Gazette Of The United States & Evening Advertiser

By this Day's Mail.

NEW-YORK, April 24.

Yesterday arrived here in 50 days from Bordeaux, the brig Liberty, Capt. Penfield—who informs us, that it was expected that the embargo would soon be taken off the American vessels, as they had received advices from the deputation at Paris, which gave them every reason for an event so much wished for by the unfortunate Americans—the situation of whom, is particularly described in the letter which follows, it having been sent to their deputies at Paris.

Capt. Penfield has brought 24 French passengers, and it was through the influence of some of these passengers, that Capt. Penfield was permitted to sail.

From a French paper of the 21st February, received by Capt. Penfield, we learn that Maestricht and Breda, were taken by the French.

Bordeaux, February 24, 1794.

CITIZENS!

WE have intelligence from Paris thro' the means of private letters from two of our deputies, that you have met with conduct in the course of your application for justice in our behalf, which we conceive truly unbecoming Frenchmen, or Republicans of any country.

We are fully convinced of your knowledge of our situation of the wise measures you are no doubt taking, when in your power, to meliorate it; but circumstances that have transpired since we wrote, as well as the feelings that torture the breasts of every American here on the receipt of such information, induce us to write you, that you may be well informed of the general wish of us all, and that you may act therefrom.

Since you left us, the representatives on application of the Consul, advanced 100,000 livres on account of the indemnity. They sold us 40 casks of rice, after paying for which, and with other deductions, this amount was not sufficient to pay the general debt to the butchers, independent of the demand for bread, wood, &c. Thus this money in a few days vanished, and your distressed countrymen here were again left destitute of the means of procuring the necessary subsistence for their crews

This cause, in addition to the want of bread throughout the whole fleet, the absolute impossibility of procuring fresh meat on any terms, and most of the vessels being without salt provisions, has alarmed our apprehensions, particularly when we can, with difficulty, procure bread from the public in allowing every 12 days to each vessel, 1/2 lb. bread per man per day, biscuit at 55s. per cwt. payable in cash on the delivery. Thus the unfortunate men who are destitute of money, must remain without bread; in short, it is a fact, that most of our vessels have not had a pound of fresh meat on board for ten days past, and many of them have actually used the last morsels of their sea provisions, which are not to be replaced at any price, had we money to do it.

This gentleman, is a state of our situation as respects subsistence; we now require your attention to the general suffering by daily detention in the advancement of the season. We pass over the discussion of the Algerine risque, 'tis a theme too well known to you, "and occasions in our breasts a pang too severe to dwell on; we only observe that our demand magnified ten fold, however it may appear exorbitant, can never, if granted, atone for the loss of the liberty, and for the captivity of those who receive it. This idea, to a nation who declare eternal war to tyrants, and to be the eternal enemies of Slavery, the supporters of liberty, and friends to freemen, ought to bias every mercenary consideration, and intrigue should be driven by the common laws of humanity into the darkest obscurity.

A gentleman from America informs us, that one of the first steps Congress took at the meeting, was a discussion of the propriety of enacting a law to prevent the importation from England, and that a very great majority appeared to be in favor of the act this will have an important affect on the situation of America; in short it is our opinion, that you ought immediately to make a remonstrance to the Convention, stating your proceedings, the actual situation of your countrymen here, and on their behalf to demand an answer to your petition; it is time we should know our fate. Our situation is tenfold more cruel than that of prisoners of war. Our money and means are exhausted, and it is no time to prolong an application for a final answer. We have a right to claim it—If it is their disposition to render us justice, and they are prevented by intriguing men; it is your duty to search for proof, and if found, to denounce the authors of this deception.

We further direct you, to mention in your application, that your constituents fatigued with delay in bringing forward their business, have desired you to demand an answer, or passports to return in three days. After obtaining an issue to this, you will use your discretion with respect to returning but we trust that you will return, and relieve us from a further expense, the moment you lose a prospect of bringing into effect your different claims.

At a meeting last evening, it was observed that the committee at Paris, had not given us a full idea of the situation of our claim respecting the cargoes unsold, and we also inform you that this letter is not written by the committee individually, but after a debate of a very full meeting; you will therefore consider this as the wish of the whole.

We are yours, &c.

(For the Americans at Bordeaux)

R. BENNET FORBES.