The New York Packet

UNITED STATES.

SAVANNAH, May 10.

In consequence of the orders of the executives of the two States, a co-operation against the banditti of runaway slaves commenced the 1st inst. and a junction of the troops under Col. Gunn and Major M'Pherlon, agreeable to a concerted plan, took place at the old camp, in the fork of Abercorn and Collins's Creeks, leaving Capt. Lloyd's artillery at the commanding pass of each. On the evening of the 5th, Lieut. Col. Howell, who was likewise ordered to proceed from Ebenezer down Bear Creek, and put himself under the command of Col. Gunn, discovered the negro camp at Patton's Swamp, of which he gave notice to that officer. The Col. advanced, Major M'Pheron, with the Carolinians and 15 Catawba Indians forming a second line;--fortunately their century was killed, when he ordered the advance under Lieutenant Lewden to rush on, supported by the town Light Infantry, who entered a breast work the negroes had thrown up, with charged bayonets. As soon as the negroes saw their works stormed, and the other troops commanded by M'Pheron and Capt. Tattnall, filing off to their right and left, after a few random shot, they fled on every quarter, leaving six of their head men dead on the field--only one white man of both detachments, a Serjeant of the Light Infantry, being lightly wounded. Many others of the negroes are supposed wounded, as several blankets were picked up, in different directions, on scouring the swamp, clotted with blood. Twenty-one houses were destroyed, and even boats taken. It is said the Carolinians and Indians have since killed two more; and by a man who was present we are informed, that Capt. Dasher, with a small party of the Effingham militia, had fallen in with 18 on their way to the Indian nation, killed a man and a boy, taken nine women and children, Major Louis (who was thought to have been killed in Collin's Creek) and six more escaping. Sharper is said to be still in the swamp with several others, and it is supposed was in the party the Carolinians and Indians fell in with. A correspondent observes, that the late decisive effort made by Col. Gunn to break up the camp, and destroy the confidence and strength of the runaways, cannot fail of producing the best effects, as they had got seated and strongly fortified in the midst of an almost impenetrable swamp, and opening a general asylum, which no doubt would have been embraced by many on the approach of hot weather. Indeed running away had already become more prevalent than usual. When it is recollected how long a band of these people have rebelled, and opposed with success, the government of Jamaica, and look at the still more recent example to the southward of us, in the Dutch government of Surinam, where, from being contemptible fugitives at first, they at length fixed and fortified the recesses, and (what will always take place where persons of any description are in the practice of independence, and threatened with extreme danger) with the increase of numbers, they exercised the principle of union, and opposed and harassed their masters until they were obliged to treat with them; and they are now an actual independent colony, the example of which is felt as the greatest inconvenience. But what such establishments will finally issue in is not in human foresight to determine. It is, perhaps, the wish of interest, as well as of philosophy, that they were all in Africa. In this country, it is said, that some of the negroes who formed the late camp have been in a state of rebellion ever since the peace; and that some of them had been employed in arms by the British in the late war. To have despised or neglected them, or permitted their robberies, might have led them on to equally ambitious and extensive views with those of Jamaica or Surinam, where the best stationary regiments could not subdue them. The destruction of the camp, killing their leaders, and, dispersing the rest, with their women and children, will, it is hoped, prevent any attempt of the kind again soon. The Colonel, it is said, highly commends the conduct of his officers and men.

May 17. The camp of runaway negroes on Savannah-river seems now to be totally broke up; some of them are coming in daily to their owners; and there is no doubt but their leader, Sharper, has been killed by the Carolinians and Indians.

May 24. By the vigilance and activity of Israel Bird, Esq. of Canouchie, and some of his slaves, Louis (second in command of the gang of runaway negroes lately routed by Col. Gunn) was taken last week, and brought to town on Saturday. Last Monday, he was tried, and being found guilty of a robbery, &c. he was sentenced to be hanged on the 9th of June next.