The New Hampshire Gazette

ALEXANDRIA, March 17.

Copy of a letter from Captain Wattles, of the sloop Nelly, to his owners in this town.

"St. Christophers, February 19, 1794

"Gentlemen,

"My letters of the 3d and 9th instant must be well on their passage, informing you of my disagreeable situation. On the second instant, from St. Lucia off Statia Roads, I was boarded by the privateer Black-Jack, of this place, myself taken out of the vessel, and she ordered up here. I remonstrated against such proceedings; they informed me they had orders to stop all American vessels, and send them into port. On the next day after I arrived here, and found 30 of my countrymen in the same situation with myself; some of them lying here two and three months, without any trial, or any kind of satisfaction. The Nelly and her cargo has been libelled the 5th instant, although I was not examined until the 10th. Every thing done by them tends strongly to convince me that they are determined to condemn all American vessels in the port, and in the different ports of the English West-Indies. Should it take place, it will be a most heavy stroke on us, for there is not less than 300 sail in the different islands captured, and cannot be detained for any other purpose.

Two days since was brought in here (taken off Statia Roads) the ship Sidney, direct from Baltimore. They still persist in condemning American vessels in Montserrat: and I am convinced nothing but a war will put a stop to such unwarrantable proceedings.

"I am, with due respect, your obedient servant,

"NATHANIEL WATTLES."