The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-11-13 00:00:00

COURT OF EXCHEQUER,

JONES V. LITTLER.
This was an action for slanderous words, tried before Baron
olfe at the last assizes for Liverpool, when a verdict was re-

.--
n
Mr. Kelly now moved to enter a onsuit, or for a new
trial, upon the ground that the evidence was not sufficient to
sustain a verdict. According to the learned counsel's state-
ment, the plaintiff was a brewer, and had lately been elected
a town-councillor for the borough of Liverpo

The de-
fendant disapproved of the plaintiff's election, and at a meet-
ing which took place after a coursing match, used the slan-
derous words which formed the foundation for the action.
The words charged the plaintiff with being a rogue, having
been compelled to leave Westmoreland for dishonesty, and
'eying been in a sponging-house within a fortnight

_ wiLnin a to'.
,At for debt.
The defendant was asked whether he meant to apply his ob-
servations to Mr. Jones, the brewer, of Rosehill, and he
said, " Yes, it is him." It was objected to at the trial, that
as the words were not actionable in themselves, it was
necessary to prove the averment in the declaration that the
words were spoken not only of the plaintiff, but of and con-
cerning the plaintiff in his trade as a brewer; and that it did
not appear that the'- used '

•had any reference to the
plaintiff's trade. The learned judge, however, thought that
as an imputation was made as to the plaintiff's solvency, and
it appeared that he was in trade, it was impossible for the

jury not to inter that the slanderous words were used con-
cerning the plaintiff in his trade. lie gave the defendant's
counsel leave, however, to take the opinion of the court on
the question, and this motion was accordingly made.
Mr. Baron Parke thought there was no ground for enter-
ing a nonsuit, but that the learned judge ought to have left
it to a jury to say whether the words were spoken of the
plaintiff in his trade as brewer, and as this question had not
been left to the jury, the defendant was entitled to a rule for

The other Barons concurring, a rule nisi for a new trial
was granted.

The venerable and gallant Lord Lynedoch, now upwards of
ninety years of age, is on board the Howe as a passenger to
Malta, for the benefit of a warm climate in the ensuing
winter.

AN ESCAPE.—A bullock, which had been over-driven,
created considerable alarm in the Strand, on Monday after-
noon. While rushing along at a furious rate, some boys in
their terror ran up the pit entrance to the English Opera
House. They were followed, however, by the infuriated
animal, when one poor little fellow actually fell on his knees,
and prayed to the bullock not to hurt him. With some dif-
ficulty the animal was got away, without doing any injury to
the scared urchins, whom he had thus for sonic time at his

DEATH 'OP,' THE PRINCESS BORGHESE.—Our Paris cor-
respondent writes,' that intelligence was received in Paris, on
Friday, of the death, at Benne, of the Princess Borghese,
daughter of the Earl of Shrewsbury.—Morning Post. The
late princess (before her marriage the Lady Gwendaline-
Catherine Talbot) was in her 23d year, having been born
Dec. 3, 1817, was married to the Prince of Sulmona, eldest
son of the Italian Prince Borghese, May 11th, 1835, and in
July of the present year presented him with a son and heir to
the principality and estates.

An anti-spasmodic lately introduced, and which is highly
appreciated under the name of Woodhouse's Ethereal Es-
sence of Ginger, is an agreeable and elegant preparation of
that valuable root, in a very concentrated form, and deserves
the notice of all families ; the Faculty's testimonials to this
preparation is without precedent.—Naval and Military Ga-
zette, March 15.

