Berkeley And Jefferson Intelligencer

INTERESTING EXTRACT

"Halifax, May 31st, 1806.

"Sir,

You can hardly conceive the pleasure which I feel in being released from the most unhappy situation in which I was ever placed; but thank God, I am at liberty thus far and can write now without restraint. The tale I am about to relate is not of the pleasantest kind; but will, I trust, afford you some satisfaction in knowing the particulars and hearing of my safety although the circumstances under which it was transacted must fill the mind of every American with honest indignation."

It is surely no small disappointment to be captured unlawfully against all our expectations, within three hours sail of your much wish'd for port; thus in an instant to be blasted in the joyful expectation of joining our families and friends; such was my case and will I fear be the others, unless our government adopts prompt and vigorous measures.

At the news of the proceedings in New York, every officer was a Captain Bobadil and would destroy his two houses, after that twenty more until the whole city was battered down, unless their officers, who were procuring supplies, returned in safety, for which they waited five days at anchor near the Hook and then made every preparation for proceeding to town with the ships: they however, thought it most prudent first to send a flag of truce by the first Lieutenant to the commander of the Fort on Governor's Island fearing to land at the city, to know the reason of their detention, of which I suppose he was informed, and returned the following evening on board; the foraging gentlemen arrived in the night without the intended supplies—thanks to the gentlemen who intercepted them, and the next day made sail for Halifax, where we arrived on Friday the 10th of May.

During our passage, several vessels were overhauled, and two men pressed from each—one in particular after heaving to, was fired at six times with directions each time to fire upon her; and by way of compensation, we are told, if unjustly robbed, will be indemnified for our loss.

"For my part, I expect redress only in the united determinations of our citizens to support their natural rights and punish the cruel invaders of our national liberty and laws. Remonstrance is only subjecting ourselves to further insults, as all experience has plainly shewn, and the sooner it is abandoned and more energetic measures adopted, the sooner will our flag be respected and our citizens permitted to trade unmolested and in peace.

I am grieved to see so many American vessels lying here, some condemned, others waiting their trial, and new ones coming in every day. On Sunday the 15th instant arrived the brig Romulus, capt. M'Daniel of New-York, from Havanna, sent in by the Tartar frigate. There is also lying here the brig Mars loaded with Mahogany belonging to Samuel Burling of New-York, lately tried and cleared after a strong contention on the part of the captors, that beef and pork, part of her outward bound cargo, came under the denomination of contraband of war; they however condemned the claimants in the costs and damages, and they are permitted to depart with their vessel almost a wreck through the misconduct of the captors.

The ship John and Francis of Charleston has also been tried and part of her cargo condemned, the remainder with the ship laid over for further proof private ventures not excepted."

The brig Ranger, of Wiscasset since our arrival has also been condemned for having onboard a few poles which they said would make Royal yards; the three masted schooner Nimrod, of New-York is waiting her trial; the ship Aurora was libelled on Monday the 13th, and her trial commences in 24 days from that date.

Sailed from this port on Sunday the 19th inst. the Squirrel sloop of war to cruise off New-York, and the Leander on the 22d for the same cruising ground it is said.

What a terrible pity it is that two or three frigates cannot be spared from the service in the Potomac River to drive those ruffians from our shores. It might, indeed, answer the double purpose of bringing Whitby to justice, who, it seems, cannot be brought thereto by the common course of law. It is more than probable he will not confine himself to the limits prescribed by our government; but, as usual, commit his depredations in the waters and within the jurisdiction of the United States, thereby affording an opportunity to attack and bring him to justice, although by an uncommon course of law.

There is another arrival lately, the brig Hannah, capt. Ropee, of Salem from Leghorn, sent in by the Leander. - This brig was loaded with sugars, bound to Naples, and was boarded on her outward bound passage by a British frigate, and on examination found that her sugars were imported into the U. States in two other vessels, for which reason she was permitted to pass. On her arrival in the Mediterranean, she was informed by a man of war brig that she
Could not enter Naples. She then went into Leghorn, discharged her cargo, and when returning home with a considerable quantity of specie, the proceeds of that cargo, was fell in with by that gallant commander Whitby, and was sent in for adjudication for the very reason that induced the others to let her pass.

The condemnation of vessels here is so little regarded, that it almost becomes a matter of course from their being sent in, and the captors are so well aware of this that they immediately begin to calculate the amount of prize money accruing to each from the sale of the vessel so captured. Indeed, some of the officers of the Leander fancied the money of the Aurora already in their possession before their arrival in Halifax.

The day following my arrival here I was permitted to leave the man of war, which was much to my satisfaction; I shortly after visited our ship and found to my great surprise that all my fruit was stolen, which consisted of Oranges, Pine Apples and Cocoa Nuts. Give my respects to Mr. Fairchild, and tell our brother that the British have deprived me of the means of supplying him with the Cocoa Nuts which I promised. If you please, inform my family that I am in good health. Adieu.

Dear Sir,

Your humble Servant, &c.

JOHN M'EVERS

Mr. JOHN M'LURE.