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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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MR . O'CONNOR'S ADDRESS TO THE 1 PUBLIC , IN REFERENCE TO THE INCREASED PBICE OF THE ETES 1 SG STAR . After nearly five years' experience , as sole proprietor cf the leading Provincial Paper of the Empire , I may , ¦ without presumption , lay claim to some knowledge of the influence of the press , and the consequent necessity of Eubjecting that important estate to the most virtuous and rigid criticism . The press of ft country should be the dial of opinion—the regulator of action , and the mainspring of thought . It should serve aa a double minor upon society , heralding and magnifying acts of ¦ virtus aB bright examples of imitation , in the concaveand sketching vice ¦ with a charitable hand in the con-TeX ; Uiusleavinc v- che intellectual qualities of man , the pleasing duty < t triumphing , by exanyiie , over his grosser passions . In cases of hesitation or conflict , the press , from its character , should be an arbiter to whose
decision none bnt the conscious offender would object to submit A press established for such purposes would not only compel its conductors to select persons remarkable for their virtue and uprightness for its management and control , thus not limiting its matter to the crude and aingu ' . ar notions of mere mechanical Editors , but would present a flattering invitation to all whose contributions ¦ would be received for their general rather thanfor their particular merits—more for thelf good effects upon the ¦ whole community , than for their value to any particular class . "With snch a general and with such a staff as "wonld flock to the Etandard , the discipline of the mind would be speedUy completed , and the exercise of genius in the c ^ use of virtue , morality , and ri ^ ht , ¦ w onld be a pleasing ssrvics , in which no moral soldier ¦ would blush to carry his knapsack . Reader , contrast in yonr mind , discharged of prejudice and party bias , the efftet that such a press would have upon all those relations in which man should stand to his fellow-man .
"With the effects produced upon society in its several ramifications by the press as at present conducted in this country . Its heaviest censure is accepted as praise by the political antagonist : the triumph of a vicious partisan over the most virtuous opponent , is hailed as the victory of party , without reference to its general tendency ; and all consideration of the public good is mexsred in aBtiripaiiou of the profit and loss of faction . "With such a General , then , is it wonderful that the standard should be snrrounded by such a staff ; that the discipline should be varied , irksome , and unequal ; the exercise humiliating and degrading ; the soldiers dissatisfied and uneasy ; and the whole army threatening disorganisation and mutiny ? Is it wonderful , that for such base purposes , base tools should be sought for
their accomplishment , while the virtuous , scared by the hopelessness of success , are compelled to abandon the prospect of aiding Virtue in her struggles by their councils and their contributions ? Is it wonderful that men , like prostitutes , shou' . d be hired in such a service for their pliancy and lack of character , rather than for their integr ity , irfi ; xibility , and virtue ? Xo ; it is rather to be wondered ct that such a combination of all the evil passions , with snch ready means for their dissemination , have not long since laid virtue prostrate , and completed the triumph cf the grosser qualities of our nature It is because I have witnessed the continuous , the bold , and the manly struggles of the mind against the mind's oppressors ; ana it is because I have beheld the unequal
¦ war in which virtue has been long engaged against vice , and the stand that the moral army has made , —that I have resolved to gather its scattered elements for one grand assault against the citadel of corruption . With that view , and no other—for my services are gratuitously rendered—have I undertaken the management and control ef tta Evening Slar newspaper , which ,- in my hands , shall be the advocate of the oppressed of all classes , the reflector of all opinions , the impartial critic of all actions , and the bor . eBt arbiter in all controversies , to whose jndgment the just will cheerfully defer , as it shall be impartial . Taose principles which I have ever advocated , it shall continue to support whole and entire , taking advantage of all incidents that fortune , fate , or eircumsSances may present , for their furtherance . Seven
years ago this day I established the Radical Association of Marylebone , the , parent frem which has sprung onr present child—Chartism . In two years after its formation , and my circulation cf its principles and objects , I found it necessary to establish a paper for their representation , and hence the appearance of the . Northern Star . At that time I found public opinion " wild as the mountain fcreeze , " scattering but not gathering . I laid down the maxim , that in every political movement there ware three requisites—firstly , the creation of public opinion ; secondly , the organization of public opinion ; and thirdly , the direction of public opinion . How far my labours , backed by the XorlJiern Star , have accomplished the two former , let those testify who recollect the ease with which faction made ready
merchandise of popular will and aetion before I took the field ; and contrast it with the proud authority which that will and action now command , despite the perscuttons , dangers , threats , and prosecutions to which they have been subjected . The latUr stage , the direction of the public mind , requires a more active agent than a "weekly press , and therefore have I cheerfully , and at great trouble , and some expence , taken the helm of ths Teasel . Having thus laid down tbe principles upon . ¦ which the Evening Slar shall be conducted , and xny motive in undertaking its management , it becomes a part of my duty to tell yots the reasons why 1 have not only sactioned but counselled an increase in the price of the paper . Its price hitherto has been Si ., out of ¦ which the proprietor has to r > ay a penny for the stamp ,
a penny to the newsvendor , and a penny for paper and machinery , thus swallowing up the fntire piice , leaving not a fraction to pay any of the ex ^ nces of composing , reporting , sub-editing , publishing , keeping accounts , rent , gas , taxes , pens , paper , ink , casualties , Epoiled stamps , and the thousand-and-one other contingencies , all tending to make an increased circulation an increased eviL Prior to my connexion "With the paper , its weekly losses amounted to about £ 100 , bear in mind that it b a daily paper ; since my connexion the losses have increased in proportion to the increase in its circulation , for which I - am bold to assert no daily paper has ever furnished a parallel . Ifow , it is because , as a losing cencem , it may one day , without notice , leave me and my party without ita
support , tbjt I have thought it prudent towards yon , just towards the proprietor , and right to myself , to place it upon a foundation , from which the gale of faction cannot shake it ; still keeping its price fourpence , twenty per cent , under all other , daily papers . The magnanimity with which the proprietor has borne his losses , and the spirited manner in which he has car-Tied out my every suggestion , many of which have teen expensive , demand for him , at my hands , all that protection which my counsel can afford . The whole question is row befcre you ; it is for you , and you only , the working men , for whom I write , to judge , whether or not the circumstances justify and warrant the Btep I have taken . I am , your faithfnl Friend , Feaegcs . O'Co >> oe . OSce , 252 , Strand .
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COLLIERS' STRIKE IN AYRSHIRE . fFroei the Kilmarnock Journal . ) On Wednesday last , a large body of colliers , amounting to upwards of 600 , principally from Stevenston , Kilwinning , and that neighbourhood , assembled as early as two o ' clock in the morning at the works of Gateshead and Kilmarnock Colliery , and succeeded in preventing the men belonging to those works frem going to their labour . They afterwards assembled at Old Rome -Gardens , and addresses were made to the miners of this district , urging them to insist upon the increased wages , and reduction in weight of out-put of coal , from the masters .
