Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

From the Savannah Museum, Dec. 25.

From our attentive correspondent at St. Mary's we have received two printed sheets from Fernandina, one dated the 9th, and the other the 12th December.—The one of the 9th contains the "Report of the committee appointed to frame the plan of a provisional government for the republic of Floridas." The government is to be democratic republican, divided into three equally independent departments—executive, legislative and judicial; the military to be subordinate to the civil authority; the executive authority to be vested in a chief magistrate;—the legislative in a general assembly; the judicial to be seated in a supreme court of justice, inferior courts and justices of the peace. The liberty of the press is guaranteed, and the liberty of conscience acknowledged as one of the national rights of the people of the Floridas.

The sheet of the 12th contains "the report of the committee appointed by the honorable assembly of Fernandina, to obtain information relative to the transactions between that republic and John H. Eaton, esq. commander of the U. States brig Saranac." This committee imagine that the attempt of captain Elton to board the prize schooner Tantativa on the 8th of November, in (as they state) "the very waters of Amelia," was an act unauthorized and unjustifiable, and "Resolve, That these documents, with a statement of the affair, be officially transmitted by the earliest opportunity to the President of the United States, exposing the unjust and arbitrary conduct of captain Elton, well assured that complete justice will be done."

The correspondence which took place between Aury and captain Elton, on the subject, we insert below.

Correspondence between com. Aury and captain Elton.

U. S. brig Saranac. Cumberland Island, November 9, 1817.

Sir,—Last evening a schooner passed into Amelia or Fernandina that had been attempted to be boarded by a boat from the Saranac. She fired at the boat:—whatever character she assumes, she must answer for the insult according to the laws of the United States. I cannot believe that yourself or the people of Fernandina can give the least sanction to such proceedings: under that belief I have sent a boat to bring her over to American waters, provided no objection was started. If she is refused or protected, I shall consider that Fernandina has hoisted the flag of defiance and act accordingly,

I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed) J. H. ELTON.
Gen. Aury.

Head-quarters, Fernandina, Nov. 9, and 1st of the Independence.

SIR.—I have received your official letter of this day. As its contents relate to matters of so much consideration, I have ordered that the necessary investigation of the Prize master be made. I may, however, inform you that should he be found culpable he should be punished according to the laws of nations: as the government has no other views than to maintain good understanding and harmony with yourself or any other officer of the United States, it will not remain behind hand in giving every satisfaction that is just.

I have the honor, &c.
(Signed) AURY.
John H. Elton, esq.

U. S. brig Saranae, Cumberland Island, November 10, 1817.

Sir,—Your letter of yesterday was duly received. I had hoped that the rising republic of Amelia would not undertake to harbor vessels, that might commit themselves, particularly where the laws of the United States were concerned, but supposed it would comport with the honor and interest of the place to turn any such vessel from their waters. You say that the conduct of the prize master shall be examined into and punished if found guilty. I had mentioned the insult offered, and wished the offence to be tried in the United States. The verbal message returned by the officer of the Saranac is not such as I expected. I did not request you to deliver the vessel to me: it was a belief that you would, on hearing the offence, refuse her a harbor—other responsibility I would take on myself. You have heard my individual opinion as regarded the patriot cause—with the same candor I again inform you, that assume whatever character that vessel may, she must be accountable.

I likewise inform you that if ever I fall in with the sloop Astrea, without the jurisdictional limits of the Floridas, she will be seized for the breach of the revenue laws.

I have the honor to be, &c.
Signed, JNO. H. ELTON.
Gen. Aury.

Head Quarters, Fernandina, Nov. 18.

Sir—Your preventing vessels from going out and coming into this port, in consequence of your boat having fruitlessly attempted to board the schr. Tantativa, prize to the private armed schr. of the republic of Mexico, the Brutus, within our waters and not more than 150 feet from the beach of this island, has induced me, in order to avoid all difficulties for the present, to consent to give her up to you, in hopes that the government of the United States will do us that justice which becomes a free and great people.

I have the honor to be, &c.
AURY.