Recent letters from Martinique estimate the losses sustained by that colony from the late hurricane at 25,000,000 of francs. What is more afflicting still than the loss of property on the island is, that more than a thousand individuals have perished, and nine-tenths of the vessels have been shipwrecked.

Letters have been received from St. John's, Newfoundland, which contain some interesting particulars respecting the consequences of the late dreadful fires in that Island. Numbers of the lower classes who had suffered losses by the conflagration had quitted Newfoundland and gone to Canada, to Novia Scotia, to New Brunswick, or to the territories of the United States, to procure employment. The GoVernor had wisely provided occupation for the able-bodied men who remained on the Island, by employing them in felling timber, at the rate of 1s. 6d. per day, for the re-construction of the buildings, which, it is highly probable, will be speedily restored. By the liberal contributions of the more wealthy, the necessities of the destitute aged, and the infirm remaining inhabitants, have been generously relieved. The friends of humanity will be happy to learn, that from the effect of these measures, the fairest hopes were entertained that the poor and labouring classes will be enabled to support the inclemency of a Newfoundland winter without being exposed to those severe privations and distress which were expected, as the sad consequences of the late awful calamity.

My

An ordinance has been passed in the city of Savannah, by which any one who teaches a person of colour (either a slave or free) to read or write, or causes such person to be so taught, is subjected to a fine of 30 dollars for, each offence; and every person of colour who shall keep a

school to teach reading or writing, is subject to a fine of 30 dollars, or be imprisoned ten days, and whipped 39 lashes!-It is impossible to read the American Papers without being horror-struck at the numerous advertisements for runaway slaves, and disgusted at the brutal descriptions of those unhappy beings.

We have a statement, on the authority of the Mexican Gazette, of the capture of Mina, with twenty-five of his followers, and the dispersion of his party, above 200 strong. The fate of men taken with arms in their hands against the existing Government is not doubtful; but although no direct intelligence is come to hand of Mina's execution, yet information of an official nature has been received, that the foreign adventurers engaged in the insurrection in Mexico, who had been taken with Mina, had all been shot, as incendiaries, traitors, invaders of the public tranquillity of the province, and mercenary aiders and fomenters of rebellion against the Sovereign of Spain and the authorities of Mexico.

There are horrible accounts of executions of persons engaged in the late rebellion at Pernambuco. A gentleman from thence reports that "prisoners were daily marched into the city from the provinces, and confiscations and executions were daily taking place. The treatment of the lifeless bodies of the prisoners is worthy of savages: after the prisoner is hanged, his head and hands are cut off, and his body made fast to a horse, and dragged through the filth and dirt of the principal streets of the city."

Some late advices of the state of affairs in New Guyana have been received by way of Trinidad. It appears, that the operations of the patriot chiefs had been obstructed by the disobedience of Piar and Marino to the orders of Bolivar, as Commander in Chief. The former was arrested by Bolivar, tried by a court-martial, of which Admiral Brion was President, and was adjudged to capital punishment; he was shot, conformably to his sentence, on the 16th of October. Marino had been superseded in his command, and was also to be brought to trial; but it was supposed he would not be so rigorously dealt with as Piar.

M. Palmela, in the name of the Court of Brazil, has, it is said, peremptorily refused to deliver up to the Authority of Spain the possession of Monte Video, pending the revolutionary state of affairs in South America.

The Archduchess Leopoldine landed at Rio Janeiro on the 6th of November, and was received on the shore by the King and Queen of Portugal, and by her bridegroom the Prince Royal. The procession commenced immediately to the Royal Chapel, where the marriage ceremony was performed.

DOMES

INTELLIGENCE FROM VARIOUS

PARTS OF THE COUNTRY. Nov. 21. A most calamitous event took place this morning, about six o'clock, by the falling of an immense quantity of the Cliff, between Ramsgate and Broadstairs. Four marines (a serjeant and three privates) belonging to a party who were upon the look out for sinugglers, were buried under the falling mass; three others narrowly escaped. The moment the dreadful catastrophe was made known, Mr. Gott of the Harbour, sent all the men under his charge to assist with others in removing the chalk, to come at the bodies, which were dug out in a dreadfully mutilated state from the astonishing pressure.

