The Sun.
London, England, 1844-01-05 00:00:00

OVER

LAND

IN DIA

AND

CHINA

(From the Times.)
The Indian Mail has arrived, with letters and
papers from Bombay to Dec. 1. The principal
items relate to the prevalence of great sickness
in the two newly-acquired possessions of Sinde
in India, and of Hong-Kong, in China. Peace
prevails throughout British India, although the
preparations for war were busy throughout the
north-western districts. An army of about
15.000 men was assembled on the banks of the
Sutlej, and another was collecting at Agra;
the former to compel the Sikhs to adopt some
regular fixed system of government, and the
latter to force the Government of Gwalior to

make proper arrangements.
The fall of the Indus, consequent on the ces-
sation of the monsoon, has always produced a
description of malaria in a country where no im-
provements have been carried during centuries;
and it wt;s not to he expected that the British
troops should not suffer in districts where
every advantage «•as sacrificed to making hunt-

ing grounds tor the Ameers.
In Hong-Kong the sickness has arisen, as the
Chinese say, from the nature of the waters of
the islands, which they pretend cannot be used
for any time without the worst result. It was
even asserted that the British authorities con-
templated the abandonment of that island since
the death of the much lamented Mr. Morrison.
Much attention has been directed towards the
Punjauh. The chiefs are represented as dis-
united, the soldiers are mutinous, and the pro-
vinces are distracted by their fears, for they
dread an invasion from the Affghans at Pesha-
wur, and of the British at Lahore. l'ilooltan is
described as highly disturbed; the inhabitants,
who do not profess the Sikh religion, are in
dread of massacres and plundering-. Many of
the natives are seeking every opportunity of
abandoning the Sikh districts, and of escaping
with their property into Hindostaa. Even the
French officers are quitting Lahore. General
Ventura, the last of the foreign favourites of
Runjeet Singh, has solicited leave to resign the
service, and to retire to his own country. Two
of the other junior officers have bees dismissed.
General Court had left, and General Avitabile
was at Calcutta.
It is difficult, even in India, to obtain correct
intelligence of what is going on at the Court of
Lahore, and many of the rumours circulated
have proved unfounded, Heera Singh, the
young Minister, appears s,qll to retain power ;
he is, at it, is known, the so u o f Dhy an Singh,
who was the all-powerful Mi.uititer of Runjeet,
and of his successors, until his; death, in
,Sep-
tember last. Heera Singh, who ;las the puppet
child, King Dhuleep, in his custk xly, is now said
to have obtained the aid of Gooi'a b Singh, his
father's eldest brother, and a leadit-gs" Hill Chief;
who, at the head of 2:2,000 men, ,Ilvme in the
beginning of November to the capita 1.• Goolab
Singh is looked upon as hostile to alit British,
and will, it is thought, bring about a clecided
conflict, by influencing his nephew and the Court
rot to assent to any proposals coming from the
4overntnent of India.

A crisis was expected at Lahore, when t.C`e
Governor-General shall have reached the banls.
of the Sutlej. Several corps of the British
troops were in movement in that direction. The
number of troops at Ferozepore, Loodiana, and
Uniballa, was estimated at 14,000 men. Major-
General George Hunter commanded at the two
former places, while Major-General Sir Robert
Dick had the command of the Sirhind and Mee-

praise.

