Virginia Argus

Treatment received by captain Perrady of the brig Eliza-Henry, from Antigua, arrived at New-York.

On the 3d of March was captured by the British armed schooner Grouper, and after taking my papers, ordered me to follow him into St. Johns, (Antigua) and to anchor in the roads. Next day I asked permission to go on board an American schooner taken at the same time, but was refused to quit the vessel, and was immediately ordered up the harbour, where we came to anchor. I went on shore and called on the American consul to know why the brig was detained, who told me that she was cleared; in consequence of which I sent to the king's agent to know if it was the case, as I wanted my papers, who sent me word that he did not know whether she was cleared or not. On the 5th I again went to the consul, who told me she was detained; and on the 7th I was informed by him that my cargo was libelled. On the 9th employed a lawyer, who sent for the libel to examine it, who said she could not be libelled; and on the 13th put in my claim, got the vessel's papers for my lawyer, who after minutely investigating them, said, there was no legal ground for detaining vessel or cargo—Notwithstanding this illegal detention, the king's attorney demanded 22l. for costs, &c. which I agreed to on their giving me documents to shew that I paid the above sum; this was peremptorily refused; upon which I demanded a trial, which took place on the 18th, when I was ordered to pay the costs, which, with my own charges for defending the case, amounted to 43l. 16s. for which sum I was obliged to draw bills on my owners, and then was graciously allowed to get off with a whole skin!