The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-05-29 00:00:00

STATE OF TRADE.

MANCHESTER.—The unfavourable accounts received by
the Great 'Western, of the condition of mercantile affairs in
the United States, and the certainty of a very large import
of cotton, concurred, with other causes previously in opera-
tion, to produce a very dull market yesterday. There was
very little demand either for goods or yarn, and the prices
of both were a shade lower than on the preceding Tuesday.
ROCHDALE FLANNEL MARKET, MONDAY, MAY 25.
We have had a brisk demand for flannels again to-day, and
the business done has been quite equal to that of the two
preceding weeks. Prices have undergone little or no varia-
tion. In the wool market there is no change to report ;
both prices and demand remain about the same as they were
the last week.

HUDDERSFIELD MARKET, MONDAY, MAY 25.—There
was not quite so much animation in this market to-day as
for the last few weeks, although many goods changed hands.
The demand is steady, and the prices firm. Stocks are low
in new and saleable goods, so that most is done to order ;
hence the chance of better prices. Business in the ware-
houses is also very steady, and may be considered an average.
Wools are in demand, some sorts at a trifling advance.—
Manehester Guardian.

LEEDS.—Business seems to go on much in the same man-
ner as we have had to record for several weeks past. The
market for super goods was somewhat brisk on both Saturday
and Tuesday, but there was nothing like speculation : indeed
the merchants seem afraid to purchase extensively, though
the clothiers complain that prices have not been lower for
several years.
BRADFORD MARKET.—There is no new feature in the
Wool market ; the same dulness we have recently noticed
still prevails, and although the supply of Wool continues
light, even late prices are with difficulty supported. There
is, however, a steady demand for Yarns, though the prices
remain without alteration. The piece market is considered
flatter, and fewer goods have this week exchanged hands.
Prices no better.

HECKMONDWIKE BLANKET HALL.—There has been more
business done at the market this week (on Monday and
Thursday) than for some weeks past, and if the demand con-
tinues, it may be expected that prices will advance so as to
leave the manufacturers a profit for their labour, which is
not the case at present.
CHESTERFIELD WOOL MARKET, May 19.—The Wool
trade in this quarter maintains nearly a stationary character ;
few sales are effected, and those at prices in no wise remu-
nerating to the grower. And what makes it most singular
that it is pretty well ascertained that the present stock§ of
wool in many of the principal mills at Huddersfield, Halifax,
&c., are very limited. The major part of this years clip is
chambered. Although the trade has for some time mani-
fested a supine appearance, nevertheless the staplers here are
disposed to think, that before long better prices will in some
measure be realized.—Leeds Intelligencer.
LEICESTER TRADE.—There continues to be more doing
in spring goods, and several hands have been set to work on
regular hosiery. Some of the factories which were running
short time have also resumed full work. Worsted is without
alteration in price : wool is firm, although but little is doing
in it.—Leicester Chronicle.
HOSIERY AND LACE TRADES.—We have great pleasure
in stating, that, after an unexampled depression in the silk-
stocking trade for the last three years, which almost seemed
to denote its utter extinction, an increased demand has arisen,
particularly at Derby, for that manufacture ; the number of
frames employed in that place being reduced to less than a
third of the number in 1836. A great number of workmen
having left, hands have become so scarce, that one of the
masters has been under the necessity of coming to Notting-
ham to seek for workmen. There is some hope that the
stockingers may yet see better days, as long stockings are
coming gradually into fashion ; the full-dress of the higher
classes is invariably long hose, with elastic knee-bands.
Should this become the reigning fashion, to wear full-
fashioned hose, and cut-ups for under wear be no longer re-
quired, the frames now in existence could not supply the de-
mand, and stockings (as was the case in Sheffield in the hard=
ware manufactures) would be at a premium.--Nottingham
Journal.
DUNDEE.—The demand for new flax is very languid, and
old is altogether neglected. This arises from a general im-
pression that prices will give way abroad, which makes holders
in our markets anxious to get rid of their present stocks,
while consumers are shy in making purchases, unless to sup-
ply their immediate wants. TLe last advices from• Riga bear
that purchases of T.R.D.C. and R.C. had been made at 30,
25, and 20 rubles, which is a shade lower than former rates.
Yarns are a shade lower, with very little business doing, and
the same remark applies to linens.—Dundee Courier.

FLOOD IN MORAYSHIRE.—
The Elgin Courant of Friday
states, that Morayshire has been again flooded, and that the
Spey and the Losse were swollen, on Sunday and Monday,
nearly as much as in the great flood of 1829. A great deal of
damage has been done to the crops.
STATE OF TRADE.—Our trade during the week has been
really bad, with no prospect of any immediate improvement.
It is still to be hoped, however, that the continuance of fine
weather, with which we are so unusually favoured, must
make a lasting impression both as to quantity required, and
prices paid.—Blackcurn Standard.

mrscELLANgous.

Captain Sir Edmund Lyons, ambassador to Greece, has
been created a baronet.

Major-General Sir Edward Bowater has been appointed
one of Prince Albert's equerries.
CHAR.—Last week upwards of 50 dozen of char were for-
warded from Windermere to London, and, owing to the now
quick conveyance, were disposed of in the market fresh.

The Duke of Marlborough has been unanimously elected
High Steward of the city of Oxford, in the place of the late
Duke of Marlborough.

The merchants of Galway have entered into a subscription
for the, purpose of erecting a patent slip, to encourage ship-
building in that port.
. The mainmast of the Queen, of 120 guns, is 127 feet 7
inches high, and her mainyard 111 feet 4 inches long, and is
considered, to be the largest mast and yard ever yet made.

