The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1839-03-29 00:00:00

TURNPIKE TRUSTS.

Mr. MACKINNON moved for a select committee for the
purpose of ascertaining how far the formation of railroads
may affect the interest of turnpike trusts, and the creditors
of such trusts ; to consist of Mr. Mackinnon, Sir Henry
Parnell, Mr. Vernon, Mr. Mildmay, Mr. Greene, Mr. Geo.
Wilbraham, Mr. Ormsby Gore, Mr. Dunbar, Mr. Henry
Thomas Hope, Mr. Ainsworth, Mr. Henry Baring, Colonel
Rushbrooke, Lord Viscount Clive, Mr. Shaw Lefevre, Mr.
Parrott.—The motion was agreed to.
The house adjourned at a quarter before one o'clock, to
Tuesday.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—TUESDAY.
The royal assent was given by commission to the Duke of
Wellington's estate bill, and several other bills.
Petitions on various subjects were presented.
CANADIAN PRISONERS AND THE STATE OF MAINE.
Lord 11RouGn Am, having understood from the Marquis of
Normanby that there was to be no opposition to the return
relative to the Canadian prisoners, said he did not wish to
give rise to any discussion, but only to press upon the atten-
tion of her Majesty's ministers a regard to justice and
humanity in the treatment of those prisoners. Although
many of them were persons who had moved in a respectable
sphere of life, and were well educated, they were associated
with housebreakers and thieves, they wore the prison dress,
had their hair cut close, and were in all respects treated as
common felons, although they had only been guilty of a poli-
tical offence. Surely this was a remnant of the barbarism of
by-gone ages, when there was no distinction made between
ordinary felonies and political offences. He did not mean to
have it understood that the treatment of the prisoners was
the result of any active interference, but only according to
the ordinary course ; he was sure it needed only to be noticed
to be redressed. The noble and learned lord then went on to
say, that he sincerely hoped the powerful necessity of a war
with America would be avoided. He would not counsel the
government, nor would their lordships sanction any course
contrary to public honour ; but, on the other hand, no appre-
hension need be entertained in consequence of the high war-
like reputation which we had acquired all over the world by
the valour of our heroes both by sea and land ; no apprehen-
sion need be entertained that it would be derogatory to our
honour to concede as much as possible for the maintenance
of the inestimable blessings of peace. This was the princi-
ple upon which the government ought to act in every case,
and above all in respect to the unhappy differences between
this country and America. There was one consolation on
this subject, which was that we were undeniable, clearly and
manifestly in the wrong ; and giving up when we were in the
wrong never could harm us.
The Marquis of NORMANBY said, that in reference to the
&Magri -rlatte.pligorieTO ioRA- filit-i-E6larly in 1:3!
department. They had been transferred to the convict ships,
as all other convicts coming from that part of the world were,
there having been no doubt of the legality of their trials.
He had received a communication respecting them to-day,
but he should make further inquiries on the subject, In re-
ference to the other part of the noble and learned lord's
speech, he had no observation to offer on that.
Lord BROUGHAM wished to know whether the noble
marquis had any objection to state whether he had heard any-
thing from the Mauritius or not? He understood the eman-
cipation of the slaves had been rejected by the council there,
by a majority of one. His noble friend, who preceded the
noble marquis in his present office, had stated, a few months
ago, that if the emancipation were !ejected by the council, an
order had been sent by her Majesty's government to the local
government there, ordering the slaves to be emancipated.
The Marquis of NORMANBY said no information had been
received at present, but the provisional order had gone out,
and he had no doubt the local government would act upon it.

Lord DUNCANNON laid upon the table abstracts of monies
received and expended in the burghs of England and Wales.
The Marquis of NORMANBY laid on the table copies and
extracts of correspondence between the government ann the
Governor of Upper Canada; copies and extracts of answers
to commissioners sent out to inquire into the affairs of Malta,
and other returns.

The Earl of ABERDEEN presented petitions from different
parts of Scotland, in favour of church extension.
On the motion of the LORD CHANCELLOR, an address was
agreed to be presented to the crown, praying for a copy of the
report of the assistant hand-loom weavers' commissioners.
The bills on the table were forwarded a stage, and the house
adjourned at half-past five o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—TUESDAY.
There being only thirty-one members present at four
o'clock, the house adjourned till to-morrow.