PRACTICAL HOAX.—About a fortnight ago, two young
men, in connection with a railway, in this town, came to the
determination of haVing a little bit of amusement at other
people's expense ; and, in order to do so, it was arranged
that one of them should profess to be newly married ; the
bride elect, according to previous agreement, countenancing
the statement as true. A week of the feigned honeymoon
passed in joyous hilarity, and the shopmates of the mock-
bridepoom were enjoying the thoughts of a glorious " tuck
out,' which they were promised, in the shape of a supper,
at a well-known public-house, in the Market-place. The
well remembered night came, and each, " big with expect-
ancy," prepared for rendering ample justice to the respective
joints promised for the occasion, viz—Roast beef, mutton,
fowls of all kinds, soups, pies, tarts, &c., to conclude with
the luxury of custards, cream-cheese, &c. Several of the
invited guests:took the trouble, in the course of the day, to
call at the inn, to make full and satisfactory enquiries, as to
the precise time the cloth would be laid, and as to the pro-
gress of the culinary department. The parties, who were all
punctual to the time, had very successfully polished their
swarthy faces, and were eloquently lavish in their praises to
their liberal host, wishing him and his good lady all the joys
and comforts of a wedded life, and universal prosperity to
their succeeding generation. Several gallons of John Barley-
corn were toasted away in this manner, when the sententious
waiter (Ann) announced, with due gravity, " supper is on
the
wastable,
spread ti leading the way to the room where
goeunttenhi n
their repast, carefully and warmly covered up
with dishes. All parties appeared good humoured—eyes t bat
sometimes appeared dull, now sparkled with vivacity—there
was a beaming smile upon each countenance, like the sun
suddenly laughing from behind a summer's cloud, and a
looker-on might easily perceive from their preparations and
appearance, that their respective appetites where whetted to
the bent. Each one took his chair with an air of imposing
complacency ; and those gentlemen who had kindly consented
to carte, began to make sundry preliminaries, such as turning
up the cuffs of their coats, and stretching out their arms as
if determined to have full sweep and freedom in their carving
operations. At length the covers were duly removed, when,
lo ! what a ghastly appearance presented itself to their asto-
nished vision. From the sunshine of June, they suddenly
sunk back into the bleak gloom of December ;—one unvaried
mess of water-porridge and buttermilk met their withering
gaze, and all was in a moment—chaos. The disconsolate
expectants threw plates, &c., in all directions, and some of

iisgrace.ful joke pla}•ed
_upon them, others detert;iiitietliO.

matte tue ocsr Or a OEM jou, plast.ernig rue taces of those
around them with the porridge, while the party who brought
them together richly relished the joke, by peeping through
the window from the outside, during the novel anti-epicurean
scene.—Preston Chronicle.

My last letter stated the capture of Khelat, the capital of
• =tan, by the son, or rather the widow, of Mehrab
~filled there last year. The former, in whose name
..volt has been carried on, is but a boy of twelve years.
chief whom the British political agent had last year placed
the musnud or throne made terms for himself, and sur-
rendered the town. Lieutenant Loveday, the British agent,
who commanded a small force there, was taken prisoner, and
las been removed to Moostung.
The town and fort of Kahun, the capital of one of the
ildest of the Beloochee tribes, has been besieged by the
-Ps ; but Captain Browne, who commanded there, had
with great gallantry. Major Clifford, of the
aadiers, set out on the 12th of August from
order to relieve Kahun. His detachment con-
ooo Sepoys, 250 Poonah horse, and 2 guns, having
of 1000 camels, besides bullocks laden with provisions,
anition, &c. He passed with great difficulty through
defiles of the mountains called the pass of Poolajee. On
le 31st ult., on entering a defile where two men could with
'fficulty walk abreast, the road was found to be cut up ; two
ipanies were sent forward to clear the pass, over which
Murrees and other Beloochees appeared in numbers and
up a bri 're. The officers leading thecompanies were
and ae sepoys fell back on the main body. The Be-
es ilowed, and for some time a smart conflict was
rried ► man to man. The guns fired some rounds of
iieh did great execution, but eventually they were
and the British detachment retreated, leaving the
ns, ammunition, and camels, in the hands of the
with four officers and two hundred and fifty men killed.
iochees are said to have lost 200 men, but have gained
mty. The names of the officers killed are—Captain
Lieutenant Franklin, of the Ist, and Lieutenant R.
and Ensign Williams, of the 2d Grenadiers. Cap-
ngton, of the former regiment, has died of fatigue.
Lock, of the cavalry, is wounded, but is expected
/en This disaster has produced a gloom, and great
for the safety of Kahun, notwithstanding the great gal-
,,ntry of Captain Browne, who it is said has seized 40 camels
laden with corn, which the Beloochees were taking by the
fort. The Bombay government is making every exertion to
send reinforcements to Beloochistan, and the steamers have
been busy during the whole of this week in taking troops to
Hurrachee. It is expected there will be soon 10,000 men on
the Indus ready to commence operations against the moun-
taineers. It is, however, apprehended that the campaign
may be prolonged by other revolts, and that the conquest of
the savage robbers and wholesale plunderers of these moun-
tainous districts will never be worth the blood and treasure

