Rhode Island Republican

West-India News!

Basse-Terre, June 26.—By the Penelope, from Martinique, we learn that the Saints are given up to the French forces and that Martinique is to be given up on the 25th or 27th of July next; for which purpose a large fleet is already arrived there to take off the troops. A number of the French residents at Martinique are flying to Trinidad to make settlements at that island.—Six British sail of the line were lying at Martinique a few days ago.

By this vessel we also learn, that a mutiny and assassination had nearly taken place at Martinique, on the 4th instant. The negroes had all been apprized of the intention a few days before by hand-bills; but on the evening of the 2d of June, two negroes went into an Irishman's grog shop where they were disagreeing, on which the Irishman gave one of them a blow on the head with his fist, which knocked off his hat which contained one of the bills: he was immediately secured, with about 40 others, and the bill sent to the governor, who immediately issued orders through the island for every person to be under arms. Their intention was to murder every white on the island. The business was planned at Guadaloupe by the negroes, the ringleader of whom was apprehended at Martinique and sent back to Guadaloupe in irons, with a request that he might be tried there and executed; or a retaliation was threatened.

By this lucky discovery perhaps thousands of lives were saved, for even the militia might be partly off their guard on that day.

There can be no doubt but that our ports will be continued open all the year. Interested persons frequently report to America that these ports are shut, by which means we are deprived of the usual trade of the Americans.

It is astonishing what number of ships, brigs and other vessels pass daily in sight of these islands since the peace—a proof of the increase of commerce.