The Sun.
London, England, 1850-10-12 00:00:00

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• 18 13 LONDON, SATURDAY V, Ate k 4 N „
4
W . 9 OCTOBER 12, 1850.

TO be LET, SWANSCOMBE, KENT.
in this beautiful Village, a desirable
FAMILY RESIDENCE, in complete repair, and containing
breakfast, dining, and drawing-rooms, five bed-rooms, excellent
offices, two-stall stable and coach-house, kitchen-garden, large pad-
dock and well-stocked erchard ; a good supply of excellent spring

water.
The premises are a short distance from the Greenhithe Pier,
where boats call to and from London frequently in the day, and only
half-a-mile from the Northflcct Station.
For terms,, B:,c..'LMply to A. It. Steel, Esq., /co. 1, Lincoln's Inn-
fields ; or to 21r. Frederick Goodeve, Ingress Abbey.

• PRESIDENT,
The Right Honourable the Earl of Rosebery, K.T.
VICE-PRESIDENTS,
The Honourable Lord Monereiff.
Ills Gtace the Puke.of Buccleuch, K.G.
The Most Hon. the Marquis of Tweeddale, K.T. and C.B.
Sir William Gibson Craig, Bart., of Ricca, ton, M.P.
SCOTTISH • WIDOWS' FUND AND LIFE
ASSURANCE SOCIETY,
Founder A.D. 1815,
The whole Profits belong to the Assured, and are divisible Septen-
nially.

Accumulated Capital,
TWO MILLIONS TWO HUPOUNL-NDRED AND FOUR THOUSAND
S.

Annual Revenue about
THREE HITNDRED THOUS.IND POUNDS.
Av,rage Amount of Assurances effected Annually for the last
Twelve Years,
HALF A MILLION PER ANNUM.

---
N.B. The Books of the Society c'ose for the current year on 31st
December, and Policies effected before that period have the advau-
tage of a full year's standing over those delayed beyond it.
HEAD OFFICE, EDINBURGH, 5, ST. ANDREW-SQUARE.
JOHN MACKENZIE, Manager. -
WM. GEORGE, Chief Clerk.
LONDON OFFICE, 4, ROYAL EXCHANGE BUILDINGS.
HUGH WKEAN, Agent.

CATHOLIC LAW AND GENERAL LIFE
ASSURANCE COMPANY,
8, NEW COVENTRY-STREET, LEICESTER-SQUARE, LONDON.
The FOURTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Proprie-
tors of this Company took place on the 25th instant, at the Head
Office, at One o'clock precisely. The following is extracted from the
report, which is too lengthy for publication :
During the past year no claims have arisen from deaths in England.
and but two in Ireland—one for 5001. and the other for 2001.—making
together 7001., which have been paid. This is far below the expected
mortality, and is especially favourable, when it is remembered how
severely the life offices generally suffered from the epidemic of last
year.
The number of lives assured between the Ist of June, 1949, and
the 31st of May, 1850, was more than double the number issued in
the twelve months preceding.
Proposals were made for 138 Policies, amounting to 52,9631.25. 6d.:
of these 123, comprising 106 lives, were accepted for 45,1251. 6s.
Sixteen Policies lapsed, representing 6,0481., upon which 3201. 3s.
was received by the Company in the shape of premiums.
Since the commencement of the Company to the Ist of June last,
assurances were effected to the extent of 110,972/. 125 6d., pro-
ducing in annual premiums 3,732/. I Is. 6d. Of these 54 lapsed,
amounting to 23,990/. 16s. 6d., of which the annual premiums were
7411. ls., leaving the yearly income on the Ist of June last equal to
2,991/. 15e. 11d.
Since last meeting loans were applied for to the extent of 17,7007.,
but 1,1831. Ils. 10d. only was advanced.
The Directors were also highly gratified to report that within the
last four months they had considerably extended their business on
the Continent, having appointed, as Head Agent in France, Monsieur
de I'Etang, a gentleman of high standing in Paris, distinguished for
his integrity and ability in financial and in all assurance matters,
who, under the sanction and patronage of the Archbishop of Paris,
the Cardinal Archbishop of Lyons, and Monseigneur Parisis, Eveque
de Langres, has already within the last three months effected a con•
siderable amount of business, not only in Life Assurances, but in An-
nuities both Immediate and Deferred.
After various resolutions, approving of the Report, and returning
thanks to the Right Reverend Chairman, Bishop Mortis, the Vice-
Chairman, Actuary, Secretary, and Medical Officers of the establish-
ment, the meeting separated, highly gratified at its present results
and future prospects.

ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION.
orge -
Lecture on the Ballad Music of England, by Mr. Ge Bar
ker, illustrated by his own compositions, every Evening (except Sa-
turday) at Eight o'clock.—Lecture on the Hydro-Electric Machine,
by Dr. Bachhoffner.—Lecture on Chemistry by J. H. Pepper, Esq., il-
lustrating, the Ancient Fiery Ordeal and the Handling of lied Hot
Metals. —Model'of Weston's Patent Nova-Motive Railway, at work
daily.—Dissolving Views illustrating some of the Wonders of Na-
ture, daily at Half-past Four, and in the Evenings at a Quarter to
Ten; also a Series, exhibiting Scenes in the Arctic Regions and
Ceylon, daily at One e'clock.—Diver and Diving-bell, &c., &c.
Admission, la.—Schools, Half-price.
Open daily from Eleven till Five o'clock, and every Evening (ex-
cept Saturday) from Seven till Half- past Ten.