Early on the morning of Christmas-day, a fire was discovered by the housekeeper, in the state bed room, called the Venetian Chamber, of the venerable house of Knole, in Kent. The flames were then raging along the wainscot on the Eastern wall. The housekeeper ran to the chamber in which the Earl of Delaware slept, who summoned the domestic establishment, and coolly directed them to take steps to counteract the threatening devastation; and by this judicious arrangement that venerable and magnificent pile was saved from almost inevitable destruction. A plentiful supply of water quickly reduced the flames, which did not extend beyond the above apartment. Greatly to be regretted is the loss of a part of the very fine Gobelin tapestry; also several pictures, particularly the exquisite portrait of Lady Hume, daughter of the fourth Earl of Dorset. The hangings of the superb state bed, and other articles, were saved. The damage to the room does not exceed 500. The alarm produced no ill effect on Lord Whitworth; on the contrary, the shock seems to have re-animated him, for he has been daily getting better ever since. The Duchess of Dorset conducted herself with the greatest firmness.

had the effect of tranquillizing the minds of the people. Providentially not one of them sustained the least injury.

Jan. 1. A respectable Meeting of the Subscribers to the Plan for abolishing the Sweeping Chimneys by Climbing Boys, was held at the Guildhall, Southampton, Lord Ashtown in the Chair. His Lordship having stated to the Meeting, that the Committee had resolved to submit to their consideration a Petition to the House of Commons, the same was read by the Secretary, and warmly adopted by the Meeting. The Secretary read a letter from Bath, stating, that a very improved machine had lately been brought into use there. For the same benevolent purpose there was, on the 29th of last month, a numerous meeting of the inhabitants of St. Mary's, Islington, who by a series of Resolutions pledged themselves" to resist on all occasions the employment of boys, and to encourage and employ only those Master Sweeps who use the machine."

Jan. 7. At a Meeting of the Hereford Diocesan Committee, it appeared by the account of the books which had passed through the hands of the Secretary, that 162 Bibles, 446 PrayerBooks, and 4,633 Testaments, and select portions of Scripture, or other Religious Tracts, had been distributed within the last year by the different Members of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge who reside in that neighbourhood.

Jan. 8. A sailing-match was fixed to take place between a boat belonging to a gentleman of Plymouth, and another to one of Stonehouse; which were to start from Barnpool, and after passing round the Edystone, to return to the Breakwater. The boats started with a moderate breeze from the Eastward, and proceeded to within two miles of the desired spot, when the wind became much stronger with a heavy sea; they were then under a press of sail, each endeavouring to the utmost to surpass the other, when the Stonehouse boat, which was only a short distance from her competitor, disappeared in a moment (the sea at this time running tremendously high), with Lieut. J. W. Dyer, of the Royal Navy, Mr. Webster Harrison, and James Turnbull and Richard Seymour, watermen. The persons on board the other boat, immediately, on losing sight of them, shortened sail, and endeavoured to make for the spot where they seemed to have disappeared, with the hope of saving them; but, after looking round in every direction for a considerable time, without success, and to their own imminent danger, they bore away for Looe, where they safely arrived.

Jan. 13. A perfect Roman pavement was discovered about a yard and a half below the surface of the ground, by some workmen who were digging at the Hanging Ditch public-house, near Stafford.

A subscription has been commenced at Bath for building a free Church, capable of containing 2000 persons, the whole area of which is intended to be fitted up with benches for free sittings, the upper gallery for the National Schcols, and the lower gallery for seats at moderate rents, to provide for the salary of the Minister, and the repairs of the edifice. The Church is proposed to be built in the poorer part of the parish, near the river.

