Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

THE PUBLICK LEDGER.

WEDNESDAY EVENING, JULY 22, 1812

We are sorry to say that this day's mail brings us no information from our fleet under Commodore Rodgers. The Jamaica fleet was seen on the twenty-eighth day of June, in lat. 45, 50, lon. 46. It is stated that the British frigates Guerrier, Spartan, Shannon, and Eolus, arrived at Halifax on the 1st of July. It is probable that those four ships and the Africa of 64 guns, were the five sail that left Halifax on the 4th of July. The three first named frigates are of the largest class, the last of 32 guns

The United States brig Oneida, has captured the British ship Lord Nelson, and not the Royal George as was reported.

We hope our readers will not, pass lightly over the Speech of the Honorable Mr. Bayard, which is published in our paper of this day. Perhaps a better speech was never delivered within the walls of the Senate ; and when we examine the arguments which were advanced in favor of the motion submitted by that gentleman, we are at a loss to imagine to what cause is to be ascribed its rejection. We apprehend the predictions of Mr. Bayard will soon become history ; already have his predictions,as to our relations with France been verified by the arrival of the Wasp, and he who counts upon experiencing more justice at the hands of Napoleon now that we are embarked in the war than we could obtain before, must have taken a very superficial view of the character of Bonaparte. As well might the miserable king of Prussia now make a demand upon him.

-The object of Mr. Bayard's motion was delay. He wished the nation to be better prepared before she struck the blow. The British minister had said in parliament, that the king's ministers were only authorized to postpone a war with America as long as possible. This was a plain proof that the time of making the war rested with the United States.

The passage of the war bill in the Senate; is one of those mysterious circumstances which time alone can develope it passed against the expectation of the Senate, if not against the opinion of a majority, and as it is said and believed, against the opinion of the executive.

The Letter of Mr. Barlow, which is introduced by Mr- Bayard, well deserves attention, it speaks the opinion of one who,from his situation was well qualified to judge, and by no means inclined to do injustice to the French Emperor. What this minister wrote-his government, we know not but it corresponded with the letter referred to,-it may be well demanded, why our resentment was confined to Great-Britain only