The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-29 00:00:00

REPORT OF TIIE SECRETARY OF WAR.

This document occupies five columns of the Union, but the
Following synopsis ti om that paper tells the whole of a long

story :
It exhibits, in the first instance, the organisation, strength,
and constitution of the regular army. The rank and file--
embracing every arm of the service—does not exceed 6,500
men. At this time there is stationed but a single regiment
on the whole northern frontier, from Maine to Lake Superior
—an extent of 2,000 miles ; and, on the whole line from the
Falls of St. Anthony to New Orleans (1,500 miles) only
one regiment of dragoons and two of infantry. The
artillery regiments—reduced by detachments of four com-
panies from each—now garrison the fortification of the sea-
board, from Newport to New Orleans. The remaining and
larger proportion of the army is now stationed in Texas.
The report gives an interesting account of the political
reasons which have induced the Government to give them
this destinaticn. The Secretary does not think it prudent
to remove the troops from this position until our relations
with Mexico have assumed a more decidedly amicable
character. In the event of there being any necessity to
increase the army, he proposes to build upon the basis of the
regiments by adding to the rank and file of each company,
instead of creating new regiments. This necessity may be
y
found in the course of Mexico, or in the conduct of the
Cumanches, or of the Indians that are found in Oregon, or
that may interrupt the increasing current of the emigration
to the Rocky Mountains. By the proposed arrangement of
filling up the infantry companies to 68 men, and the dra-
goons to 60, the privates are increased, without a corre-
sponding augmentation of the officers.
The report suggests that, besides this increase of the num-
ber of privates in the two existing regiments of dragoons,
another regiment of dragoons or of mounted riflemen may be
necessary, in the event of extending our posts to the Rocky
Mountains.
It states that, though the concentration of so large a pro-
portion of the army on the frontier of Texas may have, in
some measure, enlarged the expenditures (certainly in the
article of transportation), yet it has in some degree been
compensated by the improvement which has taken place in
the discipline of the troops. It renews the recommendation
for establishing a Corps of sappers, miners, and pontoniers,
to assist, among other things, in constructing bridges, in con-
sequence of the military occupation of Texas. One hundred
men will be sufficient for the purpose.
gives a rapid but interesting account of Col.
KeTahrieley's report
expedition, during the last summer, to the South
Pass of the Rocky Mountains, the impressions it produced
amj'ir wav 66gon, nu- the lodians, the number of emigrants whom it met on
the
and children, with 7,0 tp the number Or 2325
00 head of cattle, 400 horses and rinfie,,
-,men, women,
and 460 waggons. This report of Colonel Kearney accom-
panieg the coaimunication of the commanding general, and
-e greater leisure. It also refers to the adventures
wlll furnish, no doubt, an interesting store of extracts, at
season P.
the dragoons, under the
Captaincom-
aPhanteFP:fnrlY ha =them line of th
impression with
nolfana,ni another tr et
United gtates ► I.)etwP •
en Lake Superior and the Lake of the
tPttheY met with on theire
their military array, was a numerous band of t ie 41E-breeds
he
of the Red liver pf the North, who had come from the re
route, Woods.a
n and uponmohg whomiin Indians whom
ma a e
pion of the lludson Bay Company into our lines to hunt
buffalo. £hey had even solicited pervaLS9loll to reside in the
United States.

The Secretary refers to the considerations whirls had
prompted General Gaines to dispatch the volunteers of
Louisiana to the camp of General Taylor. Ample jusice is
done to their gallantry, and Congress is invited to make ap-
propriations for their compensation. General Taylor had also
accented the services of four Texan companies of mounted
men for three months.

