Daily National Intelligencer

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS!

ALEXANDRIA, LA. DEC. 24.

The Jupiter has returned to Galveston, after a short cruise, with a valuable cargo, principally specie. She is the first vessel that sailed under the authority of Texas. She sailed again on the 1st inst. The three remaining pirates who robbed Mr. Lion were taken into custody by order of gen. Walker, while in the Trinity, and are sent to New-Orleans for trial.

GALVESTON, NOV. 7.

To the commandant of the American cruiser off the port of Galveston.

Sir: I am convinced that you are a cruiser of the navy ordered by your government. I have therefore deemed it proper to enquire into the cause of your lying before this port without communicating your intention. I shall by this message inform you, that the port of Galveston belongs to, and is in, the possession of the republic of Texas, and was made a port of entry the 9th of Oct. last. And whereas the Supreme Congress of said Republic have thought proper to appoint me as governor of this place, in consequence of which, if you have any demands on said government, or persons belonging to, or residing in, the same, you will please to send an officer with such demands—wherein, you may be assured, will be treated with the greatest politeness, and receive every satisfaction required. But if you are ordered, or should attempt to enter this port in a hostile manner, my oath and duty to the government compels me to rebut your intentions at the expense of my life.

To prove to you my intentions towards the welfare and harmony of your government, I send, enclosed, the declaration of several prisoners, who were taken in custody yesterday, and, by a court of enquiry appointed for that purpose, were found to be guilty of robbing the inhabitants of the United States of a number of slaves and other property.

The gentlemen bearing this message will give you any other reasonable information relating to this place that may be required.

J. LAFITTE.

U. S. Schooner Lynx,
Off Galveston, Nov. 8, 1819.

Sir: Your note of yesterday has been received, stating the execution of William Brown, the chief of the boats; and your having sent in pursuit of John Hale, William Thompson, and Charles Slater, who had been previously sent from Galveston. From the disposition evinced by you to bring to justice all those who have committed direct acts of piracy on the citizens of the United States, I am induced to believe, that should they, or John Kelly, John Lightner, and George Kerth, who appear to be the only survivors not at present in custody, come at any future period in your power, that they will be detained in confinement until they can be sent to the United States for trial. I have returned the passage boat belonging to you, which was taken by my boats on the 5th inst. You will excuse me for not accepting your kind and polite invitation to visit Galveston: the weather will not admit my leaving the vessels at sea, but any communication delivered to the officer who has charge of this, will be duly received.

I am, sir, yours, &c.

J. R. MADISON,
Commanding United States' schooner Lynx.

To the Commander of the forces at Galveston.

NOVEMBER 10.

Sir: It is with pleasure I have to inform you, by the request of Mr. Lafitte, commander of the forces at this place, that, on the 8th inst. I was despatched with the communication to him from Lieutenant Commandant J. R. Madison, of the U. S. Navy, and commander of the U. S. schooner Lynx, having been blown off by boisterous and disagreeable weather—that the treatment I have received from him has been the most friendly, generous, and hospitable, and every possible means extended in making the situation of myself and the crew agreeable and comfortable—and every assistance given in securing the prisoners which had been delivered to me during my stay.

I am, sir, your obedient friend,

J. M'INTOSH.

General James Long, President, &c.