WAR PREPARATIONS.
Throughout the week the greatest exertions have been made to put the first division of the Baltic fleet in readiness for *sea; the mild weather and the reports of the approaching break-up of the ice hastening the great activity of our naval establishments. Admiral Chads has exercised the men at great-gunnery practice. One day a collier got within the range, and was struck by a round shot. On Wednesday, signal was made by the Port Admiral's flag-ship, Victory, to Sir Charles Napier's fleet at Spithead and in harbour, Prepare for sea." This was followed imme- diately afterwards by "Be prepared to sail at the shortest notice."
On Thursday, the Artillery force destined for service in the East con- sisting of twenty-four guns, 1085 officers and men, and 929 horses, under Colonel Cator, was minutely inspected by Prince Albert, accom- panied by the Duke of Cambridge and Lord Raglan. Woolwich Com- mon was crowded with spectators. The equipment of men and horses is described as admirable ; everything being new and of the first order. Experienced officers were heard to say that they never saw such fine ser- viceable horses.
The Morning Chronicle states that a second expeditionary force of Ar- tillery, under command of Lieutenant Strangways, will embark very shortly after the first detachment : sixty-two pieces of ordnance, of va- vious calibre, ranging from twelve to twenty-four pounders, are to be sent out to the East to be employed en position.
The Sappers and Miners intended for service in Turkey embarked on Thursday, from Woolwich. Two officers, a sergeant, and nineteen rank and file, go out in the Duke of Wellington for service in the Baltic. It is also stated that two brigades of infantry will accompany the fleet.
Transport ships are fitting out for conveying the cavalry. The Ad- miralty has given notice at Lloyds, that eight more ships will be required for conveying cavalry and troops to Malta : they will be engaged for four months certain.
The Ripon and the Orinoco have arrived at Malta, after a capital passage. On their way out, the men exercised with the Minie rifle, and the officers with revolvers, at a target hanging from one of the yards. The Ripon passed a French man-of-war, and the crew cheered the Guards in passing.
Prince Albert has suggested the use of a greatcoat by the officers, the same colour as that worn by the men of the Guards ; as the blue cloak is a mark for rifles. This coat has great advantages over the blue cloak.
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