The estimates for the ensuing year do not greatly vary
from those of former years. The item for arming the fortifi-
cations is increased 100,000 dollars. The attention of Con-
gress is directed to the state of the fortifications—to the
armories of Springfield and Harper's Ferry—to the establish-
ment of a national foundry for cannon—to the preservation
of the gunpowder belonging to the Government—to the con-
dition of the mineral lands in the north-west, which the
Secretary proposes to transfer from the management of the
ordnance department to some other (the President's Message
suggests to the Land-office).
It calls the attention of Congress to the 48 forts in process
of construction, and to the propriety of erecting new forts at
other points. Among these, as suggested by the reii.orts of
the engineers, are fortifications of the narrows at Staten
Island and Sandy Hook, and the condition of the long-sus-
pended fortress at the Pea Patch ; an additional work at
Solles' Point, for the protection of Baltimore; and projected
fortifications on the Florida reef.
The Secretary speaks with great consideration of the school
at West Point, and proposes some improvements. He calls
special attention to the report of the chief of the corps of
topographical engineers, to the improvement of the harbours
on the lakes, which are so well calculated to furnish accom-
modations to steamers, that, in a state of war, may be turned
to the most effective purposes, and to furnish facilities to a
commerce that is now estimated at 100,000,000 of dollars
annually.
The Secretary speaks with enthusiasm of expeditions
under Captain Fremont, and his valuable services. He refers
to the reports of the pension-office, which has now returned
on its books 28,921 pensioners-2,371 added during the last
year, and 1,438 known to have died. He devotes a consi-
derable space to the Indian agency and the Indians—the
Pottawatomies, the Choctaws, and particularly the Chero-
kees. He lays before the President some highly interesting
communications from our Indian sub-agent in the territory
of Oregon.

He dedicates the conclusion of his comprehensize and very
interesting report to a subject which is of so profound an im-
portance in a free government—viz., the organisation of the
militia. He suggests various alterations, and, amongst the
rest, submits the question whether it might not be advisable
to reduce the period of service from 18 years of age to 21,
upon the ground that although citizens of 18 years of age
are not too young to bear arms, they were not gener.illy
in a situation to equip themselves with arms, as the law re-
quires.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
The communication of the Secretary of the Navy opens,
without any preface, with the following sentence During
the past year the usual squadrons of the navy of the United
States have been.maintained." In the Mediterranean Com-
modore Smith had command of the Cumberland and the
Plymouth. The Plymouth was ordered to the Brazil squa-
dron, and the Cumberland returned home, and their places
will be taken at the opening of the present season by a part
of the present African squadron. The African squadron was
organised under the command of Commodore Perry, who
was relieved by Commodore Skinner; the Preble and the
Truatan contracted disease on board, and were sent home;

the Southampton, with stores, was sent out to remain, and
was fllowed by the Marion and the Dolphin. The Boxer is
destined for the same station ; and in January the Cumber-
land, bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Read, will
relieve the Jamestown and Yorktown, which will proceed to
the Mediterranean.
The disposition of the remainder of the naval force is thus
stated :

On the Brazil station, Commodore Rousseau, the first officer
west of the Alleghanies ever selected to command a squadron,
relieves Commodore Turner. The Raritan will repair to the
home squadron; the Boston is ordered to return to the
United States. The Columbia, the Saratoga, the Plymouth,
and the Bainbridge,will, for the present, constitute the Brazil
squadron.
Commodore Parker, after a very successful cruise, returned
from the Asiatic station in September, bringing home the
Brandywine, the St. Louis, and the Perry. At the Bay of
Islands, Captain M'Keever, in the St. Louis, had the happi-
ness to render valuable service to the inhabitants of an infant
British settlement.

In May, Commodore Biddle sailed for the East Indies in
command of the Columbus ship- of-the-line, and the Vin-
cennes, bearing the Minister to China, and the ratified treaty
between the United States and the Chinese Emperor. The
health of Mr. A. H. Everett, the minister, having induced his
return, the exchange of the ratifications of the treaty was
dcoemn
buttlietatae de
hteow tthhea
tc
ahna ragbel e
oaindCogmalniatondtonraevaßliedffidlcee,rweleilownlNcitlal
satisfactorily all affairs entrusted to him.
The Constitution is on her return from China, after having
visited different ports and islands in the Indian seas.
The Pacific squadron, under Commodore Sloat, has con-
sisted of the Savannah, the Levant, the Warren, and the
Shark. The three first will return in 1846, and will be re-
lieved by the Congress, the Portsmouth, and the Cyane.
The home squadron has been under the command of Com-
modore Conner, who has distinguished himself by sound
judgment in the performance of kis duty. His force, which
consisted of the Potomac, the Falmouth, the Vandal* the
Lawrence, and the Somers, was weakened by the return of
the Vandalia, which visited Hayti, and was driven home by
the yellow fever, contracted at Port au Prince, where she
had-been ordered on duty. The squadron was increased by.
the Princeton and Porpoise, the St. Mary's, and the Sara-
toga, under Commodore Stockton, and soon after by the John
Adams, and the steam ship Mississippi.
The Secretary visited all the naval establishments but
those at Pensacola and Memphis, and they are generally in
excellent order.

