The New York Herald Newspaper, April 25, 1849, Page 1

NO. 5487. MORNING EDITION ---WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1849. Our Canadian Correspondence. Mowrrear, April 18, 1849. Kegislative Proceedings—Annexation—Opinions of the Press, §c., §c. Finding the pressure of work so very great, and the progpect of its completion, at the present rate of despatch, so far distant, the Legislature have wisely determined to devote more of their time to the business of the country. To accomplish this object, a morning and evening sitting has been determined on. In consequence of this arrange- ment, the House of Assembly met on Monday morning last at 10 o’cleck. The whole morning was taken up by a long speech from the Solicitor General for Canada West, (Blake,) moving for leave to bring in a bill for the regulation of bank- Tupts in Upper Canada. . , Yesterday, (Tuesday, April 17,) at the morn- pe atyadetl Mr. Solicitor General, Canada East, (Drummond,) moved for leave to introduec ‘a bill on the subject of contempts of court in Lower Canada.” As the law at present exists, any party who, may animadvert upon a judgment, being unfair or unjust is liable to be hauled up for contempt of court, and severel punished. ‘Doubts had existed,” Mr. D. said, ‘ot only in Lower Canada, but in England, as to the extent to which judges could carry the punish- ment of persona for contempt of court; but the doc- trine had now become almost universal in England that courts should not commit, except for con- tempts committed in view of the court, or all p sons who disobey the rules of the court, and that beyond that court the could not go.” He cited the case of a Mr. Wakely, to prove the opinion of the English judges on this point. Mr. Wakely was a plaintiff in a trial for libel; during the course of the case the judge had an opinion unfavorable to that gentlemen, which, however, was overruled by the jury. A motion was made_for anew trial, and while that motion was before the qudges, Mr. Wakely went to a public meeting and spoke in- sultingly of them. The defendants in the case moved for an attachment against Mr. Wakely, but it was disallowed by the judges. ‘His bill,” he said, “was nearly a copy 4 a bill passed in Con- ress some years ago, to declare what was the law in England; because the same law which prevailed in England in these matters, prevailed in the United States.” Mr. Baldwin (Attorney General West) trusted that a measure of so much importance, would not be attempted to be carried through this session. He did not think the bill wes such as would ad- vance the interests of justice. (Hear.) Mr. Badg- ly said afew words in support of what had fallen from Mr. Baldwin. . phir ig-Mr. Drummond, who was evidently beginning to het at this opposition, especially from hi brothers in office, rose in a very excited manner. “He had been misunderstood by the Attorney Gen- eral West. He introduced this bill, not in any an- ticipation that the judges in Lower Canada would be -reserting to arbitrary measures: it was with ahe experience of the past before hiseyes. (Llear hear.) He spoke for himself alone ; if the hon- orable gentlemen connected with the ministry thought that truth might injure them, he did not speak for them, but for himself. (Cheers.) He could not, on account of his connection with any ministry, abstain from stating what he conceived to be the truth. (Cheers, and ironical cheers from the opposition.) He did consider that the judges of Lower Canada had abused their power. (Cheers and counter cheers.) And no man of spirit prac- tising in the courts, and standing in that house, could do otherwise than state that the judges of Lower Canada had, on more than one occasion, ‘one beyond the powers which were entrusted to them by the law and constitution. (Cheers from the ministerial benches, and irontcal cheers from the opposition.) He spoke for himself, and he spoke the truth—as he would never be afraid to. do in any position; he would rather resign office, trample his commission under his feet, than be stricted from speaking truth when he conceived it would be useful todo so. (Cheers, and counter cheers.) It was a truth which should be made known, in order that a stop might at once be put to the course which some honorable judges had thought preper to adopt in this country. (Cheers and coun- ter cheers.) The honorable member for Missiaqusi might forget, although he (Mr. Drummond,) did not, an abuse of power on the part of our judges, when a highly respectable citizen, because he made a remark on the grand jury, not very severe, was on information laid by the Attorney General, sent to spend some days in the jail of this district. The honorable member might forget these things, but he (Mr. Drummond) did not. The honorable member might also forget that only five or six months ago, an editor was breught up, because he reported a trial and made some remarks as to the justice or injustice of the verdict, and might have een compelled to stand his trial, had the Attorne General been disposed to proceed in the matter. was quite sufficient that we should have had an example of that kind to induce every man desirous of maintaining the liberties granted to him by the British constitution, to come forward to put a stop to such abuses. (Cheers.) The honorable member for Missisquoi, complained that ¢he (Mr. Drum- mond,) had detailed all the cases in which a con- tempt of court could be committed; he merely rzaintained that the power of the judge ought not to be extended beyond what was granted by the Jaw, and he defied any gentleman to get up and point out one single case in which the court had power, by law, to commit for contempt which was not included in this bill, (hear, hear,) and he thought the powers and jurisdietoins of every es- tate of the realm ought to be distinctly defined. He did not wish to compromise the ministry b} anything he had said; but he must, notwithstand- ing the request of the Hon. Attorney General West, press his measure, for he owed it to the country, and to the bar, to it a stop to the abuse of power under which they had been smarting. During the whole of this sudden burst of anger, the House presented a scene of excitement not easily to be dersribed, I pahecien eve moment to hear the galleries violate the sancity of the place, and burst inte thunders of applause. Every one hailed it as the first fruits of the seed of dissension 8 long sown in the party. Mr. Blake (Solicitor General,) next supported Mr. Drummond, and was aston ished at the manner in which his friends measure had been received. Mr. B.’s speech lasted over half an hour, and had the occasion been a cump meeting, he would in that short space of time have secured everlasting fame. Mr, Hincks also, was in favor of Mr. Drum- mond’s bill. The only excuse tor desiring it might be put off, was the immense amount of business already before the house. Mr. Drummond eventu- ally carried his point, and the bill was read a first time. A bill was brought in by Mr. Morrison, “for the pamoss. of regulating foreign insurance offices,” by allowing them to sue and be sued. He said: by taxing these offices at the rate of ten per cent he intended only to tax the American and not the Brittsh offices, and thought the ten per cent not so high a rate as that levied on banks. There was a clause in the bill to prohibit those companies who had not paid the amount of judgments against them within