Virginia Argus

BRITISH GROANS.

By the late arrival at Portland from Halifax, we find that the victory of Commodore Perry on Lake Erie has greatly depressed the spirits of the enemy. The Quebec and Halifax papers now begin to think it possible that the "sceptre of the ocean" may be wrested from them. They insinuate, however, that it will not be by the Americans; our means are too limited; but our astonishing success will inspire every maritime European power with new ardor. The terrors formerly attached to the British name are now no more, and every future battle must be contested inch by inch. They even hint at the possibility of England being reduced to her proper rank--a third power. This desponding language of the British was held by them previous to their knowledge of the capture of Proctor's army.

A Halifax paper of the 30th ult. says, "A handful of American frigates have evaded our cruizers: but without taking from their deserts, we may safely say they have been extremely favored by fortune. To such celebrity have they arrived, that the destruction of them would cause more rejoicing than the battle of the Nile or Trafalgar! We have been beaten on Lake Erie, and shall be beaten on every other Lake, unless government are more energetic. Had the gallant Barclay been allowed 60 or 70 more seamen, Commodore Perry would not have defeated him."--[The gallant Barclay, as it was, had more guns and more men than Com. Perry.]

Is not this sufficient evidence of American superiority?

Boston Chronicle.