Intimation of these proceedings having been cohjmunicated to the authorities at Ayr , Sheriff Eaton came to Xilmarnoek ia the course of the morning , and , accompanied by Mr . Andrews , Procurator-fiscal ; 3 dr . Blane , Superintendent of Police ; and Mr . Mann , County Constable , proceeded to Gu-gieston and Gatehead , to make the requisite investigations . The Sheriff considered it his duty to order out part of the Ayrshire Yeomanry , and accordingly three troops assembled at Kilmarnock in the evening , under the command of Major James Fairlie . Officers , Sir James Boswell , Mr . T . S . Cunninghame , jun ., of Caprington , and Mr . Wm . Hamilton , of Braehead . At an early hour part of this force was deapatched to
Irvine , accompanied by the Sheriff , and two troops remain at Kilmarnock , in erder to act in tta event ol any emergency . We trust tkat although these precautions have been taken , still they will not be required to be called into serious operation by aggressive acts on the part of the stand-outs , and that the miners will act upon the resolution adopted by them at the meeting of delegates on Monday . Those who are urging tfcsm to the contrary course are their worst enemies ; for they may rest assured , that no interference will be allowed with the freedom of action of those who desire to continue at their employments , and that any attempted infringement on this right will be visited by prompt ani severe punishment .
This morning the workers at Gateshead and Gsrgieston , who had been prevented going down the pits yesterday , resumed their operations undisturbed Another meeting of the stand-outs is to take place to-day at Manxhclm . A rumour having reached Sheriff Eaton yesterday that an attempt was ta be made to damage the coal Works at Carrington , Mr . Blane , superintendent here , was despatched , at seven o ' clock last night , with several of his own force , and two of the rural police , to organize measures for the protection of the property
there . The workers tamed out with the greatest alacrity , and were formed into a formidable force to protect the extensive machinery eoanected with the works . It happened that , after watching until the aorning , no molestation was offered , and . we cannot believe that wy operatives connected with the county will resort to SHch lawless proceedings ; but should any desperadoes from the East make any such attempt , no other force will be requisite at Caprington than the colliers themselves to repel any attack that may be made .
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EXAMINATION AND COMMITTAL OF THE PARTIES . WHO WERE SHOT IN ATTACKING MR . SHEPLEY'S MILL . GL 0 S 50 P . "WEDNESDAY EVEKING . This morning , three prisoners , named Thomas Winterbottom , Oliver Fry , and Thomas Smith , were removed from the New Bailey House Of Correction , in custody of Mr . R . Beswick , chief superintendent of the Manchester police , per railway to Goodley , and were escorted thence to Howard-town , by a party of the 11 th Hussars , for the purpose of being examined before the magistrates .
The prisoners were all wounded by Mr . Shepley when his mill was attacked by a large body of people on the 30 th ef August They appeared to be suffering still from the effects of the wounds , particularly Winterbottom , who had been shot in the right hand , right thigh , and groin . Sraith was the person who received the contents of the pistol , and had the ball extracted from his shoulder at the Salford Dispensary . Previous to the inquiry , a Mr . Part , an attorney from Wigan , who is employed by Mr . Gregory , the Government Commissioner , to write , on espying a reporter present , suggested to the magistrates the propriety of compelling him not to mention the names of any parties in the course of the inquiry who were not in custody . Hs also appeared anxious that no report should be taken at all . The magistrates informed Mr . Part that they should leave the matter to the dscretion of the reporter .
The charge against the prisoners was fur riot , conspiracy , and with beginning to demolish the factory and premises of Mr . Shepley , on Tuesday , the 30 th of August Mr . Pomfret , gorceon , stated , that on the 30 th of August , as he was passing the shop of Mr . Sellers , druggist , at Woolley-bridge , he was called in to examine Witerboltoru . He had received several gunshot wounds , and some of the pellets had perforated the abdemen . Witness recommended that be should be sent to the Manchester Infirmary , and offered to write him a note to the house-surgeon . Wisterbottom said he had received the wounds at Mr . Shepley ' s
mill , that he was there doing nothing , aud that he had been shot by Mr . Shepley , to be revenged on him . Witness afterwardB found another man on the Cheshire side of Woolley-bridge . He was wounded in the thigh , and his trousers appeared to be perforated with shots . Witness could not say whether it was Fi / , the other prisoner , who had been removed to the Manchester Infirmary , but he ordered him to that place . He thought the person must have stood near Mr . Shepley when the gun was fired , as the shots were closer together than in the man whom witness saw at Woolley-bridga He said he came from Hyde . WitnesB recommended him also to be taken to the
infirmary . The next witness examined was Mr . W . Sellers , who keeps a druggist's Ehop at Woolley-bridge . Ho said he recollected the day of the attack on Mr . Shepley ' a mill . Witness had been from home that morning , and returned about ons o ' clock . He found the prisoner Winterbotiom then in his shop . He told witness he had been shot * t Mr Shtplfcy ' B , at Brook-field . He said he had pone there with tae people There were then many persons in witness ' s shop . Witness had previous y seen a mob go towards Brookfleld . The shop was crowded with people , many of ¦ whom asked the prisoner questions . The prisoner said he was shot before there
was any disturbance . He was shot in the right ha ; id , the groin , and the bottom of the belly . Some of the persons in the shop called in Mr . Pomfret , the surgeon , who was passing at the tima , and he examined the wounds of Winterbottom . The hand did not appear to be much hurt , but b ' . ood was dropping from it , showing that it had bsen recently dona It was aaid in the prisoner ' s presence , that he caaie from Stalejbridge or Dackinfield , but witness could not tell who said it . He appeared to be in great agony , and complained much , but more of the wound 3 at the bottem of the belly . Mr . Pomfret recommended him to get home as fast as he could . He was carried out and placed in a ceach . Witness did not see any other of the wounded men .
Wintetbottom , being asked by the magistrates if he had ar . y question to put to the witness , said , —I did not say I was going with the people , did I ? You muBt thick of that , because I did not say so , I am certain . Witness . —I have told as near as I can what I heard you say . A Magistrate . —Do you helieve he fc&id that he went with the people ? Witness . —I'll not be certain he mentioned the people , bnt I understood him to mean that he went with the crowd of people to Mr . Shepley ' s mill . In answer to other questions , the witness stated that he did not know whether the prisoner was conveyed to his shep by the crowd who had been at Mr . Shepley ' s mill . The people about the shop and in the shop appeared to be on intimate terms with the prisoner , and there was one wonan who seemed to own him . Some of the crowd had sticks with them .
