The Alexandria Herald

NEW YORK June 20.

Latest from Algiers.

Last evening arrived at this port the United States corvette John Adams, capt. Trenchard from Algiers with Mr. Murray, bearer of dispatches for government.

The John Adams sailed from Algiers on the 17th of May in company with the United States squadron under the command of com. Shaw, the whole of which were bound on a cruise except the sloop of war Ontario, which sailed for Marseilles.

We are informed that a curious misunderstanding had arisen between the dey of Algiers and the Americans but from what particular cause we have not been able to learn, but understand that the delay of the restoration of the brig of war driven ashore by com. Decatur, and seized by the Spaniards was one of the causes, and that the dey was about to send out his fleet to cruise against the Americans in violation of the late treaty of peace.

Com. Shaw apprised of the hostile intentions of the dey proceeded with the whole American squadron in the Mediterranean to the port of Algiers, and being well provided with fire ships &c. threatened immediate destruction to his majesty's fleet as well as capital—Mr. Shaler, the American consul had previously repaired on board the fleet. This sudden and unexpected appearance of the squadron caused great confusion and fear, the dey with his household fled to one of the forts and when the work of destruction was about to commence, he sent out a flag of truce to com. Shaw, with assurances that he would adhere to the late treaty and invited Mr. Shaler to return and resume his functions, which was agreed to for the present.

The American consul at Gibraltar had given public notice that the American vessels might again pass up and down the Mediterranean without danger of molestation by the Algerines.

Extract of a letter dated "Bay of Algiers, April 15, 1816."

"The American squadron arrived off this port on the 1st inst where we found the British fleet under the command of lord Exmouth, consisting of six ships of the line, two frigates, and eight or ten bombs and other vessels. The object of the British expedition as it was understood previously to its leaving Port Mahon, to release all the christian slaves and oblige the Algerines to submit to the laws of civilized nations, and in the event of not being able to accomplish these objects by negotiation they were certainly to level the town. But notwithstanding their threats and the ample force they possessed, they have ended the business disgracefully. They have indeed obtained the release of about 500 christian slaves, Sardinians and Neapolitans, not however by force of arms but by negotiating to pay a ransom of 500 dollars for each of the Sardinians and 1000 dollars for each Neapolitan. Having accomplished their business the British fleet sailed on the 7th bound, as it is supposed, for Tunis on a similar object.

"Since they sailed we have been on the very verge of another war with Algiers respecting the brig that was given up by com. Decatur. The affair proceeded to such a length that we actually prepared the boats of the squadron for the purpose of burning their vessels in the Mole. We have however come to an accommodation and I understand the Dey is agreed to refer it to our government, and is willing to wait a reasonable time for an answer.—I refer you for the particulars of this business to the commodore's dispatches.

"We sail hence early to-morrow morning—where we are bound to I cannot say—report says Tunis."

Extract From another letter.

"Com. Shaw considering it the best plan to keep those Barbarians in awe instantly commenced preparations to give them a drubbing. Every boat in the squadron was ordered to be ready for immediate service, and put in the best possible condition for a bold tho' necessary enterprise; which was to mount and scale those immense & terrible batteries and to burn and destroy their fleet, which consisted of 4 frigates with numerous sloops, corvettes and gun boats. In the evening our expedition arrived—all anxious for the moment which was again to encircle the brow of Columbia with another wreath of laurels—but while below reflecting on my beloved home, I was surprised in the midst of my reverie by the information that the Dey discovered our intentions, had sent off a flag of truce stating, that it was not only entirely contrary to his wishes to make war with the Americans, but that he ever was proud of their friendship."