Gazette Of The United States

LONDON, June 7.

Extract of a letter from Naples, April 22.

On the 4th inst. early in the morning, a fire broke out in the Ruggiero, a 74 gun ship belonging to the royal navy, in the port of Castellamare; as soon as the fire was discovered at Naples, all the workmen at the arsenal, without having received any orders, went on horseback and in carriages to contribute their assistance. It is remarkable to their honor, that this was Easter time, when the workmen generally choose to spend their time with their wives and families.

The fire, in spite of every resistance, almost consumed the above ship to the water's edge, and had communicated to another vessel laden with corn, and from that to another of the King's ships of 75 guns. In the midst of this consternation, and when the whole dock yard was in danger, a young workman of the arsenal of Castellamare, observed that sufficient assistance was not given to the second vessel on fire; with amazing courage and spirit he threw himself into the sea, and swam to the ship, stripped himself in the midst of the flames, and tried to extinguish them. His example inspired his companions with courage, and by their spirited efforts, all the ships in the harbor, except the Ruggiero and the corn vessel, were saved. The king, when informed of the zeal and bravery of those men, ordered that all those who had come at their own expense to Castellamare, should be recompensed, especially the young man who had so bravely hazarded his life; but not one man would accept of the recompense; refusing it in the handsomest terms.

The Neapolitans have voted a gratuity to the king of 2,250,000, and the Sicilians 900,000 livres tournois, to make up the loss the marine has suffered by the destruction of the Ruggiero. The king has ordered General d'Acton to express his satisfaction with this mark of their loyalty and affection.