The Columbia Democrat

CANADA.

A correspondent of the Albany Argus, under date of Watertown, June 13th, states—

"that while the steamer Ontario was that morning passing Wells Island (St. Lawrence) Bill Johnson with four men appeared in his long boat, constructed in such a manner, as to equal the speed of the best steamboats. He and his men gave three cheers. It was attempted to be returned on board of the steamboat, but was suppressed. Johnson then raised from his boat the flag of the Sir Robert Peel, and a second time gave three cheers, which was also attempted to be returned by some on board the steamboat, but was in a like manner suppressed. Johnson then made off in his boat towards the head of the Island. This occurred near the spot where the "Peel" was burnt. His boat surpasses in speed all others, and he declares he will not be taken alive. McLeod and Frey, accomplices of Bill, are, it is said, at or near Lewistown, on the Niagara river. Col. Cummings, of the U. S. army, has arrived at Watertown, and is awaiting the arrival of troops to carry into execution whatever efficient measures are necessary. There are more than twenty prisoners in the jail at Watertown, connected with the burning of the Robert Peel, besides many on bail, and others hourly expected. They are shortly to be tried before Judge Cushman of the Circuit Court. Latter information states, that McLeod above mentioned, has been tracked to Lockport by three officers of the U. S. government; but the "refugees of Lewiston," according to the Albany Argus, gave him notice of their approach and he escaped. The express was arrested and admitted the fact. Wm Mackenzie, the ex-patriot, in his Gazette states that Bill Johnson is his "intimate friend," and is a native of Lower Canada, and brother in law of Col. Isaac Fraser, of Upper Canada, and previous to 1812 was a rich land owner, but was robbed by the British government of all his property. He has a large family at his residence at French Creek, and during the last war, was a spy in Canada, employed by our Government. He is a second Paul Jones. An account dated Buffalo, Sunday says, That the patriots of Upper Canada have again made a rally on their own soil—having formed a camp in "Long Swamp," (an extensive marsh lying between Grand Island and Chippewa creek) where they are now fortifying themselves. The nucleus of this force was formed by refugees, who crossed over from the United States, in parties of from 20 or 30 at a time, so as to elude British vigilance; our volunteers said to be flocking in to them from all quarters. The number entrenched when they were discovered, is supposed to be from 200 to 400. The alarm was instantly given, and an express sent off to Toronto, for a regular force to extirpate them. This news is very—but we think it may be substantially relied upon." On the 13th inst, Governor Marcy was at Oswego, looking after the Peel pirates. A schooner laden with merchandise, belonging to Mr. Chrysler, of Niagara, Upper Canada, has been captured it is rumored, on Lake Erie. Two steamboats have been in hot pursuit of the buccaneers of the Thousand Island. In the western district of the Upper Province, 400 patriots, it is said, have risen against the public authorities. Sir John Colborne had arrived at Toronto, U.C. The following is a copy of a proclamation recently issued by the leader of the gang that destroyed the steamboat Sir Robert Peel. It was obtained for Gov. Marcy; and, if the facts may be relied on, is important, as showing that the attack, although made in the American water, was concerted in and proceeded from the British dominions. -Albany Argus.

"To all whom it may concern. I, William Johnson a natural born citizen of Upper Canada, certify that I hold a commission in the Patriot service of Upper Canada as commander in chief of the naval forces and flotilla. I commanded the expedition that captured and destroyed the steamer Sir Robert Peel. The men under my command in the expedition were nearly all natural born English subjects—the exception were volunteers for the expedition. My Head Quarters was on an Island in the St. Lawrence, without the jurisdiction of the United States, at a place named by me Fort Wallace. I am well acquainted with the boundary line, and know which of the Islands do, and which do not, belong to the United States; and in the selection of the Island I wished to be positive and not errate within the jurisdiction of the United States, and had reference to the decision of the Commissioners under the 6th article of the treaty of Ghent, done at Utica, in the State of New York, 13th June, 1822. I know the number of the Island, and by the decision it was British territory. I yet hold possession of that station, and we also occupy a station some twenty or more miles from the boundary line of the United States, in which was his Majesty's dominions until it was occupied by us. I act under orders. The object of my movements is the independence of the Canadas. I am not at war with the commerce or property of the citizens of the United States.

Signed this tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.

WILLIAM JOHNSON."