The soil of Devonshire has proved to be peculiarly suitable for the cultivation of hops: the samples produced at the last Weyhill fair from Whimple and Larkbeare, in that county, were allowed to be superior in quality to either the Sussex or Kent, and to be the best exhibited at the fair. This circumstance will, doubtless, give encouragement to promote the growth of that useful article, as it must enhance the value of estates in the West of England.-Exeter Gazette.

A private letter from Dublin mentions the following melancholy accident: "One of the tricks performed by the Indian Jugglers now exhibiting their art in that city, is the catching of a ball between the teeth fired from a pistol. At a recent exhibition, the pistol, according to custom, was handed to a young Gentleman, one of the company, for the purpose of firing it. He did

so, and shot the unfortunate Juggler through the bead. It is supposed that a pistol actually loaded with powder and ball was, by mistake, substituted for that prepared in the usual way."

OCCURRENCES IN LONDON

AND ITS VICINITY. "Windsor Castle, Jan. 3. His Majesty has passed the last month in a very tranquil manner, and in a good state of bodily health; but his Majesty's disorder remains unchanged."

The Prince Regent, it is said, has it in immediate contemplation to institute a Welsh Order, similar to those of St. Andrew and St. Patrick, consisting of twelve Knights Companions, besides the Sovereign. The Installation will probably take place on the 1st of March, being the festival of St. David, the tutelar Saint of Wales. It is a singular coincidence, that 'at the time of the death of her lamented son, the Duke of Gloucester, Queen Anne was occupied in the arrangement of a similar Order. The intention, from what cause we have been unable to learn, was subsequently abandoned; but many original documents, relating to the subject, are still preserved in the library of Jesus College, Oxford.

A subscription has been opened, and has been extensively supported, to erect a public monument to the memory of the late Princess Charlotte; and the Duchess of York has graciously condescended to become the Patroness of the undertaking. The generous spirit of the British publick, which has ever shewn itself ready at the call of patriotism in the hour of victory to per petuate the memory of the Brave, is now called upon in the hour of mourning,by the voice of affection and disappointed hope, to perpetuate that of exalted Virtue and departed Worth. To make the offering as general as the feeling of sorrow is sincere, no sum exceeding One Guinea is received from any one Subscriber, whilst the smallest sum, as a tribute of respect, will be accepted. The Cenotaph will be raised ou some public spot (subject to the approbation of her Royal Highness the Duchess of York), under the direction of the Committee; and will consist of a Temple of the purest architecture, containing a Statue of the late Princess, in Parian marble, with a surrounding monumental group.

Saturday, Dec. 6.

The Lessees of the tolls of Covent Garden Market, under the Duke of Bedford, lately attempted to raise the tolls on peas and beans from 4d. per cart-load to Id. per sack-the market gardeners resisting, an action to decide their right was tried in the Common Pleas this day, and the result was in favour of the market gardeners, who not only obtained a verdict setting aside the higher demand of the lessee, but (as expressed by Mr. Justice Park,) the evidence rendered it doubtful whether the Duke had any right to the tolls at all. Wednesday, Dec. 31.

This day London was completely enveloped by a fog, which was so thick as to render it impossible to discern objects at only the distance of a few yards. Candles were burnt in all the houses in the City during the day; and the stage coachmen were obliged to employ men to lead their horses. It appears to have been confined to London and its immediate vicinity. Saturday, Jan. 3.

This afternoon, Matthew Hirst, about 14, the son of Mr. Hirst, of the Three Hats, Islington-green, came to his death in the following lamentable manner.He had returned home from boardingschool to spend his holidays, and was playing with his brother and sisters, all yoonger than himself. He said to them, "I will shew you how they hang men at the gallows ;" and procured a rope, which he tied to a hook, and having got upon a stool, he fastened the other end round his neck. He either kicked the stool, or it fell accidentally from under him. The children seeing his face black and distorted, went to the bar to the mo

ther,

ther, and said, "Mat is hanging himself to frighten us." The mother, thinking the children were merely at play, took no notice, until the porter went into the kitchen, and found him suspended, when he was cut down, but was quite dead. Monday, Jan. 5.

