Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-21


The gallant writer states that, during the white
of 1850 his vessel wintered in pack, without sus
tanning any damage, and, surprising TO say, he Ia:
to report the same result at the end of the thirc
winter, and without the loss OF single man o
her crew, in the frozen waters called Prince o
Waless Strait, and communicating with Barrow s
as he ascertained on the Goth of October of thai
year. rs..
In July, 1851, he states, "such body of ic,
came down upon us with strong east wind, and
set the vessel SO far 10 the south, that we deter
mined 10 attempt passage by the east end OF the
cliffs of Banks Land, forming the north entrance
of the large island under which we now are.
The difficulties and dangers otthis passage may be
estimated from his statement that the ice-fioes
encountered, measured from 40 to 10 feet beneath
the water only G or 7 above.
POrtugal.-Oporto letters OF 2'th ult. mention
that many of the merchants were IN The Alto
Douro wine districts, where the vintage partially
commenced the previous week. Accounts rea-
tive to the wine crops were rather conflicting, but
the weather was fine and warm and very propi-
tious for saving the vintage. Whatever may be
the quantity, most accounts agree in stating that
the quality of the wine will be very fair.
The Eastern Question.-Thc Sultan has not
signed declaration of war; but the grand council
has voted war. & @
Such at least, 10 imagined to be the case, for we
have yet no information really reliable H..
The ground for surmising that the Sultan has
not formally signed the declaration is, that pre-
vious 10 declaring war, the Sultan submits, as a
matter of form, to the opinion or sanction OF the
Skeik-ul-lsam the decision OF the divan, and this
formality requires delay OF some days The dis
patch, which has caused 80 much excitement,
stated that the Sultan signed the declaration the
same evening il was voted
The French and English governments have sew
orally addressed notes TO the Russian government
on the non-acccptancc OF the Turkish modiica-
tons. These notes have been couched in very
positive terms, and reply very orcIbly To the re-
cent note of Count Nesserode, They intimate
that the governments Of England aud France are
united in their resolve 10 MAINTAIN the sovereignty
Of the Sultan and the integrity of his empire.
The united fleets were 10 enter the Bosphorus
on the 18th instant.
Two ENJOYS arrived at Constantnople on the
25th ult. from Circassa, with the object of de-
handing assistance against the Russians, and OF
combining plan OF operations ON that side, should
hostities commence,
Upwards of 500 Poles have inscribed their
names at the Turkish Embassy, and offered their
services TO the Porte in the event of war with
Russia.
II has been stated that the object of the Journey
of the monarchs of Russia and Austria TO Warsaw
was simply 10 strengthen the alliance already ex-
listing between Russia Austria, and Prussia, not
only against all revolutionary movements, but
also against any demonstrations that the western
powers may possibly make
At Constantinople, the Sopltas, or students, the
Hadlis, professors, and the Ilenas We're exerting
themselves TO keep up the enthusiasm against the
Russians, but which had no need of such a stimu-
lus Not only had nothing been said of conces-
sion, but few or none desired that the quarrel
should be decided in any other way than by arms,
Even the chances of defeat appear to have been
taken into calculation bu, they have produced no
effect on the public mind.
II is stated that the 10000 men whom the French
government have decided 10 hold in readiness 10
send 10 Constantinople, are to be composed OF
10000 men from the troops in Algeria, and the
rest from the home troops, principally those lately
at the camp Of Helfaut. The number which Eng.
land is 10 furnish in her turn viii not be il is said