There was some excitement on Saturday in the city on
aecount of alleged extensive forgeries committed by a party
who has been recentle declared a bankrupt. The extent of
of the forgeries is estimated at £2s,ooo.—Times.
The Journal de Cherbourg, on the authority of a letter
without date, from a sailor on board the Triomphante sloop,
one of the French blockading squadron at Buenos Ayres,
asserts that one of her boats had been captured by the Buenos
Ayreans, and all the men in her massacred.
The Leeds Times of Saturday has published one of a series
of letters from the pen of Colonel Thompson, whose disaffec-
tion with Mr. O'Connell, and those who concur with that
lion. and learned gentleman, is undisguised. The gallant
colonel affirms that The Irish Tail! has sold the English
people ; and a huge English ''fail' of different denomina-
tions, has either joined, or hopes t(, do it bye-and-bye."
On Saturday last Mr. E. Dawson, of Inglethorp, near
Stamford, exhibited a pen of ram-hogs in Peterbro' market,
which were more like two-year-old sheep, their symmetry
and good looks, with extraordinary fleeces, were the admira-
tion and astonishment of all who saw them, several weighing
upwards of 18 stone of 141 b to the stone.—Cambridge
Chronicle.

His Royal Highness Prince Albert has presented Mr.
Bishop with an elegant piece of plate, in testimony of his ap-
probation of the manner in which Mr. Bishop conducted the
performance of ancient music on the 29th of April, which
was under the direction of his royal highness, whose initials
are engraved under a crown and an appropriate inscription.
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.—The opening of the ex-
tended line to Steventon, a distance of 52 miles from Lon-
don, is announced to take place on the Ist of next month.
There is every probability of this grand undertaking being
opened between Bristol and Bath early in September.
On Saturday last, some ears of wheat were cut from a
field partially in ear, between this town and Shoreham ! It
is a rare, indeed an almost unparalleled, thing, to see an ear
of wheat in May; and it shows the effect of the late warm
weather.—Brighton Gazette.

Earl Manvers, whose generosity as captain of the royal
navy, in renouncing his half-pay, amounting to £3224 2s. 6d.,
in favour of the Royal Naval Benevolent Society, has' entit-
led him justly to the thanks of the whole service, has recently
presented to the Royal Naval Female School a donation of
50 guineas.

EXTRAORDINARY ESCAPE.—On Saturday last, as Mary,
wife of Isaac Mason, coalminer, was assisting her husband
at the Facken pit, near Burton-in-Lonsdale, the earth on
which she stood gave way, and she was pretipitated to the
bottom, a distance of 69 feet ! She fortunat6ly escaped with-
out even the slightest injury.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT BRIDPORT—'rWENTY-TWO COT-
TAGES BURNT—LOSS OF LIFE.—On Friday't_last, about
noon, a most destructive fire, with loss of life, occurred at
Allington, adjoining the thriving town of Bridport. Twenty-
two cottages were burnt to the ground in so short a time that
the inhabitants saved but very little of their property.
HOP INTELLIGENCE.—The growth of the hop-pines in this
neighbourhood, as well as the other parts of the county, dur-
ing the last fortnight, has been wonderful; in fact, their pro-
gress is so rapid as to have taken the planters by surprise,
and it is feared many bines will be injured before they can
get them tied. The plant in general has a healthy appear-
ance.—Canterbury Paper.
THE DRAMA IN BATH.—The following is the heading

to one of the BATS! play-bills :—" Theatre-Royal, Bath.-L-
In consequence of the rapturous applause bestowed—on
Rossini's! Rossini's! ! grand opera seria, the Maid of Pa-
laiseu, produced for the first time, in the city of Bath, on
Tuesday, May sth—by eleven in the boxes ! nine in the pit !
and twenty-eight in the gallery ! it will be repeated this
evening, to give the lovers of music another opportunity of
hearing the composition of that great master."
SAFETY VALVE TO STEAM BOILERS.—At the last meet-

ing of. the Society of Arts, the gold Isis medal was awarded
to Mr. Robert M`Ewen, for a mercurial guage, which
answers the double purpose of an indicator of steam-pressure,
and a safety valve for engine boilers. The novelty of the in-
vention consist in the employment of a mercurial tube, as a
safety-vent for the steam, these tubes have hitherto been
used only as indicators of pressure, and of a length sufficient
to allow the steam to acquire a dangerous degree of pressure,
without giving any other notice of the fact, than what may
be observed by the eye. As the action of Mr. M'Ewen's
safety valve depends on a purely physical principle, viz., the
opposition of the elastic force of steam to the static pressure
of mercury, withou a mechanical obstruction of any kind, it
affords a free vent for the steam when its pressure exceeds
the limits, corresponding to the length to which the tubes
are adjusted, according to the strength of the boiler.—
Athenceum.

Devereux Bowly, Esq., has sent to the Museum, at Ciren-
cester, a very curious white substance, appearing on its upper
surface like a sheep-skin dressed with alum. It has recently
been found covering many acres of meadow land in the
neighbourhood of Faringdon, where (during the late wet
season) the meadows have been flooded by the Thames.
This substance appears to be formed of vegetable fibres,
blanched by exposure and the agitation of the water in which
it floated, and became a sort of pulp, which, on the subsi-
dance of the water, was deposited, and formed a kind of
paper by drying. The under surface is stained by the grass
on which it dried.—Orford Herald.
The Duchess of Bedford, the Lady Tavistock of poor
victimised Flora Hastings notoriety, has been appointed
Mistress of the Robes, in the room of the Duchess of Su-
therland, who being at length fully convinced of the rapidly
approaching downfall of the party, has resolutely refused the
urgent request of her Majesty to " keep in with the Whigs
to the last."

