The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

The Drafc. The Washington steam-ship has brought files of papers from America, and amongst the latest news is that the draft has been concluded in New York. This has been carried on, it is said, without the least interference in any district, and without any intimation of disturbance. The vile, cowardly rabble (says the New -York Times) who, on the former occasion, took advantage of the powerless condition of the city to rob, burn, and murder, were cowed into submission by the preparations made to enforce the law, and, on overt acte, to summarily and severely handle them. There is no occasion for any congratulation that everything passed off quietly.' The thieves and vagabonds who committed the former outrages and interrup- tions deserve no such direct acknowledgments. It was determined this time that' everything should pass off quietly,' and that the law to its last letter should be enforced and obeyed, not only so far as the ignorant and brutish (who held not revel before) were concerned, but also the master spirits, who encouraged them on, yet held themselves aloof from active participation. There has been a wonderful improvement in act and tongue in this city within the last two weeks, and it is due to the determined action of the national and local Government, and to the determination of every decent citizen, that the law should be sustained at any cost."

Presentation of a Sword to General Meade. There is nothing of moment from the army of the Potomac. A splendid sword had been pre- sented to General Meade by the Pennsylvania Reserves. In his speech, returning thanks, Gen. Meade said he trusted that the sword would be required but a short time longer, as he believed this unhappy war was near its end, and that men alone were needed to fill up the old regiments to put a finishing stroke to the rebellion. General Meacle was much cheered.

Mr. Vallandigham in Ohio. The New York Times says :—" The canvass for Vallandiglutl11, in Ohio, drags pitifully. The mass of the people still refuse to give the 'martyr' any sympathy. All the efforts of the party leaders to kindle passion against f the persecutors' utterly fail. The flashiest clap-trap about the eternal sanctity of free speech vanishes with the flash, and that is the end of it. All the red-hot indignation against the < worst despotism of the age' is re- ceived with the most absolute coolness. Nothing answers. The people of Ohio are as firm as flint in their purpose not to make Vallandigham their governor, and even his most ardent champions are giving- up all hope." By the arrival of the Asia we have advices direct from the seat of war to the 1st inst., and by tele- graph up to the 3rd inst.

Bombardment of Charleston. The New York papers have nothing later from Charleston, but publish the following from the Richmond papers of the 29th ult.:— The War Department is in receipt of nothing later from Charleston than lip to last night. It is understood, however, that Fort. Sumter, though seriously breached in the wall, will not be aban- doned, and that General Beauregard has expressed his determination to hold it to the bitter end. It is thought that this might be done by the erection of a temporary fortification. The 'fire of the enemy continues to be divided between Torts Sumter and Wagner. The bombardment, up to our latest advices, was progressing slowly, without any decisive results. The new iron-clad gunboat Charleston went into commission on the 20th, and, with her power- ful armament, it is said, will greatly add to the defence of the harbour."

A Panic in Richmond. The Richmond Enquirer, of the 29th August, says:— Considerable excitement was occasioned in the city on Thursday night, and was kept up during the day on Friday, by a report, brought by couriers and passengers from the White-house, that the enemy, 8,000 strong, was advancing upon the city. At an early hour General Elney, in command of this department, proceeded to make the best pos- sible disposition of the forces under his command for the defence of the metropolis. As usual, upon such occasions, the city was soon filled with rumours in regard to the reported advance and strength of the enemy—some estimating it as high as 10,000, consisting of infantry, artillery, and cavalry. At a late hour last night we were in- formed, by an officer just from Bottom's Bridge, that the force of the enemy consisted of 400 cavalry of the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment, Colonel Spears. The party came from Williamsburg as far as Bottom's Bridge, where they encountered and drove in our pickets, after a short skirmish, resulting in no casualties on either side, as far as could be ascertained. The Yankees then fled back to-New Kent Court-house, not forgetting to break into the store-house of a farmer on their route and steal all his bacon. Here they stopped the re- mainder of the night, and the following morning started on their return to Williamsburg. We are also informed that a party of our men gave the Yankees chase, and coming up with them a slight skirmish ensued, which resulted in the death of one of the invaders. One of our men is said to have been accidentally shot by a brother soldier. This we believe to be a correct statement. And thus ends the last On to Richmond.

