The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

SOMETHING "SMACKING OF WAR!"

From the Mobile, January 2.

Captain Gaines, of the United States army, with a detachment of troops, has encamped about three quarters of a mile from the strong fort near the lower end of Mobile; and has sent the following summons to the Spanish commandant:-

Camp near Mobile, December 22

SIR—I have the honour to notify you, that I have been instructed by Lieutenant-Colonel Sparks, of the army of the United States, to take possession of the fort under your charge, and of the town of Mobile, conformably to the proclamation of the President of the United States dated October 7, 1810, of which you have been duly apprised. Presuming that you have already made up your mind as to the course you will pursue in relation to this important act, it becomes my duty to demand an immediate reply, which I request you will deliver to Captain Luckett, of the army of the United States, who will hand you this letter.

It is presumed that no one can be more sensible than yourself of the conciliatory course which has been pursued by the government of the United States, touching this subject; and whilst I assure you of the continuance of this disposition, I am persuaded you need not be told of the weighty considerations of duty and attachment by which the officers of the American army are prompted to support a measure adopted by their beloved President.

I have the honour to be, respectfully,

SIR, your obedient servant,

E. P. GAINES, Captain.

Captain Perez, Spanish Commandant, town of Mobile.

TRANSLATION.

Fort Charlotte, 22d December.

SIR—I have received your letter dated at camp, near Mobile, of this date; and in answer to its contents, I have to inform you, that in regard to the notification which you mention that I have received of the proclamation of the President of the United States, ordering possession to be taken of the fort and town which are under my charge, it is necessary for me to advise you that I have not received such information from any magistrate or authorized chief of the nation of the United States, and in consequence of not having received it, I have not taken those measures, or made those reflections which you believed I must have done, on the supposition that I had received it.

Agreeably to the harmony which has hitherto reigned between your nation and mine, I must advise you, in order, if possible, to save the effusion of blood, that on my part I do not find myself authorized to accede to the proposal that you make, without having in the first place the orders of my chief; but, yet, I assure you, that if you will agree to suspend your operations the short time that will be necessary for me to communicate your intimation to the Governour of this Province, you will find me ready to fulfil the orders of that superior chief; and at the same time, if you judge proper, you may address yourself to the said Governour.

I have the honour to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

(Signed)
CAYETANO PEREZ

Captain Edmund Pendleton Gaines.