FROM THE

minutes, when the earth began to shake again for 50 seconds, though not so severely as before. At 4 minutes before- 11 o'clock, another slight vibration; and, as

INTERESTING INTELLIGENCE

BRITISH SETTLEMENTS IN INDIA. the clock was striking slowly 11 o'clock,

CEYLON.

NEW FORT ERECTED, AND IMPROVEMENTS

MAKING.

Colombo, 6th October, 1813.

His Excellency the Governor, with Mrs. Browning and Suite arrived at Rallitoopane on the afternoon of the 27th ultimo. At sun-rise the following morning, His Excellency laid the first stone of a small Fort erecting there, both as a protection to a most extensive and valuable Leeway, where Salt forms naturally in great abundance, and as the commencement of a chain of military posts which are to connect Trincomale with Colombo, by the southern route.

The situation of the new Fort, is, we understand, admirably selected, and a colony of Malays has already been settled in its neighbourhood.

The Mahagampatoo, now an almost uninhabited waste, was once a flourishing and populous district, as its numerous ruined Tanks, and other remains of former cultivation testify.

two more. At 7 minutes past eleven, a most violent concussion and undulation commenced on a sudden; and lasted, think, fully a minute and a half, if not two minutes. The men-servants now ran up and requested us to quit the house with the children; which we did, but soon returned into the verandah. At 20 minutes past 11, we had another sudden and very alarming shock, which hurried us again out of the house. Some wall shades were thrown down and broken, and oil was spilled from nearly all of them; candlesticks tottered on the table, books were thrown out of their shelves, plastering fell from the ceilings, walls, &c. In short I do solemnly assure you, that the motion of these two shocks (especially of that at 7 minutes past 11,) was like nothing so much as that of a ship rolling in a sea, occa sioned by a sudden squall. I thought it impossible that the house should keep to gether; and I am sure, from the cracking of the beams and frame work of the roof, that it must have sustained injury, though not immediately perceptible. The next high wind, or heavy fall of rain, will point out the places where repairs are become

The measures now adopting by his Ex-necessary. sellency the Governor for its improvement, will we hope, in the course of years, restore it to its pristine state.

BENCOOLEN. EARTHQUAKES, THEIR PROGRESS, AND

EFFECTS.

"At 5 minutes before 12, we had another momentary abrupt shock, as if some heavy carriage had run against the house. There were three or four slight vibrations be tween that last mentioned, and another smart shock at about 20 minutes past one o'clock A. M. At 10 o'clock this forenoon, another slight shock was sensibly "Fort Marlborough ; July 11th, 1813. felt. Soon after gun-fire I rose to take my "In one of my latest letters I mentioned usual ride, and found the air piercingly an Earthquake, which we had expe- cold, which continued so until the sun had rienced on the 26th ultimo. On the 5th got a good way above the horizon. On instant, at 10 at night, we had another; approaching Mount Felix House (where but that of which I am about to give you an end was put to poor Mr. Parr's mortal an account, is a phenomenon of a very dif- career) by what we call the long road, I ferent kind, and not to be treated lightly. saw that some of the pillars of the gate Earthquakes, and those tolerably severe, ways were completely thrown out of their are not unknown to us; but such as asto-perpendicular, being cracked in every nished us during many hours of last night, are certainly alarming and very awful visitations. It had been a close, sultry evening. About 25 minutes past 10 P. M. the house began to shake gently, but the motion increased in force for more than a minute, ending in three distinct shocks, lasting about 12 seconds each, with intervals of stillness, for as many seconds, between each shock; the last was very severe. There was then a cessation for 6

part, and having lost the large balls which ornamented their tops. A large portion of the front of the house itself had fallen down, and a parcel of bricks, here and there, from other places; the whole building being cracked in several directions, from top to bottom. On returning home, by what is called the short road, I found that the Bund or causeway, solidly constructed, many years ago, of fragments of coral, broken bricks, &c. for the purpose

HISTORY OF LATE DISCOVERIES IN THE
INTERIOR OF THE VAST COUNTRY OF
NEW HOLLAND.

