The brigantine Marten, belonging to the Hudson Bay Company came up yesterday afternoon from Tadousac, where she has wintered.-She is in ballast.

The following vessels were launched this morning:--
From Mr. Russell's yard, at Point Levi, the Sophia Moffatt, 550 tons burthen, new measurement. She is intended for the general trade between this and London, and will be commanded by Capt. Wade.
From Mr. Jas. Jeffry's yard-the Elizabeth.
From Mr. Nesbitt's do.-the Rosalinda.

Mr. Geo. Black will launch a new vessel to be called the Omega, at 5 o'clock this afternoon.

A new ferry steamer was launched at Point Levi, on St. George's day. She was called the St. George, and left for Montreal to-day in tow of the Canada, to receive her boilers.

The steamer Pocahontas, will leave tonight to proceed to the bark Jane, at St. Andre.

The steamer St. George returned this afternoon from laying down the buoys in the Traverse.

The Schooner Neptune arrived here on Thursday from Portneuf, with the materials saved from the wreck of the bark William, Hay, which has been condemned. Capt. Hay came up in the Neptune.

The hull of the bark Jane, 508 tons, wrecked at St. Andie, with her lower-masts and bowsprit, was sold yesterday morning for account of the underwriters, and brought £530. The materials brought up from the wreck were also sold at the same time, but we did not learn for what amount.

A beautiful bark of about 400 tons measurement, was launched from Mr. Lampson's yard on Wednesday afternoon.

The bark Zealous which sailed from Deal on 18^th March, with a general cargo for Quebec, put in at Portsmouth, from which port she only sailed on the 27th.

Captain Swinburn, of the ship Great Britain, arrived here yesterday morning, passed the ship St. Andrew, Captain Wylie, ashore on Red Island Reef, the previous day at noon. The steamer North America proceeded down to her assistance at one o'clock this afternoon, with a barge.

Captain McMaster, of the Rory O'More, reports having met with a great quantity of ice, and that on the 21^st ult., he struck into a field of it, off the Magdalen Islands, by which his vessel received considerable damage, and had to keep the pumps constantly going for two days.

The Rory O'More brought up six of the passengers of the St. Andrew, (Mr. Callam and lady, Mr. Archer and lady, and Messrs. Kennedy and Muir,) having taken them yesterday from on board a schooner. They say that when they left the St. Andrew she was making no water, and they hoped she would be got off next tide-three other passengers, Messrs. Dempster, Bald and Allan, remained on board.

Per "Erromanga," from Glasgow.-Messrs. Donald Geo. MacLellan, Charles Christie, William Ewart, Robert S. Miller, Colin C. Somervcille, Andrew Orr, Jas. Mollison, David A. Poe, Mrs. McKeggie, and two children; David Rankin, James Cockburn, and one steerage passenger.

Shipping Intelligence-May 7.

4 o'clock, P.M.-Nothing later from the St. Andrew.-Wind light from the north-east.

Capt. McGarry, of the bark Anne, arrived yesterday, reports that when he passed the St. Andrew, on Tuesday last, at 4, P.M. she was discharging into the steamer's barge alongside.

The vessels arrived last evening and this morning, report no other at hand.

A letter has been received here from Capt. Vignault, of the Schr. Indian Queen, which sailed hence on the morning of the 8^th April, for Halifax, in which he states that his vessel was ashore on the batures off Cocagne; that she was making a good deal of water, but had not been able to ascertain the extent of her damage. He expected to get her off by taking part of her cargo out.

The Caledonia spoke the ship Britannia, off Cape North, from Liverpool,-reports to have been in the ice four days.

The Caledonia also reports that when she passed Red Island one Tuesday morning last, at 7 o'clock, the steamer's barge was alongside the St. Andrew.

The Harvest, Wilkinson, from Sunderland, for Quebec, put back to Falmouth on the 4^th April, leaky, and bulwarks damaged.

The Somersetshire, Dempster, from London, received considerable damage, having been in contact with another vessel in coming out.

Spoken-William, from Poole to Quebec, 2^nd April, latitude 59, long. 12. Harriet, Scott, from Belfast to Quebec, 4^th April, lat. 49, long 17.

The steamship Great Western exchanged colours with the ship Glenswilly, from Liverpool for Quebec, on the 21^st April, in lat. 46 N., lon. 44 50 W. The Glenswilly sailed on the 2^nd April.