The Armies of the Rappahannock. The Richmond papers also publish the follow- ing items "We are without any further intelligence from our lines os the Rappahannock, the down train on the Central Bailroacl, which is our usual source of information from the army of Northern Virginia, having failed to arrive last evening. This was owing, it is understood, to the cars being appro- priated by the military authorities for the con- veyance of troops to certain points threatened by the enemy, which we are not at liberty to mention. So far as we are advised, the situation on the Rappahannock remains unchanged, both armies fronting each other, and both unwilling to throw down the gage of battle. "Another brilliant exploit took place last Tues- day, in the bay, off the mouth of the Rappahan- nock, which resulted in the capture of three Yankee sailing vessels—the Coquette, Golden Eod, and Twin Brothers. One of the ships was laden with coal, and the other two with anchors and chains. The Golden Rod, drawing too much water, was, in consequence, destroyed, but the other two were safely landed in a Confederate port. Fifteen Yankees were captured at the same time, and have been received at the Libby prison. Lieutenant Wood has thus secured five prizes, and made about ninety prisoners. The lart expe- dition was attended with no loss on our side. No official information has yet been received in regard to the reported capture of the steamers Louisiana Mid Carrituck."

Fight in Green-brier County: The following official dispatch was received by the Confederate authorities in Richmond on the 28th ult. :— White Sulphur Springs, August 27, via Dublin, August 28. To General S. Cooper,—We met the enemy yesterday morning, about a mile and a half from this place, on the roacl leading to the Warm Springs..We fought from nine a.m. to seven p.m. Every attack made by the enemy was. repulsed. At night each side occupied the same position they had in the morning. This morning the enemy made two other attacks, which were handsomely repulsed,' when he abandoned his position and retreated toward Warm Springs, pursued by cavalry and artillery. The troops engaged were the first brigade of this army., Colonel George S. Patton commanding. The enemy were about three thousand strong, with six pieces of artillery, under Brigadier-General Averill. Our loss is about 200 killed and wounded. The enemy's loss is not known. We have taken about 150 prisoners and a piece of artillery. (Signed) « SAJYHTEL .JOI-TES, Major-Gen. (Official) JOHN WITHBBS, Lieut.Col. and A. 1. G."

The Army of Rosecrans. A dispatch from Stevenson, Alabama, on the 31st August, says:— General Crook has penetrated to the summit of Look-out Mountain, within nine miles of Chattanooga. He found the mountain clear. The rebels in Chattanooga were in force, digging like beavers and making boats, with the intention- of fighting us there. Rebel accounts of the late bombardment of Chattanooga state that General Wilder opened without warning. The daughter of Mr. Roche, of Nashville, was mortally wounded. Three soldiers and five citizens were killed, among them two ladies. The report of Floyd's death is confirmed."

Army of the Tennessee. The Richmond Inquirer of August 29 says :— Probably the next great battle will be fought in East Tennessee, for the occupation of that im- portant region. The late demonstrations of Rose- crans near Chattanooga may possibly be intended to feel the way round Bragg's left flank; and the towns of Upper Georgia have been somewhat alarmed at the prospect of a horde of Yankees upon them; but from the best information we have been able to procure, those demonstrations were a feint to disguise the real aim of a com- bined movement upon our great line of railroad communication through East Tennessee to take possession of that country and of the portion of South-western Virginia through which the same line of railroad passes. Up to the 25th of this month no very serious attempt had been made to penetrate our lines along the Cumberland moun- tains but the people of Knoxville and the neigh- bourhood were on the alert, and preparations have been made of such a character—though we must not mention the disposition of our forces under Bragg and Buckner—as will be sufficient to effec- tually defend that, most desirable country. Gen.' Buckner is in immediate command of the region north of the Tennessee river, including Knoxville, up to the Virginia line, and bodies of troops are disposed near all the passes through the Cumber- land mountains.

ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE. A dreadful occurrence took place in a small back house in John-street, Kate's-hill, -Dudley, on Friday afternoon. In the house in question there had lived for some time Thomas Garland, a miner, Sarah Garland, his wife, and three young children. Garland had not been at work for three weeks, as he was suffering from brain fever, and during that time his wife was most careful and tender in her attentions to him. On Thursday the man had leeches applied to his head, and seemed much re- lieved. On Friday morning he was able, to get about better than usual, but towards afternoon he appeared (to get worse, and became much ex- cited. Alooxit two o'clock he asfesd for some mow leeches to be applied, and sent one of his children to request his wife to procure some. It is said that he went, upstairs for a short time, and afterwards came down more excited. He then seized a carving knife, took hold of his wife by the- hair of her head and inflicted' a frightful gash in her throat. Immediately after doing this he took hold of a razor and cut his own throat. The poor woman was removed to the house- of a friend in the same court, and was tended by a. number of women. The man Garland was taken upstairs-to his own bedroom; and Mr. Cochrane, surgeon, and Mr. Eowton, were called in. Upoa. examination it was found that the wounds inflicted were neither of them so serious as was anticipated.. Nevertheless they bled copiously, and both the sufferers became insensible from loss of blood. The wounds were sewn up in the usual way, and all that surgical aid could do was rendered by the gentlemen named. The un- fortunate woman was far advanced sn pregnancy, and it was feared that premature labour would be the re- sult of the shocking catastrophe. The man lay help- less upon the bed, groaning piteously, and was of course guarded by the police. He was told by one- of the constables that he would be charged with having attempted to murder his wife, and he replied, Oh, no; I never meant to hurt her." The man and woman lived very happily together, and he was of remarkably sober habits. No cause- whatever can be assigned for the dreadful act by which so much misery has been caused, and the only construction that can at present be put upon the conduct of the man is, that he was at the time suffering from disease of the brain to such an ex- tent that he was not capable of discriminating be- tween right and wrong.

THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE ON THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT. The Duke of Newcastle, K.G., Secretary of State for the Colonies and Lord-Lieutenant of the county of Nottingham, reviewed the 2nd Administrative Bat- talion of Notts Volunteers last week, which had been encamped on the Plains-piece, near Worksop, for five days. There was a numerous attendance, including the Earl and Countess of Lincoln, Sir Thomas W. White, the Ladies Clinton, Lady Henrietta D'Eyn- court, Lady F. Simpson, and the chief families of the district. At the close of the review the Lord-Lieu- tenant addressed the battalion. After remarking generally upon the movements of the battalion, the noble duke observed that he hoped not only the mem- bers of the battalion, but the spectators by whom he was surrounded and those with whom they were asso- ciated, would not falter in- their endeavours to keep up this most admirable and thoroughly independent volunteer force. They all knew how the movement originated, and he was sure they felt with him that an institution like the volunteer force, as it was not originated in a panic, ought not to be continued in a panic. While it was originated for the due security of the country, they were ready to acknowledge that it ought to be maintained for the benefit and protection of the nation at large, and, he hoped, for their (the volunteers') amusement and in- struction also. He was supported on the right and on the left by those who were most anxious for the pros- parity of the volunteer force, and he would appeal to them to lend a larger measure of assistance to the volunteers. It was true that, as compared with their position on the first formation of the corps, the volun- teers were now in a better position pecuniarily, as Government rendered certain aid to battalions; but the volunteers had certain continuous expenses to meet—expenses which increasedrather than diminished. It was most desirable that those who, from a variety of circumstances, could not join the force, should show their appreciation of it by subscribing or enlarging their contributions to its funds. Government contri- buted much more largely and liberally than formerly; but, notwithstanding this, volunteers had now uniforms to provide and expenses to meet which could only be met byincreasedaidfromthefriends ofthemovement. There- fore, without sending the begging-cap round the field, he hoped the ladies present would use their influence for their husbands to contribute to its funds. In some instances he was afraid that the annual contributions were rather less than they ought to be from certain, sources. The volunteers generally throughout tl e kingdom had shown a disposition for military duty far beyond what could possibly have been expected, and he was of opinion that at the present time they were just of as much value to the country, and as greatly required, as when five years ago they were organised. He had before remarked that the volunteer force was not organised in a panic; he did not believe that it was established from any such cause. The object was to provide a force the efficiency of which would be such that, should occasion require, the standing army might be safely employed elsewhere while the defence of the country could be adequately provided for. Some wise people had said that they did not see much, if any good at all, in the volunteer move- ment that they ne: e-- thought we should be invaded; and that such was their opinion when the movement commenced. These people, who were technically and vulgarly speaking "funkers," were very quiet when the movement began., but exceedingly bold when satisfied that danger was not to be apprehended (laughter). He (the Lord-Lieutenant) was of ppinion that the volunteer force had proved of incalculable benefit. When it was organised he did not expect there would be an invasion, but, considering the great possessions of this 'country and the vast interests at stake both for this and future generations, he regarded 'L 'v it as imperative that the force should be established. The 150,000 volunteers now enrolled were a sufficient security from invasion, and at the same time, should occasion require, they would supply the place of a large military force and of the regular army. He trusted that both the volunteers themselves and the friends of the cause would be impressed with the im- portance of maintaining the force in its efficiency, and that they would not allow any feeling of dissatisfaction to alter their opinion of it. They were, no doubt, quite as well aware as himself of the importance of battalion drills; it was by such drills that a permanent position, so essential to a military force, must be obtained.

