Virginia Argus

WASHINGTON CITY, September 4.

Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Annapolis, to his friend in this city, dated the 31st ult.

"You have no doubt heard of the affair of the pirate that some days past fired on and took possession of the ship Othello from Liverpool bound to Baltimore. On Friday last we heard here that the pirate had gone up the bay: the only vessel in our port that was fit was immediately got ready and a part of the artillery and infantry of this place were sent in search of her, together with a barge from the French 80 gun ship. Hearing also that some suspected persons had gone up the road, a detachment on horseback was sent after them, and in the evening returned with five Frenchmen, who acknowledged that they had a few days before left the pirate schooner, and were on their way to Baltimore. The vessel returned without being lucky enough to fall in with the pirate.

I was present at the examination of the five prisoners, so were several of the officers of the L'Eole, viz. the captain and others--also capt. la Villeau of the Patriot. They shewed great anxiety, and a desire to bring the culprits to justice. They turned out to be deserters from the L'Eole & Patriot, who were enlisted in Baltimore, they say, to go to the West-Indies, but finding themselves deceived, had deserted. The officers of the pirate schooner were Frenchmen from Baltimore, not heretofore connected with the French ships of war.

As soon as the militia of this place were making a stir, the officers of the L'Eole offered any part of their crew to aid us, together with their barge, and guns and ammunition. Their barge that went out was manned in part with Frenchmen. I feel hurt that the French officers should be suspected as it appears they are. They have manifested every disposition to the contrary, which ought to be made public.

A schooner from Baltimore manned by militia, has taken the pirate and carried her to Baltimore. Part of the crew made their escape, and part were taken by commodore Krohm and are confined on board the Patriot. Many false representations have been made."