Halifax, April 23-Cleared-Schr. Prince of Wales, Eisan, herrings, oil, &c. Schr. Collector, Laroche, sugar and molasses; Schr. Velocity, Shelnut, herrings, oil, &c., all for Quebec. 20-Brig Swallow, Owen, for Canada, with sugar, coffee, &c.

Savanah, April 26-Cleared-Ship Arethusa, Kelly, for Quebec.

We are happy to see that the proprietors of the Steamboats running between Lachine and Kingston, have not only reduced the fares on that route, but have decided upon running their boats through from Lachine to Kingston without any intermediate change. The Highlander, Canada, and Gildersleeve, form the line-and we understand that the first named boat has already run down the Cedar and Cascades Rapids, and ascended by the Beauharnois Canal.-Courier.

Arrival of H.M. Ship Canopus.-H.M. Ship Canopus, 84 guns, Capt. Moresby, arrived at Halifax on Wednesday afternoon, the 22^nd ult., in 21 days from Jamaica, with the left wing of the 77^th Regiment, consisting of 6 officers, 196 non-commissioned officers and privates, 15 women and 26 children. They disembarked the following evening, and preceded by the band of the Regiment, marched into the citadel, where they were quartered until the left wing of the 43rd Regt. embarked in the same ship for England; when they united with the other portion of the Regiment now in south Barracks. The Canopus, though an old, is a splendid ship. She was one of the trophies won by Nelson at the memorable battle of the Nile.

The 43d Regiment embarked on the 24^th ult., and sailed the day following.-Quebec Mercury.

The weather still continues very dry-a favorable circumstance for those who have lumber in the Ottawa-for much that would compete with it in the Quebec market will be kept back.

Sir Robert Peel announced in the House of Commons, on the 8^th April, that a great revolution is taking place in Ireland by the introduction of meal made of Indian Corn; and that there has been created a new taste for a better and more generous kind of food; and from the testimony of workmen on railways, it has been discovered that men can work much longer, and are in much better health than when they subsisted on that watery food the potato. The prejudices against Indian Corn Meal, in all parts of Ireland, are giving way.

The steamer Alliance is stated to be aground about ten miles above Sorel,-the three vessels she had in tow are at anchor near her.

We learn from the Albany Citizen, that the stock of the Ogdensburgh and Champlain Rail Road is all taken up.
The same paper states that the Emigration to the United States this summer will reach 20,000
Three bales of raw silk from Ohio were shipped at New Orleans for Liverpool last month.

Capt. Williams of the brig Pembroke Castle, reports having lost a boy overboard on the 22^nd April, in lat. 45-N. Long. 56 30 W.

The following vessels leave this afternoon for Montreal, viz: St. Andrew and Pearl, in tow of the St. George-and the Lady Seaton, Laurel and Sarah, in tow of the Alliance.

The total number of arrivals from sea on the 11^th May last year, was 25. The number arrived this year is now 30.

Capt. Jump, of the bark Mahaica, arrived on Sunday reports that on the 28^th ult., at 5, A.M., St. Pierre, Newfld, bearing east by north distance 95 miles, passed a vessel of about 300 tons, water logged and dismasted-had a long name but could not make it out; fore and mainmasts gone about eight feet above the deck-lower part painted green-a piece of sail over the stump of the foremast, and a sail laying across the forecastle deck-the after part clean swept away-rudder gone-painted ports and no guard-board-cut-water gone, and end of bowsprit new sawn off close to the cap. Same day, at 1. P.M., bearing N.N.E. about 45 miles, a strong gale from W.N.W. exchanged signals with the bark Athole, standing to the south-west.

Despatch-The fine ship Albion, Capt. B. Allan, which arrived on the 24^th ult., with a general cargo for Montreal, returned her yesterday morning in tow of the steamer Alliance, fully laden, and will sail immediately for Glasgow.

Thursday, May 14, 1846.
The Quebec and Halifax Railway

It will be seen by our report of the proceedings in Parliament on Tuesday evening, that a message has been received from the head of the Government, recommending that a grant of money be made for defraying the expenses of a survey and estimate for the Halifax and Quebec line. We do not suppose there will be any objection to this as a mere preliminary step.