Be lood

y Grer

t. Moo

tain He

This disastrous rencontre with the Murrees will it is feared
antribute to sharpen the hatred of the Afghans towards
.chah Soojah, and bring on revolts in other places near the
nativity and energy of the British government
.herefore, be very great in making effective arrange-
ments to the northward. The fortifications of Herat have
- advanced considerably, but it is said that as Yar Ma-
disposed to act perfidiously, and to sell it to the
-4tish force will be sent thither to insure its
policy of the British government would
as the Indian army must be increased, to
among, the Affghans and Beloochees, who are
and the bravest races in India. They would

Persian

The Les

ie to conquer China

The rumours of art immediate war with the Nepaulese have
died away. The Supreme Government is, however, resolved
to be prepared in case the Emperor of China should order
his vassals of Nepaul to invade the British territory, and va-
rious corps have received orders to hold themselves in readi-
ness for marching towards those frontiers.
The last news from China is of the 3d of July. The first
vessel of the expedition arrived there on the 9th of June, and
the greater part of it on the 21st
On t

22d Sir J. J. Gordon Bremer issued a notice that
e of all the entrances of the river, and of the port
of Canton, would commence on the 28th. A third attempt
was made by fire-rafts to burn the fleet, but the attempt was
ineffectual. Parcels of tea were poisoned, in order to be sold
to the sailors, but they were taken by prirates, who sold them
to the Chinese on shore, and many died from drinking that
beverage. Captain Elliot has issued several notifications of
A. • •

great importance. Having left several vessels to carry on an
effective blockade, the rest of the expedition set sail for the
northward, in order to take possession of the island of Chu-
san, not far from the mouth of the great river Yang-Tsen, on
southern capital of China (Nankin) is situate.
zBth Admiral Elliott arrived, and having commu-
ted with the Portuguese governor of Macao, with whom

friendly arrangements continue, took Captain Elliott on
board, and proceeded to join the expedition. Captain Elliott
has given notice to the Chinese inhabitants of the sea coast
that their persons and property will be respected, and that
the conduct of Lin shall be made known to the emperor.
The Chinese government has issued a proclamation, offering
rewards for the capture and destruction of the British ships
of war, and of each British subject. _

In Bombay the preparations continue for the campaign in
!soochistan. The governor, Sir J. R. Carnac, Bart., is
ming from Poonah to Khandallah, a short distance from
is city. In order to produce no delay by his absence,
ajor-General Sir T. Wiltshire, Bart., goes to Europe by
s steamer. The monsoon has been favourable, and the
1 of rain in most districts is considered to secure an abun-

nrna Roberts died at Poonah on the 1 ith instant

OCT. 1. —The departure of the steamer was postponed for
24 hours in consequence of the non-arrival of the last over-
land mails and the government express from Calcutta, but,
as they have come in, the steamer will positively start this

The latest vows from Singapore is to the 13th of August ;
it contains nothing remarkable. I send you the Free Press

steamer Hugh Lindsay arrived this morning from
iee. The rumour of an approaching revolt in Aff-
an had been current, but 1 know not on what

It bills on the supreme court of Calcutta

premium

CHINA.
LOCKADE OF THE RIVER AND PORT

OF CANTON.
By Sir James John Gordon Bremer, Knight, C. 8., 1C.c.11
"
Commodore of the first class, and Commander-in-Chief of
Her Britannic Majesty's ships and vessels of war, em-
ployed, and to be employed, on the East India station and

1. pursuance of the commands of Her Britannic Ma-
-3 government, I do hereby give notice that a blockade
river and port of Canton by all its entrances will be

---I on and after the 28th inst.
Given under my hand on board Her Britannic Majesty's
Wellesley, in Macao Roads, this 22d day of June,
"J. J. GORDON BREMER.
" By command of the Commander-in-Chief,
" W. DYER, Secretary.'
r James John Gordon Bremer, Knt.,
Commodore of the first class, and Commander-in-Chief of
Her Britannic Majesty's ships and vessels employed, and
to be employed, on the East India station and seas adja-

----- of British and other
snips resorting to the coast of China in ig-
the blockade of tlae river and port of Canton, no-
alereby given, that the senior officer of that station has
instructed to permit them to repair to, and remain at,
anchorage iu the neighbourhood of the port which he
see fit to indicate from time to time.
Until further notice, it is to be understood that the an-
' -findezvous for such purposes of convenience are
iPsingmoon and Macao Roads.
" Given under my hand on board Her Britannic Majesty's
hip Wellesley in Macao Roads, this 22d day of June, 1840,
J. J. GORDON BREMER.
" By command of the Commander-in-Chief,
W. DYER, Secretary."