James Warhnrst was then called in . He said he was a joiner , and lived at Had field , near Gloasop . On the day Mr . Shepley ' s mill was attacked , witness removed two of the prisoners in his spring-cart from the Gun Inn to the Manchester Infirmary . On their way to Manchester they passed three persons , one of whom recognized the prisoners , the latter of whom afterwards told witness one of the three had beta shot at Shepley ' s mil ] , but witness could not say whether either o ? the three persons was the prisoner Smith . Mr . Rhodes , a gentleman residing at Tintwistle , about two miles from Mr . Shepley ' s mill , deposed to bearing the bell of Mr . E . Piatfs factory ring , abopt ten o ' clock on the morning of the 30 th of August , and as it was seldom ruDg he went to inquire the cause ,
when he ascertained tbat a mob had turned out the bands , and when he was on the Mottram road he saw a large crowd proceeding in the direction of Mr . Shepley ' s mill . Witness crossed over sume fields , and when he got within a quarter of a mile of the spot he heard the neise of the attack on Mr . Shepley's mill . There was a tremendous noise of the smashing of windows , and knocking against the doors . Witness could then see the crowd going across the fields in different directions , and one part of them was in the road . About two minutes after hearing the noise of breaking the windows witness heard the guns fired . There were reports of three guns , and between the second and third firing about two minutes elapsed , and between the first and second about one minute . About
a minute after hearing the reports witness got in Bight of the crowd , who were then moving from the warehouse door . As the hindmost part of the rioters were going away they broke the lower windows © f Mr . Shepley ' s house with their sticks , and the upper part with stones . The mob then retreated about one hundred or one hundred and fifty yards from the place , and held a consultation . They formed again , and witness heard some called back who were going away . O * ie of the mob went to witness on the side of a hill near the factory , and Baid they had agreed to make another attack and pull the mill down to the foundation . Witness remarked to him that they had set themselves too big a job to accomplish that day . The man seemed surprised , aaid ha thought so too , and went away . Witness then went to inform Mr . Sidebottom , a Cheshire magistrate , but he was not at home . Witness
then went to tte Gun Inn , and there saw a person who had been shot in the thigh . He did not think it was aDy of the prisoners . He asked his name , but the p ^ rsonB about refused te give it They , however , Baid he came from Flowery-field . Witness then went towards Brookfield , and on his way passed through a crowd who were carrying a wounded person , whom he believed to bo the prisoner Winterbottom . He appeared faint and much exhausted , aud blood was running through the bandages on his hand . When he arrived at Mr . Shepley ' s , witness found the military there , and the family of Mr . Shepley in a state of great alarm . Witness should think the mob was composed of between 4 , 000 and 5 , 000 people . Their cenduct and language were very outrageous , so as to occasion much alarm . It was said Mr . Shepley ought to be hanged , and they would have his life . The women were particularly violent
Fry—He said the windows were broken after they had done firing—were they ? Witness—The house windows were . Fry—I don't know where the house is . When I came up A magistrate here interposed , and cautioned the prisoner not to criminate himself . Fry—After the windows were broken he fired again , didn't he ? * Witness—I beard the windows broken , but I did not see the first attack .
Mr . B . Beswick , chief superintendent of the Manchester police , deposed to taking the prisoners into custody under warrants . He removed Winterbottom and Fry from the infirmary on the 5 th inst On theii way to the New Bailey , Winterbottom said , in the presence of Fry , that be had joined the people at Sialyfaridge , and had gone to Shepley's mill at Glossop , He also said , We teld Mr . Shepley to turn out his hands —we did not wish to harm him . He came to the door and pulled the trigger of a pistol twice . It was old Mr . Shepley . We did not think he w * s going to shoot us . He then brought a double barrelled gun and shot and
me Mrj . We were standing together . Wo wanted to take the gun frem him , I bad nothing to do with the mills . He should have done aa the masters at Stalybridge , not allowed the hands to go to work when all were ont" On the 7 th , witness apprehended Smith in Salford . He at first said his name was James Wright , but afterwards admitted it was Smith , and that he had been shot at Shepley ' s mill , and had had the hall extracted from his shoulder at the Salford dispensary , which witness found was the case . He stated that he had come into the street that morning for the purpose of being taken .
Mr . Shepley was next examined—He deposed as follows ;—I recollect the attack on my mill en the 30 th of August About five o ' clock that morning , as some men patsed the mill , they said they should have plenty of company that day from Hyde and StaJybridg « , and that they would level the milL I sent one of my own hands to scout at the top of the neighbouring hills , and about ten o ' clock he returned , and said there was a large mob coming from towards Ashton and Stalybridge . I then sent off my son to Glossop for the military . Daring the whole of the forenoon crowds of persons had been passing and re-pasiing the mill , and used very abusive language . Between ten and eleven o ' clock , a crowd stopped opposite the 4 oer .
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I told them they would not be allowed to atop there . They said they were on the King ' s highway , and I had no right to interfere with them . One of them said I would be attacked , on which I showed them that I was armed with pistols , and told them I was prepared to defend myself . They then went away a short distance , and on turning round I saw a large mob about half a mile off on the road , coming towards the factory . I stopped the engine of the factory , collected about fifteen of my hands , who were sworn in as special constables , and I Btood in the road in front of the mill . The mob bad then crossed over Woolley-bridge , and they commenced tunning and shouting , and making the most terrifying noise . I fetched a double-barrelled gun out of the house , and
met them in the road . I told them several times if they came I should mest assuredly fire on them . Some stones were then thrown from the back part of the mob . I then retreated until I got into the warehouse , previous to which I was struck by stones three or four times on the head and body , and some of the special constables weie also struck . Immediately the windows on the top of the warehouse door were broken . The door was then open about sixteen or eighteen inches , and was held to that position by a crowbar , by some of my work-people , who were behind . I pointed a gun at the crowd several times . Stones were then thrown into the warehouse through the door and through the fanlight over it , and the door was beaten against by some heavy instrument , Before the attack , I had repeatedly heard the persons passing the mill say it would be pulled down . I am satisfied that the mill would have been destroyed if we had not resisted , and I
believe our lives were at that time in great danger . ' I then struck two locks of a duuble-barrelled gun , but both missed fire . I had repeatedly warned the rioters that I would fire on them . Another gun was then given to me , and I pointed that twice before I pulled the trigger . After I had fired the first barrel two or three hands seizsd the gun , and tried to pull it out of my hands . I then took a pistol from my pocket and fared it , and fired also the other barrel of the gun . In a Bhort time afterwards I opened the door , and found the mob was retreating towards Mottram . Several of the rioters had attempted to gain admittance into the warehouse , but were beaten back by the hands . All the windows in the warehouse , in my house , and in that belonging to my son-in-law were broken . There were at least two wheelbarrows full of stones thrown into the warehouse , and one of the constables had two of his teeth knocked out
James Jackson , constable of Simondale , corroborated the principal part of the evidence of Mr . Shepley . This was the person whose teeth was knocked out whilst attempting to prevent the mob front entering the milL The prisoners were tben fully committed for trial at the ntxt Chester assizes for rioting and beginning to demolish the prosecutor ' s mill . —Evening Slar .
