The Newport Gazette

SMYRNA, July 29.

THE following event happened here. A bark, commanded by the Chevalier de Villagie, anchored in this port. The sailors got into a quarrel with some Venetian Zuanes, and about twenty fellows of the same nation were left in that place: from words they came to blows, but the presence of the Chevalier de Villagie, and the soldiers sent by the Messieurs put an end to the dispute for that time. The Chevalier de Villagie having complained to the Venetian consul, and not obtaining satisfaction, it is said he ordered his men to fire upon the Venetians, if they renewed the quarrel. Whether this order was given or not, the dispute springing up again between the same parties, the French fired, which being returned, a desperate battle ensued, as they had got some pieces of cannon; five or six were killed, and many wounded; among the latter were some Greeks, who were only peacemakers. This affair has alarmed the town very much, and particularly the Turks; luckily the latter had all gone to their quarters, as it was evening; for if by accident any one of them had been wounded, things would have been carried much further. The French and Venetian Consuls, at last put an end to the dispute, but the Cadi and Mufti require satisfaction, on account of some Rayas being wounded, and have demanded the Venetian Zuanes to be delivered up, which the Consul refused; some men were sent to seize them, but they made their escape on board the Venetian ship. In the mean time the Cadi and Mufti are far from being satisfied, and threaten to send an account of this event to the Porte, and it is imagined nothing but a sum of money will be able to make them up. It is since reported, that the Chevalier de Villagie did not order his men to fire, but that they only said so to excuse their proceedings.