w to the convenient

—• -----,--, and transports in the Chinese waters
the 23rd of June, 1846, forming part of the expedition to

Her Majesty

hip Druid 44, Captain Smith, her Majes

The point of destination to the northward we know not ;
we have not authority on which we can raise even a surmise;
the movement may have been made merely for the purpose
of gaining a higher latitude, and placing the fleet beyond the
range of typhoons ; but we fervently hope the object of the
expedition is to take possession of Tinghae district, in the
province of Chekeang—in other words, of the island of Chu-
situ ; and, with the overpowering force that has already sail-
ed, we think this object could be attained without spilling a
drop of blood. This island bears nearly the same relation
to the province of Chekeang, as the Isle of Wight does to
Hampshire. In possession of this fair, fertile, and populous
spot as head-quarters, and the military possession of this
district would be a severe blow to the Imperial Government,
for part of the celestial territory would then be in the hands
of strangers ; thence a mission might be sent to the Pei-ho,
or north river, which is navigable for large boats up to the
city of Tungchowfoo, 12 miles east by south from Pekin.
We have little doubt that should a mission be sent, as a po-
litic and friendly preliminary proceeding becoming a civilised
nation and the high standing of England, it will fail. No
answer will be given, much less positive and satisfactory
answers. It will be ordered away, her Majesty's ships will
be ordered to leave the Chinese waters, and the British
troops to evacuate Tinghae ; then the imperial dragon may
deign to give an answer—but not till then. In the then
emergency it rests with the Commanders-in-chief to adopt
such measures as to compass the objects of the expedition—
which are to obtain reparation for the insults and injuries
offered to her Majesty's superintendent and her Majesty's
subjects by the Chinese Government ; and, in the second
place, they were to obtain for the merchants trading with
China an indemnification for the loss of their property, in-
curred by threats of violence offered by persons under the
direction of the Chinese Government ; and, in the last place,
they were to obtain a certain security that persons and pro-
perty in future trading with China shall be protected from
insult or injury, and that their trade and commerce be main-
tained upon a proper footing.

ATTEMPT TO BURN THE BRITISH FLEET AT

CAPSINGMQON

The delay in the issue of the Register gives us the oppor-
tunity of publishing the following account of another abortive
attempt to burn the British shipping at Capsingmoon, made
early on Tuesday morning.

The first alarm was even about 2 a.m. on Tuesday. A
noise was heard from amongst the small Chinese boats in-
shore. It appeared, on subsequent inquiry, that some man-
darin boats had got in amongst them, for the purpose of
making captures. They attacked the cutter Devil, and
wounded the Lascars on board. Immediately after distant
lights appeared in the direction of the passage of the Cap-
singmoon, called the Flood Gates ; and the commanding offi-
cer of the Danish King fired a gun and hoisted the signal
previously ordered by the senior officer of her Majesty's ships
for fire rafts ; and instantly almost the fire burst forth from
at least 15 fire boats. The appearance was very beautiful.
The wind and tide were then favourable for their course. As
they approached they blew up like some beautiful works,
what in English pyrotechnical science would be called a
flower pot. The beauties of the sight, however, did not dis-
sipate the alarm felt by those on board the ships, who were
also fearful there might be other crafty schemes in progress,
and that they might be attacked from other quarters ; con-
sequently most of the ships slipped their cables, and moved
out of danger, each more anxious than his neighbour to get
into the rear. The scene and danger caused great excite-
ment ; the night was very dark, the wind slackened, and so
many vessels 'being under weigh at once in a small space,
caused great confusion, and many consequently came in con-
tact, but we have not heard of any serious damage.

The boats of the squadron were actively employed towing
the rafts clear of the shipping, and anchoring others.
The junks were first turned adrift chained together two and
two ; nine of these rafts were counted, which gives eighteen
boats. But it was ascertained that some had not ignited,
and some had exploded, the wrecks being seen floating about
the bay the next morning.