ALEXANDRIA, APRIL 26.—Lord Keane, who commanded
the English army in Afghahistan, arrived here the day before
yesterdy from Suez. Yesterday and to-day he was received
by the pacha in the most distinguished manner. To-morrow
he will embark for Malta. The English steam-boats will
ply regularly during the summer between Bombay and Suez,
and arrive at the latter place on the 19th of every month.
HER MAJESTY.—The universal gladness of this great
national holiday will be materially heightened by the com-
munication we are now enabled to make, intimations of
which we gave some time since. It is no longer a matter of
doubt that her majesty is in a way likely to realise the hopes
of all her loyal subjects, by perpetuating in the direct line,
the succession to the throne.—Globe of 'Monday.
It is not generally known, that Sir Hudson Lowe, antici-
pating that France would, sooner or later, claim Napoleon's
corpse, caused him to be buried in a manner which renders
his removal perfectly easy, and will prevent any necessity for
rudely disturbing his remains. Though Napoleon desired
that his body might rest on the banks of the Seine, he be-
queathed his heart to Marie Louise ; and from Sir Hudson
Lowe's desire to comply, as far as lay in his power, with the
emperor's will, the heart is not, we believe, placed in the
coffin but is deposited in the tomb in a separate case.—
Spectator.
THE WEATHER AND THE. CROPS.—With regard to the

growing crops, the most satisfactory accounts Continue to
reach us ; indeed, up to the present period the season has
been singularly auspicious, and the splendid weather expe-

rienced during the spring months has gone far to repair the
damage done to the autumnal sown wheat by the heavy and
long-continued rains, which fell in the latter part of the past
and the commencement of the present year. Should we be
equally fortunate as the summer advances, a good yield of all
kinds of grain may be calculated on. At the principal grain
markets held during the week, the demand for wheat has
been languid ; but holders have generally remained firm, and
very little reduction in prices has anywhere taken place.—
Mark Lane Express.

CULTIVATION OF COTTON IN BRITISH INDIA.—A late
Natchez paper has published facts of some interest to the
cotton planters in the United States. It appears that the
British government, last year, appropriated 60,000 dollars,
for the purpose of obtaining the necessary information, ma-
chinery, and operatives, for improving the cultivation of cot-
ton in British India. An English agent, sent to visit Mis-
sissippi and Louisiana, has succeeded in hiring eight Missis-
sippians and one Louisianian, who are to proceed without
delay to India, and on their arrival there, take charge each
one of a cotton plantation, which may serve as models for
those of the natives. These Americans are to carry with
them cotton gins, as well as plantation tools and husbandry
implements, of the most approved patterns known or used in
the Southern States.—New York Commercial Advertiser of
April 27.
BANK FAILURE.—On Wednesday morning the whole
town and neighbourhood of Ramsgate was thrown into a state
of consternation by the announcement that the banking-
house of Austen and Son had stopped payment. The utmost
astonishment as well as alarm prevailed, as it seemed to have
been a long established, as well as general opinion that this
house was as safe as the Bank of England. It now appears
that the house, the firm of which was Austen and Son, has
been carried on solely upon the responsibilty of the son, and
it is doubtful if it has ever been supported in his hands by
any property at all, but deposits and issues of notes. The
notes in circulation are found to be about £12,000, and the
deposits considerable. At a general meeting of creditors on
Friday, the balance-sheet then presented showed a promise
of a dividend of about 7s. Gd. in the pound. It is not, how-
ever, likely that this will be realized. This event has east a
great gloom over Ramsgate, and trade for the present is at
a stand still. Many cases of great hardship present them-
selves, and much private misery must be the consequence.
Mr. Austen has been made a bankrupt, and instant measures
will be adopted to bring matters to a speedy conclusion.—
Kentish Gazette.

CROCKETT YET LIVING.—The St. Louis Bulletin of the
21st ult. contains the following information :—•' A gentleman
arrived in this city yesterday from the south, who brings news
confirming the report that Crockett is a slave in the mines
of Mexico. The letter spoken of in the previous account
had been received by Mrs. Crockett, and her son, the Hon.
John Crockett, had started for Mexico, with a view to re-
gain his father's freedom."