ninety days, to effect new policies. Mr. Cayley remarked, the tax would not fall upon the Insurance offices, but upon the insured. Mr. Hincks sustained the remarks made by Mr. Cayley, and thought that if it were intended to pre- vent the American companies from insuring, it would be well to go about it in a straightforward way. Mr Dewitt said the American insurance offices did not expect to make much money by their in- surances in Canada; they came here because they desired to extend their risks as widely as possible, which was a great object with all insurance com- panies. ‘ The last number of the Montreal Transcript contains a long article relative to “annexation.” ‘The, editor of this journal ‘does not believe that the idea is seriously entertained by any considera: ble portion of the community.” “He allows it is universally talked of as the only remedy for our evils, and will not attempt to deny that “the ar- yments in its favor are powerful, indeed.” ‘The Grantcript is in error—the idea of “annexation” is not only, as he says, talked about, but actually se- riously entertained. It is no movement, as the Toronto Globe would try, te have it, of any particular party, for the ultra tories, itis well known, are against it, and the radicals may be depended on as long as a fat berth exists, and Canada has a statue as Gevernor. The cry for annexation prevails over “the war of faction.” It is looked upon as the remedy, by theggreat body of our merchants and farm ers, for our affairs. The Transcript objects to “annexation,” and yet proposes no remedy for the evile,which he does not deny seriously afflict us. He would trust to Providence ultimately relieving us. At the corners of the streets, in the places of pub- lic resort, at the very reunions of vice-royalty itself, amen talk ealmly and dispassionately of it. ‘I have, myeelf, seen a knot of Jeading men quietly dis- cussing the idea within a few paces of Lord Filgin, and 80 that he could hear every word dropped trom them; and yet, in the face of all this, the Tran. seript believes “it is just one of those idea e that SEE TWO CENTS. in a season of despondency, without knowm ig, 808 which they cast ce just as suddenly at the first gleam of sunshine.” ‘The sapient editor of the Tyanscript does not consider it necessary to hold out any hopes of this “gleam of sunshine.” If it is never dropped till the Tyanscript’s expected gleam of sunshine makes its appearance, it is likely never to be. It is the very “gleam” the Tyanscript talks of, that men do not see any prospect of ever appearing again on the Canad: orizon, under the present excit- ing state of affairs. If the Tyanscript will take the trouble to mix in the commercial world, he will learn more to convince him of the necessity of this required change. He will learn that the prospects of business next year are far from being good ; that there is an immense amount of emanae coming to our markets, and an unexampled dearth of money. He will, perhape, upon learning t) somewhat abate the rancor of his views regarding “annexa- tion.” ‘Another bad year,” said an eminent met- chant, the other day, in my presence, ‘and Canada is, lost beyond recall; ‘annexation’ even, will take time ‘to bring us to prosperity. The Globe would state that my letters are made to pay, and prove acceptable to your readers. The Globe judges others by himself. A misrepresentation of facts would be of no possible utility to the New York Herald, of no service to its readers, and cer- tainly reflect no credit on your correspondent. A meeting of the ‘ League,” lately formed here, takes place to-morrow (Thursday) night. The much-talked of and long-looked_ for event, the bachelors’ ball,” came off last night. ‘The splendid new ball room built, expressly for such occasions, by our enterprising townsman, Mr. Hayes, proprietor of the new theatre, was opened for the first tme on, this occasion. One thousand three hundred invitations were sent out, and the cards were not confined to Monttreal only; but ex- tended for one hundred miles around. About six hundred persons were present. His Excellency, the Governor General, accompanied by Lady Ha- milton, Mrs. Bruce, and suite, were present. His Excellency appeared in excellent spirits, and in no wise careworn by the duties of office. The ball was a melée of fancy and full dress. Several of the officers belonging. to the volunteer corps in this city, were put in full uniform, and looked exceed- ingly well, ‘The Driving Club give one in the same room on the 27th inst. ., The Chambly Canal is not, expected to be open till the Ist of July next. This will prove a great inconvenience to the lumber trade between this city and New York. Several small steamers have arrived from aboye. The first one, on descending the Lachine Rapids, carried away the Troy Tele- prank Co.’s wires. ‘The steamer Montreal left for uebec to-night. men take we Mone oF Tne Frosr anv More insvry ro Crops. —A letter received in this city, yesterday, says the Charleston Courier, of the 21st inst., dated Colum- bia, 19th inst., Casale had last mght and this morning plenty of frost and ice. This, I think, has done more damage than that of Sunday night, and to-day it is still very cold. Another letter, dated at Hamburg, same day, re- marks:—We had a hard frost again this morning, which _ did as much if not more damage to vege- tation in this vicinty, than any previous on A letter from Augusra, of 19th, says:—The ac- counts we are receiving here from all parts of this State, are very gloomy for the cotton crop. We conversed with a gentleman who returned yesterday from an excursion in upper Georgia,who gives us gloomy accounts of the effects of the re- cent storm in that section of country. 4 In Bibb and Cass counties, the wheat, which was quite forward and much of it headed, ,was almost entirely destroyed, as was also the cotton, and the crops of potatoes, both sweet and Irish. What ren- ders the prospect for a cotton crop more desperate, is the fact that there was a general complaint of a want of seed for re-planting. | the trees of the forest too, instead of presenting their usual full foliage of dark green, wore an au- tumnal aspect, and thevariegated colors of pale reen, yellow and red, as is usually the casc in the fu, after a heavy frost, when they are about to fall. In Florida, our informant told conside- rable snow fell, previous to which the ground was frozen in many places an inci in depth.