Alexandria Advertiser And Commercial Intelligencer

Copy of a letter from captain Mases Griffing, dated New-Providence, January 15, 1801.

Yesterday I wrote you by the brig Nancy, bound to North Carolina, but fearing the letter may not come to hand, I inform you by this opportunity, that I was brought to, off Abaco bay, the Hole in the Wall, on Saturday the 11th inst. by a privateer called the Nancy, Robert Hutchinson, master, and detained until Tuesday the 14th then sent in for adjudication, yesterday protested and was examined, but have not as yet learned upon what principle they have brought me in here, rumor says that the shippers are Frenchmen, and the cargo will be libelled as French property; again, they say that the bale goods are Spanish manufacture, rather believe the vessel will not be libelled, as the proof is clear, I think so as not to bear even a trial,

I am at a loss how to proceed for money for charges; although my duty is to claim the property for owners or underwriters: yesterday went through my examination: expect you will write me by the first conveyance and no doubt will inform the shippers of my situation. There has been brought in here 14 vessels, within three days. Captain Churchside, two capt. Remingtons, Copperthwait and Wallace, of Philadelphia, are among them; there is now 40 sail or upwards for adjudication, and no doubt will be all condemned, as no one escapes that is libelled; there are now out and fitting for Sea, Forty seven privateers, and every fast sailing vessel is condemned and is a privateer in a few days.

N. B. The shippers and owners of said cargo are citizens of the United States, were resident for near twenty years, of which there are full proofs on file, in the court of Vice Admiralty at New-Providence.