ASSAULT AND BATTERY AND ATTEMPT TO SHOOT. A Mr. Richard Hawkshaw was last week charged at the head police-office, Dublin, with having violently assaulted and threatened to shoot Mr. James Nolan. Both parties are respectable men of business, having ofilces within a few doors of each other in Fleet-street. It appeared from the statement of the complainant that he and the defendant had been in partnership for three years. In January last the defendant threatened to shoot him. On Wednesday he was informed that Mr. Hawkshaw had purchased a pair of pistols, and repeated his threats against him. He therefore- endea- voured to avoid him, but as he was returning to his own office he met Hawkshaw, who brandished a heavy stick in his face, and said that he had been drilled by a soldier at Harrowgate, and that he had pistols in his office, and if complainant would go there with him he would give him one of them and a fair chance. Mr. Nolan refused, and then the defendant called him a toward, spat in his face, and struck him on the side of the head with the stick; Mr. Nolan raised up Ms hand to protect himself from the prisoner, who was' beating him about the head with the stick, when several persons- interfered and separated them. He considered his life in danger, and had to shut up his office and suspend his business through fear of the defendant's violence. Mr. Hawkshaw Hiade a raiRbling statement to the effect that Mr. Nolan had robbed him. In answer to the magistrate (Mr. Wyse) he said he bought the pistols to practise shooting. The de- fendant was committed for trial at the City sessions.

A YOUTHFUL ELOPEMENT. Oa Monday (says the Liverpool Qourisr), the facts were brought to light of the singular circumstance of a boy and girl, aged tEirleen and fOurteen.irespeetively, having. eloped from Rochdale and arrived in Liverpool, where- they had taken lodgings and cohabited. In the morning a young man. named Heywood, son of Levy who lives atafarm called Japhey's Farm," near-Rochdale, arrived here from that town and gave information to the polics-that a young girl who lived with-his1 father had ran away from home with a boy whose father lived in INochdale, and it was believed they had come to Liverpool. An officer went. out with the young: man to search for the youthful Sbvers, but returned without success. "Vhile they were øut; looking- for them;, however, Police-constable 96, (Markov) having received information of the affair, aaw a boy and girl in Tithebarn-street, and from the description which had- been given Mm of them he at once con- cluded that they were the erring ones. The officer asked them in a kindly nrannor if they had. not come from Rochdale, when the- girl, who appeared to be very shrewd, much mora:- so than her young lover, replied that they had not some from that pihce. This answer eld not satisfy the officer, who took them aside, and by minute questioning succeeded in eliciting from the boy that they had come from RosMale, and that they-had slept together at a house in Plumbe- street. Finding that the boy had confessed, the girl also acknowledged the truth of the story. The boy said Ms name was Joseph Leech., and that his father- was a plasterer, residing at 25, Whit- worth-rc-ad, Rochdale. The girl's name was Mary Dawson, and she was between fourteen fifteen years of age. She said they left homo together on Sunday morning, and: she had at that sime 4s. 6d. in her pocket, and that her companion, had '5s., which hø had been four-years in saying up, at a penny bank, aEd had withdrawn it for the purpose of leaving home; It seems that when the girl was only three years or age her mother-died and she was taken charge of by Mi*. Heywood, with whom she had lived ever since. Her father holds some situation in a woollen mill at Rochdale. Hie- boy was a playmate of the girl's, and one of tha. girl's companions told young Leech that Mary was. going to leave borne and run away. Of course young Joseph could net stand this, so he determined to go away as well, and having con- sulted with her the result was that they determined to, I go away together. They left their hcme on Sunday morning, and having met at a previously appointed; place, they walked to Bolton, and from thence cares to Liverpool. On their arrival here they took lodgings: at the house of T. Douglas, 46, Pluasbe-street, Title-, barn-street, where- in answer to inquiries put by the woman of the house, they represented that they were brother and sister, that the boy had; come to Liverpool to get a place in an office or to go to sea, and that the girl wanted to get a situation of some sort. They then asked if it would not be cheaper for them both to sleep in one bed, when the woman replied that it would make no difference as the girl could sleep, with her. After some talk, however, they said they would prefer sleeping together, which they accordingly did. Police-constable Markey escorted the two runaways to the central police-office, where they were- detained until six o'clock in the evening, when he saw- them off, in company with young Heywood, in a train for Roch- dale. They had with them a nice little white poodle dog, which they have left behind them in the excite- ment.

