The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1838-01-30 00:00:00

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

The late hoer at which we received the report of the meeting on the
subject of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway Bill, precludes us
from inserting it in the present number.
Dr. Kane's concluding lecture shall appear on Friday.
_ _

Zbe Eiberpool gitanbarb.

" Au alliaute, offensiNe and defensive, between England and
Mexico.

Tile ocean swarming with British and Mexican privateers,
" British steam frigates and privateers ou all the great lakes,
where they have little to lose and much to gain.
" The ports of Mexico defended by British fleets and garri•
suns.

" An expedition fitted out to the West, Indies, with an army
of free blacks.

" A dissolution of the Union—so much for interference in the
quarrels °Colliers.
_ .

" If you set your neighbour's house on file, a change or wind
way bring the 'flames you have Limned to your own
" A treaty between nations is virtually a contract between all
individuals of each nation. Americans, be honest, and fulfil
your contracts in the face of the whole wto Id."

EXTRACT OF A LETTER, DATED MONTREAL, DEC. 23, 1837.
Since the affair of St. Eustache, the most sanguine of the
Canadians seem to have relinquished all hope, of accomplishing
the subversion of the government ; and in the districts of
Quebec and Three Rivers loyal addresses have been got up
to Lord Gosford. The object of these addresses, no -doubt,
is to make their peace with the government, and to endeavour
to make it appear that only a small portion of the country
was engaged in the rebellion, that the blow may fall more
lightly on those who were actively engaged in it. At a distance
their scheme may have some effect, but here it is cell known,
from letters and documents found in different parts of the coun-
try, as well as in Upper Canada, that the Canadians, almost
to a man, had entered into a plot. Tile plan was not to rise
until Sunday last, the 19th instant, and, on that day, the whole
male Frenchipopulation of Lower Canada, was to rise simul-
taneously,. the St. Eustache people were to take Moutteal;
those at Vaudeville were to cut off the communication with
Upper Canada, and on the other side they
seere to interpose
between us and the townships,; it is also said that part of their
plan was to pillage the town and exterminate the English in-
habitants. APlienzie and the rebels in Upper Canada were to
rise at the same time,- upset the government of Toronto, and
proclaim, a republic. Had it not been for the prudence anti
vigilance of Sir John Colborne, it seems probable that they
might have succeeded to a certain extent. Lord Gosford, Sir
Francis, and, indeed, the English population generally, never
believed that such a combination existed, or that the habitants
were ready to take up arms. Sir John got souse information at
&lel (his summer residence) of what was intended, and
placing confidence in that information, he immediately began
to prepare, by providing hot ses for his artillery, -and ordering
troops arum tipper Canada and the Lower Provinces. But for
this, it is probable we should have slept on in our security until
the mine was sprung under our feet; much of our success, also,
is to be attributed to the openness of the season ;' so open, in-
deed, as it been. that a steamboat arrived here on the Ilth
instant, with the 83d from Quebec. Had the navigation closed
immediately after the first expedition agaiti:t St. Dennis,
1-
have no doubt but Montreal would at this time be tinder seige.
After the retreat of Colonel Gore, Sir John became most
anxious about the Royals; and while they were on the route to
St. Charles, he sent several messengers with dispatches, order.
ing them to retire to Chambly, and thence to Montreal; but
most fortunate iv for us alt, dicoatalsou trci e 'inirreepted,
and Colonel etherall, following up his orders, Continued to
tmarch on St. Charles; and there, as you ate aware, lave'
he rebels a regular defeat. Again, at Toronto, had the rebels
marched into the town on the night of the 4th inst., they would,
without doubt, have taken it; there were only some 14 soldiers
there, and the citizens were altogether without ants;
writes to me that it could not have been saved had the rebels
marched in as they intended. The hand of God seems to have
been on our side, and by a merciful Providence saved us from
destruction both of life and property. Let us be grateful to him
for this manifestation of his goodness, and in all our trials and
difficulties allay we put our trust and confidence in him both
here and hereafter.

The accounts last night from Upper Canada. are favourable.
Mr. Speaker, M'Nabb, at the head of his little army, had
marched towards London, and had fallen in with part of the
rebel force, and routed it, killing 2 and taking 14 prisoners.
We have not heard what their force is in that section of the
country, but we believe it to be small • and I have no doubt but
they will easily be dispersed.
I was aware that there was much loyalty in Upper Canada,
but I was not prepared for so general an expression of it. You
will naturally inquire how it came that Sir Francis Head al-
lowed himself to he surprised, after having been informed that
the rebels were drilling for several weeks before they marched
on Toronto. It appears, in fact, that he had adopted a pre-
conceived opinion that it would not be, and his overweening
vanity led hint to risk the town, and, indeed, the province. He
is very much blamed in Upper Canada, as he is here, and, I
think, justly.
The Americans at Buffalo and other points have had meet-
ings, and passed resolutious sympathising with the rebels; but
the general and state goveinnients have shewn a desire to put
down any interference, and they must now themselves see that
the cause of the rebels is a hopeless one in both provinces, and
the exceitement, I think, will soon subside.