— He remarked, in passing through the coun- try, that the frost appeared to have prevailed in streaks, as in some ficlds, a portion of the crop was cut off, while in other parts of the same field little or no injury was done, although there were no un- dulations in the ground, the whole presenting a similar surface. | The Jacksonville (Ala.) Republican, of Tuesday, says:—The extent of damage cannot as yet be es- timated with any degree of certainty, yet we fear it will be immense. One oe on whose judgment we rely, has already informed us that he thinks the corn, cotton and wheat are all destroyed, and almost the entire mast of the forest. This calamity, added to the immense disasters in the West from floods and overflows, leaves us but a eloomy prospect of a searee year ahead. The Montgomery (Ala.) Journal, of ‘Tuesday, says:—There was a severe frost in all this region, on Sunday, the 15th inst. The early corn, we un- derstand, is generally killed on the plantations, and the stands of cotton destroyed. Some planters of this county have already commenced ploughing up their cotton, preparatory to replanting, as the stand is killed. ¢ fear there will be a scarcity of seed to replant the crop, should the evil prove to be general. The Republican says:—We understand that there was a severe frost at Garey’s Ferry on the morning of the 16th inst., and that early vegetation of all de- scriptions is killed in East Florida. [From the Mobile Journal, April 17.] i We have tonote a change in the weather, which may be regarded as remarkable in this latitude, and which, 1t is apprehended, may have done great in- jury to the planting interest throughout the cotton Tegion. On Saturday night it became extremely cold, and on Sunday every body was driven to fires and winter clothing, for personal comfort—still the thermometer did not descend much below forty-five degree at any time during the day. Atnight, how- ever, it became sensibly colder, and yesterday morning, frost was visible in most of the gardens, and im all the low grounds in this immaediate vic nity, and we understand the tender vegetables in the gardens are mostly destroyed. ‘The general ap- prehension of consequences to the planting interest was much increased during the day, by the receipt from the country, of orders by telegraph, for the purehase of cotton seed for planters’ use, consider- able quantities of which are often sent to this mar- ket for seed, as well as for and manure. At the period at which we write, 10 P. M., there is every prospect of another severe frost. [From the New Haven Courier, April 23.] . Weare told that on Friday last there were six inches of snow on Litehfield Hills. They always have winter in those parts till July—and in some places they think the snow is not worth using till the second year! We learn from St. John, N. B., papers that the recent cold spell of weather extended to New la onde Hg the 14th and oth, the weather was raw and cold, with a strong wind from the westward. No snow fell, however. [ce made to the thickness of about two inches. It was feared that the early planted potato seed had sustained much damage. [From the Cincinnati Gazette, April 20.) The Hamilton Intelligencer of the 19th inst., in speakinggof the snow the day before, notices as a remarkable coincidence, that exactly one year ago, pa 18, 1848, a violent snow storm visited the whole Western country in our latitude. Mr. Mansfield, of the Atlas, in a letter of Mth, from Chillicothe, says:—* As far as I can observe ro of the condition of lands, the winter crops, and the weather, I should think there was a strong pros- pect of heavy crops in the coming season. The wheat generally looks well. The fermers are ac- tively engaged in plowing.” ‘The wheat crop in this vicinity, is quite promis- ing. We passed several fields, in a ride of a few uuiles into the country, yesterday, which looked as well ax any owner could wish. | Thy it freeze we do not think, will it injuriously, us the weather hus taken, a very favorable turn—having beceme waris, with rain.—Pizua (O.) Register, 16th. The mereury at this point sank on Priday aight below the freezing point—folling about twenty-live degrees between sun and sim. There is litte doubt that all the peaches inthis region are killed. Since the above was written we have hid two very seve at Not only the peaches but a Steat portion of the apples and other fruit is cer- tainly destroyed. —Npringjield (O.) Kepublican Vith. On Friday evening kust the weathe grow unusually cold. Saturday wa and cn Sonduy evening the thermometer had freezing point, ond by Monday morning it was seven dregrees below fr Iie believed that evety epecies of fru Himilton (0. Iitslidguasys ID. inc hie # etill proceed » againat the ac d that it wie Wilson who had purehosed the “Franktin, The object in epiling him ae a withers, Waa, We practme, to prove the hand- writing of the acovsed: Sceond Trial of Jacob Shuster, alias Tom Hand. ‘Wasnixcton, April 23, 1849. CRIMINAL COURT. Before J, Heartley Crawford. The second trial of Jacob Shuster, alias ‘Tom Hand, was commenced to-day. As on the former ocession, there was a large attendance of auditors. ‘The Covnt—Mr. Key, what is there this morning ? Mr. Ker—I have subparnaed witnesses to come here— 1 expected them eaterday morning, at ten o’elozk. ‘The Court—We will wait until eleven o'clock. 1r. Key—I am not sure that all of them will be here by that time. Some of them are present. Mr. Raperirrx—Could we not go on? F The Count—We cannot entertain an excuse any longer. ir, Rapctirre—We might go on with the witnesse: who are present; others will soon be here, by-and-by. ‘The Count—Mr Carlisle, are you ready in your case? [that of Drayton and Sears, for stealing negroes] Mr. Cantistr—Not quite, sir. The Court directed the Marshal to bring Shuster into the room, and he was soon produced. ‘The names of thejury were then called, as follows, viz :—Charles F, Wood, John H, Simms, W.’H, Perkins, Henry Thecker, Nelson Robinson, Joseph H. Bryan, Harvey Cruttenden, Charles P. Wannell, Almun Bald- win, D. W. Oyster, and Washington Adams, Mr. Wannall, when he came to “ the book,” was un- derstood to say that he had, to some extent, made up Lis mind, or formed some opinion. Mr. Cakuisix, one of the counsel for the prisoner, re marked that that made but little difference, as there was & great deal of new evidence, Not one of the jurors was chailenged by the counsel for the defence, The indictment was read, as on the former trial, charging Jacob Shuster, ulias ‘Tom Hand, with hay- ing. on the &th day of November, 1848, ‘stolen the diamond snuff box, bottle of ottar of roses, sword seab bard. gold medals, etc, from the National Gallery of the Patent Office, Mr. Key, the District Attorney, opened the case ; and, in the course of his remarks, he said, that the case was made out on the part of the United £¢ tes; that th» goods mentioned in the indictment are proved to have en stolen on the 8th of November last. ‘The evidence traced the property to the hands of the prisoner at the bar, and in his custody, and under his control. ‘This was proven, first, by his own admission, and, secondly, from the evidence of Henry B. Jones. ''The letters to the President, written in December, 1848, and in Febru- ary lust, offering to return the jewels if the government advertisement of the lists of deserters were taken from the National Police Guzette, were, according to the testi- mony, written by Shuster. This being the caso, there can be no doubt as to the guilt of the accused. Independently of any other proof, if the jury believe the letters to be in his handwriting, these circumstances trace the pro- perty to have.been in his possession, and, by every rule of evidence and common sense, unless witnesses are brought to account for his having possession of the property, the guilt of Shuster is fixed upon him. Mr. Varprn, who is engaged in the Patent Office, and Mr, Branry, ex-constable of Philadelphia, again testi- fied, as on the former trial ; the first, as to the value of the goods stolen, etc.; and the second, in relation to the identity of the handwriting of Shuster, alleged to hibited in the letters to the President of the Uni- ates. It is mot oonceived necessary a over this ground, ‘The remains of the jewels were brought into court, and placed on the table of the District Attorney, r. Cuannes Ginrin,a new witness, having affirmed, testified a follows :— ’ ‘ man 1 