He recommends that the Naval Asylum at Philadelphia,
at which are now more than 100 sailors, be never enlarged,
but that new pensioners should be placed " in some salubrious
spot near the ocean, where the aged seaman can watch ships
as they come and go, and have old familiar objects in sight."
There is a dash of romance in this suggestion which is rather
unexpected.

lie condemns as a fruitless expenditure the employment of
professors and instructors on board- ship—and suggests that
midshipmen, in the intervals of sea duty, may be collected
together on shore and be suitably instructed. The instructors
being provided, the idea was carried out by organising a
school at Fort Seven, at Annapolis, under the direction of
Commander Buchanan.

He recommends that'the plates of all the charts engraved
by order of Congress be deposited in the National Observa-
tory building.
The grant of a large sum for the establishment of a well-
furnished and efficient navy yard at Pensacola is recom-
mended, and he disapproves of the grant for the Memphis
Depot, as too large fur a mere work of preparation. He
thinks Congress should confine the use of the money first to
the construction of a rope-walk ; and, next, to simple ar-
rangements for building and equipping steam-ships. He
justly adds, that " the United States should produce all the
hemp used in the navy, and that to introduce at the west the
manufacture of American hemp for the navy, will prove a
national benefit."
The subject of lake defences is reserved for a special com-
munication.
The care of the reservations and plantations of live oak,
he thinks, should be transferred to the Land Department,
which alone has the proper means of ascertaining titles.
The present contract system requires modification.
The balance of appropriations with rigid economy, be be-
lieves, will be sufficient for the fiscal year. The estimates
for next year contemplate no increase in the force employed
during the present year.
No estimates are presented for the increase of the navy :
the department awaits, in that matter the instruction of
Congress; but he remarks, that in comparison with other
nations, our own is poorly
supplied with sea going steamers.
The navy is praised for its excellency and efficiency, and
its able and skilful officers. He thinks the capable only
should be promoted, and his position is illustrated by the
following remarks :
"Age alone now claims precedence, though that claim
is unauthorised by the constitution, and unsustained by the
law. Seniority demands promotion as its right, and the
highest rank and pay are awarded to the longest life. Yet
the chances are that the eldest are not the most meritorious.
Excellence seeks the opportunity of displaying itself, and is
selected for the most perilous and wasting service ; while
mediocrity fails to be employed, and obtains length of days
in safe and affluent retirement. Promotion by seniority is a
premium upon inactivity.
" Many of the best among the older officers received high
promotion while comparatively in early life. The younger
officers of to-day are equally full of talent and ambition ; but
the present system refuses to then, the opportunity of com-
mand while life is in its vigour, and reserves it for the de-
cline of their powers. In consequence, the average age of
captains is constantly increasing, and is already nearly sixty.
The average number of annual promotions is about two.
The average age of commanders, from whom captains are
and should be taken, is not much less than fifty. From their
great numbers, the little sea service to which they are called
is favourable to longevity. Continue the present usage
twenty years longer, and while hope will be crushed in the
young men in the service, the class of commanders will itself
be composed of none but aged men, and there will not be a
captain under threescore years and ten.
" This custom discourages the most worthy, and lead the
incapable and the indolent to cling with tenacity to their
commissions.