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CAPE OF GOOD HOPE . GOVEBNNMENT GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY . PORT NATAL . His Excellency the Governor his been pleased to direct the following despatches , from the officer commanding her Mpjesty ' s troops at Port Natal , to be published for general information . Colonial-office , Cape of Good Hope , July 16 , 1812 . By command of his Excellency the Governor , J . Moore Craig , Acting Secretary to the Governor .
Sir , —I have the honour to Uy before you the following particulars respecting the position of the force under my command , from the date of my last despatch until the period of their being relieved on the 2 fth of this month by the troops sent for that purpose from the colony .
Various reports having been brought to me on the 25 th of May , respecting the intention of the farmers to make a combined attack on the camp that night , I kept the troops under arms , but nothing transpired until a short time previous to day-break on the following morning , when vollies of mutketry , accompanied by the fire of large guns , was heard at the Point , which post , I regret to say , the Boers carried , after a desperate resistance en the part of the detachment stationed there . By this untoward event an eighteen-pounder , which
there had not been time to remove , fell into their hands , as well as the greater portion of the Government previsions landed frem the Pilot Fortunately all the powder , with the exception of a Bmall portion for the eighteen-pounder , had been brought to the camp , in which I had caused a field magazine to be constructed . The engineer stores were also saved , but there being no place at this post wherein the provisions could be protected from the weather , I had been obliged to leave the the greater portion at the Point , merely bringing up a few waggon loads from time to time as required .
Finding myself thus cut off from my supplies , I resolved to concentrate the remainder of my farce in the camp , and there await the reinforcement which I made no doubt would be sent from the colony on the receipt of the despatch forwarded by me overland on the evening of ths 25 th of May , and intrusted to Mr . King . The farmers having desired the captains of the Pilot and Mazeppa to write and express to me their willing , ness to enter into arrangement * for the removal of the troops , which letter reached the day after the Point fell into their possession , I accepted their proposal for
a truce , being desirous of gaining time to strengthen the post as much as possible . Daring its continuance , they sent in terms so ridiculously extravagant , that , although tbe quantity of provisions in the camp was extremely limited , I immediately broke off all communication with them , being fully determined , sooner than submit , to endure the extremity of privation . I . therefore , placed the men on half allowance , destroyed a small post which I had caused to be erected between the camp and some buildings occupied by the English residents , and made my position as secure as I possibly cou : . d ; with a view to holding out to the last .
Their arrangements being completed , the farmers about six a . m ., on tbe 31 st inst , made a desperate attack bn the camp , throwing into it during the course of the day one hundred and twenty-twe round shot , besides keeping up an incessant fire of musketry . On the following day ( June D they slackened the fire of musketry , but threw in one hundred and twenty-four round shot , and on the 2 nd opened a fire from the 18-pounder , which they had contrived to bring from the Point , while they still continued their discharges of musketry . Daring the course of this day they sent the Rev . Mr .
Archbell with a flag of truce , proposing to allow the women to quit the camp , and to send back two wounded men , but this was done merely to gain time to repair some works thrown down by the fire from our batteries . Here I think it rijjht to observe that they were incessantly employed every night in making approaches towards the post , which were constructed with considerable skill ; this tbe nature of the ground enabled them to do with much facility , and from thence a mest galling fire was constantly kept up , particularly on the two batteries , wherein I had placed the 18-pounder and howitajr .
Finding that the few cattle remaining at the krall were dying either from wounds or want of sustenance , I directed that they ehould be killed and made into biltong , reducing the issue to half a pound daily . I also had a well dug in the camp , which gave good water , there being a risk in going to the valley at night , from whecca we had hitherto procured it In resuming my detail of proceedings , I may state generally that the attacks on the camp werfl continued from day to day with more or less spirit by the farmers , who , having soon exhausted their iron ball , fii < ed leaden balls from their large guns , in some instances sending them with much precision . Our practice from the camp was excellent , a shot from the 18-pounder Living dismounted one of their six-pounders on the 3 d instant , besides wounding several of those attached to it
On the night of the 8 th , I sent out a party to destr . V some works in our front , which was accomplished witL * - eut loss . In a subsequent sortie made on the night oi ' the 18 th instant , we were less fortunate , although the duty was performed with great gallantry , the Boers being surprised in the bush , and many bayoneted after a stout resistance . In this attack , which was headed by Lieutenant Molesworth , 87 tb Regiment , I had to regret the loss of Ensign Prior and two privates of the same corps , who were killed , besides four others being severely woasded . Upon inquiring into the state of the provisions this day , I found that enly three days' issue of meat re-
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mained . I therefore directed that such horses as were living might be killed and made into biltong . We had hitherto been issuing biscuit dust , alternating with biscuit and rice , at half allowance . The horse-flesh , of which there was but little , we commenced using on the 22 d , and by a rigid exactness in the issues , I calculated we might certainly bold out , although without meat , for nearly a month longer , for we had eleven bags of forage corn in store , which I bad commenced grinding into meal ; and by every oue contributing what remained of private into tbe public stock , a tolerable
quantity of various articles of sustenance was procured . On the night of the 24 th , several rockets , apparently from a vessel in the bay , assured as that relief was nigh at band ; these we answered . On the night of the 25 tk the many rockets from seaward assured us that not only was a vessel in the bay , but that she was communicating with another in the offing , a surmise corroborated on tbe following day by the landing of the party under Colonel Cloete , and their final relief of the post in gallant style , between three and four o ' clock in the afternoon .
To tbe dry detail of the proceedings I have given I beg to add a few remarks ; and first , with respect to our loss . Within the period embraced between the 31 st May and 25 th fune , 651 round shot of various sizes had been fired at the camp , in addition to a continned and watchful fire « f musketry , and yet our loss during this period was but one sergeant and two privates of the 27 th killed , and thiee wounded , one Cnpe riflaraan and one civilian killed , and one wounded , exclusive of tbe loss I have previously noted as occurring during the sortie on the morning of the 18 th inst The damage to the wa-jgons and tents , and private as well as public property , was , howeuer , great , for these it was Impossible to secure in such a manner as to preserve them from injury .
Among the serious disadvantages I had to contend with , I may mention that tha numerous people attached as leaders and drivers to the different waggons , many having large families who required to be fed , hampered me sadly in the trenches , while the vast number ef cattle originally with the waggons were a very great incumbrance . These , however , were soon driven off , for nearly all the Boers ( contrary to the opinion entertained by the colony ) were mounted , and thence enabled to move from point to point with a celerity which baffled nearly every movement that the infantry could make against them .
