The Sun.
London, England, 1845-01-04 00:00:00

BY MEANS OF A FLOATING BREAKWATER.

When I had the pleasure of meeting the inhabitants
of Brighton, and of receiving their generous support
and encouragement to proceed with the formation of an
asylum for pleasure yachts, for steam-vessels crossing
the Channel between this port and Dieppe, and for fish-
ing-Smacks off this exposed coast, the bject was not
merely of local but of national importance - and I felt
confidence in the means which I possessed of effecting
it, and in the result of the experiment. This, I assure
you, did not arise from theory only, however cautiously
analysed, but from public practical proof of success.
Having obtained permission from the Lords of the Ad-
miralty, I accepted an invitation from a French company
to co-operate with them in forming a harbour on an
importuous line of coast ; and my plans being submitted
to the Board of Engineers in that kingdom, were re-
ceived by them with all the attention I could have de-
sired. On their report a grant was voted by the Chambre
des Deputes for the construction of a Floating Break-
water Asylum at Ciotat, in the Mediterranean. Encou-
raged by foreign patronage, I looked with increased
certainty to home ; and, on my return to England, pro-
posed to make a first demonstration off Brighton, where
the open character of the coast would afford the severest
test of my invention.
With pardonable pride, I trust, I am this day enabled
to state that I have completed the mooring of my sec.
tions, in a manner that has elicited the approbation of
competent judges, who did me the honour to become my
witnesses also—the buoyancy imparted by the introduc-
tion of cork, added to the control exercised over the
oscillation of the sections by perpendicular bridle
moorings passing up through the keel, preserving a
uniformity of motion which is highly desirable. The
perfect shelter obtained under the lee of the breakwater,
while it forms a striking contrast to the angry surface
windward, has excited the surprise of many nautical and
scientific men, from the completeness of the victory
which is obtained over the agitation of the waters.
This effect is so perfect, that I am now preparing to form
a lantern, with an apartment for two attendants. on bean:
ene of the sections.
The necessity for a floatieg breakwater at Brighten
arises froiu the.mode in which the shingle travels up t.ll,
channel, one of the inevitable conseqoenee,
would be a deposit so c.cat as to fill up any ;:as7n that
.2,0u1d he formed here by a. fixed 2;14 solid lner. Such
re,eilt cannot attend the asylum I lotvo enclosed for ship.
ping off a coast hide rio . The most sangtftit.
parties of this f4vouri'e, this royal watering-place could
lover have anticipated a greater boon far Brighton than
the f„rmation of a harbour, not so much adapted, pro-
bable, for commercial purposes us For the promotion of
continental intercourse ; and I have the satisfacJori
know that many vested iiiteres,At count cted with this,
large and fashionable town are fully c.::nscious of these
advantages.
It may, perhaps, be hardly necessary to expatiate here
on the superiority in many respects of fleeting over
fixed breakwaters ; but the novelty of the des;em may
be pleaded as an ttpoiogy for a few remark's. My
system of moorings, which is simple and effectual, may
be carried into effect at all seasons of the year, and com-
pleted within a few months. Estimates for fixed break-
waters cannot be relied on, because a part of the work is
often destroyed by the violence of the waves before the
whole is completed—the sea undoing in the hurt icane
what the ingenuity of man had done during the calm.
The moorings and sections of the Brighton Breakwater
were laid dawn during the short dark days of December
by means of a billy-buoy of 50 tons lowering over her
side the centre ring and connecting chains, about lo
tons weight, without the occurrence of any accident,
and with the assistance of only ten bands, some of whom
were landsmen. A more remarkable instance of great
effects from small causes can hardly be produced, than
the formation of a safe asylum for shipping constructed
off a bold and bleak coast, by the simple, inexpensive,
and expeditious means which I have employed in giving
a harbour to Brighton. _ _ •,.

And now, Gentlemen, I have the happiness to be able
to tell you that the British standard, in conjunction with
the arms of the town of Brighton, were this day dis-
played on the breakwater, and hailed by three hearty
cheers. In this enthusiastic demonstration, as well as
in the towing of the sections from Shoreham to their
stations, we received the most valuable assistance from
the crew of her Majesty's steamer African, which was
most kindly placed at my disposal for that service by the
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.—l am, Gentle-
men, your obedient servant, &c.,
J. N. TAYLER, Captain R.N., C.B.
Her Majesty's steamer African,
Off Brighton, Dec. 24, 1844.
P.S.—For the information of all who are concerned
in the shipping interest, as well as all vessels bound to
Shoreham Harbour, this is to give notice, that the eoat-
ing breakwater has been placed within the line of bearing
of the Jenny Ground Rocks—Shoreham New Church
within the Pier-head bearing N.W. by N.—Kemp Town
Church on with the middle of Brighton Pier—Blacthing-
ton Windmill on with. Fisher Turnpike-gate-house,
bearing N.E. by N., about one mile from the shore.—
Brighton Gazette.

