Virginia Argus

LATE FROM GOTTENBURGH.

Extract of a letter from a gentleman of respectability and intelligence at Portsmouth, N. H. to his friend in Boston, dated May 13.

"The ship Concordia, captain Rindge, which sailed from Gottenburgh on the 2d of April, arrived at Portsmouth this morning.

"One of the passengers reports, that at the time of his sailing the ports of Sweden were open to the introduction of American Commerce: but apprehensions were entertained that the French Minister, who had arrived in Stockholm, would cause restrictions to be imposed, to prevent a free trade being long continued. By an order published soon after his arrival, all British vessels, products and manufactures, except the article of salt, were to be entirely excluded after the 24th of April.

"It was the general belief of the best informed persons in Gottenburgh, that it was Bonaparte's intention shortly to cause a sequestration to be made of all American vessels and property in the ports on the Continent, where he had influence; and that he was only waiting the arrival of a number of vessels which were expected on the opening of the Baltic, before carrying his design into execution.

"The transportation of foreign produce between Zealand and the Continent, and likewise between Altona and Tonningen, have been stopped and seizures of prohibited articles made.

"By accounts from Russia as late as the middle of February, nothing of moment had transpired in that empire. Its tranquility was said to be owing to the engagements of Bonaparte in the celebration of his nuptial contract; but notwithstanding many rumours had been in circulation, that the Emperors Alexander and Napoleon had become disaffected with each other, yet it was confidently stated that no war was likely to take place immediately for though the nobles & people were much dissatisfied with their servile alliance to France, yet the finances of the country were so much exhausted, the value of its coin so depreciated, and so little confidence placed in the stability of the government, that an event of this kind was considered impossible at present.

"By the interference of our Minister at St. Petersburg many vessels detected with forged American papers have been condemned, and strict examination is now observed by him to prevent the continuance of imposition on our commercial character.

"Several captures of American vessels have been made by the Danes this season. Their ships of war have orders to bring in all vessels of suspicious character; but the privateers who were to have received renewed commissions from Government to commit further depredations on our commerce on the 15th of March, are prevented cruising for the present by the interference of the Russian Minister, claiming a right by treaty, that the sound should be kept open to all neutral ships.

"The barque Wm. Gray taken in coming down from Petersburg, was condemned solely for having joined a British convoy in going up the Baltic, and there were many other vessels waiting trial under like pretences."