The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-09-29

carries very heavy rife which bears directly ahead
being fred through port over the cutwa.er None Of
and aft They plated at the bow, about the ram, and
at the ern 10 the rudder post and propeer but
amdships many Of the guns unprotected The case
mates merely cover the engines magazines and vuner
able parts amdships II Is questionable whether in any
part they are impervious TO solid fifteen Inch shot,
while II Is more certain that their ordnance would be Of
little effect as against better class OF Monitors
The squadron left here for Gibraltar and the Medter
rannean. AT Gibraltar the Magenta la Flandre and He
roine Will be detached from the squadron and return TO
this port The cruise is TO be experimental one, and
the vessels will be tested in the most thorough manner
The balance OF the squadron from Gibraltar TO Touon
where radical change in the character Of their arma
ment will be made The batteries will be taken OF,
every other port closed up and half the present number
OF guns placed board but those OF the heaviest de-
scrpton used In the French service This change will
strengthen the ships, considerably by the
number Of ports, and will add their offensive quail
ties. Before leaving, Vice Admiral villannuez paid a
brief official visit TO Admiral Goldsborough and his de-
parture saluted with fifteen guns which the Magenta
returned. ...
On Saturday morning the Russian corvette Arcoati
came in, and after salutng the French nag sent the
thirteen guns which the Colorado reformed. The Rus
slams are extremely cordial and to-day, the anniversary
OF the birthday OF the Emperor entertain the wardroom
officers OF the Colorado and Froc with grand banquet
on board their Ship at which the Russian bear and the
American eagle will raternize most closely and renew
the assurances of their good will and friendship grand
time is anticipated.
The corvette is a handsome vessel carrying sixteen
guns She resembles the japanese corvettes built in
boat. She is bound to the Mediterranean.
The presence Of the cholera in the Mediterranean still
prevents departure for that pleasant cruising ground
IL Is as yet quite uncertain where shall go next We
shall doubtless visit Brest POrent Rochefort and Bor
deaux but until the epidemic abates the vessels OF the
squadron will not further to the south than the latter
port. Unfortunately the Portuguese government has
not Withdrawn bellgerent rights which she granted to
the rebels, and the twentyfour hour rule would seem
TO apply now Their attention has been called TO the
subject, and they hold that they formally
cognzed the rebels as begerens they have nothing to
withdraw But 1t will be remembered that they detained
the Niagara and Sacramento twenty -four hours after the
Sonewall had sailed from Lisbon, and thereby really
applied the law as between recognized belgerents But
they do not IL in that light and decline TO issue
proclamation Withdrawing the hospitality they extended
the rebels In this state Of affairs it Is impossible for
the squadron to enter Portuguese port with freedom
and exchange the usual corrtesies II will doubtless be
arranged in good time If is 1t is not at all improba
BILE that the squadron will winter In Lisbon.
The Kearsarge Is now lying at Brest where she will
main until the arrival OF the flag ship
The Shawmut, Lieutenant Commander Walker, arrived
at Antwerp two or three weeks ago from the United
States. After coaling sho came here remained over
night discharged her mails and packages for the squa
dron and then went to again. bound for Cadz and
Brazil is subject Of general speculation why she
sent 20 Brazil via the North Sea and Spain. No
can imagine of what possible service it send q
vessel to Europe and then order her to South America
after she had been here for two three weeks II Ia
doubtless all right but 1t does appear the uninitiated
as most strange and wonderful.
The health Of the squadron thus far has been most
cellent The Admiral is just suffering under tenn
pOrary indispositon which at first excited alarm He Ia
mending rapidly, and will be well again In day
two.