I have thus given a detail of the chief circumstances connected with the commands entrusted to me . That it should have been so far unsuccessful I regret ; but the resistance on the part of the farmers since my arrival has been universal , those few who professed themselves friendly having carefully abstained from giving assistance , in most cases using tbat profession as a convenient screen for the purpO 3 S of hiding their disaffection from observation . All the property of the English residents the Boers plundered and sent to Pietermaritsburg . They also took out the gteater part of the freight of the Mazeppa ( including tbe whole of my own property ) , which they sent to the same place . The prisoners taken at the Point ( English residents as well as soldiers ) have also been marched thither ; and the former have , I understand , been treated with great harshness . After being plundered , tbe Mazeppa escaped from the harbour on the night of the 10 th instant
In conclusion , I beg to state that nothing could exceed the patience and cheerfulness evinced by the troops under the privations they suffered , and I feel satisfied , tbat bad it been necessary to have held out for a longer period , they would have endured their further continance without a a murmur . I have the honour to be , sir , your most obedient humble servant , J . C . Smith , Captain , 27 th Regiment . His Honour Colonel Hare , CB . and K . H ., Leiutennnt Governor . P . S . —I omitted to mention in ita place that a round shot on the 18 ta inst . broke the carriage of the eighteen pounder in two places , but we repaired it so as to be perfectly serviceable . J . C . Smith .
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by his spirit in our active operations , but equally so by his attention to all details and arrangements so essential on such occasions . I hate the honour to be , Sir , Your most obedient humble servant , A . J . Cloete , Lieut-Colonel , Deputy Quarter-Master-General Commanding . His Excellency 8 irGsorge Napier , KCB . . Governor and Commander-in-Chief , &c . . —
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THE NEW PARISH CONSTABLES' ACT . Among the acts of the British Legislature to which Her Majesty Queen "Victoria gave her Royal assent in person before the prorogation of Parliament on the 12 th of August was " An Act for the Appointment and Payment of Parish Constables" ( 5 and 6 of Victoria , c 109 ) , which will effect an important change in the mode of appointing and remunerating parish constables . As the statute is about to come into immediate operation , and as it affects every pariah and township in England , it may not be amiss to call public attention to its leading provisions .
The preamble recitea , that whereas it will increase the security of persons and property , it further provision be made for the appointment of fit persons to act as constables in the several parishes of England , and if power be given to pay them for the performance of their duties ; and it proyeds to enact that after the expiration of eighty days , and before the expiration of one hundred days next after the passing of the act ( which , as we bave stated , was on the 12 th of August ) , and on some day after tbe 24 th of March , and before the 9 th of April in each following year , the justices of the peace of every county in England shall hold a special petty session of the peace in their several divisions , for the appointment of parochial constables , of which session due notice shall be given to every justice usually acting in that division .
The second section requires the justices within thirty days next after passing of the act , and within the first seven days of February in each following year , to issue a precept under the hands of any two of them to the overseers of each pariah within the division , requiring them to make and return , within eighty days next after the passing of the act , and before the 24 th of March in each following year , a list in writing of a competent number of men within their respective parishes qualified and liable to serve . By the third section it Is enacted that the overseers of every parish , upon the receipt of such precept , shall summon a meeting of the inhabitants in vestry , to be
held within fourteen days after the receipt of said precept ; and the vestry at such meeting are to make cut a list in writing of such number as shall be stated in the precept of men residing within their parish who shall be qualified and liable to serve as constables , with the Christian name and surname , and with the true place of abode , the title , quality , calling , or business , of each written at full length ; and the vestry are empowered to annex to the said return the names of any number of men willing * e serve the office of constable , and whom the vestry will recommend to be appointed , although not having the qualification hereinafter mentioned .
Section four empowers the justices to make orders for uniting parishes , or annexing extra-parochial places to any parish for the purposes of this act Section five enacts , that every ablebodied man resident within the parish , between the ages of twenty-five and fifty-five years , rated to the relief of the poor or to the county rate on any tenement of the net yearly value of four pounds , or upwards , except such persons as shall be exempt or disqualified , as hereinafter mentioned , shall be qualified and liable to serve as constable of tbat parish . Section six enumerates a great many classes ef persons who arc to bo exempt from serving the office of constable under this act .
Section seventh enacts , that all licensed victuallers , and persons licensed to deal in excheable liquors , or to sell bear by retail , all gamekeepers , and all persons who bave been attainted of any treason or felony or convicted of any infamous crime , shall be disqualified from serving the office of constable under this act . Section eight enacts , that the overseers shall make out true copies of the list ho agreed to in vestry ; and where any of the persons named in the said list shall have been chosen to serve , or shall have served , the office of constable in the said parish , in person or by substitute , tbe overseers shall set against his name in the list the date oi ! the year of such service , and shall on the three Sun
days next before the day limited for making their return in this year , and on the first three Sundays in tbe month of March in each following year , fix a true copy of aucb Hat upon the principal door of every church , chapel , and other pnblio places of religious worship within their parish , having first subjoined to every such copy a notice stating that all objections to the list will be heard by the justices at a time and place to be mentioned in such notice , and shall keep a copy of the list , to be inspected by any inhabitant , at any reasonable time , daring the three weeks next before tbe day limited for making their return in this year , and during the first three weeks of tbe month of March in each following year , without any fee or
reward . Section ninth empowers two justices to fine the overseers not more than £ 5 for any neglect or omission of any of the duties herein required . Section ton requires the overseers to attend before the justices with their lists ; and it empowers the justices to amend the lists in their discretion , and to allow the same . Section eleven enacts , that the justices shall choose from the lists allowed the names of such number as they shall think necessary to act as constables within the parish during the year then next following , and Until other constables shall be chosen and sworn to act in their stead ; but any person who shall have been chosen and served , in person or by substitute , shall not be liable to be again chosen until every other person in the parish HaMe or qualified to serve shall have served the office either in person or by substitute .
Section twelve prescribes the form of oath to be taken by constables so chosen , and enacts that if persons so chosen shall be unwilling to serve , they shall find a substitute to be approved by tbe justices . By section 13 the penalty on any person who shall refuse to act as constable , or to find a substitute , shall not exceed £ 10 ; and every person who after being sworn shall refuse or wilfully neglect to act in the execution of his office shall be liable to pay not exceeding £ 5 . for every offence . Section 14 provides for the publication of the . names of the constables appointed ; and section 15 defines the powers of the constables so appointed . They are within their county , and within all adjoining counties , to have all the powers , privileges , and immunities , and . to be liable to all the duties and responsibilities of a constable within his constablewick , but shall not be bound to act as a constable beyond the parish for which they are severally appointed and sworn without the special warrant of a justice of the peace .