This morning, before six o'clock, a dreadful fire broke out, in the bakehouse of Mr. Shaw, opposite the Church, Newington Butts, which consumed Mr. Shaw's house and four others adjoining, besides injuring more very considerably.

In the afternoon, pursuant to notice, a meeting was held at the City of London Tavern, to consider of the means of relieving distressed Seamen. Mr. Wilberforce

explained the object for which they were convened. Mr. Martin proposed a series of resolutions: the first declaratory, that the public ways were filled with these unfortunate mariners, aud that they were entitled to assistance under the pressure of their calamities. After some discussion, in which Sir James Shaw, Mr. Rowcroft, Mr. Martin, and Mr. Stevens, delivered their sentiments, the above, with several other resolutions, were agreed to, a Committee to manage the subscriptions appointed, and many contributions were received. A very considerable sum was afterwards raised for this benevolent object. The Trinity House subscribed 200 guineas, and the East India Company 2001. The Marine Society agreed to clothe 100 destitute seamen, and quantities of shoes and stockings were also received. Jan. 8, upwards of 200 distressed seamea had been relieved with food, and supplied with temporary lodgings.

Wednesday, Jan. 7.

This morning the Lord Chancellor took his seat in the Hall at ten o'clock, when Sir Thomas Plumer, Knight, the late ViceChancellor, was introduced, in order to his being sworn into his new office of Master of the Rolls. His Honour sat down at the left hand of the Lord Chancellor, where he remained while the Patent issued by the Prince Regent, acting in the name and on the behalf of the King, was read by the proper officer. The instrument referred to the appointment of the late Master, Sir William Grant, on the 27th of May, in the 41st year of his Majesty's reign, and to his recent resignation on the 31st of December last. It likewise enumerated the long list of distinguished individuals, commencing with Edward Lord Bruce, who, during more than two centuries back, had intermediately discharged the functions of that high office; and concluded with his Royal Highness's entire confidence in the wisdom, learning, integrity, and abilities of Sir Thomas Plumer, for the due execution of his important trust. The Oaths of Abjuration and Allegiance being taken by his

Honour, the Patent was then presented to him by the Lord Chancellor, and his Lordship, with the new Master, and the officers in attendance, left the Court.

A Meeting was held at Lloyd's Coffeehouse, for the purpose of entering into a subscription for the relief of the sufferers by the late destructive fires in St. John's Newfoundland. The Members individually subscribed in a very munificent manner to the object of the meeting.

Thursday, Jan. 8.

A meeting took place at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, for the purpose of forming a plan for the relief of Paupers at present in the Metropolis, and also for the consideration of the means of abolishing Mendicity altogether. Mr. Williams, the banker, was in the Chair, and a Committee was appointed to consider the means of carrying the above object into effect.Several subscriptions were also received. Saturday, Jan. 10.

This morning, about three o'clock, the mustard mills of Watson and Co. of Bankside, St. Saviour's, were discovered to be on fire. At four the engines arrived, and about eight o'clock the flames were almost extinguished. The adjoining premises of Mr. Rumsey were considerably damaged. The mills were close by the water side, and adjoining a coal wharf, where several barges with coals were fastened, which were set adrift to save them from the flames.

Monday, Jan. 12.