" Those that are capable—and our service abounds in
those, and those only should be promoted."
Ile argues against the probable objection that selection
will degenerate into favouritism, and asserts that wherever
the principle of discrimination has been carried out, it has
been attended with success.
The number of midshipmen in the navy has become so
reduced that new appointments begin to be made, and he
suggests that it would be desirable if a system of free com-
petition could be devised.
A remedy in the mode of paying pursers, and against the
progressive amount of salary given according to service, is
desirable.
A change is needed to protect the treasury and to secure
the prompt payment of balances.
An increase of six acting boatswains, and as many acting
gunners in the navy, is represented as being needful. The
apprentice system will soon be revived, in a simple form, in
the hope of better results than heretofore.
The report closes with some general remarks upon the
evils which exist in the navy, and the causes from whence
they have sprung.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF 'rim TREASURY.
The report of the Secretary of the Treasury (R. J. Walker)
states the receipts for the year ending June 30, 1845,
29,769,133 dollars, to which the balance in the Treasury of
7,857,379 dollars may be added, making the total means
37,626,513 dollars. The expenditure during the same period
were 29,968,206 dollars, and, therefore, left a balance in the
Treasury of 7,658,306 dollars, July 1, 1845. The total means
estimated to accrue up to June 30, 1846, is 34,478,306 dollars,
including the balance left over from the former year. The
expenditures are estimated as follows :
The actual expenditures for the first quarter Dollars.
ending 30th of September, 1845, amounted
8,463,092 41
The estimated expenditure for the public service during the
other three quarters, from Ist October, 1845, to the 30th
June, 1846, are as follows, viz.
:
Civil list, foreign intercourse, and miscella-

neous purposes .................................. 6,739,211 06
Army proper .................................... 2,594,735 06
Fortifications, ordance, arming militia, Sm... 2,346,778 82
Indian department .................................... 1,649,791 94
Pensions „ ........... . ... 1,356,556 02
856,976 48
Innetderemestoionnpoufhitilcled
residue
dauned
ol'rtehaesulroyannootfelsi
Treasury notes which are yet outstanding and 29,300 00
payable when presented ........................ 687,764 18
Naval establishment ....................... 4,902,845 93

29,627,051 9Q

Which, deducted front the total means befqrt!,
July, 1846, an estimated balance of ... ...... 4,851,254 32
leaves in the Treasury, on the Ist
balance is subject to be decreased by such add'-
make. e-
e expended
during the fiscal year ending. th`!
be
June,. 184'6 and to be
altered by the sums which may be presented for 'payment of
tiol3BUtaauittestdpi:li)sropriations as Congress shall 2,,
the old funded and unfunded de and Am Treasury notes.


The estimated receipts, means, and expenditures for the , in spite of whatever consequencss may arise to the state from
fiscal year commencing Ist July, 1846, a d ending the 30th its firm determination either to perish or assure its political
June, 1847, are as follows: E existence.
" The Ministers of England and France announced a mis-
sion of peace, and are giving rise to a bloody and desolating
war, with the independence of the Republic constantly in
their mouths. They are blockading our ports for not hum-
bling ourselves before their nod. They may give their own
colouring to these acts in Europe, but here it is well known
that the legal president has with him the whole nation ; that
he is only its mouthpiece; and that the obstructions offered
to his measures are therefore attacks upon it. They profess
great solicitude for the interests of humanity and commerce,
whilst they are notoriously sacrificing both now, and prepar-
ing for them a future still more fearful.
" An apprehension is affected lest the Argentine Govern-
ment, which acts only in virtue of a natural alliance, and in
accordance with the lew of nations, should have some views
upon the independence of the Orientali state, and this in
spite of its known determination to abstain front any inter-
ference in its internal administration—and yet, while affecting
this, the English and French Cabinets, their diplomatic
envoys, their naval commanders, without any cause, or right,
or dire t interest, think themselves entitled to interfere in
everything—to exact, to blockade, to attack the independence
of both republics, and the admirals go so far as to say they
will take the rebels under their protection, and defend them
by all the Uliians in their power.
" This, Honourable Gentlemen, proves that they wish to
exercise a despotic dominion over these countries, Nvhich it is
our duty to resist at ev my hazard, whatever be the mask
under which it is hidden. The Governmcut is resolved to do
so, and doubts not that, supported by your patriotic decision,
it will succeed in so glorious an object.
(Signed) " MANUEL ORIBE."

RECEIPT'S,

From customs for the four quarte ... Dolls. 22,500,000 00
From sales of public lands ... 2,400,000 00
From miscellaneoUs and incidental
sources 100,000

Total revenue ••• •••
Add estimated balance to be in the
Treasury on the Ist July, 1846 ...

