Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

Important, though Melancholy News, from Cape-Francois, December 11.

On Saturday last arrived in town via New-York, from C. Francois, Capt. Atwood, late of the schr. Jane, of this place. He went to the Cape, on a common trading voyage, on his arrival there, a guard of soldiers was immediately placed on board his vessel, and soon after lighters sent along side, and the whole of his cargo forcibly taken out, not even excepting his own and the poor seamen's adventures-the most ruffian fury marking the plunderers during the whole operation. On inquiring the reasons for such conduct of the officers of the government, he was told that they were authorized by the French Directory ; that they were distressed, starving, and would help themselves as they could ; that orders were issued for the capture of all American vessels, bound to British ports; and, that they should soon be at open war with America. Petitions to the administration were treated with the most illiberal contempt and indifference. Twelve other American vessels were there which had been treated in the same way.

Among the vessels that had suffered under these unexampled atrocities, was a brig, Hilman, of Portland ; brig Abigail, Scott, of New-York ; and brig, Reynolds, of Savannah.

The people of colour, were averse to those measures, and appeared much attached to the Americans;. the persecution originated in the commissioners, among whom is numbered the notorious SONTHONAX.

The American Consul had written to the Secretary of State on the subject, enclosing the orders which had been published, and placarded.

An embargo had continued there during the whole of capt. Atwood's stay-a temporary suspension alone enabled him to leave the Cape, in a vessel employed by the administration.

Capt. Atwood has entered his protest against the treatment he received.