The first division of Don PEDRO'S expeditionary fleet sailed for
Terceira on the leth, with a fair wind. A letter in last night's Courier gives an interesting and curious account of the expedition.
It says- " Our flag ship, Is Reynha de Portugal, Vice-Admiral Sartorius and Captain Bertrand, as well as our next in rate, the Donna Maria Seconda (lately the Asia); are in a state of admirable discipline. The Perla and Terceira are in the like good order. We have now 1,400 British sailors, having lost but one by sickness since our arrival here. The land force, which is likewise wholly British, amounts as yet to but 600, chiefly old soldiers. Captain Hodges.com- mands them with the rank of Colonel. Major Williams is his second. Nothing can equal the delight with which I contemplate this little corps, which, in re- gard of officers and non-eommissioned officers, is composed of the most zealous, - enterprising., and intelligent persons. We shall receive an addition of 400. British soldiers at Terceira, where a battalion of 450 Portuguese will likewise be incorporated with it, under the orders of Colonel Hodges. This latter force is officered from the first families in Portugal."
It appears that the officers have been called on to swear fidelity. to DONNA MARIA. the Second, or the Regency acting in her name, and obedience to the Constitutional Charter given by Don PEDRO. The Emperor is extremely popular with the fleet, and his frank and manly manifesto is spoken of in terms of highest praise.
