The Sun.
London, England, 1845-10-21 00:00:00

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE

PORTSMOUTH, OCT. 18.—The fleet continues in the Sound,
and there is no indication of an immediate movement. The
present state of affairs in the River Plate and at the island of
Madagascar may induce the Admiralty to alter their inten-
tion in the disposal of the ships, and, at the least, prevent
their being sent to any distant• cruising-ground.
This afternoon Rear-Admiral Sir Samuel Pym, G.C.8., the
Admiral of the Fleet, in company with Sir John West, Port
Admiial, in the Sylph cutter, visited her Majesty's ship
Rodney, 92, Captain Collier.
A spirit of discontent prevails on board the ships, in con-
sequence of the restrictions placed on the liberty of the men.
The disaffection thus produced is reported to have been mani-
fested by various acts on board the flag-ship, St. Vincent,
120, Captain R. F. Rowley ; the Trafalgar, 120, Captain
Martin ; and the Albion, 92, Captain Lockyer. To give
specific particulars on this subject is very difficult. The
officers and men belonging to all the ships are chary of im-
porting information as to their sailing qualities, or interior
economy, under general circumstances; but in the present
case, when a question of discipline is raised, the few who
come ashore from the disaffected ships are still more cautious.
The disaffection of the crew of the St. Vincent is of a
very minor character. On board the Trafalgar it is stated
that insubordination has manifested itself in the partial de-
struction of some of her sails, by cutting them. But it is on
board the Albion that the most unfortunate irregularities
have occurred. It appears that on Tuesday last, the 14th
instant, one of the watches had permission to go ashore, but
did not return on the Wednesday within the limited time.
In consequence of their remaining ashore Commander Cham-
bers, the officer in command, would not permit a second
watch to leave the ship, such permission being contrary to
general orders. The men urged their suit upon Commander
Chambers after his dinner hour; and the commanding officer
being thus importuned, gave a peremptory denial. At night-
fall the men were, as usual, ordered to their hammocks; some
refused compliance, and commenced throwing their pipkins
and other earthen utensils at each other, and, it is said, at
the officers. In consequence of this breach of discipline
they were piped up and down during the night, and in the
morning ordered " hammock drill." They, however, threw
their hammocks on the deck, and ten were immediately placed
in irons. It is further reported, that during the week the
rigging of the Albion has been cut, and the breeching of some
of her guns loosed. The men in confinement will be tried
by court-martial, and in all probability transported. Cap-
tain Lockyer is greatly esteemed by his crew. Commander
Chambers, whether deservedly or otherwise, is not regarded
so favourably. There is little doubt that the conduct of the
men has been reprehensible, but whether the prevention of
their going ashore, or receiving their wives aboard, and the
suppression of their smoking and other privileges (at a
period when the duty of the fleet is of a heavy character),
are punishments of too severe a description, is a subject for
consideration.
THE COURT-MARTIAL UPON LIEUTENANT DURRELL, OF THE