On examination, the ere rafts were found to be constructed
of what bad been very old fighting-boats ; what remains of
them will supply the fleet with firewood for a month. They
were full of dross, the remains of the combustible matter.
An anecdote of the gallantry and humanity of one of the
officers of the Mavis deserves recording.
The mandarins had seized upon two Chinese who were in
the habit of attending the shipping, and were conveying them
over the hills, no doubt for punishment, probably death. The
officer of the Mavis, with a party of Malay sailors, landed and
pursued them ; their muskets missedkfire, but they charged
the Chinese, barrel in hand, beat them back right and left
with the butt ends, and put them to flight, released the two
prisoners, and brought them safely down to the beach. Th
interest of the scene was greatly heightened by the arrival of
her majesty's ship Alligator ; the light of the flaming rafts
guiding her to the anchorage. This apropos arrival will rather
damp the future enterprise of the subordinate Chinese naval
officers. _

Our correspondent suggests that the men-of-war should
be stationed at the different entrances of the Capsingmoon,
instead of being all anchored together.

The arrival of the Brigand at Calcutta has put us in pos-
session of advices from China to the 3d July. Admiral Elliot
arrived in the Melville on the 28th June, and sailed again for
the northward on the 30th, accompanied by Capt. Elliot, who
is to act as plenipotentiary.
The following is an extract from a letter dated Macao, the
3d of July :
" It is now beyond a doubt that we intend to take and
fortify the island of Chusan, and I expect, in little more than
a month, to hear of the British flag being hoisted there.—
Captain Elliott, his secretary, and three interpreters have
gone up. I believe the blockading of the rivers has caused
a great sensation in Canton. All the Americans are prepa-
ring to leave. I do not think that the fleet will interfere in
any way with the opium vessels. Indeed, it is likely that
their operations may facilitate that trade, as the men of war
junks will be afraid to come out."
"OFF MACAO, June 23.—We arrived here yesterday;
Wellesley, Cruiser, Algerines and transports with 26th
Queen's Regiment, head-quarters and part of the 18th Regt.
Irish (the remainder being at Singapore nay be expected in a
few days), the Native Volunteers, and Madras Artillery. It
is expected the following will leave to-morrow for Chusan,—
Wellesley, Conway, Volage, Larne, Cruiser, Alligator, Alge-
rine, her Majesty's schooner Hebe, and the Hon. Company's
steam-vessels Quoen, Atalanta, and Madagascar, transports
and troops. The Enterprise steamer may be looked for in a
few days from Singapore, with Mr. Maddock's, Company's
agent, on board. It is stated nothing will be done at the
Bogue until the arrival of Admiral Elliott and squadron from
England, &c. A depot is to be formed at Chusan, probably
preparatory to an attack upon Pekin. The Larne brought
on the March overland men from the Enterprise, at Singa-
pore. The transports are kept outside and amongst the
islands, not to disturb the nerves of our old friend Lin. The
squadron and troops are in good health generally speaking,
and most anxious for some amusement on shore._

" MACAO, unelB.72:geveraf;essels being under despatch,
we will avail ourselves of the opportunity to continue our
usual advices.
" Business at Canton has gone on quietly since our last,
though to a limited extent, owing to the scarcity of teas, and
to the languid state of the market for imports, caused by the
general belief of the Chinese that there was no truth in the
report of hostilities being about to take place. The late
rival, however, of Her Majesty's ship Alligator and steamer
Madagascar, with accounts of the fleet having left Singapore,
will, no doubt, tend to 'emove this delusion ; and we think
in a week more nearly all outstanding affairs at Canton will
brought to a close, though some Americans speak of still re-
maining there.
" In political matters we have no change to notice. The
time must now be close at hand when the measures to be
adopted against the Chinese will be developed. It is gene-
rally believed that forces will not go further than the Bogue
forts, and that Canton will not he molested. An attempt
was lately made to burn the shipping by means of about 25
junks, most of which were captured without doing any injury.
Preparations are said to be in progress for repeating an at-
tack of the same description..
" The
y Elizabeth, and William
Barras are for England, and tonnage
ships a ni Manilla,
loading iNlar
to considerable extent
is much wanted
" Exchange Htehroeine only,
M
with England continues at about 5 to 4 101 at
ti months' sight.
"Captain
Elliot has announced leis being authorised to
draw on the government of India, and has invited tenders,
but we have not
heard of any transactions. It is believed his
rate will be about 218 per 100 at 30 days' sight.
" P.S. June 2,1, 18. 40 —Since writing to you on the 18th
the fleet to act against China has
instant, the first division of
arrived ; but, contrary to the general hope and expectation,•
has to-day departed for the north without doing anything n
im
this neighbourhood. The Commander-in-
Chief has ated

The Great Liverpool arrived at Alexandria on the 19th,
with passengers, but without mails either for Egypt or India,
both of which had been detained by the postmaster at Malta.
The passengers for Bombay set out on the 24th, and every
facility was afforded them for their journey to Suez.