25,000,000 00

4,851,254 32

29,851,254 32

Total means for the services of the fiscal
year ending. the 30th June, 1847 ...
EXPENDITURES.
The expenditures during the same period, as estimated by
the several departments of State, Treasury, War, Navy, Post-
master-General, viz.:—
The balance of former appropriations which will be re-
quired to be expended in this year .. Dolls. 1,441,457 10
Permanent and indefinite appropriations '2,997,915, 72
Specific appropriations asked for this year 21,079,440 43

Total estimated expenditures ... ... 25.518,813 25
This sum is composed of the following particulars :
For civil list, foreign intercourse and mis-
cellaneous
For army proper 3,364,458 92
For fortifications, ordnance, arming militia, &c. 4.331,809 93
For pensions
For Indian department
For naval establishmei.t 6,339,390 88
For interest on public debt ... 835,844 72

Dols. 25,518,813 25
Which, deducted from the total of means
before stated, gives an estimated balance
on the Ist of July, 1847, of 4,332,441 07
By this it will be observed that the contemplated expendi-
ture for the year ending June 30, 1846, is neariy the same as
the actual outlay of the year preceding, and that the estimates
for the year ending June 30, 1847, are only 25,500,000 of
dollars, being nearly 5,000,000 less than the expenditures of
1844 and 1845. The expenses of the army, navy, fortifica-
tions, &c., estimated for 1845.6, are about 10,000,000 of dol-
lars ; those for 1846-7 are put at 14.000,000 of dollars.
The war of 1512 to 1815 between the United States and
England left the United States in debt one hundred and
eighty millions of dollars. She went into it in good credit,
borrowing money at par, while at the termination United
Slates Securities sold at 30 a4O per cent. discount. The war
lasted three 3 ears.
The great contrast between the contemplated expenditure
for the ensuing years, and the actual outlay which war re-
quires, show conclusively, that whatever sentiments the Pre-
sident may entertain towards England, he does not even ask
the means of supporting those he has put forth. He does not
mean to go to war if he can help it, but he is playing a game
which will soon put the whole matter out of his control if
it be continued. The contemplated outlay is by no means
commensurate with what our policy requires.
The Secretary's recommendations in regard to the tariff
embrace the quintessence of Polk's views in the Message.
or, what is more likely, the Message takes its hue from and
amplifies the propositions of the Secretary, which are sub-
stantially as follows:

1. Ne more money to be raised than what is wanted by
Government.

2. No duty to be laid upon any article above the lowest
rate which will yield the largest amount of revenue.
3. Discrimination made below that, down to perfect free
trade.

4. Maximum duties on luxuries.
5. All minimum and specific duties to be abolished, sub-
stituting ad valorem duties—care being taken to guard
against frauds.

-6. Duties to be laid equally, not discriminating in favour
of any class.
Horizontalism is repudiated, because, peradventure, some
of the horizontal duties might possibly operate as protective
and not as revenue imposts—protection being the monster
which ;, to be killed at all events in this tariff war.
Mr. Walker says the revenue from the highly protected
articles is becoming gradually less, because domestic manu-
factures are driving the foreign articles from the market, and
thinks the result will be, in time, a necessity for direct taxa-
tion, unless the duties are reduced so low as to permit impor-
tation again.
Among other modes of " equalising" the tariff, and " re-
lieving the people from its oppressive burdens," the Secre-
tary proposes to repeal the fishing bounties, and the duty on
salt.

The recommendations of the Secretary of the Treasury
for the establishment of a sub-treasury system have already
been noticed in the President's Message, with which they
coincide.

