The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser

Extract of a letter from New York, dated 30th ultimo.

"Citizen Bombard received a challenge, yesterday morning, from Captain Courtney, of the Boston frigate, to meet him off Sandy Hook. The invitation was accepted immediately, and every exertion made to prepare the ship for an engagement. The seamen appeared in great spirits, and much pleased with the affair, and worked hard in fixing the sails, rigging, &c. This morning she dropped down to the bay, where she is at present at anchor, waiting the turn of the tide to go out."

Yesterday's Eastern mail brought intelligence from New-York of Capt. Bombard's intention to go out from the Hook, in hopes of meeting Capt. Courtney, of the British frigate Boston--we have also seen sundry letters from persons in New-York mentioning, that the Boston frigate has a tender of 8 guns in company.

Several quarrels have taken place amongst the British and French partizans, at New-York, particularly at the coffee-house; one, in particular, was in consequence of some very imprudent language made use of by a person who said he belonged to the Boston frigate, and was an officer; he was attended by a citizen of New-York of equal imprudence, who joined him in their mutual abuse of the French, insomuch that some gentlemen within hearing of their language, could no longer endure it, but hustled them both into the street, last Monday evening--There were apprehensions still entertained that other riots would take place on Tuesday evening.

In fact, business was at a stand in New York for the moment, so anxious were the people to see the termination of this challenge from the British Capt. although every serious man condemned the idea of both Capt. Courtney and Capt. Bombard, the one for proposing and the other for accepting, the challenge, which would probably end in the destruction of so many lives, without the prospect of any very material advantage to their countries. In one of the New-York papers there is a fast sailing vessel advertised to take passengers down to the Hook, as spectators of this expected sea fight.

From the general complexion of this business, and although Capt. Dennis's name does not appear to have been subscribed to the challenge, which he is said to have brought from Capt. Courtney; yet it appears that there is a great probability of truth in the affair--We have only to lament the carnage of our fellow men, who may be cut off in an action so obstinate as this one will prove to be!

Capt. Dennis of the United States revenue cutter Vigilant, came up on Sunday evening from Sandy Hook: He informs that at 4 o'clock of the afternoon of the said day 2 leagues E by S. of the Hook, he spoke the British frigate Boston, of 32 guns, commanded by Capt. Courtney, who informed Captain Dennis he would be very happy to see the French Republic's frigate L'Ambassade, Citizen Bombard, at any time within five days, (If we are to judge from appearances on board the L'Ambassade it is more than probable he will be gratified with the sight of her.)

The following note was on the coffee-house book yesterday afternoon: "Bombard's compliments wait Capt. Courtney; will meet him agreeable to invitation; hopes to find him at the Hook to-morrow. Dated Monday, July 30th."

We hear that nine vessels are chartered by different parties for the Hook, in order to see the action between the L'Ambassade and the Boston frigate.