Section 16 provides for supplying vacancies that may occur during the year . - Section seventeen empowers the justices in general or quarter session , with the approbation of tbe Secretary of State , to settle tables of foes and allowances to justlces ' s clerks and constables , and names the fiuUs from which they are to be paid . ' Section eighteen empowers the vestry assembled for the purpose of making the returns aforementioned to resolve that one or more paid constables shall be appointed for their parish , and to fix the amount of his salary .
Section 19 enacts , that if the justices shall be satisfied with the amount of salary agreed to be paid , they shall appoint so many paid constables to act for that parish as shall be agreed to by the resolution ; or if the same resolution shall have been agreed to . by more parishes than one adjoining each other , may , if they shall think fit , appoint the same paid constables to act conjointly fur all such last-mentioned parishes ; and in every parish in which a paid constable shall be appointed under this act , the justices , if they shall think fit , need not appoint any unpaid constable , or may appoint a smaller number ef unpaid constables than they had otherwise resolved on appointing for that parish ; and every paid constable shall hold his appointment until he resign or be dismissed for misconduct by the justices of the division in petty session assembled , or until the vestry shall rescind the resolution for his appointment at any meeting of vestry holden fyr making such return as aforesaid .
Section 20 directs that the salaries of paid constables shall be paid by the overseers out of the poor-rates in their hands . v . Section twenty-one enacts , that after the passing of this act no petty constable , headborough , . borsholder , tithingman , or peace officer of the like description , under any name of office , shall be appointed for any parish , township , or ville within the limits of this act , except for the performance of duties unconnected with the preservation of the peace or with the execution of this act , at any court lcet , but nothing herein is to prevent the appointment of special constables , or to apply to the city of London , or the metropolitan pelice district , or to any municipal borough or to any parish , town , in which rates are or shall be levied for tbe payment of constables , under 3 and 4 William IV ., o . 90 , or any local act ; and nothing herein is to be taken to apply to the county palatine of Chester . -
Section twenty-two empowers the justices in general or quarter sessions , under certain restrictions , to order look-up houses to be provided , according to plans approved by tbe Secretary of State . Section twenty-three , When a lock-up house shall have been provided , the justices are to appoint a superintending constable to have the charge thereof , Who shall also have the superintendence of all the parish constables appointed in such parishes as shall be ordered by the justices and under Bach regulations as they shall make ; every such superintending constable to hold office until dismissed by the justices in general or quarter sessions assembled , and to receive his salary out of the county-rate . \ Sections twenty-four , twenty . flve , twenty-six , twentyseven , provide for the recovery and application of penalties , and for the interpretation of the acL
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A SCENE . ¦ ¦ - ; . ; . _ * THE COBK POOR I < XW GUABDIAKS . ( From the Southern BepmierJ A meeting « f the Cork Poor Law Guardians was held on Monday last The Clerk staWd «^ , lt ^ tl f « reported by the master that themppl * ** mitt by tbe contractor had been irregular during the week , in regatd to quality , quantity , and time of delWtty . ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ * ¦ ..: ¦ Mr . John Roberts , of Passage , toe contractor , jWu then called in , and stated that a combination bad bft « n entered into against him ; tbat he * was charged * £ d , pu gallon for any he bought in the North market more than he himself charged , and tbat those who had it would sooner upset a chum and spill it about the road than . MI it to him . ¦ ' ¦ - ¦ Mr . T . Q . Wise—I deny that ( Confusion . ) I say I deny it plumply , Sir . ( Confusion . ) Mr . Youlea ( to Mr . Roberts )—What quantity will you be able to supply ? . ' . . ¦ _ ¦ ¦ ^ ' ¦ ¦ ¦ a o / ienn . ¦ -
. Mr . Roberts—I could give the full supply , but for tbe combination in the North market - . Mr . Wise—I say it is false . ( Clamour . ) Mr . Roberts—I have enough to say against Mr . Wise if I am only heard . ( Confusion . ) Let him enter the list with me , and I'll show him up . ( Great eonf nsion . ) I say he is unfit to be a Guardian , and has no right to be one . - Mr . Wise—I say again it is false . ( Confusion . ) Mr . Haynes—This is very improper language . Mr . Wis«—It is all a falsehood . How dare he say I am unfit to be a Guardian ? ( Great clamour . ) Mr . Mannix—I move . Sir , that Mr . Roberta ' s explanation is satisfactory . I Hear . ) - Mr . Wise—I say he is a liar , sir . ( Awful uproar . ) Mr . Roberts ( turning upon Mr . Wise in a menacing attitude )—Get out , you scoundrel ! only yon are an old man I'd pull the windpipe out of you , you old rascal I ( Uproar . )
.. . . Mr . Wise—I am not an old man , I am as good a guardian as you , and you ' re a liar . ( Uproar . ) Mr . Roberts—I am what ? Mr . Wise—You ' re a liar . Mr . Roberta—Take care what you say , or I'll let out on you , you old ruffian . ( Clamour . ) Chairman and several voices—Oh , for shame ! for shame ! Mr . Roberts—I am no guardian . ( Confusion . ) Mr . Wisa—You ' re a lying blackguard , and you know where to find me . ( Uproar . )
Mr . Roberts—By —— , yen old rascal , I'd pall your windpipe up your gullet only you ' re such an old scoundrel . ( Dsafening uproar here followed , both gentlemen placing themselves in attitudes as if about to enter into personal conflict . After considerable difficulty , delay , and confusion the belligerents were separated by several of the guardians , who rushed in between them it the moment it was expected that blows were about to be dealt , and Mr . Roberts was taken into the adjoining room . ) The Chairman said he was not upon terms of intimacy ¦ with Mr . Wise , and did not expect much forbearance from him ; but he did think that as a member of this board he should have had some forbearance and respect for the board . ( Hear , hoar ) He should never have used such language as that he had just given utterance to , to an officer of this board , which Mr . Roberta was , as a contractor . Mr . Wise—Didn't he call me —— ? ( Clamour . )
Chairman—If a personal collision was intended it should have been settled outside this board . Mr . Wise—I would be very sflrry to give offence to anyone , and I don't think I did in this case .. ' ( Load cries of " Order , erder , " and great confusien ) Captain Irvine—I can answer for it that Mr , Wise is the aggressor , and all I regret is , that I cannot move his expulsion from this board . ( " Oh , oh . " If I could I would do so . ( Order . ) Mr . Voulea conceived that Mr . Wise had grossly violated the respect due to tbe board . Captain Irvine—As a magistrate I must compel Bfr . Wise to remain here until he finds security to keep the peace . Mr . Haynes—Oh , they fight , indeed ! Blather . There is too much butter-milk between them for that . ( Cries of " Oraer , order . " )
Mr . Voulea never before heard such language made use of in an assembly of gentlemen as that to which be had just listened ; and be did conceive that the gentleman who used it should make a most ample apology for it Mr . Wise—Oh , I do apologise to this board for any improper language I may have used ; but mind , gentlemen , let it be distinctly understood that it U to tail board only that I do apologise . Captain Irvine—Oh , very well ; well take care of the rest Mr . Wise—I never insulted any gentleman in all my life ; and I never was called an old rascal or scoundrel until this day .