(Private Correspondence.)

ALEXANDRIA, OCT. 29.—The new and splendid steamer
Great Liverpool arrived here on the morning of the 19th, with
17 passengers for India, but without her mails, that for Alex-
andria as well as that for India having been taken out and
detained at Malta by Rear-Admiral Sir John Louis, who
kept her two days to think over it !
What are we to think of this second stoppage of our letters ?
The detention of the mail for India may possibly be justified
by political considerations, and the stringent orders of the
Board of Controul, who claim a right to keep their eastern
hemisphere in literary if not literal darkness ; but what sha-
dow of pretence can he or they have for preventing the com-
mercial communications, addressed to private individuals in
this city, coming to hand ? There is no British consul here
now, to compromise the bag by the inclusion of dangerous
despatches. The British passengers (who are at least of as
much value as so many letters) were allowed to come on
freely, and safely made their way down the Red Sea last Sa-
turday, the 24th inst., in the Berenice. _ .

I am happy to be able to say, that the Great Liverpool did
not find the slightest obstacle thrown in the way of her safe
anchorage off this port, and free communication with the
shore.

Of the blockading squadron only the Dido was visible, and
the captain of that Corvette having formally discharged his
duty by conveying the usual warning, the probable danger of
entering the harbour in the present unsettled state of affairs
left Captain Engledue to act in continuation to the best of
his judgment. The Great Liverpool accordingly anchored at
a safe distance off the port, and the agents put off to com-
municate with the captain and passengers. They were very
agreeably surprised to find that no impediment whatever ex-
isted to their further progress to Suez, and accordingly in
the course of the day came ashore, and next morning pur-
sued their journey uninterruptedly to Suez. 17 by the Great
Liverpool, and 13 by previous vessels, fairly embarked on the
24th inst. in the Berenice (Captain Lowe), which brought the
Bombay mail to Suez. (This mail arrived here last night,
and, without any telegraphic warning, but preceded by one
of the passengers, who came in at two o'clock in the after-
noon.) To resume, on the 20th Captain Engledue, having
assured himself by conversation with the residents who visited
the vessel that there was no personal danger to be appre-
hended on land, came on shore with some friends, and was
introduced to the Pasha, who put an end to all his doubts for
the safety of his gallant steamer by giving him a written assur-
ance that she might enter the harbour and remain in safety
there as long as he pleased. Capt. Engledue yid accordingly
enter the eastern harbour next day, and lay in safety and com-
fort under the very guns of the smaller Pharos castle, doubtless
to the astonishment of the squadron, who have since appeared
without, and sent in the notification of the further postpone-
ment of the blockade. But I think that by this time they
are inclined to concede to Mehemet Ali the characteristic of
forbearance at least. On the 18th and 19th they were " far,
far at sea," and vessels entering in ballast could find no
blockading squadron off the port to warn them as usual, as if
they were tired of frightening the poor mariners. Nay, at
length they grew jocose about the matter, and on the morn-
ing of the 20th, when a Greek brig made bold to ask the
Dido if she might enter the harbour, received a reply, " Go
and ask the Great Liverpool." The Greek accordingly came
up very seriously alongside the formidable steamer, and pre-
ferred his request, by permission of the corvette. "0 ! with
all my heart !" replied the captain of the steamer ; so the
Greek took courage, and went in without further question.
As the Great Liverpool sails at sun-set I must conclude.
Her passengers (12 from India and about 30 from Alexandria)
are chiefly British, having a natural wish to breathe an atmo-
sphere free from blockades and bombardments, or a residence
in some British port where British steamers can bring them
their British letters. Amongst them is Lady Isabella Sirow-
ski Pitcairn, who did not venture to India after all, but turned
back at the first station in the desert. Some of the passengers
at Suez would have taken open boats while making for the
Berenice, and have sailed to Jidda or Aden, a three months'
voyage, against the monsoon, if any could be procured. But
all had been pressed into the service of the pasha, who had
sent them on to Jiddo and Jembo, on the Arabian side, to
bring across the remnant of his veterans to Cesseir on the
African, and alas! two turned back to Cairo on the 23d inst.,
and so lost their passage. The pasha is certainly intent on
strengthening his hands in Egypt, and I a►n further assured,
looks to the upper country, and even as far as Sennaar, fora
refuge in case of need, and if he should be obliged to abandon
Alexandria.

