Alexandria Gazette & Advertiser

INTERESTING FROM HAVANA.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR.
HAVANA, JULY 23, 1822.

You have no doubt heard of different parties, (political) existing here, and perhaps were led to conclude that confusion and anarchy would soon take place.--

Since my arrival I have made it my business to look into the intentions and views of the contending parties: and find this to be the result:--A party composed principally of European Spaniards was opposed to the nomination of His Excellency Gov. Mahy, as the Capt. General, while at the same time each of them was crying "Viva la Constitution," and professing themselves firm supporters of the present government of Spain. The other party consisted of the Natives of the Island, who became firmly attached to Gov. Mahy, and were determined to support him in all his measures. It was necessary for the Governor to attach himself to one party, and of course he took the side with the Natives; this caused many of the European party (which, by the bye, was the strongest at first) to come over, and the party of the Natives gained the ascendency, and I think will keep it. I cannot distinguish these parties by any peculiar name, as the members of both are decidedly in favor of the constitution.

The death of the captain General, which occurred on the 19th inst. is an event deeply regretted by the Spaniards, and all good men. He was acknowledged to have been the man most fit to govern here; the laurels he gained in the actions in the Peninsula, won the adoration of the military; and his wisdom in the Cabinet, the admiration of the politician. Possessing in a considerable degree, the suaviter in modo, et fortiter in re, he became the idol of the majority of the people, who saw that the welfare of the Island was his polar star. No wonder then that the City Council caused, at the public expense, every preparation to be made which might contribute to the respect of his memory.

His body was embalmed on the night of his death, and removed to the City Hall, where it lay in state for three days. The character of the man, united with the novelty of the sight, drew thousands to view their late Captain General, who even in death wore the same placid countenance they had so often beheld with delight.-- from the 19th, the day of his death, until the 22d, that of his burial half hour guns were fired from the different Castles, and the bells of the different churches alternately tolled.

On Monday the different Regiments of the Regulars, and large detachments of the local Militia were under arms, and formed on each side of the following streets: from the government House along Mercaderes street, turning to the right into Obrapia as far as the Church of St. Philip, thence down Aguira street to the Hospital of St. John, and turning to the right down to the Cathedral, forming a passage through which the procession was to move; in front of the Cathedral detachments of troops were posted, flanked by Dragoons. The procession moved from the Government House in the following order:

A company of Flying Artillery and six companies of Grenadiers, in columns.

The four Chargers of the General's covered with black cloth, with the arms of the family embroidered thereon, from which hung yellow and red ribbons; large red plumes decorated their heads, and their hoofs were covered with scarlet cloth; these were led by four servants in livery.

A great number of Friars of the orders of St. Domingo, St. Francisco, and Capuchins, hearing the crosses of the different parishes:

The Clergy--the venerable Bishop with his train borne by two youths.

The body, exposed to view, dressed in the uniform of the Lancers, with the sashes of the order of Charles-III. and St. Fernando, and decorated with his various crosses, carried in state: the bier covered with black satin richly trimmed with silver lace, six large black cords with silver tassels hanging from the sides, which were held by six persons of distinction as pall-bearers.

About forty Lacquies dressed in black under clothes and embroidered red coats, bearing large wax tapers in their hands.

The State Coach covered entirely with black cloth, drawn by two black horses covered also with black cloth, with the same decorations as the chargers.

After these the Body Guards of His Excellency.

After the state coach and guards were his Excellency Gen. Kinderland the capt. General pro. tem. and the Intendant of the place.

Then followed the higher Civil, Military and Naval Officers--the Nobility in embroidered clothes--Judges, Lawyers and Physicians in their robes--Officers of the army and Navy, of Inferior grade--an immense number of private gentlemen--a company of Dragoons, and the company of Volunteer Lancers closing the grand column.

In this manner the procession moved along the streets above named, stopping at different places where certain ceremonies were performed, until it reached the Cathedral. Upon the body entering the Cathedral a volley of small arms, and several rounds from the Artillery were fired. During the ceremony a second discharge, and at the close a third was fired. The body was then taken to the burial ground, about a mile from town, escorted by detachments of Cavalry and artillery, and accompanied by the different corporations, nobility, gentry, and an immense concourse of persons of all classes, colours & denominations: upon reaching the cemetery it was placed in a leaden coffin and laid in a vault destined for all Governors of the Island.

This being certainly a novelty to me, I was drawn among the crowd to view the pomp and parade of a monarchy, drawn even to this side of the Atlantic; and the foregoing is from notes on the occasion.

I of course went to see the old man lying in state, and could not but contrast Republican simplicity with Monarchical parade. I suppose not less than thirty thousand people went to view the body. I doubt if there was a man, woman or child in the city or suburbs but what took a peep at him: I was in the room with about five hundred of all colours and descriptions, from the peer to the shoe-black: and these crowds were kept up from sun rise until after 10 o'clock at night.

Upon Gov. Mahy's being taken ill he conceived it proper that a governor pro tem. should be appointed, and as there was a difference of opinion, whether the supreme authority should be vested in the Lieut. Governor Kinderland, or in the Intendant Perrillas, or whether the military authority should be vested in the former, and the civil in the latter person, he called upon the Provincial Deputies to decide, and they unanimously agreed that Governor Kinderland should take the command.

This venerable man has therefore again upon his shoulders the care of the State, and from the love in which he is held by his countrymen, and the honorable manner in which he filled the office of Governor of Florida, and several places on this Island, there is no doubt but that under his command peace will continue and the welfare of the country increase. His talents are highly spoken of both in the field and cabinet, and his manners very engaging. I was much pleased with him on being introduced--his countenance is placid, his person tall and thin, and his hair grey; he is about 65 years of age.

The city is and has been for some time very sickly, and the number of deaths very great.

The Macedonian arrived here a few days since from St. Domingo, having lost since she left here forty five of her crew, and among them the doctor, and has now upon the sick list upwards of sixty. This morning midshipmen Emmett and Hossack were buried from her, and it is feared some other officers will very soon follow them.

Among the shipping in the harbor the fever has raged; and many a poor sailor carried to his strict account.

Business is very dull--no kinds of goods are wanted, the market is glutted, while the produce of the place keeps up at high prices.

No vessels here bound for Charleston, or belonging to that port. The Neptune's Barge, if not sold, may sail for Charleston in 8 or 10 days.

July 24th.--The Macedonian sailed this morning for the United States. It is not presumed that her crew got sick from being at Havana, but from her having, after a two years voyage in the Pacific, returned home without cleansing out. It must be recollected also, that she took in provisions and sailed in three weeks, and that she had been at the Island of St. Domingo.

Prices--Sugars, Musc. 4 a 4 1/2, browns 3 1/4 a 4 1/4: whites, 6 1/4 & 7 1/4; molasses 6 bits: Coffee, 23, Dollars 3 1/4 a 4 per cent- pr. Doubloons $13 1/2.

Charleston City Gaz.