A FO URPENCE- HA LFPENNY DINNER AT A LONDON COOKING DEPOT. It had just struck twelve, and a quick succession of faces had already begun to appear at a little window in the wall of the partitioned space where I sat looking over the books. Within this little window, like a pay- box at a theatre, a neat and brisk young woman pre- sided to take money and issue tickets. Everyone coming in must take a ticket. Either the fourpence- halfpenny ticket for the upper room (the most popular ticket, I think), or a penny ticket for a bowl of soup, or as many penny tickets as he or she may choose to buy. For three penny tickets one had quite a wild range of choice. A plate of cold beef and potatoes; or a plate of cold ham and potatoes; or a plate of hot minced beef and potatoes or a bowl of soup, bread and cheese, and a plate of plum-pudding. Touching what they should have, some customers on taking their seats fell into a reverie became ec's mildly distracted-postponed decision, and said in bewilderment they would think of it. One old man I noticed when I sat among the tables in the lower room, who was startled by the bill of fare, sat contemplating it as if it were' something of a ghostly nature. The decision of the boys was as rapid as their execution, and always included pudding. There were several women among the diners, and several clerks and shopmen-. There were carpenters and [painters, from neighbouring buildings under re- pair, and there were nautical men; and there were, as one diner observed to me, some of most sorts." Some were solitary, some came two together, some dined in parties of three or four, or six. The latter talked together, but assuredly none was louder than at my club at Pall-mall. One young fellow whistled in rather a shrill manner while he waited for his dinner, but I was gratified that he did so in evident defiance of my commercial individuality. "Quite agreeing with him, on consideration, that I had no business to be there, unless I dined like the rest, I "went in," as the phrase is, for fourpence- halfpenny. The rapidity with which every new comer got served was remarkable; and the dexterity with which the waitresses (quite new to the art a month before) discharged their duty was as agreeable to see as the neat smartness with which they wore their dress and had dressed their hair. If I seldom saw better waiting, so I certainly never ate better meat, potatoes, or pudding. And the soup was an honest and stout soup, with rice and barley in it, and "little matters for the teeth to touch," as, had been observed to me by my friend below stairs already quoted. The dinner service, too, was neither conspicuously hideous for high art nor for low art, but was of a pleasant and pure appearance. Concerning the viands and their cookery, one last remark. I dined at my club in Pall- mall, aforesaid, a few days afterwards, for exactly twelve times the money, and not half as well. The company thickened after one o'clock struck, and changed pretty quickly.—All the Year Round.

