New Hampshire Statesman And State Journal

Singular Affair.

Two or three weeks ago, Capt. Henry, of the Athenian, reported that an engagement had occurred between two vessels, to the westward of Barataria Bay. It was stated that they exchanged about sixty shots, and then separated and bore away from each other.

A statement in the Franklin Republican of the 5th inst, evidently made in good faith, may afford some explanation of the mystery. The editor was informed by the commander of the United States revenue cutter Louis Mc Lane, which has just returned from a three month cruise off our coast, that on the 12 ult. a slaver boat went to the Vermillion-Bay lighthouse for water, with eight men on board, all armed with cutlasses and pistols; about twenty four hours afterwards, the boat of an English man of-war was sent in for the same purpose; the commander stated to the light-house keeper that they were in chase of a slaver, with about 500 negroes on board, and desired to be reported; they made immediate chase for the slaver.

The captain of the cutter farther stated, that about two days after this, several planters of Lower Vermillion were out hunting, who heard considerable cannonading in the direction of the Matagorda.

This statement, and the one brought by the Athenian, undoubtedly refer to the same affair; but is it not strange that no accurate information has been received in this quarter?

—New-Orleans Picayune.