Daily National Intelligencer

OUR NAVAL OFFICERS ABROAD.

WILMINGTON, DEL. NOV. 11.

We published, in the Watchman, of the 14th ult. an article under the Paris head, to which the following extract of a letter is a satisfactory reply. The article in question purported to be a letter from Livorno, (the Italian for Leghorn) and contained some statements relative to the conduct of the officers of our squadron, which were by no means calculated to do them honor. It was our belief at the time that it was a fabrication, invented by envy and malice, to sully the character of our navy, and the following letter from a gentleman, whom we know to be a person of character and talents, confirmed the opinion. The calumny having had a wide circulation, justice demands that the refutation should be equally extensive.

[Watchman.]

Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Italy, to his friend in this vicinity, dated August 22, 1818.

"You will probably shortly see published in the American papers, 'an extract of a letter from Leghorn to some person in Paris.' which has appeared in a Paris paper, and which says, that the American squadron was laying in Leghorn roads; that the officers had plenty of money and spent it freely; that they had taken country seats near the city, and were enjoying themselves very highly; that they had celebrated the anniversary of independence in great style--that after dinner the officers got very gay & threw overboard all their plate, &c. If all this is believed, at home, our countrymen must entertain but a poor opinion of the character and demeanor of their officers abroad--but the truth is, as I understand, that there are a great many Englishmen in Leghorn, who endeavor to injure the character of the American navy officers as much as possible, nor do they hesitate to write falsehoods to further their views. The whole of the above may be explained in a few words. The officers expend probably greater sums in Leghorn than in any other port in the Mediterranean, in the purchase of Marble, jewellery, &c. &c. all of which are procured of a much better quality and at a lower rate than in any other port. Many of them have orders from their friends at home: consequently they make a good many purchases. With respect to country houses, none have been taken but the hospital, between which and the squadron there must necessarily be a great deal of intercourse when in port. The officers are extremely polite to strangers, and entertain them in a style which comports with their means, and commands a proper respect for the situations they hold."