Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

NANTUCKET

Extract of a letter from Nantucket, dated Aug 22. to a gentleman in Boston.

" Since I wrote you on the 20th the whole Island has been in an uproar. The British brig Nimrod, Capt Newton, came up and anchored just outside the bar yesterday afternoon.—A lieu tenant came on shore with 16 men in a barge, with some kind of mission to the Selectmen they tarried till near dark and returned.—We knew nothing of the nature of this proceeding till this forenoon—The Selectmen and two or three of the principal inhabitants, went down in 2 boats with flags, at about 10 o'clock. In about an hour they returned with Capt. Newton and several of his officers—the Capt. went up into the hall of the upper office, where about 150 inhabitants were assembled, and delivered to the Moderator of the Meeting a paper containing proposals. ' Previous to his arrival, however, a letter was read in the hall which was brought by the Nimrod, from Com. Hotham, dated yesterday off Gardner's Island, on board H. M. S. Superb -this letter stated that the Vice-Admiral (Cochrane) had received the communications of the magistrates of Nantucket, requesting relief, and representing the inhabitants to be in a state of starvation, and that he had sent the Nimrod, to inquire into the truth of those statements.—The paper handed by the Captain contained proposals to this effect, viz. -The inhabitants of the Island shall declare themselves neutral, and continue so, during the war They will be allowed to import from the continent, fuel and provisions, in a small and limited number of vessels, which are to be licensed by the British Commodore. All Government property. if any, shall be given up, or destroyed—such as artillery, arms, ammunition, &c there is none here. The inhabitants will not be allowed to carry on their fishery"-(I presume he meant the whale fishery)-they may export as well as import—such articles however as will not pay a duty to Government —oil and candles I presume, pay no duty. Should any of his Majesty's vessels arrive here, they are to be allowed to take whatever provisions and supplies they may want, not distressing the inhabitants therefore, paying for the same. A deputation of the magistrates or selectmen are to proceed hence to the Commodore in Gardner's Bay, to-morrow, if possible, to conclude the treaty

" There is to be a town-meeting this evening. All the inhabitants are rejoiced at the prospect which this arrangement affords them—particularly the Democrats—who are the first to beg favours from that very enemy whom they have insulted and abused. Capt Newton is quite a gentleman—He has been treated as such, by all those who bear the same character themselves. He stayed on shore nearly all this day, riding out of town, &c. He dined on shore, with several of his officers.

" This evening, at 6 o'clock, the inhabitants met in the open street near the Town House, that building being too small for their accommodation. The proposals of the British Commodore being read, they passed the following resolutions, nem. con. 1. We will not bear arms against this Britannic Majesty, during the present War.— 2. We will deliver up all public property on the Island -3 We will not oppose any British vessels who may arrive here for provisions. &c, such as may be spared without distressing the inhabitants—paying for the same. (This vote was originally expressed thus, by recommendation of a Democrat, " We will supply the British vessels of war with such provisions as they may demand, which being opposed by a Federalist, was modified as it now stands )-4. A committee of four of Selectmen and Magistrates, shall proceed forthwith to the British Commodore, to ratify agreement—5. This Committee shall consist of Joseph Chase, Zenas Coffin, Josiah Barker, Aaron Mitchell, (2 dem's and 2 federalists)

" The Inhabitants of this Island, by this measure, are inconceivably relieved They will now be supplied with abundance of provisions, fuel &c. by means of those vessels which will be licensed for the purpose. Those who have not paid the Direct Tax, will get clear of the same for the U. S jurisdiction over this Island, cease, I presume, during its neutrality. Vessels will be going direct to Boston. There will not be any obstructions to the navigation of this Island, while the Deputation is away.—The Nimrod being ordered to convoy the vessel conveying them, (the packet sloop Experiment, ) to Gardner's Bay- is expected they will be absent about a week.

" 23d, evening.—I have just returned from on board the Nimrod, where I have been treated with great politeness and hospitality. We were saluted and cheered as we left her. About 70 vessels have applied for licenses! It is not likely they will all be granted." —Palladium.