ARGYLL ROOMS, GREAT WINDMILL-
STREET, ST. JAMES'S.
Licensed pursuant to Act of Parliament of the 25th of King Gorge
the Second.
(Sole Lessee, Charles Emile Laurent, jun., 57, Brompton-square.)
L AURENT'S CELEBRATED AND UNRIVALLED BAND !
Principal Cornet.a-Piston, M. Boulcourt, from Paris, and Artiste
Attache to M Strauss' Orchestra at the Baths of Vichy,
France.
As this elegant and popular resort of fa•hion is now duly
LICENSED by ACT of PARLIAMENT,
CONCERTS
will be produced, in addition to dancing. The new lessee pledges
himself that nothing shall be wanting on his part to render this
establishment worthy the distinguished patronage and support it has
hitherto been honoured with, and respectfully solicits a continuance
of those favours, wh'ch it will ever be his study to deserve.
Doors open every evening at Half-past Eight—Dancing to commence
at Nine precisely.—A dmission, One Shilling.
N.B. Particulars of the Concerts will shortly appear.

ROYAL ADELAIDE GALLERY, STRAND.
Mr. T. B. SIMPSON has the honour to announce the
OPENING of the magnificent Ball-room of this Establishment on
MONDAY next, October 14. The Band will consist of first-rate
instrumentalists, conducted by Borini. Mr. Simpson takes this oppor-
tunity of thanking his friends and neighbours for their kindness and
assistance in procuring the Licence for his premises ; and further,
begs to assure them and the public that no exertion on his part shall
be wanting to merit their continued approbation and support.
Doors open at Halt-past Seven o'clock. Admission One Shilling.

DEPRIE'S PATENT GAS BATH.
By the use of the above, a HOT BATH can be obtained in six
minutes for less than twopence. Every family should provide itself
with this invaluable requisite, its limited cost placing it within the
means of all, and its simplicity within the management of a child.
DEFRIE'S ECONOMIC GAS COOKING STOVES are adapted for
all establishments, lar:e or small, and need only be seen to be appre-
ciated for their cleanliness and econemy, entirely dispensing with all
coal. To be seen daily In operation (Saturday excepted) at 221, Re-
gent-street ; and, also in action, DEFRIE'S DRY GAS METER:
40,000 in use.--1,1.11. The apparatus can be applied for all eating
purposes.

PAINS IN THE BACK, GRAVEL, LUMBAGO, RHEUMATISM,
GOUT, INDIGESTION, DEBILITY, STRICTURE, GLEET, &c.
DR. DE ROOS'S RENAL PILLS, as their
name Renal (or the Kidneys) indicates, are a certain Cure for
the above dangerous complaints, and Diseases of the Kidneys and
Urinary Organs generally, resulting from imprudence or otherwise,
which, if neglected, frequently end in stone in the bladder, and a
lingering death. By their salutary action on acidity of the stomach,
they correct bile and indigestion, purify and promote the renal se-
cretions, thereby preventing the formation of stone, and establishing
for Pie the healthy functions of all these organs. In cases of gout
and rheumatism, combrned with diseased urine, occurring after mid-
dle age, they are infallible.
May be obtained through all medicine venders, at I s. 1%d., 2s. Pd.,
4s. Gd., and I Is. per box; or sent free, on receipt of the price in
postage stamps, by Dr. De Roes, 35, Ely-place, Holborn-hill, London,
who may be consulted daily from 10 till 1, and 4 till 8, Sunday ex-
cepted, unless by previous arrangement. Advice, with medicine, 11.
Patients corre,ponded with till cured

DR. LA'MERT ON THE SECRET INFIRMITIES OF YOUTH
AND MATURITY.—WITII 40 COLOURED ENGRAVINGS ON
STEEL.
Just published, and may be had in French or English, in a Sealed
Envelope, 2s. 6d., or post-free, from the Author, for forty-two
Stamps,SE,F-PRESERVATION; a
Medical Treatise on the Physiology of Marriage, and on
the Secret Infirmities and Disorders of Youth and Maturity,
usually acquired at an early period of life, which debilitate
the physical and mental powers, diminish and enfeeble the natural
feelings, and exhaust the vital energies of Manhood ; with Practical
Observations on the Treatment of Nervous Debility and Indigestion,
whether arising from these causes, close study, or the influence of
tropical climates: Local and Constitutional Weakness, Syphilis,
Stricture, and all Diseases and Derangements resulting from Indis-
cretion. With Forty coloured Engravings, illustrating the
Anatomy, Physiology, and Diseases of the Reproductive Organs,
explaining their straetut es, uses, and ftmctions, and the various
Injuries that are produced in them by solitary habits, excesses, and
Infection. BY SAMUEL LA'MERT, M.D..
87, BEDFORD-SQUARE. LONDON.

Doctor of Medicine. Matriculated Member of the University of Edin-
burgh, Licentiate of Apothecaries' Hall, London, Honorary Member
of the London Hospital Medical Society, &c.
This work contains an accurate and complete account of the
Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive Organs. It un-
fertunately happens that the unhappy victim of excessive indul-
gence and vicious habits, while suffering from their invariable con-
sequences, unwisely entertains a fear of applying to a qualified physi-
cTaa for relief. Shame and the dread so frequently, but erro-
neously entertained that these complaints are beyond the reach of
art, alike restrict him and prevent his seeking for assistance where
alone it can be procured. Dr. LA 'MERT has taken the highest
medical honours, as his diplomas testify, and the great extent of his
practice for many years is a guarantee for his professional experi-
ence, which has reference almost solely to the treatment of these
&Eases.
Published by the Author, and may be had of Kent and Richards,
52, Paternoster-row; Hannay, 63, Oxford-street; Starie, Tichborne-
Haymarket ; Maim, 39, Cornhill ; Gordon, 146, Leaden-
hall-street, London ; or, free by post for forty-twa stamps. from
shttharelelAnthor's Residence. 37. Bedford-souare London.

