Herald Of The Times

A gentleman of the city of New-York, now on a tour through Europe, in a letter to his friend, gives the following account of the expedition recently fitted out at Toulon, which place he visited in May.

"On arriving at Toulon, we found the place crowded with soldiers, horses, and every thing you can think of for the expedition to Algiers, the port crowded with transports and vessels of war, say 500 of the former and 150 of the latter; we were so fortunate as to get a room on the quay commanding a view of the whole. Mr. R-- and myself knowing that we could not get permission to enter the Arsenal, thought we would make the attempt to pass unnoticed, walked boldly past the guard who mistook us for persons employed. We had our travelling dress on, my French cap gives me something of a French air--we made quite a survey of the Arsenal, there are six beautiful ships of the line building, they are sharp on the floor, ours I believe are flat amidships--the rafts for landing the troops at Algiers are to be floated by casks. We also saw the galley slaves with their chains, about 2000 are employed in this place.--The next morning we took a boat, sailed round amongst the ships in the outer harbor, which is very excellent; most of the transports are Neapolitan and French, a few Sardinian; they get 13 fr. per ton a month, the owner victuals and mans. I tour at the moment would have paid handsomely. Large sales at 42 fr. per bbl. American. The ships of war are very handsome and appear in fine order; we saw six regiments, about 7000 men, embark; it was done with great regularity, and very quick; it rained hard the whole time, the poor soldiers were drenched; about 40,000 sail with the expedition, of which 3000 are cavalry. A large body will be encamped near Toulon ready in case of need; Frenchmen, however, speak of the capture of Algiers as certain; arrangements are made to hold possession of it two or three years, to destroy all the ports on the sea side; should they be fortunate in weather to land, there is no reason to doubt their success. The soldiers are all young, from 18 to 22--the commanding General, Bourmont, is unpopular because he deserted Napoleon. From all I could learn, I have no doubt the vessels got under way to day--In ten days we shall have reports of their doings. Toulon appears impregnable, by sea and land. The cost of this grand expedition is immense, not less than 100,000,000 frs.; every possible provision is made to ensure success and for the health of the men; how formidable and imposing it appears compared with the few ships sent to Algiers by the U. States!"