HOUSE OF LORDS.-WEDNESDAY.

The royal assent was given, by commission, to the Duke
of Wellington's estate bill, the tithes arrears (Ireland) bill,
&c., &c.
On the motion of the Earl of SHAFTESBURY, their lord-
ships then adjourned till Thursday, April 11.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—WEDNESDAY.
Lord G. SOMERSET presented a petition from certain car-
riers of goods between London and Birmingham, complain-
ing of the conduct of the railway company in refusing to
carry their goods, though they carried the goods of another
firm in the same business ; praying the house to interpose
their authority to put an end to what they considered a most
injurious monopoly. His lordship asked if it was the inten-
tion of government to regulate the proceedings of railways.
Mr. P. THOMSON said, that on the 11th of April, he should
move for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the
subject.
Mr. LABOUCHERE stated, in answer to Mr. Hume, that
the charges against Colonel Prince, for ordering prisoners
taken by the Indians in Canada to be shot, were under inves-
tigation by a court of inquiry. He added that the reports in
circulation were greatly exaggerated.
Mr. LABOUCHERE said, in answer to Mr. Gladstone, that
government was willing to produce all the information re-
ceived relating to the Hill Coolies.
Lord J. RUSSELL (in answer to Lord Granville Somerset's
inquiry) cid, that in the course of the session he intended
to propose the continuation of the poor law amendment act,
renewing the powers of the commissioners, but adopting
some of the recommendations of the committee of last ses-
sion. There would be additional powers regarding unions
under Gilbert's act ; but he was understood to add. that if
there were any alteration in the bastardy clauses it must be
the subject of a separate bill.
Sir STRATFORD CANNING, in order to afford the ministers
the opportunity of allaying public anxiety, asked whether the
government had received any official information of the ap-
pointment by the United States of a plenipotentiary to open
further negotiations in London regarding the Maine boundary
question ; whether the government had received any infor-
mation of Sir J. Harvey having, contrary to instructions
previously received, acquiesced in the suggestion of the Bri-
tish minister at Washington, touching present occupation of
the disputed territory ; and whether there would be any ob-
jection to produce the instructions referredjto by Sir J. Har-
vey, in a despatch dated Feb. 18, as to maintaining possession
of that territory.
Lord PALNIERsTos answered, that as he had understood,
from despatches received on Tuesday, that there was a ques-
tion before the United States government, as to whether a
special plenipotentiary should or not be appointed, he con-
sidered it would be improper in him, until that question
was decided, to give any answer to the questions, or to pro-
duce the required instructions.
Sir R. PEEL said he should not embarrass the government
by making any remarks now; but would reserve the right,
when the information and papers were given, of expressing
his opinion whether or not our government had shown suffic-
ient energy and decision on this subject, in their proceedings
with the United States.

Mr. LABOUCHERE, in answer to Col. Sibthorpe's inquiry
regarding delay in producing papers he had moved for, said
that it resulted from the difficulty of estimating the exact ex-
penses of Lord Durham's mission in consequence of sales
now taking place. There was no indisposition to produce
them as soon as possible.
Lord .1. RUSSELL said that with regard to the motion of
which he had given notice for Thursday, the 11th of April,
in consequence of the request of several members to whom
it would be inconvenient to attend before, he would now fix
that motion for Monday, April 15.
Sir H. V ivinx then, in committee of supply, moved re-
solntionson the ordnance estimates; which, after some de-
sultory discussions, were chiefly agreed to.
The house adjourned till Monday, April 8.

ROCHDALE FLANNEL MARKET, MONDAY, MARCH 25.—
There has been but little change in the market to-day. The
demand has been rather better, and perhaps some few more
pieces sold than on the preceding Monday. In prices there
is no alteration. Wool remains firm, though there has not
been much business doing.

CAPTURE OF ADEN.