THIRTY-FIRST EDITION.
Illustrated by 26 Anatomical Coloured Engravings en Steel.
ON PHYSICAL DISQUALIFICATIONS, GENERATIVE INCA-
PACITY, AND IMPEDIMENTS TO MARRIAGE.
Kew Edition, enlarged to 196 pages. Just published, price 2s. 6d., or
by post, direct from the Establishment, 3s. 6d. in postage stamps,
THE SILENT FRIEND, a Medical Work on
the infirmities and decay of the generative system, from ex-
cessive indulgence, infection, and the inordinate use of mercury,
with remarks on Marriage, and the means of obviating certain dis-
qualifications. Illustrated by 26 Coloured Engravings. By R. and.
L. PERRY and CO., Consulting Surgeons, 19, Berners-street, Ox-
cord-street, London. Published by the Authors : sold by Strange,
11, Paternoster-row ; Hannay, 63, and Sanger. 150, Oxford-street ;
Starie, 23, Titchborne-street, Haymarket; and Gordon, 146, Leaden-
hall-street.
PART treats of the anatomy and phsiology of the re-productive
organs, and is illustrated by Six Coloured Engravings.
PART 11. treats of the consequences resulting from excessive in-
dulgence, and their lamentable effects on the system, producing
mental and bodily weakness, nervous excitement, and generative
incapacity. Illustrated by Three Explanatory Engravings.
PART 111. treats of the diseases resulting from inrection, either in
the pimary or econdary form, and contains explicit directions for
theirr treatments. This section is illustrated by Seventeen Coloured
Engravings.
PART IT. contains a Remedy for the Prevention of Disease by a
simple application, by whith the danger of infection is 'obviated.
This important part of the Work should not escape the reader's
notice.
PART V. is devoted to the eonsideration of marriage, and its du-
ties. The causes of unproductive union are also considered, and tie.
whole subject critically and philosophically inquired into.
Tan CORDIAL BALM OF STRIACDM is exclusively employed in
treating nervous and sexual debility, impotence, &c., 1 ls. and 335.
per bottle. The Concentrated Detersive Essence, an anti-syphilitic
comet', for purifying the blood in cases of infection, secondary
symptoms, eruptions, and the abuse of mercury, 1 ls. and 335. per
bottle. Perry's Purifying Specific Pills, 2s. 9d., 4s. 6d., and 115.
per box, a certain remedy for gonorrhoea, eet, stricture, and
chronic) inflammation of the bladder. Consultation fee, if by letter,
If. A minute detail of the case is required: age, habits, and posi-
tion in society. 11. Packets, with advice, to be had at the Esta-
blishment only by
which the fee, it., is saved. Messrs. Perry,
sttendancetmdaTilywo 19,anatdiv
Five onetrs..-Estirgeoht% 000Xfsounrd.-
slturgreeet°,nLos'Eare in
don . from Eleven
day, from Eleven to Quo.

THE BEHRING'S STRAITS BOAT EXPE-
DITION OF COMMANDER PULLEN.

The following are extracts of a very interesting
private letter from Lieutenant Hooper, R.N., to his
father, Mr. F. S. Hooper, of Little Tower-street,
City. This gallant young officer belonged to her
Majesty's ship Plover, and was selected by Comman-
der Pullen to accompany him in the boat expedition
detached from the ship to search along the north
coast of North America. The ice-master of this ex•-
pedit.ion and another have returned to this country
in7alided, and by them we learn that the Admiralty
dispatches referred to reached Commander Pullen in
June last, whilst his party was on its journey to
Hudson's Bay, whence they immediately retraced
their steps to resume their arduous search, and will
probably attempt to reach Banks's Land and Melville
Island :