rut divisions.
The last intelligence from Lahore states that
Heera Singh had entered into a combination
with Futteh Jung, the sou of Shah Soojah,
which had excited the jealousy of the Sikh
soldiery, who threatened to attack and plunder
both those young men.
It was expected that there would be an attempt
on the part of the soldiers to pillage the wealthy
inhabitants of the towns.
The news from Caubul current during the
month was, that Dost Mahommed had been
murdered; but though believed by many, it
eventually turned out to be a fabrication. It is
true that his position is far from an enviable one;
he has named his son, the notorious Akbar, to
be Governor of the Hill country, near Jellalabad,
whence it is thought that he will attempt, ere
long, the invasion of Peshawur. Peshawur
is described as in a ticklish position, for there is
no longer an European General to defend it, and
all the plunderers round the Kyber Pass are
anxious for an opportunity to sack it.
In the central part of India the affairs of Gwa-
lior are at present most interesting ; the Army
of Exercise is assembling at Agra. On Sunday,
the 10th of November, a dispute took place be-
tween some of the troops at Gwalior, which
ended in their fighting with each other, when
400 were slain on both sides. Khasgeewalla, the
usurper, who, some months ago, had endeavoured
to oppose the influence of the British, had been
taken prisoner, and nearly sacrificed by the
insubordinate and enraged soldiers. He was
save with difficulty, and the insurgents appeased
d
merely by- the promise that he should be given
up to the Hon. colllparty.
Judging from the itrmy assembling at Agra,
and front the approach of tLe Governor-General,
it was at one time supposed t;',at the settlement
of the Gwalior question had been decided upon.
humour spoke of certain cessions of territory in
Bundelkund, in the Doab and the Deccan, hav-
ing been demanded by the Governor-General,
as being so situate as to be requisite for the
convenience of the Honourable Company, and
also that a great portion of the rabble troops
should be disbanded, and that a contingent force,
under the command of British officers, should be
organised in Gwalior, as in the Nizam's domi-
nions ; and, finally, that the expenses caused to
the Company by the irregular proceedings of the
Gwalior Government should be defrayed. It was
thought there would be considerable difficulty
in obtaining the consent of the Gwalior Govern-
ment to those co:tditions, but the dread of the
cotninz of the British had obliged some of the
leaders at first to make a show of submission
but they have attempted to deceive, and the con-
sequence was, that the most decided measures
were about to be adopted by the Governor-Ge-
neral. A sort of expectation had been raised
that the resolution had been adopted
,by the
British statesman now y,overning India alto-
gether to take possession of the states of Gwalior.
Hence the probability of the siege of that city
was spoken of, particularly as the natives had
formed an exaggerated notion of its strength,
although its capture in 1780, by Major Popham,
at the head of about 2,000 r:-.w Sep,ys, is not
forgotten, our its surrender in 1804, to Sir Harry
White.

There appears to be a general acquiescence
throughout India to the British taking final pos-
session of the territories that once were Sin-
There is no lawful sovereign, for the
child now called to govern is hut an adopted
son ; and the oppressions of that Government
have been such, that the whole population wish
to become Witish subjects, i❑ order to be saved
from the continual pillage of the relentless and
unpaid soldiery.
Bundelkund, which is contiguous to Gwalior,
also requires the application of force to establish
a regular system. At present there is a multi-
tude of turbulent characters, who seek for an op-
portunity of confusion, in order to enrich there-
selves, either by plunder or by conquest. There
was but little doubt that the Governor-General
as soon as the paramount question of Gwalior
was decided, would adopt efficient measures for
introducing order and tranquillity amongst the
mountaineers of Bundelkund.
There was a small insurrection in the Jey-
poor territory of Shekawatee, south of Delhi,
when a chiet raised 5,000 or 6,000 men, seized
a fortress, and hurled defiance against the au-
thorities. Major Fester, at the head of the She-
kawatee Brigade, proceeded to attack him,. After