EXECUTION OF FOUR MEN AT KIRK DALE. At noon on Saturday, the four condemned murderers were hung in front of the gaol at Kirkdale, Liverpool. The following is a brief account of the crimes for which they have suffered the extreme penalty of the law:— Benjamin Thomas lodged with Mrs. Rowlands, the wife of a merchant captain, and was slightly in her debt. He had engaged to go to sea in a ship for which a man named Crossthwaite was acting as shipping- master, and in consequence of that engagement received an advance note, which lodged with the deceased as security for the money that he owed her. He afterwards expressed an unwillingness to sail in the ship and Mrs. Rowlands, who was aware that in the event of his failing to go on board at the appointed time the advance note would become worthless, made repeated attempts to overcome this unwillingness, and told Mm distinctly that if he did not join the ship he would be sent to prison for three months. On the 12th of May she was reasoning with him in the Welsh language, when the prisoner suddenly rose, west into the cellar, and called to the deceased to come after him. She followed him immediately, and while she was in the collar he attacked her with a heavy wooden instrument called a potato masher," and mangled her head and face dreadfully. She died immediately. After this h3 went upstairs and made a ferocious attack upon a young woman named Benbow, and an old woman named Evans, who received some frightful wounds, and narrowly escaped the fate of Mrs. Rowlands. Jose Maria Alvarez, who was also- a sailor, was walking along Old Hall-street, Liverpool, on the 12th of May last, as were also James Harrison and a man named Cohen. Cohen accidentally jostled the prisoner, and immediately offered him an apology. Alvarez appeared very muck enraged, spoke a few words in Spanish, drew his knifs or dagger, and stabbed Cohen twice. He first wounded him in the bac& and then in the breast; but neither of the injuries in, this case psaved fatal. As soon as Harrison heard: his friend cry out, and became awsare of what had happened, he attempted to arrest the prisoner, but Alvarez resisted, and wounded him twice. One of these wounds was a very severe "one in the abdomen, of which unf-ortu- nate man died. Harrison fell in the street;, and the prisoner went away. He was called a "villain" by some woman who were standing by, and he imme- diajtsly took: up the apron of one of these women and wiped his bloody dagger upon it. Having done this he succeeded-in-getting away, but was shortly afterwards apprehended by the police. John Hughes, the third Tilurderer, was a drunken cobbler, and was in the habit of beating his wire. He threatened te:" dance. upon her," and said that she ought to have- been hanged at; Kirkdale instead cf two men whom he-saw upon the scaffold some time-before his own execution. This feeEbg towards his wife took a murderous chape on April 30, on the. morning: of which day on", awaking he got up, went to her ■ bed- side,. and askoi'i her to give liira a shilling. She said that she had but one, a sixpence, twopence, sa d a foreign, coin, and she refused So give him anything. He said he wouM have it out of her bones," and an hour later, when he had dressed himself and taken breakfast, he went to the bedroom, where he beat-Ms wife-with his fiat until she feU off or over a box,, and then?, trampled upon and kicked her with so ranch brutality that she was completely paralysed. Her spiiie. was severely injured, and she died two days afterwards. The scene- of the murder coirmltted by O'Brien was a house of iSfame in Spitalfield, and here some women of the town robbed him of his wages, to earn which he had done hard service on board ship for many weeks. His chagrin at the conduct of the women was intense, and, having made an unsuccessful attempt to induce the police to' interfere, he went- into- a cutler's shop directly opposite the police-station and purchased a sheath knife, which he sharpened on a stone. He than left the shop, accompanied by a woman named Mather, and drove in a cab to Iffet 5- Court, Spitalfield. In going, to the house he met Callaghan, who- threw her arms round his neck and called him hei2, sweetheart. They went in andi-the prisoner sent for half a gallon of ale. As he. was drinking he said, "Don't you think that I 2811 a. Serous chap,.to come back and treat you after being gobbed of= £ 5 ? to which one of the females replied, Yes, I did Eot think you were so eenerous." The f; prisoner tuen shut the door,, and drawing the knife which he had just before purchased, he rushed upon Callaghan and stabbed her- in the lower part d'the stomach. The deceased fell off the -chair and was conveyed to the Northern Hospital, where she died. The execution of four cnmmals at one time brought together a crowd which in. point of numbers has- per- haps never-been equalled at any similar tragedy. The lowest estimates gave the number at 100,000. The crowd was not altogether composed of the "lowest orders." Eespectable persons of both sexes skirted the crowd, and seemed anxious to secure" front places." Whole families came into, town and went trooping to the gaol, carrying with them hampers of provisions, which t&ey demolished upon the ground, and seemed to enjoy themselves amazingly. O'Brien and Alvarez were Roman catholics, and have been attended during their confinement, the former by the Rev. Mr. Gibson, the Roman catholic chaplain of the gaol, and the latter by the Rev. Mr. Godwin, of St. Anthony's Roman calholic chapel. Hughes and Thomas have received the ministrations of the Rev. Mr. Appleton, the protestant. chaplain of the goal, whilst the Rev. Mr. Hughes and the Rev. Mr. Sanders have in addition especially exerted themselves with Thomas owing to his connection with a Welsh dissenting body. The Rev. fathers who- have attended upon Alvarez and O'Brien speak well of these men's conduct in prison, and state that they were very penitent. O'Brien from the first acknowledged the justice of his sentence, and said he was quite willing to die. The- Rev. Mr. Appleton also gives a favourable report of Hughes, who paid great attention to the religious advice that was offered to him. The two Welsh ministers, on the other hand, speak very un- favourable of Thomas, who though subdued so far as boisterous behaviour was concerned, manifested great 'c'Ll callousness and indifference. Hughes was visited by his mother-in-law a few days ago and it is only justice to say that the poor woman spoke most kindly to him. Hughes, whilst going to the scaffold, expressed his regret that he had not written to her a few hours previously. The four men slept well during the night. All, with the exception of Thomas, conducted themselves in a becoming manner. Thomas was irascible, and to the frequent exhortations made to him by the Rev. Messrs. Hughes and Sanders to engage in prayer, he only re- turned the petulant reply, "Oh, I am all right, I am all right." Shortly before twelve o'clock the men were taken to the pinioning-room, and were secured, after which a procession was formed to the scaffold. Hughes was the first to make his appearance, and-walked with a firm and even tread under the beam; Alvarez came next, then O'Brien, and lastly Thomas. Alvarez bowed to the crowd and raised his hands up and down as a salutation, whilst O'Brien walked to the front of the scaffolding, threw his cap amongst the crowd, and smiled. Thomas and Hughes made no demonstration. Everything having been adjusted Calcraft shook hands with each of the men, and directly afterwards the bolt was drawn. The crowd was particularly orderly, and gave very little trouble to the 270 polioo officers who were present to keep the ground, under the: command of Divisional SLIP Qut

