Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

The account published in the Courier of the 8th instant, respecting the infamous murder of Mr. Tate, mate of the armed ship Pilgrim of Philadelphia, at Cape Francois, was in some respects incorrect--The following particulars are furnished by a gentleman who was an eye witness of the whole transaction. It would seem that two unfortunate Frenchmen, together with some mulattoes, had been introduced on board this vessel (probably with the knowledge of all the officers) and securely stowed away under deck with the cargo. By some means, information reached Christophe that they were concealed on board-- Mr. Lynch the supercargo, and captain Gibson being on shore, declared their ignorance of any person's being concealed on board--The Commander in Chief immediately dispatched a guard of soldiers on board the ship, who tore up the deck over the heads of the unfortunate fugitives, and, together with Mr. Tate, (he being the commanding officer then on board) forced them on shore. On their landing upon the wharf, the unfortunate American saw but too plainly the fate which awaited him, and addressing himself to his amazed countrymen, he exclaimed, "Americans! will you see me thus dragged to execution like a dog, and no one step forward to assert my innocence"-"Yes," said one, (a Mr. Smith, supercargo of a vessel from Baltimore) "I will speak for you?"--Instantly a sentinel was ordered to run him through with his bayonet, but he escaped by springing into his boat and instantly pushing off. The prisoners were then led up to the publick scales! Mr. Tate and the two Frenchmen had their heads placed about their necks, mounted this temporary scaffold, and were precipitately launched into eternity! The arms of the Frenchmen were pinioned, but those of Mr. Tate were left untied, and in his struggles he repeatedly caught hold of the cord by which he was suspended, and entirely removed it from his throat, the cord passing round his chin and the back of his neck -in this manner he expired! As he mounted the ladder, he said, "American! Americans! I die this ignominious death--for duly executing my orders!"

The feelings of the Americans on this occasion, may be more readily felt than described.

[Courier.