(From the Supplement to the Malta Times.)
LATEST INTELLIGENCE FROM THE EAST

MALTA. NOVEMBER 2.—The Great Liverpool steamer
arrived in port early this morning, having left Alexandria on
the 28th ult. She brings an India mail, despatched from
Bombay on the Ist ult., by the Berenice, which arrived at
Suez on the 24th. Mehemet Ali afforded every assistance
for the conveyance of the mail to Alexandria, having given
the East India Company's agent at that place one of his per-
sonal attendants to send for it. The following official com-
munication has been received by the Chief Secretary to Go-
vernment from Mr. Larking, British Consul at Alexandria.
" British Consulate, Alexandria, Oct. 28.
" SIR,—I have the honour to acquaint you that Mehemet
Ali has afforded every facility for the transmission of the
India mail from Suez to Alexandria, and renews his assu-
rance of protection and assistance for all future mails and
passengers through Egypt.—l have, &c.,
" J. W. LARKING."
"To Sir Hector Greig, Chief Secretary to Government."

MALTA.
Our correspondent writes from Alexandria—" It is to be
regretted that the mails for India were not sent forward from
Malta ; the Pasha being ready to afford every assistance in
his power ; and he gave the East India Company's agent
here one of his personal attendants to send to Suez for the
mail next received from India."

ORNITHOLOGY.—On Saturday last, a very rare and newly
discovered British bird, the black red start (shcenicura), was
shot at Scotchquarry llill, near Cheltenham, by Mr. N.
Skelton, ornithologist, and examined by Mr. Wright, sur-
geon. This bird was first made known as an occasional visitor
to this country by Mr. Gould, who recorded the occurrence
and capture of a specimen near London, in October, 1829.
A few specimens have since been obtained in this country
during winter.

SAYAGE ASSAULT ON ONE OP TILE CONSTABULARY
FORCE.—About half-past twelve o'clock on Saturday night
last, as George Curdy, one of the county constabulary force
belonging to the Ashton-under-Lyne division, was on duty
on the Ashton and Oldham road, near a place called Water-
loo, he observed four fellows in the garb of colliers, maltreat-
ing a woman who was on her way to Ashton. Curdy remon-
strated with them, upon which they used some very abusive
language to him, and one of them struck him ; he attempted
to draw his staff for the purpose of defending himself, and
capturing his assailant, when one of the party kicked him
twice and knocked him down, again kicking him in the ab-
domen. One of the men, whose name is supposed to be
William Jones, went up to Curdy, and, taking his staff from
him, struck him several tremendous blows on one of his
arms, by which, we are informed, Curdy's arm was broken.
the ruffians then made off. Search has been made for Jones,
who has decamped ; but it is nut expected that either he or
his associates will long elude the vigilance of the police.—
Manchester Guardian.

COUNCIL OF DISCIPLINE OF THE NATIONAL
GUARD.

THE GRENADIER'S DINNER

President.—You have been guilty of a grave infraction of
your duty, M. Serdat, in suffering packages to be carried
into the garden of the Tuileries.
Serdat.—lt was no package; it was only a euisiniere.
President.—She had something in her hands.

Serdat.—Yes, some plates. -
President.—Just so ; that is what you should not have
suffered to enter. It is distinctly against orders.

Serdat.—She had run all the' way from the Rue de Seine
to the gate in front of the Pont Royal. It was impossible to
prevent her from entering.
President.—Was there anything indispensable in what she
carried ? .

Serdat.—Egad, there was ; it happened to be my dinner.
(Laughter.)
President.—You should have made her go round the gate.
Serdat (with impressement).—Bless your soul, my dinner
would have been cold.
President.--You did not profit in the least by your pre-
cipitancy. Your cook was stopped by one of the garden
keepers.
Serdat.—And my dinner too ! It was a flagrant shame.
President.—A National Guard should always show a good
example, and you did quite the contrary. You went directly
in the teeth of the countersign.
Serdat.—Pooh, pooh, I can understand no countersign
which is injurious to the well-being of my stomach. I was
hungry when they planted me at my post, and hungrier still,
you may guess, after three hours' mounting guard. I should
have eaten the countersign had I been kept much longer
without my dinner—Perhaps even demolish my boots !

