The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-05-25

We have received by the arrivul OF the faune,
| at Boston, the following distressing intelligence
from Bona Vista. A
Itreached in letters from persons of the great
est responsibility at Bathurst, Gambia, and can
be relied upon as being strictly authentic.
1t is not, perhaps, generally known, that one of
the Cape de Verde islands, Bona Vista, has lately
been visited by dreadful scourge, under the form
| Of yellow fever, said to have been introduced by
| the British war steamer "Eclair," which vessel
was admitted to pratiqus at Bona Vista in August
last, and afterwards lost large portion of her
officers and men while lying there. e ~ --t
Since that period, it is supposed that upwards of
one-eahth Of the entire population of the Inflated
island, has been swept off by this fearful maa-
dy, the ravages Of which are still devastating that
unhappy place.
1t woud appear that Bona Vista, at all times
most barren and wretched spot, has now famine
to contend against, in addition to pes.ilencc, and
that numbers of the poorer inhabitants are in the
last stages Of extreme want II is said that many
OF the wretched beings who escaped the contagion
of the yellow fever, have succumbed to the not
less horrid, though more protracted fate, of death
from hunger.
About 100 quarters of corn have been given by
the inhabitants OF the Gambia for the relief of
the starving poor of Bona Vista ;and reflects honor
on the character the citizens Of the United
States, that it is of their number that these
unfortunate persons are indebted for the imme-
dia;e means Of awaiting themselves of the asss-
lance afforded by the Gambia.
The Brigantne $ Pauline" of Boston, under
the command of Captain Richard H. Warrington,
Immediately proceeded with the supplies so gene
rousy given by the Gambia inhabitants, to the
Cape de Verde Islands. and there delivered them
Esq.,) for distribution among the most destitute
| of the sufferers When it is borne in mind
that Captain Warrington volunteered to convey,
| and did convey, in his vessel, gratutousiy
| Islands, distance of 500 miles, his benevoence
and practical philanthropy cannot be too highly
| praised Indeed, it behoves the Portuguese go.
vernment to notice the service thus opportunity
rendered by Captain Warrington, to one Of ts CO.
| lonies in distress, in the marked manner such
disnterested act on his part unquestionably merits.
| 1t is believed that considerable sum will be
subscribed by the residents of Sierra Leone ALSO in
aid of the sufferers at Bona Vista but generous
British colonsts have been the coast of Africa,
they could necessarily not do more than relieve
| their most pressing and temporary wants. A
more extensive field must be opened to secure
| them permanently against the horrors of famine
| until the gathering in of next years crop:
An appeal is, therefore, now made to the citi-
Of the United States on the part of the starv.
ing inhabitants of Bona Vista. II is earnestly
hoped it will be quickly and benevolently respond
| ed to. The merchants connected with the trade
of the Cape de Verde Islands, and that of the
Coast of Africa il is especially trusted, will exert
themselves in behalf OF those unfortunate beings,
and there can be no doubt some chartaby dis
example of Capt. Warrington and promptly vol
unteer to deliver to them the contributions Of the
benevolent.
In addition to this, we learn that the Pauline
touched at Bravista on the 18th of March, and the
yellow fever was then still as bad ever having
| been on the Island five months. From accounts
| from shore, there had been nearly five hundred
he
been sent from Gambia, with supplies for the
poor.
pox was then making dreadful havoc among the
negroes About two hundred had died in about
twenty days, and the hospital was nearly full
The Island is about one mile long, and contains
nearly 1000 inhabitants. m M ae~ne
NAVAL ENERGY OF THE CoUNrRY.-OuR HOME
SouADRoN.-We learn that there are now no less
than thirty American vessels of war cruising off
the coasts of this continent, in the Pacific and At
lantic oceans. nu 'ta Art
These men of war can be concentrated in a
very short time, in two or more fleets, and be
! ready to act upon Mexico in the same energetic
and decisive manner that has characterized the
recent movements of General Taylor and his
| troops on the Rio Grandc.
| These thirty sail of vessels form the largest
squadron this nation ever had afloat at one time.
| NAVAL PRErARATIoNs.-The following vessels
are now fitting out for sea at the Navy Yard,
Brooklyn :-Sloops-of-war Dale, Preble, and Bos-
ton. The first will be ready for sea in two days
the others in a short time Store ships Relief and
Lexington, both good vessels, formerly rated, as
sloops-ot-war, and well adapted for service at this
time.
1t is understood that orders have been received
to launch the Albany sloop-ofwar, of the largest
class, said to be of the finest models ever
structed. She can very speedily be ready for
sea. The figate Sabine still remains on the
stocks, but can be launched and at sea, if neces-
sary, in two months.
1t is said that the navy agent has instructions to
purchase number Of vessels, now lying in this
port, built for war purposes, and which can very
speedily be equipped for sea service. :
From what we Gun learn, the government will
have fleet Of about thirty sail of vessels our
coast and in the Gulf of Mexico, in tue course OF
the next two weeks.
/ We are preparing careful account of the ex-
tent and position of our naval forces, which will
enable the public to judge Of the activity and eff
cheney which prevails in that department Of the
government.
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
observe in your paper Of yesterday, q notice Of
a new projecting engine" exhibited by Messrs.
Reynolds and Brothers, which You think may be
substituted for cannon, and would be equally eff
Gent. Letus examine briefly some Of the conditions
to be fulfilled. The enclosing wheel or rim, in
the direction Of its tangents, must be everywhere
as strong as the gun, order resist the centrfu-
gal force of the ball; and this would make the
engine ponderous That the projectle may re-
ceive the same velocity which is generated by gun
powder, the number of revolutions in given
time, required of the moving. arm or wheel, will