TRADE OF SOUTHAMPTON.—The effects of the opening
of the railway from London may already be seen in the
crowded state of the river and harbour. During the past
week, the number of splendid steam vessels lying around
the pier have prseneted a very splendid and enlivening ap-
pearance. Monday the Archimedes, steam-vessel, paid us a
visit, and excited much attention by the peculiarity of her
construction. Her hull, divested of the unsightly appendages
of paddle boxes, is precisely similar to that of a beautiful
yatcht ; her propelling power being a newly invented appli-
cation of the Archimedian screw. Thursday at noon no less
than five packets left the pier together, each with a large
cargo of living freight, for Havre, Weymouth (two), Torquay,
and Dartmouth. Many distinguished arrivals have taken
place, amongst which were Lord Exmouth and Lord Aldol-
phus Fitzclarence.—Hampshire Independent.
THE COUNTRY AND THE CROPS.—For many years we
have not had a month of May so abundant in vernal charms
as the present. From the warmth of April the trees are full
of foliage, at a season when the leaves are scarcely bursting
from their wintry envelopes, and the horse chesnuts are in
flower, and equally rich in beauty and fragrance. In the
orchards the blossoms of the apple and cherry trees are giv-
Pig way as the fruit forms—falling, however, after having
served their purpose, and leaving the promise of abundant
crops. In the gardens peas are in blossom, youngootatoes
are far advanced, and gooseberries and currants of% consi-
derable size. In the fields the wheat and spring corn are
growing with almost unexampled luxuriance ; the clovers and
meadow grasses are full of vigour and freshness, and the pas-
tures are thickly covered with herbage. In great numbers
of places the field potatoes are some inches above ground,
and in one or two early spots the turnip plants are springing
up. All the spring birds have arrived ; many of the spring
flowers are in bloom ; and on every side there is the appear-
ance of an early season, and of abundance for man and for
beast. Never was the prospect of plenty more cheering than
at the present moment, and never would its realization be
attended with greater blessing to the nation.—Preston Chro-
nicle.

Hares and partridges seem very strong and plentiful this
season..

The accounts from Worcestershire speak most favourably
of the ptesent state of the crops in that county.
E. S. Cayley, Esq., member for the North Riding, is still
in a precarious state, and has been ordered abroad for his
recovery.

SUICIDES AT OLDHAM.—During the course of ten years,
1830 to 1839, there have been in the borough of Oldham,
45 cases of suicide, 23 of which were directly produced by

ttemperance.

MARRIAGES.—From the printed returns, it appears that
in the year 1839 there were celebrated, of broomstick mar-
riages, 4280 ; in the orthodox form, 107,201 ; making a total
of 111,481 ; thus showing pretty clearly what the feelings of
the country really are upon that important subject, and what
a great noise a very few people are capable of making.
The late rains have occasioned great, destruction to the
vessels on the river Severn. It is calculated that at least
£lBOO were lost by the owners, and men who work their
vessels by the voyage, during the last stoppage. A new pro-
position will speedily be submitted to the public for the im-
provement of the navigation.—Worcester Chronicle.
A. SHARP LAD.—On Wednesday last, as a boy was riding
a horse to the fair at Barnsley to sell, he was accosted as he
entered the town by a sprig of a dealer, who called out in a
consequential tone, " Why, Jack that horse your'e riding is
badly, look what a white face hee's gettan." " Hey," said
the lad, breaking off whistling, " an yod hey a white face too,
if yodlook't through a helter az long az it hez."

WAKEFIELD WOOL MARKET, MAY 2g.—The Wool trade
continues in a very unsatisfactory state. Notwithstanding
the very light stock in the market, the demand is languid,
and prices, although stationary, are not improved.

A TEETOTAL JACKASS.—At a recent Rechabite Festival,
held not a hundred miles from Rasen, the chairman opened
his oration in the following eloquent style, after informing
his audience that he was a teetotaller :—" I have a son,
continued he, " who is a teetotaller. I have a man-servant
who is a teetotaller, I have a maid-servant who is a teeto-
taller, I have two cats who are teetotallers, I have a dog who
is a teetotaller, and I have a long-ear'd jackass who is a tee-
totaller; in short, we are all teetotallers together.—Boston
Herald. •

The weather has undergone a considerable change since
our last report. The return of a brisk north-east wind and
a droughty temperature, had most materially diminished the
heat at all hours, and rendered the air very chilly overnight,
but we are glad to hear that vegetation still progresses kindly,
though more tardily, from the nipping effects of the sharp
and biting breeze. Yesterday, however,, the weather was
more temperate, and the everchanging clouds indicated show-
ers at no great distance. Manx Liberal.
The Globe of Saturday night states, we perceive, that pro-
fessor Starkie was a "senior wrangler " in the Cambridge
University, and that Sir A. Grant was. " plucked." The
statement is absolutely false as to Sir A'. Grant, who took
his degree in the usual course ; but what is true is this, that
on the late occasion Sir Alexander was the "senior wrangler,"
and poor professor Starkie was " plucked."—Morning Post.
MOUNTJOY, THE PEDESTRIAN.—On Tuesday evening
last, this individual undertook to perform the following feats
on the Cambridge and Milton road for £5O :—Run a mile,—
walk a mile,—walk backwards a mile,—wheel a barrow half
a mils,—hop 200 yards,—trundle a hoop half a mile,—run
backwards 200 yards,—pick up 50 eggs a yard apart with his
monuth,—and leap over 20 hurdles placed a yard apart, all of
which he was to perform within the hour, which he did with
several minutes to spare.—Cambridge Chronicle.
To MARE A " CAPITAL CALF."—Sago has for several years
past been used with great success for feeding calves, saving
half the milk otherwise required. The method of using it is
to sprinkle a quart of sago into five or six quarts of boiling
water, on the tire—keep stirring, and in ten minutes you have
a strong jelly.—This, mixed with a small quantity of milk, is
much more nutritious than milk alone, and is now used by
many farmers.

