New Hampshire Statesman

Extract of a letter from Havana, via New-Orleans, dated, Jan. 27. 1823.

" I now beg leave to inform you, of an act of piracy, for I can call it by no better name, on board brig Packet, Capt Doughty, of Boston On Thursday evening, 24th inst. at 7 o'clock, the balls were drawn from the muskets, on board the brig, and the powder discharged over the quarter, which it seems, is contrary to the Port regulations, although it is customary to do it-and it was done that evening, on board of several vessels, lying in company at the wharf. After part of the muskets were below, the brig was boarded by a number of Soldiers or Robbers, headed by officers, I should suppose from 80 to 100, the decks were filled. Capt. Doughty, not being prepared for such an attack where he ought to be protected, immediately gave himself up a prisoner, to the officer, commanding this band. They beat him with their swords and muskets knocked him down several times. and bruised him in several places, and his mate and crew likewise, then lashed his arms behind his back, and dragged him away, beating him most shamefully, when thus a prisoner; and put him in stocks, in the jail-together with his mate and two seamen. Capt. Wilkinson, Commander of the U.S. brig Spark, hearing what had happened, sent a Lieut. to the Governor, and in one hour they were released from prison. When they arrived on board, they found the vessel plundered, of her arms, their clothing, cabin furniture,&c.&c. to the value of upwards of $200. On the 25th inst Capt. Wilkinson, in company with Capt. Doughty, waited upon the Gov. to seek redress, but could get none, excepting saying that he was sorry his officers and soldiers should commit such depredations, but he could not answer for their conduct. He returned two muskets. The others, together with our clothes, some money, and other articles are lost."