" Fort Norman, Mackenzie River,
" Sunday, Nov. 11, 1849.
'My Beloved Parents,—ln my hurried letter of
25th July I told you of my having been one of the
selected to proceed in the boats along the coast to-
wards the Mackenzie River, where the ships could not
go, in search of poof Sir John Franklin's expedition,
and after we had started I wrote another hurried
scrawl to carry you as far with me as possible. As
my friend Linsey promised to give you a relation of
events up to that period, and you will, doubtless, receive
those letters long before this reaches you, I shall not
go further back than their date, so now for a brief
narrative of our doings since. We started from the
Plover (with which were the Herald and Nancy
Dawson yacht), on the night of the 25th of July, the
officers in charge being Lieutenant Pullen, our friend
Martin, and your loving and dutiful son, with 22
men, among which were the ice-master and an inter-
preter. We were in four boat., two barges and two
whalers, and had a plentiful supply of provisions.; but
from the very great haste with which we were packed
off, did not provide ourselves with a superabundance
of clothes. I must tell you a little incident which
occurred just at starting, to show what nonsense omens
are. When I hoisted my sail, an officer of the Herald
sung out to me, after they had manned the rigging
and given us three cheers, Hooper, look at your en-
sign.' I looked up, and oh horror ! it was union down,
andhe continued, Bedad that's unlucky.' So much for
evil omens ; here we are, safe enough. We soon lost
sight of the vessels, a very. thick fog coming on, and be-
ing favoured by a fine wind we ran rapidly along the
coast. On the 30th we again saw the Nancy Dawson,
and she was with us at intervals until the 2d of
August ; on this day we reached Point Barrow, the
northernmost extremity of America, and there put up
a post stating our visit, and the same night we con-
tinued our voyage. Now, in Mr. Pullen'e instructions
from Captain Moore, Martin was named to accom-
pany him in the smaller boats, should the larger ones
not be able to proceed, and in that case was to re-
turn with these ; but Mr. Pullen chose to take me,
and send Martin back, as he required me to take
the magnetic observations. I represented to him that
this was cutting Martin out, but he said that the
captain had told him to take which he pleased, so I
could say no more.
" At Point Barrow we had purchased, by barter,
an Esquimaux oomiak (or boat), which we loaded
with stores, as well as the two whalers, and on the
sth August parted company from the two large
boats, having picked twelve men from the whole
number, and leaving Martin in charge of the
rest. Poor good fellow, he was sadly disap-
pointed
at not geing, but said he did not care
so long as it was I who went in his room. It would
be tedious to follow our subsequent adventures day by
day, but you will be amused .to learn that we had
very nearly been settled by the Esquimaux on three
occasions, on the latter of which they fired their
arrows at us thickly, and we answered at last with
our guns; fortunately their arrows did not strike any
one, although falling ahead and astern of the boat ;
nor are we sure that any of them were hurt, but some
of the men say they saw one man struck. For fur-
ther particulars you must e'en have patience until I
can tell you the whole yarn in propria persona, and
it will be an interesting one, I can promise you. Nor
were these our only dangerous situations, having been
more than once swamped, and at one time being
obliged to lighters the boats by throwing overboard
3001 b. of bread and 1801 b. of preserved potatoes ; but
a gracious Providence guided us safely through all,
and on the 30th of August we commenced to ascend
the Mackenzie, having seen no trace whatever of the
missing expedition, and it being too late to return to
the Plover. On the sth of September we reached
the station of the Hudson's Bay Company on Peel's
River, and it being intended that we should winter
at one of their depots, Mr. Pullen left me there with
five men for that purpose, proceeding himself the next
day with the rest of the party, intending to go to
Fort Simpson,on the Mackenzie. At this place (Peel's
River Fort) we made ourselves very comfortable, and
every preparation was made for remaining the win-
ter ; but a gentleman having arrived and superseded
the one then in charge of the station, informed me
that he should not have sufficient provisions for our
maintenance, and so we were obliged to be off after
Mr. Pullen ; starting from Peel's River on the 19th,
getting into the Mackenzie the next day, and arriving
at Fort Good Hope on the 16th. From there, after
two days' rest, we proceeded here, arriving on the
6th October ; and as the season was already far ad-
vanced, and I had one man frost-bitten, I determined
not to attempt reaching Fort Simpson, which is eight
days' journey from this, and we have hitherto been
waiting for the river to set fast to proceed to Bear
Lake, where there is plenty of fish, which is to form
our winter's diet. You are, I dare say, aware that
the Hudson's Bay Fur Company have posts all over
North America, except the States, and those which
we have visited are the northernmost, and all on the
Mackenzie River; they are called " forts," and this
one is halfway between Forts Good Hope and Simp-
son, at the latter of which Mr. Pullen is with his
party. There not being sufficient provision for all of
U 3 here, it is necessary that some should go to Bear
Lake to live; and although I need not go, still I
think it my duty to share the fortunes of the party
in my charge, therefore I leave behind the man whose
feet were frost-bitten, as he would not be fit to travel.
The river has set fast to-day, and we have arranged
to start on Tuesday, November 12. A strong north-
west wind blew last night, and has broken up the
ice in the river ; so that we shall not be able to cross
to-morrow, as we expected. Our journey to Bear
Lake will be on foot, with dogs and sledges to carry
our goods; and in the spring we shall propably re-
turn on snow-shoes. How strange this life is to me,
you may imagine ; and I suppose such a thing is not
likely to occur again during my career. I shall pro-
bably reach England about the 15th or 16th October.
" Noon.—The ice is again fast, so I fancy we shall
get away to-morrow after all. We expect to be five
days on the journey, which is performed on foot. I
could, if I pleased, have a cariole (or covered sledge)
to go in with dogs, but no lazy work fur me, when
any men have to walk. Three of the fort people go
with us, each to drive a sledge with the baggage of
our little corps; but one only of these remains there,
he staying to fish, and there is also an old Indian and
his son to assist. That old gentleman was once upon
a time a great gourmand, having in times of starva-
tion devoured eleven persons—viz , his father and
mother, one wife, and the children of two wives. He
has now only one son remaining, a fine boy, of whom
he is very fond. I suppose he would have to be very
hungry before he makes a meal of him. To look at
that old cannibal, he appears as innocent as a sucking-
pig. I wonder does he ever have nightmare ; if so,
what horrid dreams must be his portion. Early in
May we return hither, and about the beginning of
June start for Fort Simpson, by the company's
boat, where, rejoining Mr. Pullen, we proceed to
York Factory, the head quarters of the company
in Hudson's Bay. We get there in August,
probably, and thence return to England in the
annual ship, which is sent out for the furs. She
starts about the 16th or 18th September, and is ge-
nerally from three weeks to a month on her passage,
so look out for us about the time I have mentioned.
There are two vessels go out, one to Moore Factory, and
one toYork Factory, but mind, we come in the latter. It
is not likely that you will get this letter very long
before I get home, so I shall not write so much as I
otherwise should; but I trust that you will have heard
of our safe arrival here longebefore that, as Mr. Pul-
len sent home dispatches when lie arrived at Fort
Simpson, to announce our arrival, and the fruitless-
oogpf: sets
l.oosFf
communicatingourßo
rivtes sre:
ma, r
p. co
sl ioh;nws
had not
usynht
ot
othat
eits
our homes.
v seh, myiocnmht
seenrsparty s
ow er d
e dear
own
uast,
expTrheQiss,
wleht tieerh
gwoielsl
in January, but does not leave that until the spring,
only, going by way of Canada, it will probably get
home before us.
Iv
ea
bme,e tnh
faonrk
mGsondy, quite v.s e I IT—h
ob e trtoesre,sl
st
rhei nvki
s,
itthi
na
gn
I 11" a
my cheeks, which has not been the case for years
before—such a beard and moustache, with imperial to
match. If you could only see me lam sure you
would hasten:, to get me a commission in the " horse
marine! or some other dragoon regiment ; for
lam like a Turk for hirsute acquirements. Hav-
ing two whole boats and an oomiak made of
walrus hide on our journey, Mr. Pullen deter-
mined to name them; accordingly he christened one
The Louisa,' and, giving me, the other to christen,