It was finally agreed upon tbat Mr . Roberts shouli keep up the supply he had contracted for for this week , and that he should supply the house daring the * remaining period of his contract with two hundred gallons oi milk daily , and that anothor contractor should be advertised for to supply the deSc ' . ency . After aomo further discussion , Mr . Wise begged ta tender his resignation as guardian of St Mary ' s Ward . He said he had been bound over to keep the peace for the first time these sixty-five years , for his conduct during tbat period had bees such as nover to deserve it .
Mr . Mannix moved that his resignation be not accepted . Carried . The board adjourned at five o ' clock . '
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From the London Gazette of Friday , Sept . 16 . BANKRUPTS . George Cole , of the Toy Hotel , Hampton , Middlesex innkeeper , to surrender Sept . 26 , at one , and Oct 28 , at twelve , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Bisfnghallstreet Solicitor , Mr . George Pike , Lincoln's Inn Fields ; Mr . George Gibson , official assignee , 72 , Basinghall-street John Ball Boucher , of Birmingham , shawl-dealer . Sept 21 , at one , and Oct 28 , at eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Bssinghall-street Solicitors , Messrs . Reed and Shaw , Friday-street ; Mr . Giorge Green , official assignee , 18 , Aldermanbury . Robert Craig , of Manchester , innkeeper and brewer , Sept 30 and Oct . 28 , at two , at the Commissioners ' Rooms , Manchester . Solicitors , Messrs . Gregory anil Co ., Bedford Row , London ; and Mr . Edward Lea , Manchester .
Stephen Thomas , late of the City of York , victualler and tavern-keeper , but now of Lancelot Cottage , Heworth , Yorkshire , Sept 27 , at two , and Oct 28 . it three , at the Guildhall , York . Solicitors , Messrs . R £ . and O . Smitaaon , York ; and Messrs . Wi ^ leawortJ and Co ., 5 , Gray ' s Inn Square , London . Richard Womersley , late of Northampton , but not of Stoney Stratford , Buckinghamshire , hat manufacturer , Sept . 24 , at eleven , and Oct 28 , at two , at tin Peacock Inn , Northampton . Solicitors , Mr . Qkot ? Weller , 8 , King ' s Road , Bedford Row , London ; a ^ Mr . George Poll , jun ., Northampton . Georgo Heathcote and William Levesley , of Sh < -ffiel 4 spring knife manufacturers , Sept . 24 and O : t 28 , ^ twelve , at the Town Hall , Sheffield . Solicitors , # Andrew Duncan , 70 , Chancery Lane , London ; and % William Un win . Sheffield .
William Mearns , of Liverpool , shawl-dealer , Sept - and Oct . 28 , at eleven , at the Clarendon Rooms , LiifSpool . Solicitors , Messrs . Kay and Co ., Manchester . Gsorge Oldham , of Manchester , wine-merchant , Oct 8 and 28 , at two , at the Cemmissioners' Rooms , Mi * Chester . Soliciters , Messrs . Gregory and Co ., Bedfow Raw , London ; and Mr . William Christopher Cbe »> Manchester . James Vardy , late of Wolverbampton , StaffordriiiA brass-founder , Oc ^ . 12 and 23 , at eleven , attbeS ** Hotel , Wolverhampton . Solicitors , Messrs . Cox it * Stone , 24 , Poultry , London ; and Mr . Joseph Gfi * James , Walsall , Staffordshire .
PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLVED . William Beaver and Joseph Foster , of Brslf ^ Yorkshire , woolstaplers . Samuel Parsons and Jew Stones , of Manchester , paper hanging manufwto ** William Maury , Matthew Maury , and Butson Muroj of Liverpool and Now York . Edmund Butler Bo *« and Jesse Ble w , of Manche ster , manufacturers . Sao * Hutchlnson and John Holdsworth , of WakefleM , »«*" shire , drapers . John Sykes , late of Mill Bridge , bnt & of Littietown , and Joseph Sykes , of Mill Bridge , ?<** shire , corn millers .
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From the Gazette of Tuuday , Sept . 20 . BANKRUPTS . Edmund Henry Labatt , commission-agent , Mtoojj Lane , London , to surrender Oct 6 and N ° " JLk eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Ba « Dgl » H- «* 5 t Solicitors , Messrs . Coe and Paterson , Qaeen ' ^ Place ; Mr . George Green , Aldermanbury , ow » - assignee . ¦ # . Henry Adams , dealer and chapman , lotness , i »\ . shire , Oct . 6 and Nov . 1 , at twelve , attbeRoJ ^ Plymouth . Solicitors , Mr . Charies Mfchelnwre' ' ness ; and Messr * . Fronde and Edward * . lincoW *
fields , . London . < & < £ - * George Olden , grocer , Salisbury , Wiltshire * g ^ . and Nov . 1 , at ten , at the Black Horse Hotel , V gZ f , Solicitors . Mr . Alford , Salisbury ; and Mr . J ; Sontbasipton-street , Bloomsbury Square , land ? vrf . J ,. Jehn Jenkins , draper , Cardiff , Sept SO " £ {^ 0 * atone , at tbe Commercial Rooms , Bristol . PrTjjJ Mr . Clarke , Bristol ; and Messrs . Abbott , Jen *" * Abbott , New Inn , London . y ^ jk-James Bromley , coach proprietor , Knottto fii ^ gjj , ahlre , Sept . 27 and Nov . 1 , at eleven , at the low ^ Doncaster , Yorkshire . Solicitors , Mr . B og »»* , « , den , Yorkshire ; and Messrs . Williamson ana a . Veralam Buildings , Gray's Inn , London . ; . -mrfiJrf t John Spence , gas manufacturer , Alford , u ^ m ®* Ocfc . 7 and Nov . 1 , at eleven , at the PubM- * jijd Mercer-street , Louth . Solicitors , MesK * * " y , d jj , Son , Alford ; and Mr . Scott , Lincoln ?«» . London .