VERY LATE FROM CALIFORNIA.
Our private advices from Monterey (Upper California),
to the middle of October last, came to hand yesterday. The
intelligence is important. A British fleet destined for
Oregon was passing up the west coast, of which our corres-
pondent at Monterey says :
" The pioneer of this 'fleet, the British ship of war America,
touched here some time ago, and the movements of her
commander, Captain Gordon, aroused our suspicions at the
time. He refused to give any news, saying ' men of war do
not carry news.' lie also refused to carry a circular letter
to the United States Indian Agent at Oregon City, remark-
ing that he was not sure of going to Columbia River.
I have ascertained that Lord Aberdeen, the British
Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had a brother on board the
America, and one of Sir Robert Peel's sons was also an officer
or a passenger. We were all glad that these distinguished
visitors bad every facility extended to them for collecting
facts in this vicinity. The.y can give their illustrious relatives
an interesting account of California. At San Francisco they
found every well-built house owned by ' a Yankee.' D—n
it,' said one of the officers, ' is there nothing but Yankees
here ?"rhey had the satisfaction of hearing direct from
several over the mountain travellers of the many hundred
waggons on the road for Oregon and California, as well as of
the excellent facilities fur travelling between the States and
this coast.

WEST RIDING ELECTION.

The requisition calling upon Lord Morpeth to come
forward as a candidate for the representation of the West
Riding of Yorkshire, was presented to his Lordship at
Castle Howard, on Friday evening, by a deputation con-
sisting of Messrs. F. H. Fawkes, Charles Wood, M.P.,
Hamer Stansfield, and Edward Baines, jun., when he
consented to be put in nomination.
The feeling in favour of his Lordship throughout the
riding is most decided, and far beyond what even his
warmest admirers could have anticipated. As a proof of
this we need only mention the fact that within twenty-
four hours the requisition to his Lordship received the
signatures of no less than 8,500 West Riding electors.
This marked display of feeling has thrown the utmost
dismay into the Conservative ranks, and even the
bitterest opponents of his Lordship hesitate not to pre-
dict his success, and to discourage, as altogether futile,
any attempts at opposition by the Monopolist party to
his return. The only rumour of opposition that h9s yet
been current is that the Hon. Edwin Lascelles, brother
to Lord Harewood, will be brought out by the Tories.
We believe, however, that by the Tories no steps what-
ever have been taken to contest the riding, and we be-
lieve also that few of them are so short-sighted and in-
judicious as to venture upon a struggle which must
result in inevitable mortification and defeat. The fol-
lowing is the address which has been issued by Lord
Morpetb, and from that it will be seen that the contest,
if any, must be a battle, not of party politics, but of
free trade against monopoly:—
"TO THE ELECTORS OF THE WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE.
"Gentlemen,—l am deeply penetrated by the gratifying
import of the invitation which has just been conveyed to me.
More than one reason might have induced me not to resume
a parliamentary life at present, but if the electors of the
West Riding shall determine to persevere in the prompt and
generous movement they have made in my favour, I cannot
hesitate, in such a crisis of public affairs as the present, to
put myself at their disposal. I appreciate the kindness of
the suggestion for dispensing with a winter canvass, and I
should feel it invidious to visit some of the polling districts
and omit others. I will, therefore, present myself on the day
of nomination at Wakefield, and there submit the issue to
the decision of this great constituency. The inhabitants of
the West Riding are already acquainted with the principles
by which my public conduct, in and out of office has been
guided. I still adhere to them in all essential Roints, but if
I am sent to the House of Commons at the present juncture,
I should deem it the main object of my mission to insist
upon an immediate and final repeal of the corn-laws.
"I have the honour to be, gentlemen,
"Castle Howard, Dec. 26. " MORPETH."

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.
PORTSMOUTH, DEC. 27.—The Baretto Junior, transport,
Lieut. Griffiths, agent, bound to Bermuda with 200 convicts,
arrived at Spithead on Monday. She had proceeded on her
voyage, and was off Ushant, when one of her soldiers guard
on board was taken ill with small-pox, and in consequence
it was thought necessary to put back. The Baretto remains
at Spithead.
The Eudymion, 44, Capt. Lambert, has left Portsmouth
Sound, fully and well manned and stored, and with many
supernumerary officers and men, for the West Indies, there
to be under the command of Vice-Admiral Sir F. Austen.