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.
PORTSMOUTII,FRIDAY.—The works of the new steam
basin in this dockyard are rapidly peogressing, and are
expected to be completed for laying the foundation-stone
on or about the 14th, when, we believe, it is the inten-
tion of the contractors to celebrate the event by giving a
banquet upon the spot to 500 of the artisans employed
in the yard, to which the Lords of the Admiralty and
the chief officers of the various departments at the pot t
will be invited. His Royal Highness Prince Albert, it
is expected, will lay the foundation-stone, and presick at
the banquet.

The St. Vincent, 120, in dock, and nearly stripped to
her keel, is found to require more repairs than was anti-
cipated, from the length of time she has been afloat
without a refit.

The Ringdove, 16, Commander Sir W. Daniell, was at
St. Helena on the 10th of November, up to which date
private letters state she had captured no prizes.
The Aid, navy-lighter, Master-Commander Smallman,
arrived yesterday with victualling stores for the Royal
Clarence-yard, from the eastern depots.

The Goodwill lighter sailed yesterday, with stores for
the eastern yards.
In Harbour—The Victorious hulk, flag, pro tem., of
Admiral Sir Charley Rowley, the Victory, the Excel-
lent, the Vindictive, the Lily, the Sparrow ketch, the
Nautilus, Portsmouth, and Fanny tenders, Aid lighter,
and the steam-vessels Locust, Comet, Fearless, Dwarf.
In Dock—The St. Vincent, 120, refitting; the Prince
Regent, razeeing; Vengeance, Victoria and Albert, and
the Athol troop ship, fitting for surveying service.
In the Basin—The Britannia, 120, being stored as en
advance ship, and made in every way ready for the
pendant; the Neptune, 120, ditto; the Magicienne, 44,
being got ready for the pendant; and the Echo, steamer,
repairing damages.
At Spithead—No man-of-war.
The wind, at sunset this evening, shifted from the
N.N.E. to W.S.W., at which point it seemed inclined to
continue steady. This favourable circumstance will
enable the wind-bound vessels in the Channel to proceed
on their way, and will, doubtless, bring up some of the
ships which have so long been expected from foreign
stations.

DEFONPORT.—So many pendants flying at this port
(about a score) make this place exceedingly gay and
animated—especially at so festive a period; we are only
sorry that so many outbursts of vindictive feeling should
have been manifested between the soldiers and sailors as
have occurred publicly of late to disturb the peace and
tranquillity of the inhabitants. We trust, however, to
hear no more of such disturbances as those of last week.
The Albion, 90, Captain Lockyer, has had her com-
plement of men and officers reduced by 100. Both
officers and seamen have been distributed among the
other ships fitting out.
A large amount of silver coin has been shipped on
board the Cruiser, 16, Commander Fanshawe, and the
Osprey, 12, Commander Patten, for conveyance to
Hong-Kong.
The Firebrand steam-frigate, Captain Hope, is to
proceed to the Rio Plata, taking out Mr. Gore Ouseley,
the recently-appointed Minister to the Argentine Re-
public.

- The Cruiser, 16, Commander Fanshawe, left the har..
bour and anchored in the Sound on Monday.
The Persian, 16, Commander Coryton, was towed out
of dock No. 5, on Saturday, and the Acorn,: 16, Com-
mander Bingham, floated in the same tide, and un-
docked again on Monday, when the Espiegle, 12, Com-
mander Thompson, was taken in to have her false keel
deepened.
The Daring, 12, Commander Matson ; the Espiegle,
12, Commander Thompson ; and the Flying Fish, 12,
Commander Harris, we are informed, will make another
experimental trial of their respective sailing qualities in
the spring.
The Mercury tender arrived on Monday with super-
numeraries fur the ships in cowniission here from Ports-
mouth.

The Adventure, navy transport, Master-Commander
N. Boskilly, sailed ou Tuesday with stores for Cork.