(Official account from Tuesday night's Gazette.)
ADMIRALTY, MARCH 26, 1839.
COPY of a LETTER from Captain SMITH, of her Majesty's
ship Volage, to Rear Admiral Sir Frederick L. Maitland,
dated Aden Back Bay, 22d January, 1839.
Her Majesty's Ship Volage, Aden Back
Bay, 22d January, 1839.
Sir,—l have the honour to inform your excellency that the
expedition under my command against this place anchored
in the afternoon of the 16th instant.
The same evening I received a letter (No. 1) from the
political agent, informing me that all negotiation on his part
had failed, and that hostilities had already commenced.
On receipt of this letter I communicated with Major Bail-
lie, the officer commanding the troops, and we determined to
lose no time in attacking the place.
The lith was spent in drawing up the plan of the attack,
and in making the necessary preparations.
On the morning of the 18th I weighed with the squadron*
to proceed to the front of the town, which I reached in the
afternoon, in company with the Cruizer, (towing a mortar
boat) and Mahe schooner.
On standing in towards the island of Seerah, a fire was
opened on the ship with musketry and several large guns,
when I commenced a partial attack. The Coote (corvette)
and transports not having come up, I hauled off and anchor-
ed for the night.
On the morning of the 19th, the whole force having arrived,
I made the signal to prepare to attack, and the troops to be
held in readiness for landing in two divisions ; at half-past
nine the Volage anchored, with a spring on her small bower
cable, in four fathoms water, at about three hundred yards
distance from the lower battery on the island of Seerah, at
the same time the Mahe took up her position to the south-
ward of the island.
On standing in, the enemy opened a fire of great guns and
musketry on us, but the ship being laid so close to the shore,
the guns on the heights were rendered useless, their shot
passing over us.
At ten the Cruizer anchored, and was of essential service
in destroying the flank of the battery. During this period a
heavy firing was kept up, but in a short time two of the guns
in the lower battery were dismounted, and most of the people
were driven from the remainder, they, however, took shelter
behind the ruins of the battery, and kept up an incessant fire
of musketry on the ships, and although the lower battery was
almost knocked to pieces, still we had great difficulty in dis-
lodging the men.
At this period I directed the fire to be opened on the round
tower and batteries on the hights, which were filled with men
armed with matchlocks, and in the course of one hour I had
the satisfaction to see this tower (though sixty feet high, and
strongly built), a mass of ruins.
At eleven the Coote anchored with the second division of
the troops to the southward of the island, and opened her fire
upon the town.
Finding the firins had not ceased from the lower battery,
I directed the Mahe schooner to proceed to the end of it, and
endeavoured to drive out the men from behind it, by musketry;
this service was performed by her commander, Lieutenant
Daniels, in a most gallant manner, but I regret to say that
Mr. Nesbit, midshipman, was severely wounded.
The firing having now almost totally ceased, I gave direc-
tions for the boats of both divisions to land. Lieutenant
Dobree, who had charge of the first division, Mr. Rundle,
mate. and a quarter-master of this ship, were the first on shore,
and made for a 68 pounder, which had been fired at us several
times, when a matchlock was fired at the quarter-master by
a man behind the gun, who was immediately cut down by him,
and the first British flag was planted by Mr. Rundle.
So completely were the enemy driven from all points (with
the exception of the Island, when I directed Lieutenant
Dobree (who had returned) with two mates (Messrs. Stewart
and Rundle), with a party of seamen, and Lieutenant Ayles
with the marines, amounting altogether to 50, to land and
take possesion of it ; this was gallantly accomplished, the
party ascending the heights, spiking and dismounting the
guns, taking the flag which had been flying from the tower,
and making prisoners of 139 armed Arabs, who were conduct-
ed from the island to the main by the party, and given over
tnto the charge of Major Osborn. In an attempt to disarm
the prisoners (made by the military), they made a most
formidable resistance, and I regret to say that several lives
were lost on both sides.
Mq. Nesbitt, a midshipman of the Mahe, was the only
person hurt on board the squadron, and on part of the
military, 15 were killed and wounded, most of them danger-
ously, and one serjeant has since died.
The enemy's guns were served badly and fired irregularly,
they appearing to have most confidence in their matchlocks ;
and there can be no doubt that if it had not been for the total
destruction of their defences by the squadron, the troops
would not have been able to have accomplished their landing
without a very severe loss.
I have not been able to ascertain the number of armed men
that defended the town, but from what I can learn there
must have been upwards of 1000 ; nor can I come at the
exact number that were killed or wounded, 25 dead bodies
were found on the island of Seerah alone, several in the town,
and this moment there are 25 wounded lying in the mosque,
amongst whom is the Sultan's nephew, who defended the
island.
I beg to recommend to your notice the gallant conduct and
services of Lieutenant Dobree and Messrs. Stewart and Run-
dle (mates) ; nor can I omit mentioning the assistance I re-
ceived from Captain Haines, the political agent, who from
his local knowledge, piloted the ship in, which enabled me to
take up so effective a position.
I herewith transmit to your excellency a plan of the attack
(No. 2), and a list of the ordnance stores (No. 3) captured.
Lieutenant Dobree is now employed with a party of men in
endeavouring to get off the three large brass Turkish guns,
which it is the wish of the captors should be presented to her
Most Gracious Majesty.
I intend to send the Cruizer to Barbara for water, and I
shall leave this place as soon as tranquillity is restored and
measures are taken for the security of the troops.—l have &c.
(Signed) H. SMITH, Captain Commanding
the Expedition.
His Excellency Rear-Admiral F. L. Maitland,
K.G.C.8., &c., East Indies.

