The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

NATCHEZ, Jan. 14, 1804.

On Thursday last, the 12th inst. the Port and District of Concord, in Louisiana, were delivered (agreeable to previous arrangements) by the Spanish Commandant, Don Stephen Minor, Aid Major in the Royal Armies of Spain, to Major Ferdinand L. Claiborne, of this City, who had been previously appointed by M. Laussat, Colonial Prefect and Commissary of the French Republic to receive the same on the part of France. The following ceremony was observed on the occasion:

Major Claiborne crossed from this side of the river at half past one o'clock, P. M. attended by Captain Russell's company of Tennessee volunteers, Captain Nicholls's company from this city, and a number of respectable citizens of this territory. They landed some distance above the Fort, where they formed, and then proceeded in the following order:

Major Claiborne, bearing the flag of the French Republic.

Col. B. Dunbar, with the flag of the United States.

Major Witherspoon, and the Commissioned officers of the volunteers from Tennessee.

Mayor and citizens of Natchez.

Capt. Russell's Company.

Capt. Nicholls's company.

Arriving opposite the Spanish flag-staff, they formed and halted on the levee, and were received by the Spanish Commandant. After an exchange of mutual civilities, the credentials of the different Agents were produced, and recognized; on which, the flag of his Catholic Majesty was lowered half-mast, and that of the French Republic hoisted by Major Claiborne, the same distance—a pause of some minutes took place, when the Spanish colors were lowered, and those of France hoisted to the top of the staff: the troops presented arms, as a mark of respect to the Republic.

At half past two, Major Claiborne announced his readiness to transfer the Post, &c. to the United States of America; on which, Col. Dunbar, (on the part of Major Claiborne, who has also been appointed by the Governor General of Louisiana to the command of the District,) repaired to the flag staff, and the American flag being arranged, it was by that officer, hoisted half-mast, and the French flag lowered the same distance, in which position they remained for some minutes, when the American flag was hoisted to the upper part of the staff and the French colors lowered.

During this latter ceremony the drums and fifes of the detachment played "Yankee Doodle":—the troops then fired a salute of sixteen volley, which was succeeded by three "hearty cheers" from "all hands" present.

The procession then returned to the place where they had formed on their landing, and partook of a collation, ordered on the occasion by Major Claiborne.