In Harbour—The Caledonia, 120, flag-ship, San Josef
Superb, Albion, Actaeon, Persian, Racehorse, Cruiser,
Daring, Espiegle, Flying Fish, Osprey, Acorn, Panta-
LT)n Waterwitch Mutiue, Firebrand steam-trigate,•tho
Sylph, Mercury, Netley, and Snipe tenders, and the Ro-
chester, Devon, Falmouth, Tortoise, Hamoaze, and Camel
navy lighters.

In the Sound—The Cruiser and Dordrecht (Dutch).
SHEERNESS, JAN. 3. —The Trafalgar, 120, is rapidly
fitting in tho basin for the flag of the Commander-in-
Chief, Sir J. C. White. The Queen, 110, the present
flag-ship, has discharged all her stores, and her crew
will be hulked in a day or two, when she will be towed
to Chatham for alteration.

The Amason, razee corvette, 26, Captain Stopford, was
towed out of the basin on Monday into the harbour:
which she will shortly leave fur Spithead, wnere sho
will be paid advance wages—an act of gross injustice to
this port, at which most of her crews have contracted
liabilities, more orless, which is the case at every other
port under similar circumstances—a fact which ought to
plead for itself in the eyes of the Lords of the Admiralty
The Howe, 120, having been completed as an advance-
ship, was towed to her former moorings up tile harbour
on Tuesday.
The Raven and Skylark cutters were both re-ooninna-
sioned last week by their former officers.
In the Harbour—The Queen, 110, flag-ship; Ocean,
Amazon, Raven, and Skylark, cutters; and the African
steam-vessel.

In Dock—The Fferculos, Brilliant, Crocodile, and Spy
In the Basin—The Trafalgar, Herald, and Vulture.
first-class steamer.

The Rolla, 10 guns, was commissioned on the 28th
ult. by Commander J. Simpson; her masts were put on
board on Monday last, she was then taken alongside the
Anchor-wharf for rigging; they commenced this duty
yesterday; one sergeant, one corporal, and tea privates
joined this ship this afternoon from the head-quarters at
Chatham.

The Eagle, 50 guns, Captain G. B. Martin, is still in
dock—she is completed, and is waiting for the spring
tides to be put out of dock.
The Comus, 20 guns, Commander Thompscn, is in
dock fitting for sea, and will be put out of dock as soon
as the tides will permit ; one sergeant, one corporal, and
17 privates of the Royal Marines have joined this vessel.
The Fantome, 16 guns, Commander Sir F. Nicholson.
is fitting for sea—the riggers are progressing fast with
her ; she will soon be out of the dockyard—one ser-
geant, one corporal, and 17 privates of the Marines have
joined her.

Mr. A. A. Speed, Admiralty-clerk of the Ocean,' t
appointed to be clerk in charge of the Rolla ; Mr. Tribe
is appointed Admiralty-clerk to the Ocean, vice Speed;
and Mr. H. Batten is appointed assistant-clerl: to the
Comus.

This afternoon the following parties of the Royal
Marines left the divisional head-quarters, Chatham, for
Sheerness, to join the respective ships at that port
For the Queen, 32 privates, one sergeant, and one cor-
poral, under the command of Lieutenant Onsiow ; lot
the Skylark, 4-gun brig, eight privates and one corporal;
and for the Raven cutter, of 4 gunr, nine privates and cro
corporal. There is some doubt that the Queen will oe
paid off, as was reported ; the crew is only draughted to
the Trafalgar pro tem.
WooLwicrr, J.N. 3. —The Rattler steam-vessel, Com-
mander Henry Smith, will proceed down the river on
Monday next on an experimental trip, having oeen tem-
porarily fitted with a propeller upon Mr. Sunderland's
plan. The machinery was set in motion in the basin
yesterday. Messrs. Langlands, Mudge, and Thornton
have been appointed engineers to this vessel. When the
experiments, are over she will be fitted with 7 Smith s
Iwo peller.

The Styx steam-vessel, Capiain Vidal, arrived on
Wednesday from the Azores, and will be paid off imme-
diately for recommission.
The Monkey steam-vessel, Second-Master Bryant.
!eft Woolwich for Sheerness yesterday.
The Lightning steam-vessel, Master-Commander lio

, ....
berts, an the ,lonkey steam-vessel, will conve..- Jatroi
Spence, John Allsop, Robert Rastrick, Davi. Bowen,
Alexander Caldwell, and DINH Herul.'rson, ; 1.:;-inc,tit.
t,Ts, with tlir wives and families, to i'ortstlitil iii je,;;.•
ard.