she was called ' The Logan,' while the skin boat
was thenceforward The Supply ;' nor was this all we
christened ; for having discovered a small island,
hitherto unmentioned, Mr. P. did me the honour to
name it after me ; so we have now Hooper's Isle,
which I consider the first fruits of my discovery tra-
vels. May be, I'll be naming ape myself yet—who
knows ! But alas, for such remembrances and ro-
mantic imaginations ! The Logan, which was the
last boat of the lot, and, of course, my particular
favourite, was left by Mr. P. at Fort Good Hope,
where he was furnished with a larger boat for ascend-
ing the rapids; and I had the woe unutterable of
seeing her loaded to the gunwale with fish, which ex-
haled not the most pleasing odours, being, in fact,
like what I feel myself to be now—fish very much
out of water. The Louisa I brought up here, she
having taken us in safety over the rapid., and she is
now quite dismantled, and lies on the bank below the
fort, where she will remain, perhaps, until she rots.
" The gentleman in charge of this fort is a native
of Red River, a British settlement in this country, on
the borders of Oregon, and is a very nice fellow. We
get on famously, and I tell him such twisters. Our
ice-master managed to get his feet nipped with the
frost the day before we got to Fort Good Hope, and
persisted in going to the tire afterwards, making them
very bad ; large blisters rose under his toes, and the
wounds are not healed yet, so that I cannot take him
to Bear Lake. The rest of my little party, four in
number without him, are all salubrious, as they call
it. Our diet since reaching the Mackenzie has been i
generally dried reindeer or elk meat, which takes a
power of mastication ; and latterly we have had fish
five days in the week and meat the other two, and as
the said fish was caught at Bear Lake during the
summer, and is never disembowelled until used, it is
in various stages of excellence, varying from the
slightly tainted to the absolutely stinking. But as
there is nothing else to devour we manage to eat that,
and have now got pretty well used to it —and, after
who esteemed
a,
tnidoaw,
aordseeltichaacny the
when
Romans,mixpd
with their food.
But now that we are going to Bear Lake we shall have
our fish fresh from the water. We have besides some
pemmican to make an occasional change,
and a few
cases of preserved meats left. As for flour, bread, or
other matters of the sort, they are considered quite su-
perfluous here, and withheld accordingly. I, of course,
live with Mr. Mackenzie while here, and fare as he
does. He is allowed tea, sugar, and flour. We have
two meals a day, one between nine and ten, and the
other about six. Our bill of fare is meat boiled, or
fish roast with the scales on, which I find disagree-
able when they get in my mouth, but then I'm not
used to it, you see ; tea, either black or green, as the
packet happens to be, and sugar, and occasionally a
water pancake or fritter, but these are like angels'
visits, and by me so relished; at first I sadly missed
a bit of bread, but now lam reconciled. There were
when we first came here two cows and a gentleman
of the same. I often delighted in a draught of milk,
but one of the ladies is killed and the other dry, so
that enjoyment has fled ; but I had the pleasure of
eating a bit of beef, the first for nearly two years, and
it was a rare feast. But for all this there are some de-

licacies—reindeers' tongues, beaver and bear's meat
Tke beaver meat is very fat, and the tail solidly so ; and
at first I found it like Sam Weller's.pork pie, ray-
tiler too rich,' but now have got to consider it vera
gude.' How you Hill laugh when you read my
catalogue of delicacies. I fancy I can see you all
my best beloved ones, whose
sitting round reading poor old Will's letter . .
You,
eyes will be as mine are now, moist enough—mine,
in the eager flight of my too vivid fancy to the only
spot that bears a charm for me; and yours, in pe-
rusing the recital of my deeds and thoughts. I am
not writing now, my beloved parents ; I am speaking
to you. You are here with me, face to face; and
although the pen is in my hand, it is only noting
down my speech, while' imagination registers and
treasures up your replies. Do I not know, do you
not feel, that such is the case ? Do you not, at the
distance of thousands of miles, feel that your son is
with you, in breath and spirit ? Do you not each
day, perhaps each hour, send fancy forth to view him,
and breath fond aspirations for his welfare? Do you
not (as I do) look forward with eagerness to the
sweet moment of re-union ? Glad register of past
absence, joyful quittance for all past mishaps, danger
and anxiety. Z know that you do all of this ; and it is
this sweetest assurance that bears me up through all
trials, although now, thank Heaven, our dangers (as
far as we can see) are all over, and we are returning
home in peace and joy.
" We shall, you know, reach England long before
the Plover—perhaps a year. There is one very im-
probable chance, which it is as well to mention ; so
that should it happen, you will not be surprised ; it is
this—that by the answer to Mr. Pullen's dispatches,
which will meet us on our way to York Factory, we
may be directed to continue the search for Sir John
Franklin along the coast, during the summer of 1851;
but this is next to impossible, and I have very little
doubt that, with God's help, we shall reach England
in October, 1850; so you
may put almost certain re-
liance upon seeing us then.
" Tuesday, Nov. 13—We do not start until to-
morrow, so I shall be able to write a few lines more.
This is not a country remarkable for charming
scenery. Mountains there are, also valleys, rivers,
lakes, and wood in plenty ;
the eternal forests of pine are wearisome et
ah
re they are
m e
to
not
thear gaze.ranged
to my fancy. The lakes are sometimes pretty, but
Nor are the seasons any
more; ptluetaslannietlall l
pleasantly arranged.ese,
it i 3
In the winter one is nipped up with frost, and in the
summer eaten up by mosquitos
very well for those who are used to it, which I have
no inclination to become.

" Wm. H. HOOPER."