THE CHANNEL FLEET AT BELFAST. The inhabitants of Belfast, after repeated disap- pointments, were gratified by the arrival of the channel fleet in the Lough on Wednesday. As soon as the telegraph announced that the leading vessels of the squadron were in sight, several steamers, heavily freighted with enthusiastic sightseers, proceeded to sea to meet them. After the vessels had anchored visitors were admitted on board, and were received with the courtesy and attention for which the officers of the navy are so distinguished. Belfast was crowded with visitors, who had poured in from all the neighbouring towns and villages, and many from remote parts of the country, the railway companies the lines of which meet in Belfast having run special trains for their accommodation.. Steamers continued to ply between the shore and the fleet until dark, and afforded several hundreds an opportunity of inspecting the vessels. In the evening the Ulster Medical Society entertained the medical officers of the fleet at a sumptuous dinner in the society's house, High-street. The festivities were kept up to a late hour. The ball to which the officers of the fleet, had been invited by the town council, on behalf of the citizens, came off in the evening with great dclat. It took place in the Ulster-hall, a large building admirably adapted for such reunions. The guests included Admiral Dacres and about 130 of his officers. Naval officers of all ranks and ages were present, from the weather- beaten hero who wore on his breast the reward of his valour, to the boyish'' middy." Among the general company were the Marquis of Downshire, the Earl of Hillsborough, the High Sheriff of Antrim, and the Mayor of Belfast. There was scarcely a family of distinction in Antrim and the adjacent counties un- represented. The following morning the mayor, accompanied by the members of the town council and the borough officers in official costumes, and by about 400 of the most respectable citizens, embarked on board a steamer and proceeded towards the fleet. On nearing the flag- ship the admiral's barge came alongside and took the mayor off. The town council were conveyed in other boats, and, when all had arrived, and the usual intro- ductions having taken place, the town clerk read a congratulatory address to Admiral Dacres. The admiral, in a brief and sailor-like speech, thanked the corporation for their address, and con- gratulated them upon the rapidly increasing prosperity of Belfast. The members of the council were then shown over the flagship, and were subsequently con- veyed- to the Black Prince, which they inspected. A most melancholy accident threw a deep gloom over the proceedings of Friday at Belfast. Among the officers who- partook of the mayor's hospitality was Li-sut. G. Clarence Gardiner. After the déjeûner, along with his fellow-offieers, he took the train to CarriokferguB, from which place boats were to be in waiting to convey them to the squadron. Lieut. Gardiner took his seat in a first-class compartment, and during the progress of the train- towards the junction he lighted his cigar and got upon, the top' of the carriage to smoke—against the remonstrance of bis companicsisi He continued in this position until the train got past the CJarrickfergus junction. On the stoppage of the train he was missed, and fears were- expressed that he'had fallen off the carriage-among the' wheels. On returning along the line the alarm proved unhappily only too well founded. The lifeless body of the young officer was found between the- rails, the' skull frightfully battered in, both legs injured, and the left arm dreadfully lacerated by a wheel having passed over it. It is believed that he fell between two of the carriages when the"'train was in motion, and that Ms death siust have been- immediate. Drs. Cuaningham and Patrick were both- in attendance, but their services were unavailing, for life was extinct when the body was found. The head was a shapeless mass, the skull was smashed from above- the eyes, the ground was bespattei^ed with the deceased gentleman's brains, and the fingers of his hands-were cleanly cut off. Deceased was quite a young man..