(Laughter.)
The refractory sentinel was then condemned to 12 hours'
imprisonment.
Serdat.—The Government may do its best, but it shall
never compel me to commit an act so barbarous as that which
you prescribe.
President.—What is that?

e;dat.--Why, force a citizen, to be sure, to cross bayonets
against the admission of his own dinner, The bowels of a
Brutus would be unequal to such an act of patriotism !
(Much laughter.)

THE WINDOW DUTIES

IMPORTANT APPEAL.
On Wednesday a general meeting of the Commissioners
of Assessed and Land Taxes for the division of St. Maryle-
bone took place at the Court-house, Marylebone-lane.—
Thomas Fielden, Esq., in the chair.
In consequence of the new rating to the window duties
an extraordinary scene presented itself on the occasion.
The number of persons attending to appeal against this
species of rating not only completely occupied the spacious
vestry-room, but the waiting-rooms and lobbies of the
Court-house were literally blocked up by them. Some pre-
liminary business having been disposed of,
Mr. Hugh Biers, of No. 12, Dorset-place, one of the
commissioners, appealed against the increase in his window
duties (from 22 to 27 windows) under the 4th and sth of
William IV., cap. 54, sec. 7. This clause enacts that " all
persons who were duly assessed to or under composition for
window duties for the year ending the sth of April, 1835,
and who continued to reside In the same premises, are en-
titled to open, and keep open, free of duty, any additional
number of windows in the premises so assessed or com-
pounded for." Under this section of the act Mr. Biers
contended that he was exempt from any charge beyond the
22 windows assessed in 1835, and, to show that he was duly
assessed, he wished to call the attention of the board to the
difference in the mode of assessing these taxes. The as-
sessed taxes on horses, carriages, servants, &c. were re-
turned by the parties to be assessed under a declaration,
and subject to a penalty for an improper return, but not so
with respect to window duties. The window duties were
assessed by the assessor, assisted by the crown officer, who
was empowered under the act to enter into, to count, and
to make a return of the number of windows rateable to
each respective house, with which return the party assessed
had nothing whatever to do, and was seldom present when
the survey was made. The number of windows taken by
the assessor was returned to the surveyor, subsequently by
the surveyor to the hoard of commissioners, who directed
the amount to be collected by their collectors, and another
return Ns as then made to the board of taxes. Under these
circumstances, he (Mr. Biers) would maintain that after
five years' collection had been paid upon a charge made by
the parties themselves it was as unjust as illiberal to turn
round upon the ratepayers and say, " Notwithstanding it
was our own fault that in 1834 an aperture may have es-
caped our charge,.yet the penalty shall be inflicted not only
for such windows as were then in existence, but also all
those that have been since opened upon the faith of that
act." He wished to impress upon the board the injustice
of this attempt, inasmuch as the assessors of 1834 might,
and no doubt did, exercise a discretion in taking the win-
dows, leaving out, perhaps, a lancet-light or loophole made
for the purpose of ventilating a water-closet or larder,
whilst the surveyors of 1840, having received from the Tax
Office the most stringent orders to keep up to the uttermost,
would count even a gimblet-hole in a door for the purpose
of increasing the duties. This, he contended, was not the
way in which the government intended that the taxpayers
should be treated; but, even if so, he should still contend
that according to the definition of the word " duly," which
meant " properly," " regularly," he had been properly and
regularly assessed by the parties whose duty it was so to do ;
and also that they could not amerce any ratepayer for any
laches of parties themselves. In fact, it would he most
unjust of the hoard of commissioners to amerce an appel-
lant by inflicting the additional charge of the whole of the
windows now found under the present squeezing system,
upon the ground that the surveyors of 1834 had either in-
advertently or liberally left out of the charge at that period
a pane of glass which they considered ought not to be
charged. He should, therefore, strenuously contend that
in 1834 he was duly assessed, and consequently not liable
to the additional charge now attempted to be enforced.
A long discussion upon the point raised ensued amongst
the board of commissioners, which was a very full
and the decision was ultimately postponed till the next
meeting.

Within the last fortnight three men have lost their lives at
the works of the Box Tunnel, and two others have had their
limbs dreadfully mangled.