' ;the insurgent was hemmed in in
M
sishnecree,
Lis followers made terms for AILI. someKt eetmrisreee' mtralves, whip escapecit with a fccltry
tendants•
nextpointgreatti sia
eno. "interest, in the north of India
Iv
raised for the libera-
tion 6t.
Sto( ldart from Bokhara. A con-
siderab:
e st;bscripti on 'was raised for the purpose
of defrayingthe ( !xp ense of sending a person
thi
Mission
nt truth
iiss known.
thought
o f
i s
tloi a t
nfi
ne
tnhteirintdo si.ainlil!oni;:fictin.tti
thing further will be done in India until the
result of Dr. NI
The accounts Sinde are melancholy,
cn
o
from the extra ordh iary sickness prevalent
amongst the troops.. Out of an army of Q,bout
13,000 men about or te-ti. sird was in the hospital.
The cause of the si.:..knes. 4 is said to be the un-
healthiness of the climate after the subsiding of
the Indus, when the exhalations produced by a
glowit, sun over ant ,xtensive m uddy surface are
exceedingly dangerous. Fortunately, the mor-
tality was compar.a.ively but little, as most of
them easily recover, although much debilitated
from the fever and boils.
The most exaggerated accounts are drculated
respecting the sickness, but there appea rs to be
hut little danger apprehended from any of the
neighbouring tribes. Sir C. Napier was at Kur-
rachee, where his lady had joined him. He pur-
posed to go to Hyderabad in the beginning of
December, and, with a considerable body of
troops, 10 proceed to look out for healthful situa-
tions, at which the troops are to be stationed in
future. Titere seems to be but little doubt that
he will succeed, for one of the great causes of
sickness has been, that men have frequently
been located in places where the natives had
accumulated filtL., which, under the influence of
rain and sun, prciduced the evil now so bitterly
complained.of.
Lord Ellenborough had become more popular
than during the preceding twelve months. The
newspapers which had raised an outcry against
him had been obliged to admit that his measures
were successful, and they found that much of
their clamour had not any foundation in fact.
His Lordship was to start about the 26th of No-
vember for the North -Western provinces, in-
vested with every power to make peace or war
by a special act of the Legislative Council. 'Thera
was an absurd objection made to this proceeding,
on the ground that Lord Elleuborough was act-
ing without the advice of his Council, but_ it
should be recollected that his Lordship is accom-
panied by some of the most talented and expe-
rienced civil and military- servants, who act as his
secretaries, and who can give good counsel.
His Lordship's active movements and decision
of character have gained for him great success.
He is accused of instability,',because he does not
pertinaciously adhere at every risk to the first
arrangements of the plans laid down, while it is
evident that events may arise to derange details,
which, when the great object is gained by an
easier route, ought to be forgotten. The habit of
keeping his intentions secret has also rained a
clamour, for in a country where much can be
gained by knowing what is about to be done,
there are disappointed men always to be found
who blame the Governor-General for acts
which seem to them
,incomprehensible or mo•
rally wrong; whereas, it the whole truth were
known, those acts might deserve the highest

CHINA.
The news from China extends to the begin•
iiing of October. The most important intelli-
gence was the arrangement of a supplementary
treaty
I.,etween the Chinese and the British Go-
vernmen is ;
one clause of which is for the pur-
pose of g-varanteeing to all foreign nations the
same privaeges of trade as to the British them-
selves. This will have the effect of rendering
unnecessary ad negotiations between the
Chinese EtfroCror and the other Powers.
The Chinese Government is said to be
sincere now in' its determination to abide
by the regulat:ik nis of the treaty, which
will prevent all discussions with otherlbreigners.
The treaty is looked. uponte
Britinih ie
thes ttsntiapsottell;
most signal triumph o.t. the
tiary, fur it renders nugatory all the attempts of
the French and Amerimm diplomatic missions
lately sent with such pomp to the Chinese coast.
Laughter has already begu.rt at the appearance
of two Ambassadors sent thither before it was
known that they would be received, in order to
gain a purpose which was graflted before they
appeared. They now have no ground for nego'
Elation, and must return to their own country, itt
order to be laughed at at home and abroad. The
American frigate Brandywine stopped for some
weeks at Bombay, to wait for Mr. Cushing, the
Minister, who was going to see the sea frontiers
of the south of the Celestial Empire. He bad
sailed for Macao on the 27th of November. It
is a subject of curiosity to know how he and the,
French Minister will act on their arrival, for
they will have nailing to demand, and nothing
to complain of.
Sir Henry Pottinger, who had gone to Macao
to attend the funeral of Mr. Morrison, is stated
to have regarded the supplementary treaty with
such importance as to have a steamer sent spe"
cially with it to Suez.
The state of trade at Canton was not satisfac'
tory, owing to the tricks of the old Hong met'
chants, and their adherents, the linguists, The
state of trade along the coast is said to be sad*.
factory. Howqua, the celebrated Hong ntero
chant, died at the age of 75 leaving 15,000,60°
dollars' worth of property. The celebrated
Mandarin Lin has also paid the debt of nature.
The Rev. Mr. Gittzlaff has been appointed
Chinese' Secretary, in the room of Mr. Morrison.
Amongst the deaths in China are mentioned
F. H. Foote, Deputy Commissary-General, and
Captain Haviland, of her Majesty's 55th Foot.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
INDIA.