WOOD PAVEMENT. Amongst all the newly-invented
pavements that have been lately laid down in the metropolis,
there is no one to be compared with the wood-pavement; it
has stood the test of all pressures and of all weather, and re-
mains firm, and unaffected by the influence of either. So
satisfied are the Board of Works and the Commissioners of
Metropolitan Roads, of the great utility of this pavement,
that they have determined to adopt it.—Standard.
INTELLIGENCE EXTRA.—We copy the following interest-
ing intelligence from the Sunday paper which is graciously
permitted to pronounce itself to be published under the espe-
cial patronage of her Majesty the Queen :—" We have ex-
treme gratification in announcing that there is every proba-
bility of our most gracious Queen gladdening the, hearts and
best wishes of the nation, by an addition to her Majesty's
illustrious house. The announcement of this most important
event will, we are sure, be hailed by every loyal subject with
the utmost delight."
AN AMERICAN OYSTER.—The large oyster taken by
Xavier Francois, while oystering on Monday last, was
brought up from the wharf on a dray last evening. An oyster
measuring three feet one inch in length and twenty-three
and a half inches across the widest part of it, is a curiosity.
—Mobile Advertiser.—[lt would require an American swal-
low to take this oyster. Such an oyster here would astonish
the natives.]
TRANSPORTATION OF CONVlCTS.—Transportation, aS
hitherto conducted, is to cease at the end of the month after
next. Colonization by convicts is abolished. New South
Wales and Van Dieman's Land may no longer be termed
penal colonies. So far as transportation will henceforth affect
Australasia, the colonies hitherto called penal will be on a
par with all the others. Convicts are still to be transported,
not to become slaves anywhere, nor in any way to be mixed,
as convicts, with the inhabitants of any colony, but are to be
confined by themselves in such places as Tasman's Peninsula
and Norfolk Island, and, when their term of punishment has
expired, are to be let loose, not on New South Wales or Van
Dieman's land in particular, but on all that part of the world
without distinction.—Colonial Gazette.
CULTIVATION OF WHITE Moss.—A portion of this wild
and hitherto unproductive tract is now in the progress of
cultivation, and will this year, it is fully expected, turn out
some fine crops of the corn and vegetables which have been
sown upon it. The tract consists of seventy acres, which
have been purchased from Doming Rasbottom, Esq., the
owner of Alkrington ; and thirty acres, which have been pur-
chased from the executors of Samuel Taylor and Hilton,
Esqs., of Moston. The purchasers and present owners are
Joseph Jones, Esq., of Walshaw House, Oldham ; and
Richard Gould, Esq., of Hope Hall, Cheshire ; and the su-
perintendent and manager of the important reclamation is
Mr. James Dixon, of Hathershaw.—Manchester paper.
COTTAGE WINDOWS.—The Highland and Agricultural
Society of Scotland have offered a premium of ten sovereigns
for the best and most approved cottage window, combining
economy in the construction, efficiency in excluding rain, af-
fording means of ventilation, &c. Competitors are to state
the price at which they will supply the windows to the public.
A specimen of the window proposed, with a statement of the
necessary particulars, to be lodged with Sir Charles Gordon,
Secretary of the Highland and Agricultural Society in Edin-
.

- -
burgh, on or before the Ist of September, 1840.
DREADFUL. ACCIDENT TO CAPTAIN OTWAY.—A very
serious accident happened, on Friday evening, in Hyde Park,
to Capt. Otway, of the Royal Navy, eldest son of Admiral
Sir Robert Otway, Bart. Captain Otway was riding a very
spirited horse in the grass field on the left of Rotten-row,
when the animal reared up, shied at the hurdles, and at the
same time, in consequence of the rider bearing the reins too
tightly, both went over. Captain Otway fell on his back,
and the horse upon him. By the concussion great internal
injury arose, but no bones were broken. Captain Otway was
immediately conveyed to the rooms of Col. Cavendish, at the
Knightsbridge Barracks. Mr. Lane, the resident surgeon
at St. George's Hospital, was the first medical attendant;
but shortly after Sir Astley Cooper and Sir Benjamin Brodie
arrived. Bleeding and fomentations were resorted to,_ the
patient suffering the most acute agony. Lord Clarence Paget
who was riding with Captain Otway at the time of the melan-
choly occurrence, sat by the bed of the sufferer during the
whole of Friday night. On Saturday evening Sir Robert
Otway arrived from Sheerness, and the gallant admiral has
remained at the barracks ever since, except for a short period
yesterday, when he went to bring Lady Otway and her daugh-
ters to the melancholy scene. We lament to state that last
evening there were but faint hopes of his surviving through
the night. Captain Otway is about 30 years old, and a great
favourite in the navy. The Queen has sent repeatedly to
learn what hope the medical gentlemen entertained.
THE PENNY POST AND THE COACH PROPRIETORS,—It
is quite clear that the public are converting the penny post
to a purpose for which it was never intended. It was stated
a short time back, in the Worcester Journal, that a " flan-
nel waistcoat" had, through this medium, been forwarded
from Ireland to England. This appeared odd enough ; but
it is little, compared with what has actually been accom-
plished. Penknives, silver spoons, thousands of needles,
garden seeds, cucumbers, and gooseberry bushes, have been
transmitted hundreds of miles in a two-penny or three-
penny-post letter ; nay, even a steam-engine has thus been
whirled along at a railroad pace ; and, as a climax to all this,
we may state, that some persons are making the post-office
authorities transporters of " live stock," by forwarding
leeches in letters to their friends or patients. It is to be
hoped, that the public will not carry this practice so far as to
enclose sucking pigs, rabbits, titmice, or " such small deer."
One may easily imagine the consternation that would arise to
the passengers from the voices of numerous animals of the
first-named description issuing from post •letters. A notice
has very properly been issued requesting persons not to en-
close glass bottles in their communications, which is a very
proper and delicate hint ; indeed, without some check, there
is •no knowing where the practice will stop. The conse-
quence of all this is to injure the coach proprietors to a
serious extent ; and the best way for them to meet the evil is
to make a material reduction in the charge for the carriage
of small parcels. Certainly this is in too many instances too
high. The gentleman paid about Is. Bd. for the convey-
ance of his flannel waistcoat from Ireland, per post ; whereas,
per coach, it would probably have cost him at least three
times as much.—Worcester Herald.
WRECK OF THE ROYAL GEORGE.—The operations have
been continued daily, with great activity and success, two
divers being employed every slack tide in slinging the frag-
ments of the wreck. The stern-post has been got up, broken
into three pieces by the great explosion of the 11th inst., to-
gether with a large fragment of dead wood, that stood over
the keel, and was also connected with the stern-post. A very
curious mass, consisting of part of the lower deck, with a
portion of beam, and two knees below the dock-plank, and a
rider or upright knee above it, together with part of a port,
and the remaining both of the inside and outside planking on
each side of a fragment of a timber, may now be seen in the
dockyard. A very large cable has also been got up, measuring
24 inches round, and about 90 fathoms in length, which was
generally very sound, but has been broken into several pieces,
so that the diver had to descend repeatedly for two days be-
fore he slung the whole of it. All is clear now above the
orlop deck, except some beams of the lower deck, which still
remain. This day (Saturday) red flags were hoisted on
board the two lumps, 10 o'clock, as a signal that two explo-
sions of 2501b5. of powder each would take place at the next
slack tide, and two divers were sent down to make prepara-
tions for placing the two charges, one under the main hatch-
way of the orlop deck, the other near the bread-room. Lieut.
Symonds, the executive engineer, who made all the arrange-
ments on this occasion, as well as for the great explosion of
the 11th, then sent down the charges with the divers, and
having removed the lumps to a little distance, he posted him-
self at one voltaic battery, whilst Serjeant Major Jones had
charge of the other. Col. Pasley then gave the word to fire,
hut only one explosion took place, which was effected by four
cells of Professor Daniell's battery at the distance of 240 feet.
This produced the usual effect of a great commotion in the
water, in the form of an inverted bowl, spreading to a consi-
derable distance, but not rising to any great height, several
seconds elapsing, 'after a sharp shock was felt, before the agi-
tation of the water took place. The second explosion, which
was to have been fired by means of Mr. Alfred Smee's new
voltaic battery, did not take place on completing the circuit;
but Serjeant Major Jones, feeling the shock of the other ex-
plosion, believed it to be his own, for he completed the vol-
taic circuit, on first receiving the order to fire. Being or-
dered to complete the circuit a second time, he did so, and
on keeping up the contact for about four seconds, the explo-
sion was effected at the distance of 460 feet. After these