PROMOTIONS
Commander NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.'
Commander Astley
promoted to the ranki Cooper iey (1845), has been
is son of the late celebratedp am,
cholera last year. This gallantd.dofffscer
Heentered susgeon, who
118e33 from
since that period has not beenthe navy
unemployedla
more 1833, and
eighteen months. He
_ passed his
examination
in
IS4O ; was mate of the Excellent and was promoted
served in 1842. As a lieutenant he 'd in the Curacoa,
and then in the Gorgon stseeaine-frigate, at Monte
Video, and was mainly instrumental in getting off the
Gorgon, when blown from her anchors at the latter
place. He commanded the Fanny tender, at Point
Obligado, in the Parana affair, in which he was
slightly wounded. He was pronsoted for this andl
other services, and shortly after his return to England
was appointed to the Bulldog, which steamer he com-
manded with shill and economy for more than three
years in the Mediterranean. In her he was entrusted
on delicate and important services on the coast of
Naples and Sicily during the civil war, and especially
at Catania during the sacking
.of that place by the
Neapolitan army, where, by his energetic interposi-
tion, he saved the city from destruction and hundreds
of the inhabitants from violation and murder. He
was subsequently stationed at civita Vecchia during
the landing of the French and their operations at
Rome. For the manlier in which he acquitted him-
self on the above occasions he received the commen-
dations of all parties and branches of the Govern-
ment.
Lieutenant William Ahdy Fellowes (1840), son of
Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Fellowes, C. 8., has been
promoted to the rank of commander. lie entered the
navy in 1827, passed his examination 1834, and was
made in 1840, having served six years as mate.
As a lieutenant he has served in the Victor, 18 ;
Magnificent, 74 ; Collins, 18 ; Winchester, .52 ;
Camperdown, 104; and Superb, 80. He served as
first lieutenant of the Persian, 16, in the West
Indies, and lastly as first of the Howe, 120, lately
paid off from the Mediterranean.
Lieutenant Frederick Edvoryn Forbes (1843), son
of retired Captain John Forbes, has been promoted to
the rank of commander. This gallant and talented
young officer entered the navy in 1833, passed his ex-
amination in 1839, and was promoted after serving
four years as a mate. Asa lieutenant he has served
many years in China, New Zealand, and the coast of
Africa; and has just paid off the Bonetta, 3, (
gantine), at Chatham, which ship he successfully com-
manded on the coast, and whilst there was engaged
in important diplomatic services in the interior.
APPOINTMENTS.
Lieutenants—J. 11. Crang (1840) late in command
of the Volcana steam-vessel, on the Mediterranean
station, and Hubert Campion (1849), to the Geyser
steam-sloop, commissioned at Woolwich.
Master—John Dillon (1845), to the Geyser.
P. Blake (1845),
Surgeons—Dr. C. to the Geyser •
,
Dr. John Davidson (1845), to the Tortoise steam-
sloop, for service at Ascension llospital ; A. Murray
(1846), to Imauin depot-ship, Part Royal, Jamaica.
F. Phillips (1850),
Paymastc—J. to the Geyser.
eon—ll
enryLoney
Assistant-Surg(lB46), to the
Geyser.
Clerk—A. H. Martin, to the Geyser.
midshipmen—Charles Smith, William
Vicary, C.
P. Fortescue, to the Geyser.
Master's-Assistant —F. Kirkham and Sherlock
Creak, to the Geyser.
Clerk's Assistant—Harold Millet, to the Geyser.
Gunner—Richard Ellis, to the Geyser.
Boatswain--John Turner (a), to the Geyser.
Carpenter—William Kerr, to the Geyser.
The Surveyor of the Navy, Captain Sir B. Walker,
K.C.8., accompanied by Mr. Watts, the Assistant

Surveyor, visited Chatham Dockyard on Tuesday, and
in the afternoon proceeded to Sheerness yard in the
Adder steam-vessel. Sir B. Walker returned to
Chatham on Wednesday afternoon, and after inspect-
ing the Tiger steam-sloop, and ships building, re-
turned to town by the North Kent Railway.
Commander Forsyth and Mr. Snow (late of the
Prince Albert, the gentleman that was sent by Com-
mander Forsyth to examine Cape Riley, and found
the traces of an encampment and the piece of rope
with the Woolwich yarn in it) arrived at Haslar yes-
terday to consult and explain to Sir Edward Parry
and Sir John Richardson the details of their explo-
ration and discovery, to enable Captain Sir Edward
Parry to give his opinion of the matter to the Ad-
miralty as to whether the encampment was one that
had been used by Captain Sir J. Franklin or riot.
We may state that the fire-places of the encampment
at Cape Riley did not appear to have been lately oc-
cupied, as there was no black appearance, nor any
indications of a recent fire.
THE

--—- - -
KAMPTULICON TA uo ET. —The iron butt,

lined with kamptulicon, that was practised at from
the Excellent on Tuesday, has been landed at the
dockyard, Portsmouth, no further trial being thought
necessary. Only four shots struck the lined part, and
these were broken. The lining did not appear to stop
the splinters, and the shot drove the kamptulicon off
the iron; and it broke off in large pieces, although
the substance had been secured by inside strong pieces
of iron, bolted through the iron sides. These strong
pieces of iron running along the inside of the kamp-
tulicon would be very objectionable in action, and
would cause much destruction amongst the crew of a
vessel at quarters. We understand it is considered a
failure, and that iron vessels will be still at a discount
as men-of-war, if they have no better protection than
the kamptulicon.
The granite tram-roads laid down partially about
Portsmouth Dockyard having been found most ser-
viceable in the transportation of heavy articles, the
whole of the roads about the yards used for traffic are
now being completed by Mr. P. Rolt, the contractor,
who has now a number of hands employed in pre-
paring and laying down the granite blocks.
By letters from the Niger screw.sloop, Commander
Heath, we find this vessel's qualities as a sailing vessel
greatly eulogised. She made the passage to Madeira
(with the exception of having steam up for about three
hours) under sail, passing every vessel that was met
with. Mr. Grant's distilling galley is most highly
commended. She has not touched her tank water,
but distils sufficient for every purpose by her ordinary
cooking fires. The water thus distilled is described
as being of a most excellent quality, and for the pur-
pose of tea, soup, &c., far superior to the water sup
plied in tanks.
The Blenheim, 60, screw guard-ship, Captain
Henderson, C. 8., which has been lying, since sloe
went into Portsmouth harbour, at the moorings off
Gosport, went up the harbour to her former moorings
on Thursday. The mooring off Gosport was expected
to be occupied by the Vengeance in a few days, pre-
viously to that ship going to Spithead, so as to be
ready at any time for sea.
Britannia, 120, Captain Yates, flag-ship to the
Rear-Admiral Superintendent, is now completely
rigged, and is painting. Considering the short num-
ber of hands she has, and that she has had no as•
sistance from the dockyard, her fitting out has been
very expeditiously performed. Captain Yates and
the ship's company are still in the Illustrious, but
will turn over to the Britannia when the paint is dry.
Dauntless, steam screw-frigate, Captain E. P.

