Herald Of The United States

STATE OF NEW-YORK.

NEW-YORK, July 26.

Extract of a letter from Capt. Silliman of the ship John and Francis, to his owner in this city, dated

"Halifax, June 11, 1806.

DEAR SIR,

After a long contest, I obtained the restitution of the ship only, last Wednesday, and the whole of the cargo detained and discharged, together with what have claimed in behalf of captain Bass. The only reason now remaining for the detention of captain Bass' property is, that they pretend to say that he had not funds in France sufficient to purchase so much property ; but I hope to-morrow to convince them to the contrary—if not, I can do no more : I have had already 6 trials, and every time something else is wanting ; however, I hope to obtain the restitution of both his and your property, so as to sail in 7 or 8 days—this must necessarily cause 4 or 5 days detention, as the proofs are all to be copied and registered before trial. This very great detention has arisen from so many prizes being in port, and the irregularity of the proceedings of the Court. The Court's expenses will be very extravagant, I fear. The other day the brig Mars, Capt. Hughes, from St. Domingo, was restored by paying his own charges and those of the captors which (court expenses only) came to 1025 dollars ; and this has been the general case with all vessels that have been restored in this port; first they detain them 7 or 8 weeks in port, then tell them if you will pay our court charges, you may go about your business—if you do not choose to do so, you may do as you can. This has been the general proceeding and conduct of this court.

American vessels are daily flocking in here, and most of them sent in by the Leander. Yesterday the ship -, of New-York, from Lima, was sent in taken within 40 miles of the harbour of New-York, laden with cocoa, copper, and Peruvian bark, out on her voyage 14 months—cargo worth between 2 and 300,000 dollars, which is enough in it- self. to condemn her in this port. This infernal ship Leander and her notorious commander, is a greater annoyance to the American commerce than all the British navy besides. I shall be very liberal in expressing my detestation of his misconduct to me and my crew, which treatment, as well to other Americans as to myself, I am sure is unbecoming the character of a savage brute, much less a British officer. -There are several in- stances of his firing at vessels while ac- tually lying to ; among these circumstances, the ship Hardware of New-York, he boarded while my mate and people were on board—she was from New- York, bound to Liverpool—after firing one shot, she hove to ; but this did not satisfy the vengeance of this Monster (who had a long chase before he came within gun shot) but he actually fired upwards of 20 shot at her before he would board her, and some of the shot are said to have hit the defenceless vic- tim ship. These circumstances, corrob- orating with many others of a similar nature, are sufficient to make all mankind hate and detest him (Said Whitby.) You’ll excuse the length of this letter. and permit me to conclude, by humbly subscribing myself, most respectfully," &c.

In some other letters which the owner has received, captain S. mentions, that notwithstanding repeated solicitations, he had at first been refused to go on board his ship which he daily saw going to destruction—that his passengers, eleven in number, and his crew, were turned on shore and he obliged to allow for the support of the first 40 dollars a week, and for the latter, 3 dollars a week each.