explosions, which were witnessed by Admirals Sir Edward
Dodrington and Bouverie, Major-General Sir Hercules Pa-
kenham, and a number of officers of both services, and nu-
merous other spectators, the divers repeatedly went down
again, and lashed large pieces of timber, amongst which we
observed the parts of a lower deck beam. A human skull,
with teeth, was also brought up from the after part of the
wreck, which Colonel Pasley has declared his intention to
bury in Kingston churchyard, together with such other re-
mains of skeletons as may be obtained hereafter.--Hamp-
shire Telegraph.

The house of a farmer named Houlihan, near Croom, was
attacked on Sunday night, when the assailants beat him and
his family severely.—Limerick Chronicle.

THE NOTORIOUS KNIRII.—We perceive that Knibb, the
well-known baptist missionary, has just arrived in this coun-
try from Jamaica—a colony, the inhabitants of which he,
with a zeal worthy of a better cause, continued to keep in
what, in common parlance, is termed " hot water." Our
fellow-countrymen in Jamaica are no doubt congratulating
themselves on their seasonable deliverance from a social pest.
—Glasgow Courier.

The effects of the opening of the railway front London to
Southampton may already be seen in the crowded state of
the river and harbour. During the past week the number
of splendid steam-vessels lying around the pier have pre-
sented a very striking and enlivening appearance. Thursday,
at noon, no less than five packets left the pier together, melt
with a large cargo of living freight. for Havre, Weymouth
(two), Torquay, and Dartmouth.—Hampshire Independent.
On Monday last, the ceremony of dispelling the supposed
evil influence of witchcraft took place at Newlyn. It ap-
peared that a mackerel sean' called the broom, had the ill
luck of invariably missing whatever fish she shot at, and the
cause was attributed to the evil wishes of a simple young
woman of the place, and the mode adopted to counteract it
was the burning of a portion of the article under the influ-
ence of the supposed witch, amid the cheers and huzzas .of
the assembled multitude.—Falmouth Packet.
AGITATION—THREATENED RESIGNATION OF LORD
EBRINGTON.-"-We have just been informed, on what we
conceive good authority, that immediately preceding Mr.
O'Connell's late departure for London, he received a com-
munication from Lord Ebrington, stating, that if he (Mr.
O'Connell) did not put a stop to agitation, and prevent the
utterance of the violent language lately made use of by the
spouters at the trades' political union, and at other societies
over which O'Connell had control, he (Lord Ebrington)
would resign the government of Ireland. Hence followed
the dissolution of the trades' union.—Dublin Statesman.

A PRIZE FOR FATHER MATHEW.—There is, in Belfast,
at the present moment, a porter, 60 years of age, but appa-
rently not more than 45, who, for the last 40, has, on an
average, drunk 11 pints of spirits every day. At this rate,
the aggregate of this seasoned toper's drinking would be
2,739 gallons and 3 pints ; or almost 25 puncheons, of 110
gallons each—a quantity of liquid sufficient to float a lighter.
At lOs per gallon, the cost of the 2,739 gallons would be
£1,369 10s—a little fortune.