LINCOLNSHIRE SHEEP. The season for the sale and letting of rams' in; Lin- colnshire commenced lasfrweek, and the prices obtained* have been more remuneraiave to the breeders than those of any previous ym.sx In the county of Lincoln sheep-breeding forms one of the most important features in the business the agriculturist, and. when we consider the present comparatively low price of corn, and the high price- ef meat and wool, there can be no question that thefanner finds the breedingcf sheep, the most profitable part of his business. The breeding of a superior, class of sheep has long been the great object of many of our large farmers, and, by careful selection, Lincolnshire now. possesses a distinct- breed, which is undeniably more profitable than any other breed in the kingdom. With immense frames, and a ready aptitude to fatten,, they are fit for market at an early age, and fleeces of 14 lb. weight are not at all uncommon; indeed, it is frequently mentioned at the ram-lettings that some of the animals have clipped as much as 22 lbs. each. It is, therefore, rather surpris- ing that it is only within, the last two or three years that the Royal Agricultural Society have recognised pure-bred Lincolns as a distinct breed, although for many years past farmers raesiding in all parts of the United Kingdom,, knowing the value of these animals, have purchased. rams in this neighbour- hood for the- purpose of crossing, and improving their own flocks. On Thursday the annual letting of Mr. T. Kirkham's rams took place at Biscalthorpe. A large company was attracted from all parts of the kingdom, and the result of the letting must have far surpassed Mr. Ejrkham's most sanguine hopes. In all 138 sheep were offered, and from the commencement the biddings were exceedingly brisk, =650, < £ C0, £ 70, and even £ 80 being given for the use of a single ram for the year. The aggregate amount given for the 138 sheep was .82,7.13,10a., being an average of no less than JcY,) 13s. 3d. The average of the shearlings was X21 Is. each; two-shears, X17 16s. 6d., and of the three-shears and upwards, X20 7s. 3d. All the sheep offered were taken,, aaud there were customers for as many more. These prices are probably unprecedented in the annalaof ram-lettings. The sheep, of the most, noted Southdown, Leicester, and Cotsw-old breeders never realised nearly so much—a fact which proves the great esteem in wMch the Lincolnshire breed iss held. We might also state 'that the- rams of Mr. Chaplin, of lath well, were let by emotion in the- previous week: 120 realised £ 1,500; one of the shear- lings let for £55, and another for < £ 37; a two-shear- made £50., another < £ 35, and a three-shear < £ 40.

C-HARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER AGAINST1 A QUACK DOCTOR. Joseph Markus, an herb doctor, who keeps a shop in Church-street, Sunderland, was brought before the magistrates of that borough and charged with man- slaughter, in causing the death øt Jane Sumby, who resided next door to the prisoner- in Church-stroet, and who has kept a stall in the market for the last twenty- eight years. Mr. Graham defended Markus. Margaret Jane Sumby, daughter of the deceased, said her mother complained on Monday last of a pain in the back, and the prisoner, who happened to come in, said he could- give her something good for it. Witness was sent for some pale brandy, which she took to Markus, who put something into the bottle, and told her to let it stand near the fire for two bsurs, and then give her motber a tablespoonM of the mix- ture. She did so, and five minutes after swallowing the medicine her mother complained of being very sick. She. took no more of the medicine, but had some tea, and at four o'clock vomited very much. Dr. Nattrass was called in at nine o'clock, and deceased died on Wednesday morning at ten o'clock. Mr. Nattrass took the bottle away with him. In answer to Mr. Graham the witness said: She complained of being bad on the Saturday, but it was nothing to be in bad for, and she at- tended her market stall till after elevea o'clock on the Saturday night. She sometimes complained of a trouble at the heart, but was not subject to the heart disease. She got the stuff from Markus at eleven o'clock on Monday forenoon, administered it about two, and only gave her one tablespoonful. Mr. Markus was a friend and neighbour, and called to see ner mother. He no doubt did it out of kindness, thinking it would remove the pain.—. By Dr. Dixon: My mother was forty-nine years of age. She never had a doctor, save when she was confined, and Dr. Nattrass had attended her for sixteen years. Dr. Nattrass was then examined, and proved the previous state of health of the deceased, and that she had evidently died from narcotic poison, upon which evidence the prisoner was remanded.