This morning a fatal duel was fought by Mr. O'Callaghan and Lieut. Bailey, late of the 58th regiment. The parties had been seconds to two other gentlemen, who had had a dispute at a coffee-house, and who having through some misunderstanding failed to meet at the appointed place, the respective seconds proceeded to post the antagonist of their prin`cipal as a coward. On Bailey and O'Callaghan meeting at an hotel, they charged each other with purposely avoiding to meet; and a challenge ensued. The parties met at nine o'clock in a field near Primrose-hill; when, after an exchange of two shots on each side, Lieut. Bailey received a wound from his antagonist, and fell. He was immediately conveyed to the house of Mr. Adams, who resided at a short distance, and who, having been alarmed at the first report, hed hastened towards the spot, and saw the fatal shot fired at the moment of his arriva). Mr. O'Callaghan, Mr. Newbolt his second, and Mr. Phelan the second of Mr. Bailey, conducted themselves under the distressing event with the greatest degree of feel. ing towards the deceased, who acknowledged previous to his death, that they bad behaved honourably, and frequently shook hands with them. The parties im

mediately

mediately surrendered themselves to the civil power. On Wednesday a Coroner's Inquest sat on the body, and returned a verdict of Wilful Murder. They were consequently committed to Newgate, and on the 16th were arraigned before Mr. Justice Park. Mr. Adams, and Mr. Rodd the surgeon, in their evidence, concurred in the good conduct and intense feeling manifested by the prisoners after the fatal shot had been fired, and that, so far from wishing to abscond, they freely gave their several names and addresses in writing. The prisoners being called upon for their defence, Mr. Phelan and Mr. Newbolt declined addressing the Court. Mr. O'Callaghan, who was deeply affected, was about to read a written paper, but was unable to proceed. It stated, in substance, that, not being addicted to crime, he had never for a moment anticipated that he should be brought before a Court of Justice; much less could he have supposed, that he should have been charged with the dreadful crime of murder. He declared most solemnly, that no man living, even one connected by the ties of blood with the deceased, could regret more poignantly the calamity which had deprived a brave man, and a valuable friend, of life. Witnesses of great respectability proved the parties to be meu of good temper, humane dispositions, and honourable principles.-Mr. Justice Park addressed the Jury in a most able manner for 50 minutes, in the course of which he clearly explained the law on the case. The Jury retired for 20 minutes, and on their return gave in their verdict, that Mr. O'Callaghan, Mr. Newbolt, and Mr. Phelan, were each of them Guilty of Manslaughter only. They have since been sentenced to three months' imprisonment.

Thursday, Jan. 15.

and interest of some debt, which the sender was aware of his owing to the publick.

The Lord Chancellor lately, in the case of Troward, a Solicitor, felt himself indispensably bound to make some observations, though the case had been fixed for the first Seal. It was necessary, he said, to do it now, in order to correct any mistakes which might exist on the question. It was simply this-whether a solicitor, in the midst of a law-suit, can refuse to go on, and at the same time not deliver up the papers entrusted to him for his client, merely because the client was indebted to him? This point was of some importance, not only to Solicitors, but to Suitors; and it was the bounden duty of the Court to see that the interests of the latter were not put into hazard by the caprice of the former. He held it, therefore, to be clear, that no Solicitor of this Court could, on any pretext, say that he had such a lien on the papers, that he would neither give them up, nor proceed with the suit. The Court would never suffer the interests of his Majesty's subjects to be trifled with in that manner; for, if a Solicitor chose to desist from his duty in the middle of a suit, he was indispensably bound to shew every paper to the new Solicitor in the cause, and to shew them at every time they were required. If an inquiry were found necessary before the Master, the said Solicitor was bound, if he did not give up the papers, to attend every meeting before such Master with the papers at his own expence, but he could never be presumed to have a lien of such a kind as was alleged. This was the rule of the Court, and to it he should peremptorily adhere.

In the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, in the case of the will of Mr. Elliott, of Somers-town, deceased, Sir John Nicholl said, he was anxious to throw out a general caution, and to professional men in particular. In their receiving instructious from a testator to make his will, (if their evidence was to be received as otherwise than doubtful) they would be particularly careful to receive the instructions from the hands of the testator himself, who should be acquainted with the contents; and on no pretence to destroy, but to preserve, such instructions, for the purpose of being produced in evidence. He hoped this caution would be made known to professional gentlemen in general, and be in future attended to by them as important.