Halstead, was to have gone out to Spithead yester-
day, at eleven o'clock; her steam was got up, and a
large and distinguished party were assembled on
board, including the Commander-in-Chief, Admiral

the Ilon. Sir Biaden Capel, Rear-AdmiralSuperin
tendent Prescott, Captain Sir 11. Blackwood, Bart,
Captain P. Blackwood, &c. ; a large party of ladies
&so went on board. It had blown fresh all the morn-
ing, but as the Dauntless was about to start the wind
increased to a gale, and it was thought prudent to
postpone her departure. She will now probably go
out on Dlonday. Captain Halstead had prepared a
sumptuous luncheon for the occasion, and many of
the ladies and gentlemen stayed on board to partake of
it, so that it was not altogether a disappointment.
North Star, Arctic store-ship, Master Commander
Saunders, was paid off at Sheerness on Thursday.
Thetis, 38, Captain Kuper, C.B , sailed from Devon-
port on Thursday, for Rio Janeiro.
PORTSMOUTH,_ FRIDAY.—Wind, N. by E , fresh

_
gales, and squally weather.
Retribution, 22, steam-frigate, Captain Warden, on
her passage to Queenstown from Portsmouth, is re-
ported to have gone remarkably steady, and to have
sailed well. With very bad coals she steamed nine
knots. She rolled very little, and glasses stood on
the gun-room table without the aid of fiddles or
puddings.
Resistance, troop-ship, Master Commander Brad-
shaw, is to be ready to leave Woolwich on the 19th
inst., with three companies of artillery for Gibraltar,
Corfu, and Malta.

STEERING•WHEELS.—Her Majesty's steamer Rosa-
mond, at Woolwich, is fitted with Fayrer and Ro-
binson's safety steering apparatus, without the least
alteration of her wheel. Thus susceptible of any
modification that may be requisite, proved on a
large scale in this instance, as in a small one in the
case of the Starlight, now running on the Thames,
Captain Fayrer's very ingenious invention may
fairly be said to be of universal application. Of
course, the difficulties of adjustment to old steering
wheels of various sizes thus easily overcome, there can
be no question of the facility of making entirely new
wheels upon the safety principle. It is uncertain
which British port will first send out to sea a vessel
so fitted; but a very short time will decide that point,
as, among others, patent safety steering-wheels are
making for steamers at Liverpool, and sailing vessels
at Jersey, the latter under the inspection of Captain
Fayrer; and it is a question, too, whether our royal
navy, or the navy of France, will first have the appa•-
ratus in actual use, as, during the recent visit of the
President of the Republic at Cherbourg, a motel of
this wheel having been personally submitted to him
by the gallant inventor, and to the Minister of Ma-
rine, and other naval authorities there, a commission
was appointed to examine into its merits ; and the re-
port being highly and unanimously favourable, the
Prefect of Marine has received instructions to fit a
first-rate war steamer with the patent safety steering-
wheel. At all events, Captain Fayrer and Lieut.
Robinson must win no small degree of credit for in-
genuity and enterprise abroad as well as at home.

[PRICE SD.

THE GREAT EXHIBITION OF 1451.
At a soirée of the Derby Mechanics' lirstitute, held
in the Lecture-hall of Derby on Tuesday last, and
over which the Right lion. E. Strutt presided, Dlr.
Paxton gave the following interesting account of the
origin and execution of the design for the building of
the Great Exhibition, as the architect of which that
gentleman has already obtained a world-wide cele-

brity :
Mr. PAXTON commenced by saying that, in the
common acceptation of the term, he was no speaker—
he was rather a man of action than of words. His

occupations were so numerous and so pressing, that
he had no time to frame such an address as ought to
be delivered on an occasion like the present, and he
must therefore ask their indulgence.—(Cheers.) He
would comnence, however, by saying that gigantic as
the building was, it was conceived and framed by
him in a small space of time. He need not, however,
remind them that it was not done withoUt a great
deal of forethought, aided by the experience be had
obtained in constructing other great buildings. When
the six eminent architects and engineers were selected
as a committee to choose:a design, he had no intention
of offering one, for he took for granted that something
worthy of the occasion and of the nation would be se-
lected by them. 'When the time approached for the

production of plans there was a discussion in the

newspapers as io the design best adapted, and he must
say that the first 'sketch he saw in a number of the
Builder did not inspire him with any very exalted
notions, or raise any very splendid expectations of the
result. It was not until one morning when he was
present with his friend Mr. Ellis, at an early sitting
in the House of Commons, that the idea of sending in

a design occurred to him. A conversation took place

between them with reference to the construction of

the new House of Commons, in the course of which
he (Mr. Paxton) observed that he was afraid they
would also commit a blunder in the building for the
Industrial Exhibition ; adding, that he had a notion
in his head, and that if he (Mr. Ellis) would accom-
pany him to the Board of Trade he would ascertain
whether it was too late to send in a design. He asked
the executive committee whether they were so far

committed to the plans as to be precluded from re-

ceiving another. The reply was, "Certainly not;
the specificatious will be out in a fortnight, but there
is no reason why a clause should not be introduced
allowing of the reception of another design." lie
said, " Well, if you will introduce such a clause I
will go home, and in nine days hence I will bring
you my plans all complete." No doubt the executive
thought him a conceited fellow, and that what he said
was nearer akin to romance than to common sense.