reside in Philadelphia, and am a member of the bar, I have a knowledge of the handwriting of the prisoner. Ihave never seen him write; but have received letters from him, with his name tothem, and about this I have no doubt, from a variety of circumstances. Mr. Cansistr—That is not sufficient evidence Mr. Key—You ay that 1s not sufficient? Mr. Cantiste-—Unless there Mr. i not necessary ss to sce a man write; but if he has seen his handwriting, it is tivalent to seeing him write, 3 e is no case in the book. insisted that such evidence was admissible. he Count remarked thuta man merely having a let- ter sent to him, signed by another, was not sufficient evidence that the other wrote the letter, He must cor- respond with him, to know. Mr. Caxtisie (smiling)—We could convict the Dis- trict Attorney on that sort of evidence. ‘The Covrt—A man not being able to write a good hand, might employ another person to do it for him, There must be a correspondence kept up between the parties, or a man must be seen to write. Mr. Key (to witness)—Hayve you ever seen the hand- writing of the prisoner ? Mr. Girvix—Yes, in w letter which he sent to the ex- Mayor of Philadelphia, afier a certain suit was de- termined. He recovered a verdict of one dollar ono general insue; there were special pleas on a motion for urrest of judgment; but a letter was written to J. M. Scott, Mayor of the city, in the prixoner’s handwriting. ‘The Count—Purporting to be in his handwriting. Mr. Guyin—It was returned to his counsel, I sup- sLx—You suppose ? ‘ovkt—You never saw him write ? rix—No. I had no correspondence with him since 1841, 1 was not his counsel. | will give an illus- tration —— Mr. Cantisix—Oh, no! If you were counsel on the other side, it may have criticised your course, iwrix—There were matters within his know —How can the witness tell that ? Mr. re—No suriises, The Court—Mr. Key, the Court has decided that the testimony cannot be admitted. Mr. Key —Mr. Gilpin, you can stand aside. Cnanxes Hinxxe, (a new witness) being sworn, testi- fied that he resides in Philadelphia; is the captain of a steamboat, and is acquainted with the hand-writing of the prisoner, having received a letter from him, and answered it.’ On one sccasion he was coming down the river in the mail line, and a gentleman said to him there was a pickpocket on board. The letter was dated No, 9 Wallace street, and signed Tom Hand, alias Shuster. The witness addressed his letter to jo. 9 Wallace street Mr. Cantis-e—Ilow long ago has that been ? Mr. Hixxce—Fifteen or twenty months, The letters L received were destroyed last December. Mr. Key—I can prove that the prisoner lives at No. 9 Wallace street. Mr, Ravcuirrs—Did Hand ever acknowledge to you that he wrote the letter? Mr. Hinxie—No. ‘The Count—Did you reply ? Mr. Hinxt es. The Covrt—Wait till I write that down. Mr. Hinxir—I forgot how I addressed it, as to name. Mr. Cariiste—Tom Hand, Esg.! I suppose. (Ha! ha! ba’) Mr. Hinxie—I can tell the cireumstances, Mr. Ravens —Never mind, sir, The Count—How long was the correspondence kept up? Nir. Hinain—I wrote that I would introduce him to two persons, who said that he was a pickpocket, on board, if he would come at two o'clock, but he didn’t call on me, The Count—Then you received two letters ? Br. Hixxis—Yer, and they were signed by the same person, No. 9 Wallace street, Aupxanner M,C, Sairn, (a new witness.) tostified that he knew the prisoner at the bar, and where he re- sides in Philadelphia, No. 9 Wallace street; four or five years ago the prisoner lived there. Mr. Branry, recalled, said that Shuster lives at No. 9 Wallace street. ‘The Covrt—Does he live there now? Mr. Braney—He is in the city now, sir; he has lived there over five years, except when he was travelling out of the city. ‘The counsel for the traverser objected to Mr. Hin- vyidence, and denied the eufficiency of the proof to establish the fuct of the handwriting: The Distriet Attorney replied, and ‘th lisle and Radcliffe filed a secon Mr. that he knew of no other person named Tom Hand, or Jourt overruled the objection, and Messrs. Car- bill of exceptions. Braney, in reply to a question of the Court, said Shue in Philadelphia, an now reside at No. 9 Wallace street, Mr. Hinxnr was then shown the February letter, and raid that, without doubt, it was written by Tom Hand; but would not swear to it, not having seen it writte Hie could not tay anything about the December letter. ‘The February letter looks like Shuster’s—the I's and i'kand t's. Perhaps (he remarked) that the court will let me state how [got into this matter; it will do no harm to either party that the family of Shuster months, they were H about eighteen months ago; [carried them in iny pocket. and thowed them to the pe cers; that is the way I got into thie concern Mr. Beaxry recalled—Seid that the [ mbled Shuster’s handwriting. (Th knowledged the jewels to be in the write and proposing to deliver them to the Pi advertining of the list « National Potive G vber letter one Chat ac- 8 possession, sident if the nM deserters should bo tte.| now the prisoner at udwiiting; has had two or thee him about some matter, answer that he would whon the evived his aken fe and the prisoner returned ecme on to New York th two met, Shuster arked him letter, and. the witness 1 * yer? was cigh- mths or two y Cross-examined—Never riw the prisoner write; Thad reevived two letters altogether irom ini within the last two years; in January, Sr. Morris, the postmaster of New York, sent for him; he inquire ron who would injur witnors Leient Lo establirh this; ff fe had heard th corner over tere, 5 he was rati ter read would my that it was d that the handwriting seamined—Saw a letter while in Bal imore, written to the Sun; fom said St wae bis hanas Bir. ghry—Shere was another better wh raid Wine bi har, Sor ed them, Bir, Cantiane- a did you see that Jetter written to th he rhewn lo Phweter © Ladtime Soutw—it was ebtained by bir, Wilkes, and J} exb.bited it at the Leoorder « offlee; wits bis, | could detect bus baud wiitiag one of these letters was written with a steel pen, and the other with a quill, Tam perfectly satisfied, Mr. Cantiste (good humoredly)— , Mr. Smith, that you have made up your opinion and belief, Mr. Saitu—Very honestly and truly. (With » ir. Cantiste—And, no doubt, conscientiously. What might satisfy the Chief of the New York police might not satisfy s Washington jury. Mr. Smiru—I am not the Chief of police. Mr. Kxy—Gentlemen, are you done with him ? Mr Cantistr—We have no more questions to ask. Mr. Key—Stand aside, Mr, Smith. Mr. Arxinson (produced on the former trial) testified that he was a drug clerk; knew the handwriting of Shuster, and identified the February letter as that of the prisoner, Mr. Key said that he had no more witnesses Just now. Mr. Cantistr—Where’s Jones? we want him here. Mr. Kry—He has not arrived yet. And then the examination ‘of witn pended until to-morrow. 8 Was sus- G. Court of Oyer and Terminer. Before Judge Edmonds, and Aldermen Adams and Downing. TRIAL OF MATHEW WOOD FOR THE MURDER OF HIS WIFE. Arnit 24.