We also perceive another letter from mr. Young, in the Montreal Herald of yesterday, in which some of our M.P.P.'s are battered up in a manner that ought at least to render them converts. Certes the Halifax gentleman understands Sam Slick's art to admiration-"The intellectual breadth and spirit of lofty statesmanship" which the railway agent discovers in Mr. Draper-the "Sound talents and judgment of Messrs. Caron, Neilson, &c."-the "rising greatness" of Mr. Macdonald of Kingston, and a variety of other eulogistic facts cannot fail, we should say, to produce their effect, that is, if there be any virtue in "soft sauder." Whether it is likely to tell with the rest of the community is another thing. For ourselves, we confess that we think such consummate balderdash had better have been omitted, and the matter confined to a plain narration of facts. But all this is a matter of taste and de gustibus, &c. &c. &c.

The Fire In The Woods in this district have spread far and wide. We understand that at Malbaie and Riviere Ouelle, much damage has arisen from this cause; that some houses, &c., have been consumed. We were informed this morning, that at Cap de la Madefaine, near Three Rivers, two government mills have been burnt down. At St. Anne de la Perade and St. Feriot like disasters have taken place....

War between the United States and Mexico-Defeat of the Americans and perilous situation of their army.
We referred in the last Transcript to the unpromising aspect of affairs for the American army stationed on the Rio Grande. Since that time later accounts have been received, by which we learn that the Mexican commanders have succeeded in completely surrounding the American force, and hold them apparently at their mercy. A large party of cavalry have been entirely cut off-13 men with one officer killed, and forty-six taken prisoners. The movements of the Mexicans seem to have been conducted with excellent skill, whilst the conduct of the American Commander has all the appearance of presumption, rashness, and folly. The greatest alarm, as may be supposed, has been occasioned by this intelligence, and hurried preparations were going on to relieve General Taylor from his dangerous position. We are, however, of opinion that long before these supplies can reach the scene of action every American soldier will be a prisoner of war in the hands of the enemy.

The following are the particulars furnished by the papers.

We take the subjoined article from the Galveston News of the 24^th:--

LATER FROM THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION

The schooner L.M. Hitchcock, Captain Wright, arrived yesterday morning, having left Brassos St. Iago last Sunday. We are indebted for the following information to Col. March, who came on board the Hitchcock, having left the camp of Gen. Taylor on the 15^th inst.

Our former intelligence by the Hitchcock, in regard to the movement of the army to a position three or four miles below Matamoros, was materially incorrect. On the morning of the 10^th ult., when Gen. Taylor found himself exposed to the enemy's fire, with his right and left unprotected, in consequence of the peculiar bends of the river, he ordered one division of his army to take position in the bend above and the bend below the town, while with the main army he maintained his first position, where he still remains....

Capt. Allen, of the bark Amity, spoke the Baron of Bramber and ship Fisherman, off St. Paul's, on the 8^th instant, and was in company with 100 sail at the same time.-He reports a large fleet at hand.

Capt. Borrowdale, of the brig Amity, reports having lost a boy overboard on the 6^th April.

The sea going steamer St. George, left her last evening with provisions for the sufferers by the late fire in the Saguenay. She took down 300 barrels of flour, beef and pork furnished by Government, and 40 barrels of potatoes and seed wheat from the Catholic Bishop.

Capt. Duffill, of the bark Lady Seaton, reports that during the voyage he encountered very heavy from North to S.W. but the prevailing winds has been from W.S.W. to N.W. 10^th April lost fore-yard, split topsails, and fore-staysail during a heavy gale from N.N.W. 20^th April passed a quantity of square timber and deals, lat 44 N. lon 34 W. Crossed the grand Bank of Newfoundland in lat 42 N.-passed several ice bergs but no field of ice. 3^rd May took the ice at Cape Ray finding it impossible to get through came out again. 5^th instant took the ice again and in five hours forced the ship through it, found the ice very heavy.

The Swedish brig of war Carlscrona, when two days out from Havana, was caught in a squall, which turned her bottom upward, and immediately sunk. Melancholy to relate, out of a crew of 132 men only 17 saved. These were picked up in a state of nudity and nearly starved, off the spars of the vessel and pieces of wood, by the barque Swan, Captain Snell, arrived at Philadelphia on the evening of the 10^th instant.

Washington, Monday, May 11.
The Mexican War.
The excitement, in and out of Congress, in relation to the military operations in Texas, is very great, and is not likely to be diminished by any expected successes on the Rio Grande.

The movement from Corpus Christi to the Rio Grande was certainly inexplicable, unless it was intended to provoke a war with Mexico, whether she wished to fight or not; and to begin it by sacrificing General Taylor's command, with a view to goad the feelings of the people, and particularly of the West into a clamour for war.

The excitement in the West and South cannot be readily quelled.

