Daily National Intelligencer

IMPRESSMENT

TO THE EDITORS OF THE AMERICAN

Custom House, Baltimore,
Collector's Office, May 1. 1813.

Please to publish the accompanying letter, with this declaration, that particular pains have been taken to forward the certificates of this young man's citizenship. The proofs adduced by his friends, and the certificates from this office, where he is particularly known, have been repeatedly transmitted to himself, to the Consul in Jamaica, and to the Department of State. They have undoubtedly some of them reached their destination. And it must be presumed that something which scorns the authority of the country, as well as the rights of man, detains the unhappy victim in his servitude.

ELIJAH STERLING is a native of Dorchester County, in this state, where several of his relations live; and he seems to have little chance of seeing any of them shortly, except a brother in our service, whom he may meet one day in battle.

JAS. H. M'CULLOCH.

Port Royal Dock Yard, 1813.

Dear Uncle— I am sorry to inform you of my circumstances at present, which are very miserable; when the American war began I gave myself up as an American, and was sent to prison into New Providence, along with all the other Americans who were on board our vessel, and the privateersmen that we took, which was the first intelligence we had of the war-not long after that, till our relief, came from Jamaica, and we were obliged to come to Jamaica with our own vessel again-only the privateersmen and other vessel's people that were taken, were left behind; and when we came to Jamaica. all the Americans who had protections were sent to the prison ship, and those who had not were still kept in the British service. Now I am left behind on account of losing my protection in sending it to the American consul in Kingston; I have since written to him concerning my protection, but received no satisfaction. I have made all application to get to prison that I could, and likewise spoke to the admiral himself, and cannot get a clearance till I find proof from my friends. Now, I must still remain on board the Decouvert, till such time as you send my certificates that I am an American. I heard of my clearance being brought out to Jamaica by captain Montgomery about 12 months ago, but being on the New Providence station at that time, I never got the protection or letter; at the same time the admiral there died, so that my protection was sent home to you-whether you got it or not I cannot tell. Now, I hope that you will send my proof of being an American as soon as possible, and direct it to Admiral Sterling, Jamaica, and at the same time write to myself, for I am sure to get it, as I am determined not to go to sea any more in the British service-they may keep me as long as they will. I hope you will let my mother know where I am. I have no more to say at present, but my best respects to you and all inquiring friends and well-wishers.

I am your affectionate nephew.

ELIJAH STERLING.