THE QUEEN'S RIFLES.—The epidemic which has laid up
so many of the privates of the Rifle Brigade still prevails to
a considerable extent. Upwards of 70 of them are at pre-
sent in hospital, and every day is adding to their number.
Some of the officers were affected with it, but we believe
they are all now completely recovered. The men who are
capable of doing duty were reviewed on Monday last in the
Home Park by the Marquis of Douro. In the evening the
noble marquis joined the officers at mess.-- Windsor Journal.
GIGANTIC TROUT.—In a deep linn or pool of the Devon,
a celebrated trouting stream in Perthshire, there was re-
cently caught a trout of unusually large size. Crowning a
precipitous height that overlooks the pool, stands a romantic
cottage, tenanted .by a small farmer, who, from his window,
has repeatedly witnessed the trout playing in the stream.
For at least ten years its existence in this locality has been
known, and many unavailing efforts have anglers made to
secure it. A few days ago, however, the farmer succeeded
at last in triumphantly capturing it. The trout was found to
be 241 inches in length, and weighed 61b. 14oz.

BLACKIE OUTWITTING HIMSELF.—A FACT.—A son of
the sable race, who lives not a day's journey from the Tron-
gate, was attempting lately to gain the affections of a young
woman, and striving by every means in his power to make
his " lub " known to her, but with little effect ; at length,
summing up all his courage in one grand effort, which he
no doubt thought must win her heart, he told her she " need
not be afraid to lub Plato (his name) • he hab one pretty
wife in his own coontree." The sequel need not be told ;
what poor Plato thought must be a sure passport to her af-
fections, as a matter of course, had a quite contrary ten-
dency ; and Plato will now be convinced that polygamy is
below par in the estimation of the fair sex of Britain.—,
Glasgow Argus.
RURAL AFFAIRS.—It is quite a treat to be in the country .
at present, so fresh is the universal face of nature. The
drairds, including Swedish turnips, and in some instances
out-field potatoes, are coming beautifully away, whi e the
pastures are everything the husbandman could desire—rife,
rough, and tender. far beyond general experience in the
third week of May. Everywhere the kine get a full bite, as
is sufficiently indicated by their glossy coats, and udders so
distended that they actually complain, after their own
fashion, should the dairy maids fail in punctuality as milking
time approaches. The sown grasses lengthen apace ; pre-
mature seeding was checked at the most opportune moment,
and very little doubt can exist now that the forthcoming crop
of hay will be considerably beyond the average of the last
three or four seasons.—Dumfries Courier.
A HOUSE STOLEN !—Strange as it may sound in the ears
of our, readers, there was actually a house stolen from the
neighbourhood of Edinburgh a few days ago. The tenement
to which we refer stood at the west end of Fountain Bridge,
and consisted of two apartments. The former tenant left the
premises on Thursday last. On Saturday the landlord sent
a wright to make certain repairs on the interior, which he
accordingly did, and left the place about one o'clock. On
Monday morning a mason was sent to repair some part of
the fabric ; but, to his utter amazement, he found that the
house had entirely disappeared, there being not one stone left
upon another to mark the spot where it had stood ! The
very hearth-stone was carried away. Information was im-
mediately lodged at the police-office, but no trace has yet
been discovered of the thieves. It is perhaps unnecessary to
add, that the pawnbrokers, to whose hands so many stolen
articles find their way, are unable, in the present instance, to
furnish any information.—Scotsman.
We find in the Hull Packet a delectable illustration of the
manner in which the Home Office is disposed to truckle to
the Popish faction on all occasions on which an appeal is
made to it. A Protestant drqmmer-boy, of the 81st, at-
tracted by the toindawdry appearance of a Popish mass-house,
was induced to accompany the Roman Catholic soldiers who
were permitted to attend it. The boy having been thus ab-
sent without leave was subjected by his commanding officer
to some slight penalty. This so enraged the Popish frequent-
ers of the said chapel that they have memorialized Lord
Normanby for a court of inquiry into the matter. The re-
quest was of course complied with, and the commanding
officers of the 77th and 81st regiments have accordingly been
directed to repair to Scarborough for that purpose. The
officer complained of is, by a droll coiochleo.:, Harnett 0..0ge,
a sufficient reason, we presume, why he should be subjected
to insults and annoyance.—United Service Gazette.
EXTRACTS OF TWO LETTERS FROM BRITISH GUIANA•
—" You have already heard of our long and tedious voyage.
It is impossible to convey to you within the compass of a
letter an adequate idea of the mortification and disappoint-
ment I experienced on seeing the present condition and pros-
pect of the estate. The greater part of the property appears
in next thing to a state of abandonment. Very extensive
fields of canes are rotting on the ground from being overripe,
and of course the succession is proportionally injured. On
my arrival on the estate my first measure was to sacrifice
entirely 184 acres of canes, and to order 60 more acres of
overripe canes to be cut down and piled on the banks, and,
notwithstanding this tremendous sacrifice, the manager in-
forms me that it will still be the end of April or beginning of
May before he is able to overtake the ripe canes. The la-
bourers are unsteady and capricious regarding their work in
the last degree, and absent themselves from labour on the
most frivolous pretexts. Yesterday no fewer than 40 of the
gang of this estate were absent from work without any ade-
quate cause, some fishing, some shooting, and amusing them-
selves in a variety of ways, and the only remedy the planter
has is ejectment from their houses, a remedy which he is of
course loth to employ, as he is himself perhaps the greatest
sufferer, labour being in such demand that there are a hun,
Bred others ready to employ them. Apart from their un-
steadiness in labour and perhaps a good deal of pilfering of
the growing provisions, there is no reason to complain of the
conduct of the negroes. With very few exceptions they are
civil and respectful. You will, no doubt, be informed by the
public prints that the crop of this colony fell off last year a
full third of the crop of the preceding year, and did not
amount to one-half the erop of former years; and it is to be
feared that they will continue to diminish unless we get an
early and extensive increase to our labouring population. It
is time for the government to open their eyes, and, in place
of throwing every impediment in the way, to lend a helping
hand; if they do not, then the West India colonies will be-
come valueless."

