-
hill, in the diocese of Londen—style, Gothic—to ac-
commodate 446 in pews, and 979 on free seats—esti-
mated cost, 9,750/. Rochdale, district of Healey, in
the diocese of Manchester—style, decorated, of the
14th century, to accommodate 250 in pews and 350
on free seats—estimated cost, 2 520/. Sheffield district
of Moorfields, in the diocese of York—style, early
English, to accommodate 395 in pews and 577 on free
seats, at an estimated cost of 1,750/. Stockport, dio-
cese of Chester— style, third pointed ofperpendicular,
about 1,420, to accommodate 206 in pews and 402 on
free seats, at an estimated cost of 2,7831. Stoke Da-
merel, in the diocese of Exeter—style, Gothic of the
141 century, to accommodate 1,093, at an estimate of
6,0001. Stoke D amerel, district of St. Mary, Devon-
port, same diocese—style, Gothic of the 14th century,
to accommodate 809 on free seats, at an estimate of
4,4801. Stoke Damerel, district of St. Paul, Devon-
port,centu
rysa,mteo
accomdiocese—style,modate 74 1
on decorated,
free ofs e
at
thse7els4t tih..
mate, 3,690/. IVedne3burs, Mosley, in the diocese
of Lichfield—style, early English of the 13th century,
to accommodate 189 in pews and 446 on free seats—
estimate, 2,6251. Westminster, Sr. John, diocese of
London—style, Gothic, of the 14th century, to ac-
commodate 300 in pews and 909 on free seats—esti-
mated cost, 7,1501. Whalley, district of Musbury, in
the diocese of Manchester—style, decorated, of the
14th century, to accommodate 101 in pews and 399
on free seats—estimated cost, 1,2221.

THE RIGHTS OF THE NEGRO IN THE UNITED
STATES.—The Norfolk Beacon thus notices a practice which
has recently grown up in that city :—" About 25 negroes
were arre,ted yesterday and taken before his Honour the
Mayor for violating the States law against slaves making
their own bargains, and receiving the money for their ser-
vices. They were discharged upon producing their badges.
It will be recollected that there is a corporation law which
allows negroes to work and receive their money by paying a
tax of one dollar and taking a badge. No more badges will
be granted hereafter, as the corporation law conflicts with the
State law on the subject. We are glad to see this move-
ment, for really the negrces have become ao independent un-
der the present system that it is almost impossible to get one
to do a day's work, and a change is loudly called for,"

A NEW COMET.—M. Victor Mauvais, Member of
the Institute and of the Board of Longitude, has just disco-
vered, at the Observatory of Paris, a new comet in the con-
stellation of Chari,teer, a little to the east of the star Delta
in that constellation. The following was its apparent posi-
tion :—On Sept. 9, 1850, at 13 hours 37 min. 2 sec., average
time of Paris, reckoned from noon—right ascension, 90 deg.
17 min. 1 sec ; northern declination, 53 deg. 2S min. 20 sec.
In 24 hours the right ascension augments 3 deg. 53 min., and
its declination diminishes 1 deg. 9 min. This comet is easily
seen with a good poi table telescope ; it offers the appearance
of a small whitish oval nebulosity, of from two to this
minutes diameter, but without any tail.