Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

By the Mails.

PHILADELPHIA JAN. 22.

ALGERINE CAPTURES

Extract of a letter from a young gentleman of this city to his father, dated Cadiz, 28.

"Dear Father—In my last, I had only time to inform you of my arrival here, but did not give you the particulars of my escape from our new enemy, the Algerines. I sailed from Lisbon, bound for this port; and being three days out, off cape St. Vincent, was captured by the Algerine squadron, consisting of three vessels After taking possession of the brig, they commenced plundering the passengers, and treating us in the most brutal manner.

"The commander of the squadron ordered one half the passengers on board his ship, for fear of our rising on the prize crew. I luckily was one of those who remained on board the brig in confinement After being in their possession 9 days, on our way to Algiers, I perceived from the cabin window, an English frigate, say two or three miles off, standing towards us—We then had a faint hope—

Some time after we heard the frigate hail us. I placed myself as far out of the cabin window as I possibly could without being observed by the Algerines on deck. At length the frigate came under our stern, at about 600 yards distance. I waved with my hand, which was answered from the frigate.

A boat was sent alongside of us.

The officer asked if there were any passengers on board—they insisted there were none. He was then about returning to his ship. For a moment think of our emotions!

Fortunately the frigate again came up under our stern, much nearer, say 40 yards. I again waved my hand, which was repeatedly answered from the frigate.

The officer again came on board, and by force, immediately proceeded to the cabin which was about 16 feet square, with 14 of us confined in it.—The ensuing scene was truly affecting. The officer burst into tears. It even touched the hearts of the honest tars, his followers,

Among us was a very elegant young lady, Madam Salmon, Sister to Mr. Onis, the Spanish Ambassador at Philadelphia, who suffered much during our confinement.

"I demanded my release as an Englishman. With some difficulty the pirates admitted it, when I was allowed to go into the boat, with my servant, and about two-thirds of my baggage.

The rest being Spanish passengers the English could not demand them.

However, after a long consultation they were given up on condition they would leave the brig and take nothing with them but the clothes they had on. The unfortunate young lady was obliged to go on board the frigate and leave all her jewels, dresses, &c. amounting to about 10,000 dollars.

"We were fed on rice and water by the pirates. I am sorry to think that our poor fellow passengers who were put on board the ship are now in Algiers, and most probably will never return to their homes.

"The English frigate was the Cyane, the Hon. Capt. King, commander, who treated me in the most friendly manner. Also his officers, to whom I am greatly indebted for their hospitality."