ALARM OF FIRE AT WINDSOR CASTLE.—WINDSOR,
May 23.—This morning, about half-past seven o'clock, an
alarm of fire was given at the Castle, and considerable con-
sternation was created throughout the town, news having
momentarily spread that the safety of a large portion of the
Castle was seriously hazarded. The first intimation wo
given to the sentry on duty near the kitchen, who, observing
a thick volume of smoke issuing from the window, and hear-
the cries of the servant within, gave the alarm to the next
sentinel, which was quickly conveyed to the guard-house,
and thence to the barracks in Sheet-street, where the engine,.
was in readiness to proceed to the Castle. In the course of
a short time,.however, all danger subsided, and the service
of the troops was not required. It appeared that the servant
on lighting the fire in the coffee room with a large quantity
of wood, forgot to open the damper of the stove, thus pre-
venting the smoke and flames from ascending the chimney'
and causing them to extend to a considerable distance towards
the centre of the room. Her cries, however, soon brouo-
- and the damage which has been done is exceed'
ing trifling.
RE-ASSESSMENT OF WINDOWS.—The Liberals have lot
no time in putting on the screw, to extort a little more c-selAl
out of their gulled friends, the ten-pound householders. A
gentleman who has to act the ungracious part of a window'
peeper has been busily occupied during the last week in re-
surveying the windows in this town, and those persons who,
on the faith of an understanding that the former survey wile
to be final,' and, in fact, that the window tax was to be
abolished as a war tax as speedily as possible, have let a little
more light into their dwellings, will receive a gentle inti-
mation that an additional payment is required from there
to support the incubus of Whiggism. Well, well ; expe-
rientia docel. People are learning what Liberalism really
is, in the best of all possible schools.—Blackburn Statidara•

A very melancholy case of hydrophobia occurred in Bir-
mingham in the course of last week. Nine weeks ago, last
Sunday, Mrs. Tye, the wife of a respectable person, carrying
on business as a brazier and tinman in Meriden-street; Was
bitten by a favourite dog in the arm. From the time Mrs'
Tye was bitten until Tuesday week, not the slightest synP;
tom developed itself; but on that day Mrs. Tye complained
in a manner which left no doubt that the unfortunate wooln
was already the subject of incipient hydrophobia. Several
professional gentlemen were called in, but all their efforts
were unable to arrest the progress and fatal result of the
ease. Mrs. Tye died about 20 minutes after 11 on Saturday
night. The first symptom exhibited by the deceased was 8
spasmodic affection of the thumb, and from Wednesday, u, P
to her decease she had great repugnance, not only to liquids'
but, on the movement of any parties in the room, which oc-
casioned the slightest current of air, she expressed most ex"
traordinary feelings of distress.—Birmingham Advertiser.
Unless the Chancellor of the Exchequer can manage' °
terdict the Rev. R. G. Mason from preaching teetotalisnl'
we fear he will derive but a scanty revenue in Aberdeenshlr
from his new tax on spirits. It would appear that a mural
revolution is going forward, second only in extent and, on;
portance to the teetotal movement in Ireland; As a speeiwthe
of what has been done in Cavan we may mention, that in. je
town of Frazerburgh, which contains a population of bt`,,t,
more than 2,000, nearly 700 have become teetotalers ! jl,O
the neighbouring fishing villages there is scarcely a man voie
has not joined the movement ; and nearly the same may is
said of the adjoining rural districts. The rev. gentlenan'th,
now in Aberdeen, making arrangements for forming a north;
ern union, the leading object of which is to concentrate
influence of the various local societies, and thereby attnef.",
common interest to all that tends to advance the object the}
have in view.—Aberdeen Herald.
The University of Edinburgh lately received from
_OO,
Greenhill, of Bank-street, the valuable donation of a cols.
of a rare work printed at Edinburgh in 1567, being setisies,
lation into Gaelic, by John Carswell, Bishop of th
of the book known generally by the title of John *lnn
Liturgy. This copy, though not quite perfect, conitsak.:_,n.
the most interesting matter for which this book
_s "
(1 at that
guished, reflecting light on the state of the Ifi
period, in respect of knowledge, morals, and
Ito his Grace
complete copy of this curious book, belonging but it is not
the Duke of Argyll, existed about 20 years
iasg°n'ow deposited.
generally known, if known at all, where
jet of publish-
There was, at the time referred to, an int
ain who undertook
ing an English translation, but the gentle
me
dine afterwards-
the task fell into bad health, and died born() , known is not
It is to be hoped that the only complete copy cgivh'iTsnation. A
irrecoverably lost.—Edinburgh paPer•