(From the Overkinsd Price Current, Dec. I.
Boat BAY, DEC. I.—The state of commercial affairs (104
the past month has been marked by little animation, and the
demand for most descriptions of imports has proved compel*.
tively slack—a result owing in a great measure to the disturb'
ances in the Punjaub, which have led buyers from that cou.vstrP
and toe provinces to the north-westward, to defer their P'

chases for the present.
METALS.—Prices of copper, with the exception of Sotstb
American, have all advanced since our last—Sheathing beiel;
about. half a rupee per cwt. dearer; Braziers', Rs, 11. to 1;
Raised Boitoms, Rs. 3; and Tile, to 1 rupee. We harm
quoted American at Rs. 46 to 47 ; a sale, however, has bee :
reported of 500 cwt., at Rs. 45, but of this we have no dieec"
information. The prices of iron have slightly improved. esle:
ef Swedish bar having been made at 51 rs., of British bar si;
23 rs., and of rouni nail rod at :33 rs. ; spelter has been e°l"
largely at 17 re., a few tons at 17i rs., and about 100 (to el"
rive) at 16} rs. to 17 rs. per cwt. Quicksilver has still WTI
ther advanced, and may now be quoted at 120 rs. per nae‘in
9f 87 alb. Lead, steel, and tin plates are steady at former rate.
COTTON MANUFACTIIRES.—Beyond rendering heldere:re
ther firmer than before, but little effect has been produced here
by the favourable accounts of the home markets received by the
last Overland Mail. Grey long cloths, domestics, and elle°.
ings, are very difficult of sale, even at low and unremunerating
rates; but for low qualities of grey madapollams and jaconetsi.
steady demand has existed throughout the month, and sales
them have been made to some extent at fully last rnontl'il
prices, while bleached long-cloths and jaconets have also beef
in tolerably good request, and commanded a fair return•
muslin s there is still an inquiry, and a slight advance h311:460
ra
in some instances obtained. Prints are duller of sale tite
er
before, and prices of neutral pieces and stripes have diet
given way. Turkey red goods continue in demand, and form
rates are without difficulty obtained.
YARNS.—Considerable sales took place early in the 1100t1;
at fully previous prices, and for Nos. 50 to 80 mule. twists
advance of Ato 1/2 anna per lb. was obtained—a rate /1131-r,
has subsequently been supported. For the lower nuinbeno
(No. 20 to 40), somewhat lower prices than before are P"
offW O
ered. red
e have also been apprised of a sale of 4,0001 b. TO' oeil
yarn at l 4 rs. per lb. ; and orange, we believe, has beendise
of at Isi annas per . . Itricet
WooLLEsrs.—Welb have little change to notice in the in .01
for woollens. The inquiry has beer languid for the 000119'
sales inconsiderable; prices, however, are maintained. , the
MARINE STORES.—Little alteration has occurred `p.o.
prices of the articles included under this head,
with the
tion of that ef Swedish tar, which has receded considergi pit
sales of the article having been made at 101-Ars. to 131* .
barrel, while our last quotation was 17rs.
ty
SLINDRIES.—We hear of sales of 18tons of red lead et the
per cwt. , and of 241 b. saffron at 4rs. 280.. per pound;
00'
latter article may be quoted at 26rs. to 29i1. per P°