.....

.....

GOVERNMENT ORDER.

Government House, Sydney, 12th February, 1814.

It having been long deemed an ob ject of great importance by his Excellency the Governor to ascertain what resources this Colony might possess in the luterior, beyond its present known and circumscribed limits, with a view to meet the ne

of connecting one hill with another, across | violent Earthquake was experienced about a ravine, (which road forms part of our 40 years ago, soon after night-fall-one daily afternoon drive,) was much cracked whole, and very populous Donsoon (town) and partly sunk in the middle. Mount was completely laid in ruins, although Felix is about three miles from Fort Mari- none (or only one or two) of the houses borough. The new Government-House, had any masonry at all about them.-The (which is the former Council House en- houses, therefore, might soon have been larged.) only inhabited since June, or reconstructed; but, as nearly the whole of July, 1812, is cracked in several places, them had lamps burning in them, (for some wall shades are broken, and plas- the people had not retired to rest,) the tering has fallen down. All houses sub- entire heap took fire, and was reduced to stantially built have suffered more or less; ashes, with all the property lying beneath. those which are only raised on pillars This would have formed a striking subject of masonry, and with walls of noggan for the skilful pencil of any artist, who work (I think it is called,) are best suited could have abstracted his mind from the for countries subject to Earthquakes, and scene of misery thus suddenly exhibited." the generality of houses here are of this kind. I believe, it is no unusual sensation after such occurrences,-but I can still scarcely persuade myself that I do not rock about a little, now and then. Such Earthquakes as this, have been felt at Padang on this coast, but I cannot learn that any thing equal to it has been experienced here before,—at least, not in the memory of any person now residing here. "On the 12th of February, 1797, a phenomenon of this sort occurred at Padang, but was more serious in its effects, of which I have the following short account. The concussions of the Earthquake continned about three hours at intervals, the lives lost by the fall of buildings, the irrup-cessary demands of its rapidly encreasing tion and reflux of the sea, and the chasmus which opened in the earth, were computed at S00. A Snow at anchor off the town, was carried by the rising of the sea, about three miles inland; the greatest part of the private buildings were destroyed.' Fortunately, the sea did not break in upon us here, but the surf roared furiously. On the 21st of November, 1807, the sea rose suddenly at Padang, and continued to rise and fall alarmingly, till 9 at night of the 23d, when a violent concussion was felt, after which, the waters subsided. At half past 8 P. M. of the 1st of December following, two more severe shocks were experienced, but no inundation seems then to have taken place. All here will long remember the night of the 10th of July, 1813. Amongst the mountains lying behind the settlement, is a volcano, which is almost always seen smoking, but, I believe, has never been observed to emit flames. I am told, that no smoke has been seen to issue from this volcano for some time past; so that we may naturally conclude, the repetition and violence of Earthquakes lately, have been occasioned by the closing up, temporarily, of the ducts, by which the sulphureous matter usually finds vent. In those districts (Manna) an extremely

population; and the great importance of the discovery of new tracts of good soil being much enhanced by the consideration of the long continued droughts of the present season, so injurious in their effects to every class of the community in the Colouy, His Excellency was pleased some time since, to equip a party of men, under the direction of Mr. George William Evans, one of the Assistant Land Surveyors, (in whose zeal and abilities for such an undertaking he had well founded reason to confide), and to furnish him with written instructions for his guidance in endeavouring to discover a passage over the Blue Mountains, and ascertaining the quality and general properties of the soil he should meet with to the westward of them.

This object having been happily effected, and Mr. Evans returned with his entire party all in good health, the Governor is pleased to direct, that the following summary of his tour of discovery, extracted from his own Journal, shall be published for general information.

