The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

From Cuba—We are indebted to the politeness of a respectable French gentleman for the Spanish paper containing the following proclamation.

America will once more shelter in her hospitable bosom the otherwise houseless Emigrants.

(Translated for the Federal Gazette.)

PROCLAMATION.

DON SEBASTIAN KINDELAN Y O'REILLY, Knight of the Order of St. Jago, Governor and Commandant of the city of Santiago de Cuba, &c.

No sooner had the unwelcome news of the tragical events in our mother country (produced by the exterminating genius of the infernal tyrant of Europe, whose unheard of conduct has scandalised & insulted the whole world) reached this island, than the excellent and worthy chief who governs, adopted those measures which he judged to be most conducive to the welfare of the state as well as to public tranquility, which is the basis of the happiness of the people; and displayed that energy which has made him so eminent in this hemisphere, without endangering the safety of the French refugees in this district, to whom he had offered an asylum with a view to the encouragement of agriculture and the arts. For emulating the virtuous conduct of the chiefs of the metropolis, who have ever been and are still his models, he could adopt no other means than what were dictated by good sense and morality to maintain the reputation of Spanish magnanimity and generosity. He could not for a moment lay aside those qualities which characterise the true Spaniard, who looks down with disdain on whatsoever is tinctured with baseness or villainy. The protection of innocence & of mankind, equally recommended by religion and by the laws, has been the motive of his conduct during this period, and has procured him the applause of our generous allies, the wise and brave British, seeking at all times to reconcile the interest of the state, with the sacred duties of hospitality, so long as the French shewed no signs of ingratitude, or, whilst it was possible consistently with the public security to permit them to remain in the island.

This is the reason which determined him to establish in every part of this island a Committee of Vigilance, by means of which the intentions of the government are effected with the least possible delay: Nevertheless, having considered that regulations however excellent, do not always produce the same salutary effects in all places, owing to a diversity of circumstances, as is the case in this city, for which I am responsible, relative to the above disposition in its whole extent; wishing equally to suppress the clamors of the vulgar, and the suggestions of a false zeal, as well as to provide against the fatal consequences of a maritime invasion, which, however remote such an event may appear, is not impossible during the conflict between the two nations; more especially since the opening of the ports of North America, as vessels may now be obtained for the transportation of troops, which before were not to be procured: I have proclaimed and ordered as follows:-

Art. 1. All such Frenchmen and other foreigners, of whatever rank, sex or color, as have come to reside within the city of St. Jago, or the jurisdiction thereof, since the French revolution, and are not domiciliated by express act of H E. the captain general of this island, shall depart the district.

2. Artists and laborers are to cease exercising their pursuits from the date hereof; butchers and bakers are allowed eight days; gardeners, &c. fifteen days, during which time they may dispose of their stock and effects.

3. The government, desirous of extending every hospitality which may not be incompatible with the interests and dignity of the nation, allows forty days for the departure of all those persons possessed of immovable effects, that they may dispose of the same, or prepare procurations before a notary for such Spaniards or Frenchmen as they may confide in, who may sell the same, and transmit the proceeds as directed to any place not subject to or in the possession of France.

4. Those not possessed of immovable property shall depart within twenty days.

5. All persons thus compelled to leave the district, may take with them their property and effects.

6. The fisheries now carried on on the coasts, shall cease their operations from the publication hereof. Orders to this effect have been dispatched to the commandant of the marine.

7. Disobedience to any of the foregoing articles, shall subject the delinquent to imprisonment, and his property to be confiscated.

8. Every Spaniard is authorised to inform the government, or members of the committee of vigilance, or any of the regidors of the most illustrious Cabildo, of any infractions of the above articles.

9. Any person who may secrete or aid in secreting any Frenchman, shall be punished according to the circumstances of the case.

10. These regulations embracing all strangers not provided with the letter required by the first article, those only can be deemed exempt from their operation who enter and leave the port in the prosecution of commerce, or for any other equally lawful purpose. This privilege is not, however, extended to Frenchmen, who are strictly prohibited from entering the place on any account whatsoever, under the pain of incurring the resentment of the government, and being held and treated in all respects as prisoners of war.

11. Frenchmen who, agreeably to the requisitions of article 1st, may continue in this city or its dependencies, are enjoined to conform strictly to our laws and customs.

12. The Cubans will not fail so to assist those who are thus compelled to leave our shores, as shall manifest that we continue to treat them with that humanity and tenderness, by which we are characterised.

The foregoing proclamation shall be published in the usual form, in Spanish and in French, and posted at all public places.

Done at the city of Cuba, 10th April, 1809.

(Signed)

SEBASTIAN KINDELAN.