—[Srconn EH ela McFartanp re- called, and his cross-exam{nation proceeded with— Knows a man named John Dwyer; he is prisoner’s land- lord; did not see him at the house the day witness's sister died; thinks he saw him at Reed's; does not re- collect that witness said anything about his sister being oisoned; {8 sure that no one made signs to him yester- Y, While under examination; has not been told by any person that signs were made to him; does not remember that any one conversed with him on the subject of this trial; was in the District Attorney's office; does not know whether he conversed about the case or not. (The stupidity of the witness was such, that, at the request of the Court, the District Attorney and the prisoner's counsel consented to let hin go down.) Makcaxer Reep sworn, and examined for the prose- eution—Is fourteen years of age; she is the daughter of Robert Reed; lived last February in West 20th street; it was next to the prisoner's house; there is an alle between the two houses; recollects the day on whic! the prisoner's wife died; ‘witness was there that morn- ing; the prisoner's room was on the first floor; there are about three steps going up to it; there was s table between the door and the window; there was a fire- lace in the room, but not in use; there was also a bed in the room; it was between eight and nine o'clock in the morning when witness was there; had her break- fast before she went there; prisoner and his wife were both there; he was sitting down by the stove, and she was getting the breakfast ready; there were pancakes in a pan on the stove, and two more on a plate; witness saw the batter; it was shown to her by the prisoner's it was made a tin pan; witness eat some of the cakes; she sat on a chair near the table, with her face towards the window; when she tasted the cakes she remarked that they had a very taste; prisoner said his wife must have put too much salaratus in the batter; witness thought the cakes looked rather yellow, and said so; he replied that he had put rome molasses in them, as he had seen it done on board the boats where he worked; prisoner's wife also said she thought they had a yery bad taste; Wood, the prisoner, 1 ved from the place where he was sitting; witness cat about half of one of the cakes; raw the prisoner's wife cat of the cakes; did not take any notice of how much she eat; Wood eat none; his wife said he told her when she came back with the molasses that he had had his breakfast; he asked, however, for a cup of tea or coftee; aft eat the cake she went up stairs to her mother’s r in about a quarter of an hour after eating t witness comme vomiting; Mrs, Wood invited wit, nees to cat the cake; Wood did not; does not think; from the position she was in, that’ Wood could see that she was cating; he might have seen what was on the plate; witness's stomach was very sick; she felt as if it was burning; witness was very thirsty, and could drink all the time; felt great heat about’ her throat; her face was much swollen; she yomited considerably; continued sick until about five o'clock in th noon; was confined to her bed for about ten day prisoner came in to ace witness several times during the day; he came in first a few minutes after she was * asked him how tter, and that he did not ex; he looked frightened; when Dr. M’Kenna put his hand on witness’s stomach and pressed upon it it was very sore. To a Juror—W hen prisoner came in to see witness, he did not ray what was the matter with his wife, nor did he ask withess what ailed her self ; he looked wild and fiightened. Cross-exram ed—Can't say how long they lived there; eth equently in arrelling; tently met the prisoner there ; acted unkindly towards her, that wit kaw; there was no difference between the morning of the occurrence ; they seemed to tached to each other; it is a common thing for persons who make cakes to put salaratus in them; 1ne- ver saw any rats about the alley; docs not know wheth- er the prisouer or his wife had any arsenic in the house; the cakes were made of Indian meal and flour ; he said that he had eaten the cakes that his wife had baked, whilet she went for the molasses, To a Juror—Mrs. Wood went fer the molasses, and had got back before witness went into the room, Maxy Reep swornand examined for the prosecution, Is the inother of the last witness; soon after her daugh- ter became sick, her bowels became much affeete: Wood, the prisoner, called at witness's house, thinks about 10 minutes after her daughter took sick ; he said his wife was bad; that she was throwing off. and all swollen; w ss went immediately to see Susan ; when I went in she was sitting by the stove ; I think the prisoner followed me down stairs ; his wife had her clothes open in front, as if to get air ; witness asked her what was the matter ; does not think prisoner was there when witness arked the pstion, Counsel for prisoner objected to giving the declara- tions made by Mra, Wood when Wood gas not ther ‘The objection was over-ruled Wirxess—When | went in, l asked her what was the matter; she replied the thought she had got what would do her, and added, “ God forgive him; she said she thought she was done; witness told her she might get Wood raid she would be eoon well enough; she the long expected that, or something like i he would soon be well enough, she eo for mol and that while che was away, he bake some cakes, and put molassesin the batter, and that she, the deceased, had eaten the cakes when she came back. and that her heart, and all from her throat down, were burning, and complained that her feet and hands saw her vomit different times, and ske drank ; heve considerable; cannot ray that she was swollen; her hands and nails were quite black; saw the prisoner out what she vomited, while witness was in J afterwards «aw him from my own room, d time; thinks was in the room when bi said ehe had eater cakes; I acake in the closet when | went there to get her » drink; when J went there afterwards, it was gone; can- not say that Mrs. Wood #aid her husband took the eake frem the eloset; | continued there about half an hour; the was getting worse all along; she said more than once, she knew she was done, Tothe Court.—The doctor did not come there until between 12 and 1 o'clock; Wood was in and out all the time; a minister was sent for, and saw her before she died; wituers did not talk much to her after the first time, although she was in and out afterwards, ‘The Distniet Avronxxy was here about to give in evi- dence the dying declarations of the deceased, (he 8 counsel interposed, on the ground that the of the witness did not bring the werning dying declarations. ‘The Court, for the present, ruled out the testimony, Wit — Wood was asked to go for a doctor, and he refured; the decenged said Uiey had nomoncy; the wit- ness’s sister offered to pay the expense of the doctor; witness was in and out afterwards; don’t remember that rhe afterwards heard her say anything about her situation; she repeated the expression “that she was done;” afterwards, during the day, saw a cake with my husband similar to the one I saw in the closet; thinks it was the same; Dwyer and my husband brought it out of the yard c carry it out a —Previous to going into Wood's, my J was not frightened at the sickness her until atter the doctor told me they had taken the doctor told the witness that her daughter wid ‘get over it, but Mra, Wood was doubtful; this was between twelve ne o'clock, Q.—Who did you find at s house the first time you went there that morning ? A.—Wood and his wile, Q.—Did not Wood at that time aranxious to A me to stay lon Q.—What conversation pasted between you at that time ? ; As-1 asked him what tine he was home the night defor sid he was home early, and bis wite said “ark me.’ ; Lirect excuination resvined Witness put Ure doe veod rere before the evening ot the ve ; Wood was not there; saw her a tated something t prisoner's counsel interposed, and the Court ste the wit a Knew examined for the prose sation iu the rame alley way with Wood and his wil Bors, Weed w! wok, the day of he rhe made vo declaration to me as to her situation; saw no cakes in the house; saw one that was given tome by Jobn Dwyer ; witness gave it to lraae Cockafuir, Deputy Coroner; ealled Dr. enna in otf the stree! i Wood he ought bout a doctor; he seemed arelers about it; it was euggested to him by we one prevent to go to Twenty-first street; it was about one wcicek when Dr, MeKeuna enme and raw her. Cross-cacmined —He started to go for a doctor; wit- ners started after him and found bim in the Eighth avenue talking to another wan; be said he could not find the house; he was at the time within a dozen houses of it. To the Cowt—The firet idea of her boing potsoned ped Lived came from the fact of my little irl being sick ; Wood was probably gone hutex when [overtook him in the bighth avenue; the idea of poisoning originated with the females, after my daughter had vomited four or five times, Jonn McKerna, examined for the prosecution—Is a physician, practising in this city and reviding in Awenty-ffth street; reeolleets the 8th of February last; recollects the death of di) Wood ; attended her before ber death ; | was passing by abuul twelve fifteen minutes to 12 o'clock ; the man who was last on the stand came up to me and asked me if I was not a dispensary doetor ; | said no; he then requested me to in to see a woman who had been taken suddenl. sick—that there were suspicious that she had boen poi- soned ; I went in and saw her ; she was in considerable prosteetion of strength, vomiting. and complained of eat in the stomach, and great thirst ; I told her she was in @ doubtful situation, and that she ought to send for a clergyman if she wished one ; she anid she was very anxious to see him, and witness gave directions to send for Dr. Mullenburgh ; wit: then ordered her first having asked her what she had said she had been eating cakes; wit- some of them, and she told him that her husband had cleaned up the place and thrown them all into the back-house, To the Court.—I told her she was in a very precarious state, and she agreed with me, and I think’she said she was going to die; at all events, she made use of some words that left that impression on my mind; I ordered, on the spur of the moment, to give her some white of eggs an salphar, thinking she might have taken some corrosive sublimate; the husband came in, and I asked him for some of the cakes; he said there were none left, that they were all thrown out; witness then asked him to show the pan in which they were baked, and it was cleaned off; witness then gave directions that what sho threw off her stomach should be preserved; I left then, and returned between 5 and 6 o’clock, and enquired for what she had thrown off her stomach; I was told that it had been thrown out; I addressed myself to the prison- erin particular; | was answered in his hearing that it had been thrown out; I was told before I went u there was a suspicion of her being poisoned; | did not mention this in presence of Wood; it was for the pur- pose of examination that I ordered the contents of her stomach to be preserved; I would not say the woman was poisoned witheut further evidence, although the symptoms were those of poikoui To the District Attorney—P thrown into the back house Jane McFantanp—Is_ is law to deceased; saw her the day she died, between 3 o'clock; she was in great pain and sickness; Wood was there whon I went in; witness asked her what was the matter; she Thave got what I think will do my job.’ ed her t busy with the Almighty, for Susan says: “1 won't see 12 o'clock to-night.” She said rd, have mercy on me, for [ have got but a short warrant to face my Maker.’’ She told me that when the prisoner went out the night before, he told her not to make any cakes until he came home; he did not return until late at night, and she had taken her supper and went to bed; the next morning, she lighted the stove and made some cakes, and put them on a pan on tfie stove; while there, he got up out of bed, and told her to gothe store, and bring in some molasses; when she camein he was sitting at the stove, and di sired her to put some molasses on the cakes that he had cooked for her; she saw a email piece of white paper in his hand, and kaid to him ; hat you hw our hand?” He said it was a bit of paper that he had snuff in, and threw {t into the stove; witness asked her if she did eat the caki ndafter she had half eaten her breakfust ing. oner said the cakes were don’t like these cakes, 1 am | turning on them’ — meaning that her stomach was turning ugainst them—* cat your fill of them,” raid he, * and they will do you good; she afterwards said to have merey on my soul! what have I done Wood would have done this to me 2” I remained there all the time, until she died; I saw the prisoner once, about four o'clock, take out what she had thrown off her ttomach; it was after the doctor had given orders not to do it; ‘witness did not say anything to him about it; the deceared told ine that Margaret Reed was sick, that she also had eat some of the cakes, and that she was as sick as the deceased; she also added, that ehe wondered when she saw the little girl coming in that the prisoner beckoned his hand at her; she said one and a half of the cakes were left, but'that Mathew washed them out, pan, and all, although she put the pan behind the bed, to show it to some one, as she had rurpicion of Mathew, after seeing t n his hand; he said he had eat all the eal “No, Mathew, you did not, you threw witness said “10 wasa bad job if he had done thi that he ought to be on hisi knees day and night replied “Oh ! Jane, | had no money in my pocket since Sunday, to get anything for her;"* he was, as noar as | can guees, about five or six days before at our house, and raid “If I went out and got some Indian ineal, he would learn me to make cakes; witness said she did not like Indian meal, and that if she did. she had eve nomoney;” witness did not go; the deceased often came and to me, erying, and requesting’ me to go to prison him to take a room, and keep good ho n New York, who 2 nt to Mrs. McK Te; saw strated with him for not keeping pure; he then said that he would be revenged family for what they had done on hin, Q.—Had youever any conversation with the deceased about differences between herself and her husband. for nct having children? (Objected to and over-rated. } A.—I haye heard him say, in her pr that he would rather than $50 she had a youn, the Court Speaking of Ins wash she told the landl ‘a my pre never done £0} . and that would not help The Covxsra. for the prisoner complained of by il, and the Court adjourned until to-morrow (this) morning. Court of Special Sessions. Before the Recorder, and Ald. Fitzgerald and D Avni. 24,—Jack among the Land Pirates.