Mr. Evans, attended by five men, selected for their general knowledge of the Country, and habituated to such difficulties as might be expected to occur, was

supplied with horses, arms, and ammuni- | 40 miles, by other hills. The general destion, and a plentiful store of provisions for cription of these heretofore unexplored a two months' tour. His instructions were, regions, given by Mr. Evans, is, that they that he should commence the ascent of very far surpass in beauty and fertility of the Blue Mountains, from the extremity of soil any he has seen in New South Wales the present known country at Emu Island, or Van Diemen's Land. distant about thirty-six miles from Sydney, In consideration of the importance of and thence proceed in as nearly a west these discoveries, and calculating upon the direction as the nature of the country he effect they may have on the future proshad to explore would admit, and to conti-perity of this Colony, His Excellency the nue his journey as far as his means would enable him.

On Saturday, the 20th of November last, the party proceeded from Emu Island, and on the 5th day, having then effected their passage over the Mountains, arrived at the commencement of a valley on the western side of them, having passed over several tracts of tolerably good soil, but also over much rugged and very difficult mountain; proceeding through this valley, which Mr. Evans describes as beautiful and fertile, with a rapid stream running through it, he arrived at the termination of the tour lately made by Messrs. G. Blaxland, W. C. Wentworth, and Lieutenant Lawson.Continuing in the western direction prescribed in his instructions, for the course of 21 days from this station, Mr. Evans then found it necessary to return, and on the 8th of January he arrived back at Emu Island after an excursion of seven complete | weeks. During the course of this tour, Mr. Evans passed over several plains of great extent, interspersed with hills and vallies, abounding in the richest soil, and with various streams of water and chains of ponds. The country he traversed measured 98 miles beyond the termination of Messrs. Blaxland, Wentworth, and Lawson's tour, and not less than 150 from Emu Island. The greater part of these plaius are described as being nearly free of timber and brushwood, and in capacity equal (in Mr. Evans's opinion) to every demand which this Colony may have for an extension of tillage and pasture lands for a century to come. The stream already mentioned continues its course in a westerly direction, and for several miles, passing through vallies, with many and great accessions of other streams, becomes a capacious and beautiful river, abounding in fish of very large size and fine flavour, many of

Governor is pleased to announce his intention of presenting Mr. Evans with a grant of 1000 acres of land in Van Diemen's Land, where he is to be stationed as Deputy Surveyor: and further to make him a pecuniary reward from the Colonial Fund, in acknowledgment of his diligent and active services on this occasion.

His Excellency also means to make a pecuniary reward to the two free men who accompanied Mr. Evans, and a grant of land to each of them. To the three couvicts who also assisted in this excursion, the Governor means to grant conditional pardons, and a small portion of land to each of them, these men having performed the services required of them entirely to the satisfaction of Mr. Evans.

The Governor is happy to embrace this opportunity of conveying his acknowledgmeuts to Gregory Blaxland and William Charles Wentworth, Esquires, and Lieutenant William Lawson, of the Royal Veteran Company, for their enterprising and arduous exertions on the tour of discovery which they voluntarily performed in the month of May last, when they effected a passage over the Blue Mountains, and proceeded to the extremity of the first Valley, particularly alluded to in Mr. Evans's tour, they being the first Europeans who had accomplished the passage over the Blue Mountains. The Governor, desirous to confer on these gentlemen substantial marks of his sense of their meritorious exertions on this occasion, means to present each of them with a grant of 1000 acres of land in this newly discovered | Country.

By Command of his Excellency
The Governor.
J. T. Campbell, Secretary.

which weighed not less than 15lbs. This SKETCH OF A TOUR, ON DISCOVERY AMONG

river is supposed to empty itself into the Ocean on the western side of New South Wales, at a distance of from 2 to 300 miles from the termination of the tour.-From the summits of some very high hills, Mr. Evans saw a vast extent of flat country lying in a westerly direction, which appeared to be bounded at a distance of about

THE MOUNTAINS, WEST OF SIDNEY, IN
NEW SOUTH WALES, AS REPORTED OFFI-
CIALLY BY MR. EVANS.