Hon. Company's Sloop of War Coote, Aden
Black Bay, Jan. 16, 1839.
Sir,—All negotiations with the chieftains of the Abdalla
tribe have failed in bringing them to perform their written
promise of transferring Aden to the British, and their having
declared war by opening a fire on the hon. company's sloop
of war Coote and her boats ; in fact, after all reasoning and
every strenuous endeavour has been exerted on the part of
the Bombay government to bring the deceitful and dishonour-
able tribe to their senses by mild and conciliating measures
have proved unavailing, I am under the necessity (as the last
and only resource left to obtain satisfaction for the repeated
#3l4tth ground ceded to the British,
under their Sultan's seal, in January, 1838.
2dly. I have, therefore, the honour to request that you will,
with the squadron under your command, in co-operation with
the troops under the command of Major Baillie, adopt such
measures for the immediate capture and occupation of Aden,
as may appear to you both best calculated to obtain it.
3dly. I take the liberty of pointing out that many of the
poor inhabitants of Aden have been compelled by the chief-
tains to remain there, consisting principally of Jews, Banians,
and Zoories ; I therefore earnestly solicit that, if possible,
their lives be preserved.
4th. I also beg, that if fortune should place the Sultan or
his sons, any chieftains or Seids, in our possessions, that their
lives be spared ; and that any individuals so captured be se-
cured to await future decision regarding them.
sth, Havinc, a perfect knowledge of the localities of the
place, I shall feel most happy to afford you any information
on the subject ; and if from a thorough knowledge of the bay
and anchorages, my services or advice be advantageous, I
shall feel proud to accompany the commander of any vessel
or squadron in taking up a close position for the destruction
of their strongest battery.—l have the honour to be, &c.,
(Signed) J. B. HAINES, Political-Agent.
To Captain Smith, Her Majesty's Ship
Volage, Senior Office, Aden.

RETURN Of BRASS and IRON ORDNANCE captured at ADEN,
on the 19th January, 1839.
In Battery, on Carriages.-1 brass 85-pounder, 1 brass 68-
pounder, 1 brass 32-pounder, dismounted by tire of the squad-
ron ; 4 iron 11-pounders, dismounted by fire of the squadron;
2 iron 12-pounders, 5 iron 9-pounders, dismounted and thrown
into the sea by sailors ; 5 iron 6 pounders, 1 iron 4 pounder,
5 iron 3 pounders.
Not in Battery.-1 brass 89 pounder, 6 iron 6 pounders,
and 1 iron 4-pounder.--Total, 33 guns. 3,000 pounds of
powder, 1,200 shot of sizes (85 stone,) 88 grape shot, 2 pigs
of lead, 114 matchlocks.
(Signed) W. WILLOUGHBY,
Captain, commanding Artillery, Aden Force.

* Her Majesty's ships Volage and Cruizer; Honourable
Company's ships Coote and Mahe ; Transports, Lowjee Fa.:
mily, Ernaad, and Ann Crichton.

THE BOUNDARY QUESTION.