We are now all quiet here, and two companies of the 24th
have been sent to Uprer danada in sleighs; they will reach
Chippewa within a week.

[From the Mercantile Advertiser, Dec. 28. copying from the Al.

burry Advertiser, Dee. 25. )

The Buffalo Star,' of Friday, contains the following :
The facts that the loyalists on the Canada shore near this city
have destroyed all means of crossing speaks plainly the• fears
they have of their own people. None are permitted to cross to
this side but sworn loyalists.

The army at Navy Island is increasing, and are in fine spirits.
They hive in increased number of cannon-furnaces for heating
shot, and every means of laying the village of Chippewa in
ashes, the moment any attempt is made on them.
We understand that a quantity of stands of arms, kept at the
watchhouse, belonging to the state, were stolen on Wednesday
night. No clue is given by which the public can form an opin •
ion who are the thieves.

(From the Mercantile Advertiser, Dec. 29.)

The patriots on Navy Island ate increasing in numbers, and
adding daily to their munitions and defences, which are sup-
ported by voluntary subscriptions from both sides of the river.
At Kingston the papers speak of the rebellion as having been
crushed, and are exceedingly violent and abusive towards the
American government and people.
At Prescott numerous arrests had been made ; of persons,
too, who had committed no overt acts, but were heard to express
liberal opinions.
In the royal province the royalists begin to show mercy. Of
She 29 brought, to Montreal by Cot. Wetherall from
t. Denis, 20 have been discharged , and of the 112 prisoners
brought to that place from St. Eustache by Sir John Colborne,
73 have been released. The prisons are, however, still gorged
with victims, and the royal papers talk of trials and punishments
for high treason.

The MOlll7 eal Herald of the 21st says, that there had not, to
that day, been a single prisoner condemned or executed by
martial law, or any other law.
Mr. Garrow, the United States Marshal, has gone to the
Niagara frontier, for the purpose of seeing that the Jaws of
neutrality are not violated.
'ROCHESTER, DEC. 23.-1 know that you want to hear what
has been, and is now doing for freedom in Canada. I have
only time for a few words. Dr. Ralph is here, but keeps pretty
quiet. The greatest excitement pervades all classei, and no-
thing is heard but what is the best means of furnishing arms,
provisions, &c., for Navy Island. 500 muskets and several
pieces of cannon have been taken from the arsenal at Bdtavia;
40 men, with a field-piece and 60 muskets, left this place the
night before, but 40 more are to start this evening.

(From the Rochester Democrat, Dec. 29.)
LEWISTON, DEC. 20.—Rumour was current yesterday that
Sir F. B. Head forwarded commands to the troops at Chippewa
and Fort Erie to attack the rebels on Navy Island forthwith.
Letters from Niagara Falls last evening state that 35 had passed
over to M'Kenzie during the day. Sir Francis Head arrived at
Queenstown last evening, and issued an order of Ile exeat regno
by closing the ferry.
Later, Nine o'clock.—A gentleman direct from the, island
this evening confirms what we had heard this afternoon. He
also says. that the baggage of two companies had arrived at
Tonawanda, who are expected to-night. Governor Head, upon
his arrival at Chippewa, said that the rebels must be driven
from their encampment, if it cost his own life and half the lives
of the province. whereupon 300 of the tory party threw down
their arms. Although a great display of force is exhibited at
Chippewa, it is believed little dependence can he placed upon
them. The patriot camp are prepared for au attack, which they
daily expect to be made.

(From the Mercantile Advertiser, Dec. 30.)
FROM UPPER CANADA.
ROCHESTER DAILY ADVERTISER OFFICE, DEC. 25.—1 t is
said by those who arrived from Buffalo last night, that General
Van Rensselaer, with his band of patriots, intends to cross
over into Canada in the course of a day or two, and make an
immediate attack upon the British forces. Report says that he
has near upon 800 men, and that recruits are flocking in from
all quarters. Some 30 or 40 left this city last Saturday night,
wfth the intention of proceeding directly to Navy Island, and
joining his company.
SPIES.—Two loyalists came from the Canada side to Buffalo
a few days since, and passed over to Navy Island, pretending
to be patriots; but it was soon discovered that they were loyal-
ists, when they were kindly furnished with einploytnent, and
have beets obliged to remain there and do the regular duty ever
since. We ate very touch inclined to the belief that Governor
Head will not soon be much wiser for all the information those
those two gentlemen will obtain. The Governor, it is said, has
retired from Chippewa to Hamilton. We saw a hand bill last
night, containing a letter to a gentleman in this city, dated
Navy Island, appealing to the people of this state for assistance
in prosecuting the war against the Canadian loyalists. It states
that the patriots under Mr. Duncombe had taken Fort Malden,
and thus established a post upon the main shore. If this he
,
true, it is of great importance to the patriots ; they will 'now be
able to cross over„trom Navy Island, and find a force to co-
operate with them immediately. The letter states, that with
1000 omen they will engatr'e the loyalists with very little difficulty.
We understand there has been a meeting held in this city by
a number of our citizens, anti that they resolved io call a county
meeting for the purpose of taking steps relative to affairs in
Canada.
Duriog the nights of Thursday and Friday three pieces of •
ordnance were taken from their places in this city and the vi.
cinity, and probably carried to Navy Island. Two of them
belonged to the state, and the other, we believe, belonged.to
the United States. 'We wish our citizens would act with a little
!nose discretion. These are the most high-minded. measures
that can be taken, and in ordinary time would subject the per-
petrators to the severest punishment.