" The Governor had the militia called out to resist an ex-
pected invasion fi Gm the United States squadron, and the
soldiers, ready to run at the first shot, were gratified with the
frolic. Foreigners of all :nations are respected. Americans
are pouring into the country from Oregon and the States.
The British merchant schooner Star of the West, with a
cargo valued at 30,000/. sterling, was lost near the entrance
to the harbour of Monterey, on the 27th July. The goods
saved and sold fetched only 3,000 dolls. at auction. The tax
of 30 dolls. on whale ships has been taken off by the authori-
ties of California.

The Vanguard, 80, Capt. Willes, has left Plymouth Sound
for Cork, there to be stationed for the present, as the flag.
ship of Rear-Admiral Sir Hugh Pigot.
The Lizard, iron steamer, Lieut.-Commander Tylden, re-
ceived her orders to proceed to Falmouth, on her way to
South America, on Tuesday, and sailed ; but in consequence
of a strong westerly gale springing up, she was recalled, and
remained at Spithead'until Thursday morning, when she
sailed fur Falmouth.

"The crops in Southern California have unexpectedly
turned out a failure, owing to extreme drought, in the latter
part of the season : barely grass enough to save the lives of
the cattle • provisions scarce and high. The crops pro-
mised an abundant harvest early in the season, but a total
cessation of rain for nearly two months ruined everything.
The climate baffled the skill of the settlers on the Sacra-
mento, and a change in the time of sowing and planting is
to be resorted to, but it is doubtful whether that will save
the most valuable roots and grains. Of small vegetables,
two crops are gathered in a season. The winter is always
mild and spring-like."

The Bittern, 16, Commander Hope, is hourly expected at
Spithead, from the eastward, to be paid, and complete her
stores, preparatory to sailing for the coast of Africa.
The Daring, 12, Commander Henry J. Matson, will have
her defects made good, and be ready for sea on the 30th inst. ;
she will proceed to the coast of Africa.
The Rodney, 92, Capt. Collier, C. 8., at Spithead, is having
her mizen-mast raked three inches more.
The Ilarpy steam-vessel, Lieut. H. B. Proctor, is ordered
to be made ready for sea with all possible dispatch, and it is
said her destination is South America.
The Birkenhead, iron steam-frigate, 1,400 tons burden, and
560-horse-power, building for some years by Mr. Laird, of
Birkenhead, is expected to be launched on the 30th inst.
The Alban steamer, from Plymouth, arrived this morning
with supernumeraries.

The good service pension of 300 L per annum, which reverted
to the Admiralty on the death of Admiral Sir Charles Rowley,
Bert., is conferred on Sir William Hotham, G.C.8., Admiral
of the White.

PROMOTIONS.
Commander=—lienry Bagot (1838), of the Excellent, and
Thomas liaillie (1841), of the Modesto, to the rank of Captain.
Mate—T. lirandreth (1844), of the Excellent, for passing
the best examination at the Naval College last week, to the
rank of Lieutenant.
Assistant-Surgeon--James John L. Donnet (1840), of
Greenwich Hospital, to the rank of Surgeon.

APPOINTMENTS. -
Commander—Wm. Maclean, to Cruiser, vice Fanshawe,
promoted.
Lieutenants—W. F. Warren, to Endymion ;R. L. Curtis,
additional, to Hibernia; T. A. Aldridge, to Sampson; T. 13.
Christopher, to Alarm; T. S. Hall, to be Mail Agent; J. B.
Kooystra, to Bittern; Charles T. Leckie, to Inconstent ;
W. D. Lyster, to Agincourt; Edward Lacy,to Collingwood ;
Armine Woodhouse and Arthus Tower, to Ringdove ; M. F.
O'Reilly, additional, to Penelope; Francis S. Tremlett, addi-
tional of the Agincourt, to Nimrod; Edward F. T. Roberts,
of Albion, additional, to Vindictive; W. L. N. Lockyer, to
Rodney.

Masters—James 'William Armstrong, from the Seamen's
Registry-office, to the Admiralty Store Department, Somer-
set-house, vice Hoskins, to Greenwich Hospital; John Davis,
to the Seamen's Registry-offices, vice Armstrong; J. G.
Mugl,rd, to Samson; W. H. Langtrey, to Ringdove ; Ri-
chard S. Godden, to Scourge, vice Forster, commission re-
turned.

Paymaster and Purser—Walter D. Bateman, to Ringdove ;
E. A. Smith, to Bittern.