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APPREHENSION OF MR . BAIRSTOW . Bristol , Sept . 16 . The Chartists of this city , aided by Mr . Bairstow , having agitated the working classes of Bristol and of the county of Gloucester , by holding Sunday meetings , and pointing out to them the proceedings goiug on in the north , the county magistrates i ^ auud a warrant for the apprehension of Bairstow , " for having , on Sunday , the 14 th of August , at M . ingots field , in the county of Gloucester , at an unlawful and illegal meeting , or assembly , of one hundred and upwards of evil-disposed persons , used 7 ' iolent , inflammatory , and seditious language , to the great disturbance of our Lady the Queen , and the terror of her liege subjects . "
The warrant was placed in tbe hands of Superintendent Hillcott , who was unable to execute it , in consequence of BairstoWs being absent from tbe neighbourhood . He , however , returned to Bristol yesterday , and it was announced by printed placards that he wonld lecture last evening upon the Charter , at Bear-lane Chapel . The lecturer bad not , however , long ascended the pulpit , before Superintendent Hillcott , assisted by some of the city police , walked into the chapel , and , having ascended the pulpit stalTS , apprehended him in the middle of his discourse , and conveyed him to the &tation-house , from which he was brought up for examination at half-past one o ' clock this day , at the Justice Room , in the County House of Correction . The following magistrates were on the bench : —The Rev . W . Mirehouse , Messrs . J . George , Edward Sampson , and W . Munroe . He was bound over in £ 108 to keep the peace for twelvemonths .
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Lobd Mokpsth , we understand , is not expected to return from his tour in the United States and Canada until the beginning of November .
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Port Natal , June , 28 , 1842 . SIR—On the 27 th inst . I availed myself of a Caffer messenger to report to your Excellency , in a few words , that Captain Smith was extricated , and Port Natal in our possession . It is now my duty to give the details of my proceedings . Her Majesty ' s ship Southampton arrived and anchored off Port Natal on the night of the 25 th Instant . Here was found at anchor the schooner Conch , with Captain Durnford , 27 th Regiment , and a detachment of 100 men two small howitzers , and some stores despatched by Colonel Hare from Algoa Bay , on the 10 th iustant
Captain Durnford reported that the insurgent Boers bad refused all communication with Captain Smith who was still holding his post ; that the headlands at the entranee of the harbour were armed with guns , and tbat the Boers bad collected in force to oppose our landing . Signal guns and rockets were fired from the frigate to intimate our arrival to Captain Smith , and every arrangement made for carrying the place as soon as the tide served , and the frigate could be placed so as to cover our landing . At two o ' clock p . m . on the 26 th inst ., the Southampton was in a position , and the troops were embarked in tho boats , which , however , could only take eighty-five men ; thirty-five had been previously added to Captain Durnford ' s detachment on board the Couch , the sea beach being impracticable in the previous orders , the attack was changed , and I directed Captain Wells , with a detachment of thirty-five men , to land on the first point of the High Bluff within the bar ,
and drive the Boers out of the thick bush , whilst the Conch , the launch armed with a carronade , and the cargo , were-to proceed direct into the harbour , land , and take possession of the port A fresh sea breeze fortunately set into the harbour at the very time of our advance : the Conch taking thus the boats in tow crossed the bar at three o ' clock , Captain Wells landed where directed , when a brisk fire was opened on the Conch and boats from both shores , that from the high wooded bluff within twenty yards of the boats ; yet in spite of the short range and cross fire , under which the boat a bad to pass , so quick was our advance , aided by both wind and tide , that but little effect was produced by their fire . When opposite the landing-place , from whenee the fire still continued , I ordered Major D'Urban to laud , who immediately jumped on shore , and we rushed to the flag staff to pull down the colours and give her Majesty ' s frigate notice that we were in possession , and to cease firing .
The Boers abandoned their strong ground the instant we landed , yet so thick was the bush and so broken the ground , that though from the smart fire kept up they must have been in force , yet not half a doaan of them were ever seen ; and on the southern bluff so thick was the wooded covering that nothing but the smoke from their firelocks was ever seen . I have since learned that tbe number of Boers who defended the Port amounted to 350 men . Their loss it has been impossible to ascertain . Having thus seized the Port and landed the men from the Conch , the troops were immediately formed . Captain Durnford was ordered to enter the bush on tbe right and drive the Boers before him , whilst I placed myself on a road way in the centre . Major D Urban taking the left along tbe harbour beach .
In this order we advanced through a buah , the character of which it is difficult-to describe , and which might have been held by a handful ef resolute men against any assailants . On reaching the open ground we found the direction of Captai . i Smith ' s entrenched camp by the firing of his heavy gun . We marched upon the point ; Captain Smith now throw out a party , and we joined him at four o ' clock . Having tfeua executed your Excellency's commands with nil military promptitude , by extricating the brave detachment under Captain Smith ' s command , I strengthened his post by Captain Dornford ' s detachment , and directed Major D * Urban to hold Stellar ' s farm , reluming myself to the port to arrange a post of defence wi'h such of the troops as I expected would have been landed .
The gallantry with which Captain Smith defended his post for a whole month , under no ordinary circumstances of privation , having been reduced to horse-flsah for food , closely hemmed in by a desperate and vigilant foe , with no less than twenty-six wounded within his closely confined camp , is highly creditable to him and his party . Thus was accomplished , within the incredibly short space of one month , from the date of Captain Smith ' s report of his position , the relief of his party , at a distance of one thousand five hundred miles from Cape Town , whence the relief was despatched , his communication having had to pass through hosUle hands and a savaga conntry .
I have now reported to your Excellency the proceedings which bave placed me in possession of Port Natal ; and I have kept them distinct from any mention ef the naval co-operation and assistance I received from her Majesty ' s ship , Southampton , feeling it to be due to Captain Ogle , commanding , to Commander Hill , and the officers and seamen of that frigate , that their services to us should be separately noticed , whether as to their cheeiful good will displayed towards us whilst on board , or subsequently in the more important service performed , in covering our landing by tho admirable practice from the ship ' s heavy battery , and spirited assistance given us by Captain Hill in command of the boats . In my order of the day I have inadequately endeavoured to express my thanks to those officers , and I should not be doing them justice without repeating it here in the strongest terms .
If our success be not absolutely indebted to the opportune presence of the Conch , to her protection must be mainly ascribed the very small loss we suffered in forcing the entrance The troops conducted themselves with the greatest st eadiness , and I am much indebted to Major d'Urban for his prompt landing , and the assistance he has afforded me throughout these operations . I also received the best support from every officer undet > n ) y ordersin conducting these operations , and particular < y so f ™ m Lieut . William Napier , who acted as my aid , and has been of the most service to me , not only
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Swapping Wives .- " John , \ wish it was asmuch . the fashion to trade wives as it is to trade horses . " "Why so Peter » " " I'd cheat somebody most shockin' bad afore mght .-Ntw Orleans Bulletin .
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a THE NORTHERN STAR ' - - . : ; '¦ " - . •" ¦ - " ' - ' ¦ •" ¦ " ¦ - ; — - •^^ " - ^ ^———t- —^ ¦— - ~ ¦ ¦ —¦ ~ ' ' ' ; ! . ¦• . ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ '
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 24, 1842, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct449/page/6/
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