Gazette Of The United States

Extract of a letter dated Cape-Francois, 24th January, 1792, to a respectable house in this city, received by the brig Pratt, Capt. Florence.

"Referring to a few lines I wrote you two weeks ago, by way of Baltimore, I have now to add, that prospects here, in almost every respect, are daily growing more distressing: the troops expected from France have not yet arrived, and the people are almost ready to doubt their coming,

"I am truly sorry that I, as well as many others, have been too sanguine in my expectations, respecting matters being accommodated with the Blacks, because I am fearful it may have induced you to adventure property to this port sooner than you would otherwise have done. The treaty with them is entirely laid aside, and they have again began depredations with additional vigour. Last week the Blacks revolted in the neighbourhood of Fort Dauphin, and immediately put to death all the troops, say from 40 to 50, that were stationed at a village about four leagues from that post, and have destroyed all the plantations in that quarter, except a very few adjoining the town. Two nights ago we were exceedingly alarmed at this place by a severe attack on the out posts of this town, by the Blacks, who succeeded in getting possession of one of the small forts, when they turned the guns on the town; but fortunately it was again retaken by a party of regular troops. Last night this town was again alarmed by small parties of Blacks, but were soon repulsed."

Extract of a letter from Cape Francois, dated January 23, 1792, received per brig Pratt, Capt. Florence.

"The drums beating to arms last night was occasioned by the negroes wading through the river, and surprising a small fort at the hospital, which they took, and fired several shot into the town; several whites were killed, and seven negroes taken prisoners, six of whom were hanged about 12 hours after, and one brutally mangled by breaking his arms and legs, made fast to a cross, and there left to die."