Surgeons—John Davidson,ll.D , to Sappho ; James Booth,
to Samson; Thomas H. Lowry, M.D., to Ringdove ; J. L.
Clarke, M.D., in charge to Joseph Somes, convict-ship ; John
Wilson, in charge, to Emma, convict-ship.
Chaplain—Rev.: J. Moore, M A., to Trafalgar.
Assistant-Surgeons—N. L. Dolling, to Viper; C. A. An-
derson, to Greenwich Hospital ; John E. Hamilton, to Ring-
dove • Charles Ede, additional, to Caledonia.

Mates—W. H. Phipps, of St. Vincent, to Rattler; F. W.
Bishop, of St. Vincent, to Retribution.

Clei-k—T. W. W. Spear, of Excellent, in charge, to Wild-
fire steamer; W. H. Richards, to Carysfort.
Naval Instructor—James Stephen, to Vernon.
Midshipmen—H. H. Sainsbury, to Vanguard; H. H. Cor-
neck, to Carysfort.
Master's Assistant—J. 0. Jonas, to Victory.
Naval Cadet—J. S. Twysden, to Scourge.
Boatswain—W. Campbell (late of Formidable), to be
Master Rigger of Sheerness Dock-yard, in the room of Mr.
John Young, superannuated.
COAST GUARD.—Lieutenant J. G. S. M. Moore, from Az-
mouth, to Lyme,Cobb Station, vice T. E. James, previously
removed ; Charles F. Collett, from Courtmasberry, to Port-
mack Station, vice Mr. John Hungerford, chief officer, pre-
viously removed.

LITERATURE.
ELINOR WYLLYS. A Novel. Edited by J. F.

Cooper. 3 Vets.
This work possesses a twofold claim to our atten-
tion. It bears on its title-page the name of a well-
known author, while the preface informs us that it is
in reality the first work of " a 'prentice hand," pub-
lished under his auspices. The story is interesting
enough itself, and is written in an easy unaffected
style ; but it is chiefly valuable as a picture of
American life—a delineation of the national charac-
ter. After the confused and contradictory accounts
of English travellers, respecting the manners and
customs of our trans-Atlantic brethren, an American
novel by one of themselves will be both instructive
and interesting. The authoress of "Elinor Wyllys"
has given no partial or prejudiced account, she is
evidently not blind to the faults of her countrymen ;
perhaps her work was written no less for their benefit
than for our information. The family of the heroine,
assembled at Wyllys-roof, exhibits a picture of calm
domestic enjoyment, scarcely differing from an
English fire-side group, and contrasting strongly
with some of their " aristocratic" neighbours, whose
vain ambitions, would-be-exclusive language, and
manners are described with great animation and vigour.
The latter part of the story is chiefly occupied by
the details of a law-suit of rather extraordinary cha-
racter; it is described with a fidelity and minuteness
which render it extremely interesting, and the speeches
of the counsel are well worthy of their supposed
authors. These volumes will be found highly interest-
ing to the English, as tending to throw a light on do-
mestic life in America, while to the Americans them-
selves they will be far more beneficial
i"
ttai the
" English novels, all about lords awl '
are apparently so gratifying
t's;: ..
neir aristocr es, which
atic taste

The Count.•-
on S•'•

•
- of March gave birth to a son and heir
—urday, at the family residence in Portland-place. Her
Ladyship and infant son are going on:favourably.
Lord Adolphus Fitzclarence has left town on a
visit to the Marquis of Anglssea, at Beaudesert.
Lord Fitzroy Somerset is expected to join the
circle assembled at the Duke and Duchess of Richmond's, at
Goodwood-park, to-day.
We regret extremely to have to state that the Hon.
Colonel Westenra, M.P., has been for some days seriously ill
at his seat, Sharavogue, King's County.—Cork Examiner.
LYMINGTON.—We are authorised to state that it Is
the intention of the Hon. Colonel Keppel to become a candi-
date for this borough at the next election.—Hampshire Inde-
pendent.

The young wheat plants are looking very promis-
ing, and there has seldom been a better prospect at
Christmas for the ensuing harvest than this year,