(From the Rochester Democrat, Dec. 25.)
FROM THE WEsT.—We have intelligence direct from Navy
Island as late as Saturday afternoon. The force on the island
Was continually increased by volunteers from both Canada and
the States.

On Friday, Mr. Jesse Lloyd, for whom a reward of £5OO had
been offered, arrived at this island, in
,company with several
others, after having undergone the most severe hardships, from
fatigue, hunger, and exposure. They passed down lake Erie
40 miles in all open boat, with high winds and intense cold.
On the same day Mrs. Mackenzie reached the island. After
having endured repeated insults, she obtained a pass from
Governor Head to leave the province. She is an intelligent
Scotch lady, and a warm patriot. Her willingness to eudute
all the priYations of the camp is a proof of her devotion.
On Thursday, Governor Head reached Chippewa, and swore
lustily because the Island had not beets taken. After a swagger-
ing speech of some length, he called for volunteers to attack the
patriots. None answered. After another speech, 15 answered.
Ile then left them in a rage. ,The island cannot be taken.
A gentleman whom we saw on the line direct front Fort Erie
by the way of Chippewa, &c., says, there are no more than 500
troops between Fort Erie and Niagara. 150 had been sent to
Toronto. There are 10 or 12 pieces of artillery in the island,
and one mortar. The ammunition is abundant.
It has been reported that the royalists intend to attack the
Patriots with bomb-shells, but such an attempt would be per-
fectly harmless. The island is an almost dense forest a mile
and a half long, and near a mile wide. Bombs might be thrown
for a month without injuring a single man.
During Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the royalists re-
peatedly
fired upon the sentinels •n Navy Island with muskets,

JAN UA RY SO. I S3A.

but the distance (half a mile) prevented any mischief. The
pat riots have only in one or txo instances returned the fire.
There are only 150 men now opposite Navy Island. The
patriots will doubtless attempt a movement soon, but how or
when is not yet known.
All concur in saying that.hundreds now under arms among
the royalists are only waiting an opportunity to join the patriot
standard..
No crossing the Niagara River was permitted on Friday and
Saturday. We understand that the attorney of the northern
district will demand that this order be countermanded.

(From the Mercantile Advertiser of Jan. 1, extracting from the
Albany Advertiser of Dee. 30.)
THE PATRIOTS AT NAVY ISLAND.—Letters were received
yesterday from Buffalo, confirming the reports in the Buffalo
papers, and adding tnat General Van Rensselaer had requited
all officers and others absent on furlough to repair to head-
quarters without delay, as an attack on the island was momen-
tarily expected. The force of Sir Francis Head is said to be
composed entirely of militia, with the exception of about 250
Indians.

A gentleman from Navy Island rates the strength of the
patriots higher than the general statements. Their artillery
consists of one 32 and one2l-pound..lr, one of them on a pivot,
and the rest 12, 9, and 6-pounders, all well mounted and in order
for service. If, with such a force to defend it, Governor Head
attacks it with undisciplined militia, we advise him to beware
of Niagara Falls.
Letters of the 26th state that General Van Rensselaer was in
hourly expectat.on of an attack, Frain the forces of Sit Francis
Head, which consist of a large body of militia, and about 250
Indians. The cannon of Gen. Van Rensselaer consists of one
32 and one 24 pounder—one of them on a pivot; and the rest
twelve, nine, and six poumfirs, all well mounted and in good
order for service

( From the Bo flido Commercial Advertiser.)
AFFAIRS OF THE UI'PRIt Pt oVlNCE.—'flie Governor has
been tracsporting boats from Niagara, in wagons, to Chippewa,
were breast. works have been thrown up opposite Navy Island.
The patriots have 16 cannon, a very large quantity of ammuni-
tion, and are well prepared for an assault. Yesterday the
actual force enlisted and enrolled, was 523; this is exclusive
of a large number, employed in various ways who do not belong
to the regular force.