—At the Spo- ciul Sessions, this morning, an honest looking tar, named Joseph Wooldridge, was brought up, on comy of ene Elizabeth Walton, who charged him with mali- ciously destroying a bed quilt, two blankets, two sheets, and one window curtain, at Water street, ‘The plainant being ealled upon. to give her testimony, stated that the prisoner came to her residence, as above, y dl there wantonly de- complaint, When r, the Recorder addrested the prisoner. , Wooldridge, what have you to say ‘The sailor was dressed in. blue trowsers, of the navy cut, blue jacket and blue shirt, and held in his hand @ regular tarpaulin hat. When’ addressed by the Court, he hitched up his trowsers, rhifted his quid from one side of his mouth to the other, twirled his tarpaulin in his hand, and made area scrape by way ofa bow, and commenced his story “Yer honor,” said he, “I come ashore, and was cruising up Water sti , when I seed this ‘ere craft, the one with the handkercher around her face, tailing along, tacking here and there, and I overhauled her,” “i1atloo,? says she, “is that you, Jack?" “Hallo, to you,” says I, “and where are ye bound?” “Well, ['m going home,” says she. “Where do you hail from 2” says I. “Oh! just liereaways,” says she, “ come along, won't you. my dear?” “Well, I'm agreeable,” saya 1; 4 s0 I took her in tow, and away we went till we brought up at the house where this ere bit of a lark took place. Well, we took something, yer honor, and I may say we spliced the main beace more nor once; and she axed me if [ wouldn’t turn in? I asked the price of lodging, and the told me it was two dollars. Well, I'm agree: able to that, rays I; «0 we went up stairs, and [ turned in, So, d’yeyee, as | was alittle by the head at this time, I went “to ‘sleep directly ; that was all right, so far,’ Well, after @ bit I woke up, and looked out, and there sits me doxey at @ table, playing cards with a man, My eyes! thinks I to myself, but here's a lark; so | just’ raised myself up, yer honor, and took a good look at the room first of ail, and then at the table; then I sings out “ Where away now, my dear; how do we head ?” rays. + Lie down, you gon of a b—h,” says she; “ go tosleep and mind your own business. “Oh, ho!” thinks 1, “that’s your course, is it?” peaking out, says I, “ Avasta bit, old girl,” n, making signals to the other, says 1, “1 ey, that are craft’ under my convoy just at } 80, mayhap, you'll sheer off, now you know “You be d—d,” says he; and I bei pardon for the expression. “That's the way the land lays, is it, my hearty,” I, and so I get’s up, and puts on my blue shirt, 60 be ready. “You be d——d,” cays that ere one, the girl, I mean, Well, J axed her, “Didn't I give you two dollars? says I, “No, you didn’t,” says she “Oh, ho! this is pretty well,’ thinks me, “so you want to bilk me, I suppose; #0, 80, here's a fix.” Well, I gets up, and a sort of row commences, and the win dow curtain was set fire to, and they accuse me of doing it,and then the officers was called, and they,took me away, The Court, seeing how the case stood, told the pri- roner that he eould g Jack thanked their honors, and hitching up his trowsors once more, left the Court room amid the laughter of the audience, caused by his quaint narration heave ahead;” and your honor's ‘As soon as the laughter had subsided, John Cook, to come forward and unewer to # cbarge of having assaulted and boaten his wife, John was a large and by no means benovolent locking individual, romewhat in years, He looked re- markably penitent when his wife, Ann, took the stand, and made known her desire to have him released from prison, Rreonper—Is this your husband, Ann? Wirress—Yes, your honor, it is, but [ don't want to punish him, Ryconpen you? Witwnse—Yes, air, he Haim he meant it, and I want to forgive him. Kreornrk—Yon ean go, Cook; the court finds you guilty, but as your wife is willing to forgive you, we will suspend judgment, 4 ‘rom the History of the Five Pé Taylor, Alexander Waters, and George Galli were placed at the bar, to answer to rge of petit larceny, in stealing §24 from Thomas also black, ‘The three prisoners were as unpromising & looking trio of black knayes as one At his opties on in ax age. ‘The tertimony of the complainant went to show that, ou Saturday wight, he was at a house in the classic re~ gion of Cow Bay, where he was conducted by @ kind fe- luale of his own volor, who rejoices in the name of Jane Johneon, and who, baying seen him safely in the apart- {, went out om some pretence or other, leaving him alone in the room had not been gone long, when the three prisoners and another black fellow eame in and, in aimost business like manner, proceeded to dive cunber bin of what movable articles of value he had about hie person, One of them (the biack fellow not present.) laid hold of hie arms aod ran him across the rooin to @ bed, Where be #Cili beid bis arms, aad said to Why, didn’t he abuse you? Did he strike did, but it wasn’t in the way of ve Points. William II black, { his companions, “ Now, go hess. se what's there.” At the word godcwe ong ad risoners did “ yodows.” that is, thrust hishandsdewn into the Ce: ’s pockets, and pulled thenee all his money, with which they made off. He followed them down stairs, where he heard them wrangling about 8 division of the money, one of them remarking, at the same time, in reference to complainant, that when he got out, no one could “see his lege for the dust,” he would make from Cow Bay in such ooeey And #0, he says, he did leave in haste, but it was a police officer. He found one and returned, but the thieves were not arrested till the next day, when, of course, the money was not to be found. of the prisoners had counsel; the other stood solitary and alone, as did he who erat set a certain “ ball in motion.’ ‘When the witness for the prosecution had concluded, the lawyers for the defence called Jane Johnsen, the colored girl, who, by her soft blandishments, in- duced Carey to go to the house where he was robbed. Jane came when called. She was a tall weneh, with round head, rownd fiery eyes, an ugly soar on one side of her mouth, and indicating by her speech the loss of part of her dental establishment, Counset ror Parsoxen—Now, Jane, tell all you know about this affair, (casting a significant look first on the Recorder, and then at each Alderman); we are gol to show another state of things than that to be impliod from Carey's evidence. Now, Jane, go on; tell all you now. Witess—Well, sah, on Satturda night, bout half Bim aten orelock, ‘dis “ere man, Thomas Carey, told me had on’y six shillins’, ’kase he wanted lodgin’s, and that vasn’t anuff for it.’ Well, I se’ed ‘im arterwards, an’ he tell’d me he'd pent two shilling, and hadn't got but fifty cents; dat he was too far from home get dere dat night, and he wanted me to take de fifty conta Itell him I spose he'd been lookin’ all over, ani couldn't get nobody else to take de four shilling’, and I *sposed I’d haff to take it, to get rid on ’im, (laughter). But he didn’t have no twenty-four dollars; he on’y had four shillin’s The witness, of course, saw no rob- lery committed, Another damsel, with a cloudy brow, was placed upon the stand, who, also, swore that she heard com plainant say that he had but four shillings. She did not live in Cow Bay, and was merely there on a visiton Saturday that night? One of the counsel for the defence here called Carey to the stand, in order to cross-question him, Counset, (in a peremptory manner,)—Corey, wasn’t you drunk night ; Wirsrss—No, sirree, (laughter, in court.) Counses.—Well, now Lask you, again, and I want the ecurt to hear, did you see yoor money that night after you left your Wrrness—Yes, I enw, inthe street, where I took it out ket, Counse1— Didn't you drink on that evening? Wrrress—No, sirt he girls kay you did, -So they say; they saw mo in a dance house, Send for the keeper of the dance house and ask him if I was there ‘The court cut the matter short by sending the pri- soners to the Penitentiary for six months, and the same disposition was made of the fourth one, who was brought into court after companions were sentenced. A bit of Reyentance.