Well, this was on Friday, the 11th of June. From
London he went to the Menai Straits, to see
the third tube of the Britannia-bridge plactd, and
on his return to Derby he had to attend to some
business at the board-room, during which, how-
ever, his whole mind was devoted to his project ;
and whilst the business proceeded he sketched
his design on a large sheet of blotting paper.
He was sorry he had not the original with him, but
the fact was, Mrs. Paxton had taken possession of it,
and if they were at all anxious to see it, the only pos-
sible way of gratifyirg their desire was by sending
for her to the meeting.--(Laughter and applause.)
Having sketched his design on blotting paper, he sat
up all night until he had worked it out to his own
satisfaction ; and by the aid of his friend Mr. Barlow,
on the 15th, he was enabled to complete the whole of
the plans by the Saturday following, on which day
be kfc Rowsley for London. On arriving at the
riAlty station he met Mr. R. Stephenson, a member
of the building committee, who was also on his way
to the 'metropolis. Mr. Stephenson minutely ex-
amined th'plans, and became thoroughly engrossed
with them, until at length he exclaimed that the de-
sign was just the thing, and he only wished it had
been submitted to the committee in time. Mr. Ste-

phenson, however, laid the plans before the com•
mittee, and at first the ilea was rather poo-poohed :

but his plans gradually grew in favour, and by pub-
lishing the design in the Illustrated News, and show-
ing the advantage of such an erection over one corn,
posed of fifteen millions of bricks and other materials,
which would have to be removed at a great loss, the
committee did in the end reject the abortion of a
child of their own, and unanimously recommended his
bantling. lie was bound to say that he had been
treated by the committee with great fairness. Mr.
Brunel, the author of the great dome, he believed,
was at first so wedded to his own plan, that be
would hardly look at his. Mr. Brunel was, how-
ever, a gentleman, and a man of fairness, and listened
with every attention to all that could be urged in
favour of his (Mr. Paxton's) plans. As an instance
of that gentleman's very creditable conduct, he
would mention that a difficulty presented itself to the
committee as to what was to be done with the large
trees, and it was gravely suggested that they should
be walled in. He remarked that he could cover the
trees without any difficulty ; when Mr. Brunel asked,
"Do you know their height ?" he acknowledged
that he did not. On the following morning Mr.
Brunel called at Devonsbire-house and gave him the
measurement of the trees, which he had taken early
that morning, adding, "Although I mean to try to win
with my own plan, I will give you all the informa-
tion I can."—(Applause.) Having given this pre-
liminary explanation of the origin and execution of
his design, he would, as beseemed him, pass over the
question of merit, leaving that to be discussed and
decided by others when the whole shall have been
completed. With regard to the progress of the works,
he was happy to inform them that everything
was proceeding to his entire satisfaction.
He was on the ground last Saturday, and
saw two columns, eighteen feet high, and three
girders put up by two men in sixteen minutes.—
( Applause) That would give them some idea of the
rapidity with which the work was progressing, and it
must be pleasing to them to know that such things
could be done at the present day. But when be told
them that the whole of the columns were fitted toge-
ther like the joints of a telescope, all formed in the
same mould, and put in sockets ready to receive them,
and then fastened with bolts, their surprise at the huge
design would give place to astonishment at the sim-
plicity of detail, and the admirable niceity with which
one part was made to tally with"the other. The town
of Derby must feel proud that it had produced a man
like Mr. Charles Fox, the contractor for the erection
of this building.—(Applause.) Without the aid of a
man of energy and talent it was almost impossible
that it could be completed in time. The systematic
manner in which Mr. Fox's establishment was con-
ducted, combined with that gentleman's personal su-
perintendence of the erection of the structure, ren-
dered him (Mr. Paxton) confident of its completion
within the period allotted. The other day Mr. Fox
was upon the ground from seven o'clock in the morn-
ing until ten at night, and he expressed his belief that
he would continue to devote almost the same number of
hours daily until the whole of the work was done. In
short, the manner in which Mr. Fox was carrying out
the details of his (Mr. P.'s) plan was in the highest degree
sati,factory, and it afforded him infinite pleasure in
doing justice to Mr. Fox on this public occasion.—
(Applause.) Mr. Paxton then proceeded to exhibit
a number of plans and sections of the proposed build-
ing, all beautifully drawn. Ile also exhibited a fine
perspective drawing in water colours, painted by Mr.
E. \\Talker, of London, and which he had executed
at considerable expense for the occasion. This draw-
ing gave an admirable idea of the magnitude of the
building ; and the figures in the foreground, attired
in the costumes of all nations, are very cleverly
grouped. Mr. Paxton then proceeded to read a
statement of the dimensions of the building, which be
had prepared with great care, and which would give
the most authentic particulars up to the present time,
at which all the details had been finally arranged.
We subjoin the statement :—The dimensions are
1,848 feet long, by 456 feet wide in the broadest part,
exclusive of the machinery room. The height of the
principal centre roof is 64 feet, the adjacent side por-
tions 44 feet, the outer sides 24 feet, and the transept
which will enclose some of the large timber trees,
108 feet. The space occupied on the ground floor is
752,832 superficial feet., and the space provided on
galleries is 102,528 feet. The total 'quantity of ex-
hibiting surface is about 21 acres; but, if additional
space is required, an increased extent of 90,432 feet of
gallery can be obtained. The total cubic contents of
the building is 33,000,000 feet. The quantity of glass
required is about 900,000 auperficial feet, and weighing
upwards of 400 tons. All round the lower tier of the
building will be boarded, but will in every respect
resemble glass. There are 3,300 cast and wrought
iron columns, varying from 14 feet 6 inches to 20 teet
in length ; 2,224 cast iron girders, and 1,128 inter-
mediate bearers for supporting the floors of galleries.
The supports are found, after repeated experiments,
to he capable of sustaining five times the weight ever
likely to be required. There are 34 miles of gutters
to carry eft' the water, and in no part of the building
will the water have to run more than 48 feet, before
it is delivered into the hollow columns; but the greater
part will not have to run half that distance. The
length of sash bar required is 205 miles. The build •
ing will be exceedingly light, but the brightness will
be tempered and subdued by canvas or calico cover-
ing cn the outside of the roof, and all the south side
of the structure. This covering affords several ad-
vantages :—lt protects the glass from injury by hail.
It subdues the light, and keeps the building cooler
than if placed in the inside; and it affords facilities