The track over the Mountains is on one continued ridge, with ravines on each side, forming immense precipices; they appear as bluti's of land at sea, projecting one before the other. The journey over them

The most remarkable circumstance during my journey, was, my suddenly coming upon two native women and four children, whose terror and surprize ex

they fell down before me; and it was some considerable time before they would venture to look up; at length, somewhat appeased, they took a tomahawk each, some fish hooks, and twine, which I offered them, and ran away; never once daring to look behind them. Both women had the right eye destroyed, as if purposely. I saw no men; but, I have reason to think, from the many distant columns of smoke I occasionally beheld, that the inhabitants were numerous; besides, I frequently came upon their deserted camp grounds.

1 collected several specimens of minerals, which I had the honour of presenting to his Excellency Governor Macquarrie.

On the 10th January, 1814, I arrived back at the Hawkesbury settlement, after an absence of seven weeks. G. W. EVANS, Deputy Surveyor, Van Diemen's Land. Sydney, New South Wales, March 20th, 1814.

was exceedingly fatiguing; as the ridgways | park, with enclosures and laid out grounds. were very barren, and much incumbered Occasionally, I surprized flocks of Emu, with underwood, and trees of various deno- geese, and kangaroos; also numerous wild mination and growth. In places there is ducks. sufficient water and herbage for cattle. I think twelve men in three months would make a good road, and render it so passable, that carts might be driven in safety to the newly discovered country, which Iceeded all belief; violently trembling, named Westmoreland. On my descent I came upon a stream that emptied itself into the Nepean. At 7 miles further, the hills were exceedingly steep, which much impeded my travelling; but, by perseverance, 1 found a tolerably safe and easy passage to the main range of them, which commences about a mile to the eastward of a mount called "Mount Blaxland": this part is pleasing to the eye, and there is fine sheep pasture. I travelled along the range 12 miles: which carried me down to a good run of water; following its stream I was gratified in finding it led me the course I wished. From numerous rivulets falling into it, it increased in size, winding, till it formed a more considerable river, which from the quantity of fish we caught, 1 named "Fish River": These were remarkably fine, and of one species, resembling a salmon trout, weighing from 5 to 15lbs.: the avidity with which they seized the bait was such, as to surprize me beyond measure. I traced this river 35 miles, continually in a westwardly direction; till I came upon a stream which I named "Campbell's River": this I was compelled to traverse some miles, before I could find a fordable passage; and at length, was obliged to have recourse to a temporary bridge. The rapidity with which this river runs from the south-eastward, leaves no doubt but that it takes its rise in some distant lofty mountains ined us, on the kindling of that blaze which that direction. At the junction of it with the "Fish River," I found the latter extend so as to be worthy of a more distinguished title; and thence named it Macquarrie's River." Further onward, I passed a high sterile hill, covered with pines, rising out of immense rocks, which appeared to be the only barren spot, since leaving the mountains, from the period of coming first upou the Fish stream, till the termination of my survey, fifty miles further down "Macquarrie's River." The whole country may be truly called picturesque and beautiful; chiefly abounding in fertile plains, the richness of whose soil and verdure cannot be exceeded: no parts of Van Diemen's Land, or of New South Wales, that I have seen, in my opinion bear a comparison with it; the trees are thin and light, here and there, giving the appearance of a

PARTICULARS OF

THE REBELLION IN CHINA. Confucius said, “It has never been the case, that while the Rulers delighted in benevolence

and virtue, the people ceased to delight in obedience and justice.”

In some of our former volumes we reported such intelligence as had then reach

has since burst out into open violence in the very Palace of the Emperor of China, himself. It has been hinted that this, though so very distant from Europe, is one of the branches of that revolutionary system which had brought the communities of this quarter of the globe to the very brink of dissolution. How true that may be we know not; but we know that the mischief was widely spread, and the intention of mischief, much more widely than the act. So long ago as Lord Macartney's Voyage to China, it was strongly suspected that the court was aware of a something then latent among the people, which induced it to decline more familiar intercourse with Euro