—Lucretia Tooty was accused of stealing a piece of alpaca from Robert 8. Rich, On the clerk, calling the name of the prisoner, she appeared at the bar, a well dressed woman, about’ 30 years of age, in infant in bi The clerk read the chargo k the prisoner's plva of not guilty; and the wit- ness for the prosecution took the stand to testify, when Mrs. ‘Tooty showed sigus of fainting, fell back into a chair, was remo to another room, and did not fair- ly re cruntil informed that she was relieved from the charge and that she might go, 2 Promising Youth.—Heury Brush, a 1nd 15 years of age, was placed at the bar, charged with assault and battery on Eve Brush, his mother, whom he kicktd and beat. “The mother stated that her son was unmanagea- ble, would not obey her at home, and would not go to fchool. ‘The court sent the young raseal to the House of Refuge. + House Divided 9, William Knight was brought up on ae assaulting and beating Eliza- Deth Pope and Rebecca Wetmore, on the 16thjof March last. ‘The defendant lived at No, 243 Bowery, in the same house with the complainants (who are sisters) and several other families, A dispute arose about the right of way over the floors of certain passages, words induced blows among the women, some of the inen In- terfered, and for their pains received upon their clothes and persons the contents of all sorts of vessels, broom sticks were brought into use, and the whole matter end- ed by the parties appearing in the Court of Special Ses- sions, and exposing the whole matter to the court, Mr. Knight was convicted of the ascault, but the court sus- pended judgment. Boarding House Squabbles.—The next case was that «f the People vs, James E. Holton, who was called to answer to the following charge, which was pressed in due form ;— Matte or Justice, Srate or New Youx—Ciry axp Covxry or New Yorx, ss.—Mary Thrall, of No. 288 Greenwich street, being duly sworn, deposes and says That on Monday, the 1th day of February, in the year 1840, at the city of New York, in the county of New York, she was violently assaulted and beaten by James E. Holton, who came to the premises of deponent and seized deponent by the throat in the most violent man- ner, without any justification on the part of sald as- sailant. Wherefore, this deponent prays that the said assailant may be apprehended and bound to answor for the above assault, &e., and to be dealt with accord- ing to law. (Signed.) MARY THRALL. Sworn before me, this 26th day of Feb. 1849. AS. McGRATH, Poliee Justice. On the back of this document was the following :—“f hereby waive a trial by jury, and demand a trial on this complaint by the Court of Special Sessions. April 18, 1849. JAS. E. HOLTON. ‘The offici: 1 edorsement on this paper was as follows : The People, on complaint of Mary Thrall, vs. James E. Holton.—Affidavit,A. and B.--Dated February 26th, 1849. —McGrath, Magirtrate,— Filed April 24th, 1849.—Wit- nessex, John Dinslow, 14 Greenwich street; Mary Read- dy. 265 Greenwich street.—Bill found March 14th, 1849. ‘The case being called on, Mrs. ‘Thrall appeared and stated that she had subpenacd several witnesses whom. she did not see in court. The officer who serves the sub- Peenas, stated that he had called at the residences of the witnesses, but had been unable to find them. Mrs, ‘Thrall then said that they must have denied themselves to the officer, for that she was sure they might have been rerved. “But your testimony will be quite sufficient, Mrs. Thrall,” taid the clerk of the court, and so the case proceeded. Mas. Tueait then took the witnesses, stand, She vas awoman of commanding appearance, of a tall igure, and well dressed, wearing handsome gold spectaotes, and appearing to all eyes very lady-like, She stated that on the day above mentioned, sho was seated at the table, at hJr residence in ‘Greenwich street, when some words of altercation occurred between her and Mrs, Eliza Bartholomew, when Mrs. B. hrew sundry of the appurtenanees of the tea table at her face; she went out, and in the hall words passed, when Mrs. B. struck her; a personal encounter ensued, and Mr. Holton, the defendant, coming out at the time, aseaulted her. Mus, Bantiotomew, a large lady, apparently past forty, being called for the defence, stated that she had heard of the complainant's having said things at the table which reflected upon her and members of her household; she asked an explanation, and words ensued; they went into the hall, “« tight” then ensued, and the boarders came out, crying “part them.” Mr. Holton came out und interfered; he came between the witness and Mrs. Thrall, pushing one down stairs and forcing one to go the other way, (up stairs.) After hearing the evidence thus far, the Court dis- charged the detendantsfrom custody, with this counsel, “Never get between two women when they are quarrel: ing.” Naval lI “I have learned that lesson,” said the prisoner, as he gence. U.S. Sine Decatur, left the bar, with a bow. African Squadron, Feb. 26, J849. i If you can find a spare corner in your paper for the following, you will much oblige a friend :— The Decetur sailed from Norfolk, for the Gulf of Mexico, in March, 1847, where she cruised con- stantly, until forced by yellow fever to retarn, in November, to Boston. She remained there until the 2d February, 1848, and was then ordered, having on board, with a few exceptions, the same efficers and men, to this station; the Hon. Sec tary of the Navy promising, that she should, like the frigate United States and sloop Marion, be em- ployed, a portion of her cruise, in the Mediterra- nean, end return home in eighteen months. We have been out more than a yeur, and so far trom @ fulfilment of the promise, it is well knowa Uhat we are to remain on this hateful coast until the latier part of 1319, and probably longer, The greater portion of our petty officers and seamen, numbering nearly sixty, of acrew of one hundred and eight men, will, in a few months, have been st three years. Task you, | my couatey, is it fair, is it just,"to keep these inen, who have served ears in the Gulf of Niexico, and on the coast of Africa, aguinst their will, whea, the ti for which they agreed to serve the government has expired? ‘The Hon retary, in his report, mikes: perticular mention of the long cruise of the frigate United States, Is the Decatur so small that he haa forgotten her? She has had a long cruise, and has never been to the Mediterranean! U, 8. sloop of war Deeatur was at Port Praya, on of Mareh, ail well, She was bound for the Ca- nary Islands, The U. 8. brig of war Bainbridge was alse at Port Praya, on the Sd of Mareh, all well, She was to sail shortly for the Const of Africa. ‘The U.S. sloops of Portsmouth and Yorktowg were on the Coast of Africa on the 2ist of February The U. 8. brig of war Porpoive was at the Cauary Teland station the latter part of February. On the Ist of May, Commander Montgomery is to have charge of the N. vy Yard, instead of Commander Cunningham. Lieut. Paytor ie to teke the place of The steamer Water Witeh is now ready , waiting orders, aud the beig Washi cgton, at- tached to the coast surve: in the course of two weeks, — Wa ill probably ea paper.