Glasgow Courier. — 1853-12-10 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

THE RUSSIANS—PORTSHOUTH, Dec. 7.—The Russian frigate Aurora, Captain Islamatiff. sailed from this port to-day for the Pacific, and has thus terminated the matter of the habeas corpus writs for the recovery of the bodies of the re-captured deserters from her. Yesterday the writs were again sent down here from London, addressed to the Commander-inChief and Commander Worsfold, of the Neptune, commanding them in the Queen's name to produce, not only the six men in question before the Lord Chief-Justice, but also to bring the Russian captain himself before that dignitary. Acting upon advice, these officers, however, though most courteous, again declined to obey the writ, except by the orders of the Admiralty, the men not being in any way in their custody or power. In the meantime every effort was made to get the ship to sea. She was towed out of harbour to Spithead in the afternoon, and her powder and shell following she took them on board. At sunrise this morning she was observed through the fog to be getting under weigh, and in another hour's time she fired a parting salute, and was soon out of sight. The Russian corvette Navarin is still in dock undergoing a thorough re-caulking and repair. A number of dockyard men are engaged upon her. A solicitor from North Wales, named John Edward Towne, in the prime of life, had been residing at the Tavistock Hotel for the last five weeks. On Saturday evening, as he had not made his appearance all day, the proprietor ordered the bed-room to be forced open, which was done, and deceased was found lying dead in bed, with a stocking and one of his braces tied tightly round his neck. A bloody razor was lying on the table, with which he had cut his wrist, evidently with the intention of bleeding himself to death. The ligatures were removed from around the neck, and medical assistance immediately sent for, but life was extinct. A note was found directed to his sister, in which he said that it was the last letter she would receive from him, as he was miserable and wretched, and was determined to commit suicide. In conclusion, he hoped God would forgive him the rash act, which he was fearful he would not, and that they would meet again in heaven. There was nothing in his manner to lead to a supposition that he would commit suicide. He left home with £6O in his pocket, which he must have spent, as only a few shillings were found upon him. In 1847 he was seriously injured about the head by a collision on the Holyhead Railway. THE WINE DUTIES —Mr. Oliveira, M.P., writes from Bordeaux:—' Since my arrival in this city, I have received the greatest support and assurance of the sympathy felt in our efforts to obtain a reduction of the wine duties. The apprehension felt by some persons as to a deficiency of supply is quite futile The present stock is very large, quite enough to meet any demand for the next three years, and by that time, if our measure is carried, there will be immense tracts of country planted with vine and produring. The last vintage was a short one, and all wines are dear, yet much good, sound, agreeable wine sell at threepence per bottle. lam happy tir say that, so far from the French desiring a reduetion of duty upon their wines without any corresponding concessions, I am informed on the best authority that recent efforts have been made, and serious discussions taken place, upon the question of admitting into the ports of France, duty free, all materials used in the construction of ships, as well as to grant to foreign built vessels the same privileges as to national ones. Inquiries are also on foot with reference to the feasibility of a reduction in the duty upon cotton goods. If these two important concessions be made, one great ground of objection will be removed from that section who require reciprocity.'