The troops dispatched from Texas and Louisiana and other States will not be restrained, and such acts of aggression will be committed, on our side, as will render war inevitable, and cause it to be carried into the very heart of Mexico.

The United States will be put to any amount of expenses that the imprudent, reckless and irregular action of state Legislatures and state officers may involve.

It may be impossible now to check the hostile movement that has been begun.

How soon third parties may become involved in the conflict, it may be impossible to say; but it is by no means unlikely that Mexico acts in the hope, and perhaps with the promise of foreign assistance.

The President refused yesterday to intimate to any one his intentions in regard to this subject.

The committee on military affairs were in session nearly all day yesterday, (Sunday.)

The general opinion is that the Executive will, if supplied with means, order that the war be carried across the Rio Grande into Mexico.

It is scarcely probable that he could now prevent it even if disposed.

The bark A?relian, of and from Portsmouth, for Quebec, 16 days out, with loss of the heads of main and mizen-masts, carried away in a heavy squall, was spoken on the 24^th ult in lat. 46 55 lon. 30 by the ship Iowa, at New York.

War between Mexico and the United States
Another Defeat of the American Troops-Seventy Soldiers Killed and Taken Prisoners.

The information contained in the above heading reached New Orleans on the 9^th instant. It appears that on the 28^th ult., a Captain Walker with seventy Rangers left General Taylor's camp to reconnoitre and open a communication with Point Isabel, where the supplies for the army are placed, and which it is now quite certain are cut off. He had proceeded as far as about mid-way between Point Isabel and the camp, when an overwhelming Mexican force approached suddenly. A portion of his troops being raw recruits, he instructed them to keep on his right, and gave orders to the whole to retire under cover of the chapparel in view. But, instead of obeying his orders, his raw troops, panic struck, scattered in confusion. The Mexican troops advancing, completed the disorder, and finally the unfortunate commander forced his way with difficulty to Point Isabel with only two of his men....

Wind light from the north-east

From a letter in the Gazette we learn that a collision took place on the evening of the 18^th inst., in Lake St. Francis, between two of the mail steamboats, the Canada, and Gildersleeve by which the starboard wheel and the Captain's cabin on one side, and the bar-room on the other were destroyed. The passengers were uninjured.

A rowing match for a sweepstakes came off on Saturday evening, under the direction of the Montreal Regatta Club. The distance was 1¼ mile. Three boats started, and after a good contest, the "Queen" came in winner. Time, 9m., 28 sec.

Harbour Works.
The Commissioners for the Improvement and Enlargement of the Harbour of Montreal, will receive tenders till Saturday next the 30^th instant, at Ten o'clock A.M., for the Construction of Five New Shafts, for carrying off the surface water, running along the Revetment Wall, each Shaft to be 9 feet deep, by 18 inches in diameter, to be connected with the main Drains under the Road, by 18 inch Barrel Brick Drains, with the necessary Copings and Iron Gratings. Plans and Specifications of which may be seen at their Office (in Mullins' Buildings.)
By order,
John T. Badgley,
Secretary.
Harbour Commissioners' Office,
Commissioners Street
May 26, 1844. (Please note that this appeared in a paper of May of 1846 not 1844)

In the House of Representative a Bill from the Committee of Commerce allowing a drawback on Merchandize imported into the United States from the British North American Provinces, to be exported to foreign countries, was read the third time and passed.

The Bill from the Senate respecting the Act which limits the seamen in the service of the United States, to 7,500 men, was carried through its last stage, previous to receiving the sanction of the President.

Nearly twenty millions of dollars have already been voted to carry on the aggressive war against Mexico.

Vessels Spokes-April 9-Bark Grace, Darling, from Dublin, to Miramichi, out 12 days, lat 47 11 N. long,. 23 0 W.,-same day-Bark Clyde, of St. John (N.B.) Bound East. 23d.-saw a ship demasted. 24^th-Ship Ions?, from Liverpool to New York, out 11 days, lat. 46 50 N, long. 29 30 W. By the bark Aurelian, Brown, at this Port Capt. B. also reports that his vessel struck the ice in lat. 46 55 W., long. 60 0 W., and damaged the sheathing.

The bridge over the Grand River at Paris, C.W., has been accidentally destroyed by fire.

The 81^st Regiment is to be stationed at Kingston, and the 82d at London.

The Burnhepesides?, from London to Montreal, expected shortly, is said to be freighted with 250 32-pounders, shot, shell and powder, for this Colony.