'.3/4.(eAsrs Lewthwaitg, Eameg, and Phi!!;.pq.,
kii.ve been appointed !,) the Loc,nit v,ssel
Portsmouth ; Lieur. Ji'nry Elen. CornirrpsbA.

Mr. M‘teothio 1)., 9ppointeti
he Prosporo vesiel, an,] is to b,s, borne 011 tit,
i)e)oks of the Royal Sovereign.

COURSE OF EXCEIA]
te rd ant CF. 12
tto, at sight l2 6
rZotterdam
,!,.ntwerp
damburgh M.B. 13 14
Altona l3 14
Paris, 3 days' sigh t 25 70
Ditto, 3 Tatonths 25 95
Marseilles
Bourdeaux 26 0
Frankfort on Maine- 122
Petersburgh, 3Us 37
Berlin 7
Vienna, effec. 13 M 957
Trieste, ditto
Madrid 36*
Cadiz
Bilbao 36
Barcelona 36
Seville

I GE.—(YE STY. OA T.)
Gibraltar...
Leghorn .. 31 ')
G,•noa 'A
Venice ... 47
Naples 390
Palermo, . 11.9
Lisbon 72
Orto . 52
Rio po
24k
Bahia ..... ........- 24
Buenos
Newyork.: dyssight
pRa94.04 •IF "SULLION. PER OZ. 1
Foreign £3 17 9
Tortuga' Gesld Coin 17 5
New Don i Awns.— 0 0 0
New DO.lars 3 4 9i i
Silver Nara .94 14

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. -
HUNTING APPOINTMENTS.
Rufford hds., Mon., Dean Hall ; Wed., Larton Village;
Sat., Mr. Bell's House, Oxton Warren-101
Quorn hds., Mon., Holt ' • Tues., Quorn House ; Thurs.,
Great Dalby ; Fri., Aswarby-10/..
East Essex hds., Mon., Helion's Bumpstead ; Thurs..
Oldham Hall.
Sir R. Sutton's hds., Mon., Carlby ; Tues., Tilton
Wood ; Wed., Irnham Hall ; Fri., Ayston ; Sat..
Little Dalby-11.
Pytchley hds., Mon., Finedon; Wed., Oxendon; Thurs..
Boughton House, near Kettering ; Fri., Brock Hall;
Sat., Walcote Village.
Mr. Foljambe's hds., Mon., Gringley-on-the-Hill; Tues.,
Darlton; Thurs., Scrooby Bar; Fri., Gateford Tell
bar-10i.
Earl of Harewood's hds., Mon., Bilton Banks; Wet'
Bramham Cross-reads ; Fri., Thorp Arch ; sat'
Beilby Granrge---10i.
Lord Henry hds., Mon., Langford Lode;
Tues.. T.....anton; Wed., Bardney; Thurs., Cainby Vii
Sat., Normanby by Stow.
Cheshire hds., Mon., Norton Priory ; Wed., Bostoelt
Green; Thurs., Arley; Sat., Church Minshull-14
Thanet harrs., Mon., Sheriff's Court; Wed. Gunge&
Earl Fitzwilliam's hds., Mon., Washingley; Wed-, Br
thorn Toll- bar-10.
Mr. Hillier's hds., Mon., Tothill; Tues., Horsingto
Mill; Thurs., Hainton ; Fri., Spelsby-11.
Linlithgow and Stirlingshire hds., Mon., Linlithgoo'
Bridge ; Tues., Cockleroi ; Thurs., Castlecary ; Sat.
Bangour-104.
Duke of Rutland's bds., Mon., Hose Grange ;
Dry Doddington ; Wed., Piper Hole ; Fri., Ropslef
Kennel-101.
Sherwood harrs., Tues., Two-Oaks Farm ; Frt.. Dale
storth house-11.
B. V. H., Tues., Melcombe Park Wood (roe dear) ; Fri'.
Thornhill Obelisk.
Mr. Deane's harrs., Tues., Snowdon Turnpike-gate.
Essex and Suffolk hds., Tues., Boxted Hall ; Fri., Bee'
church Maypol..
Essex Union hds., Tues., West Hanningtord, ; Sat'
Little Baddow.
Badsworth hds., Tues., Ilickleton Hall ; Thurs., col•
lington Bridge ; Sat., Ilavercroft, 101.
Mr. Trelawny's hd44., Tu s., Luilbrook Turnpike-gst°;
Fri., Slieepstone
Mr. Roe's harrs., Wed., Revetstoke; Sat., KO
House-10.
Lord Gifford's hds„ Tues., Poulton ; Thurs., Clow
caster Wood-11,