The Enquirer

NORFOLK, December 4.

An Occurrence, of yesterday has excited some interest arising from the recollection of a recent circumstance; we shall state to our readers the particulars of the occurrence of yesterday, as they have been related to us, and as we believe will be correct.

A French seaman, belonging to the French ship L'Impeteux, the ship that was destroyed by the British on this coast, had some time since entered at Baltimore, on board one of the gun-boats in the service of the United States. Yesterday he deserted and got on board the tender of the French ship L'Patriot, declaring his wish to return into the service of his country. The officer commanding the gun-boat discovered, and demanded the seaman, who the French officer refused to deliver him. Some discussion was had, when the American officer departed, under an expectation, or a promise that the man should not be removed until the affair could be represented to commodore Decatur. While the officer was on board the Chesapeake waiting the orders of commodore Decatur, and for a letter which he was then writing to the French commander, the Patriot's boat passed with the seaman in question on board, upon which orders were issued by the commodore, to man one of the Chesapeake's boats, and pursue the French boat, with orders to his officer to endeavor to prevail on the French officer to return and come alongside the Chesapeake, but to bring the deserter back at all events. Upon the boat's getting alongside some altercation ensued, partly, we understand, by accident, and without design to injure or offend.

The French officer, we understand, agreed to return to the Chesapeake. Afterwards some correspondence took place between commodore Decatur, and the commander of the Patriot, the contents of which we are not informed of. We understand that both officers adhered, the one in refusing, and the other insisting: the result however is, that the man was taken and carried on board the Chesapeake, where he now remains until the pleasure of government shall be known.

Such is a concise state of the facts, as relate to this unpleasant business, upon which we mean to offer no remarks, except to repeat what we have done upon another occasion, that the employment of foreign seamen, particularly deserters, will generally be productive of mischief: and it is to be lamented that the officers commanding, are not invested by government with power to act according to the justice of the case, when they are satisfied.

Accounts of this affair went off by the mail to the navy department, and the French minister.

(Ledger.)