Kentucky Gazette

FROM AMELIA ISLAND

Extract of a letter from St. Mary's, dated the 14th inst.

"It appears indeed extremely doubtful as to the fate of the Floridas; the continual jealousy and dissatisfaction existing among themselves, (the Patriots) rather promise a total dissolution of the whole concern. When Gen. M'Gregor had the command, they were dissatisfied, and pretended a belief that the General's sole motive was self aggrandizement, and to favor Scotch interest. After the General's resignation, they gave the command to Col. Irwin; in a very little while, they again became restless and dissatisfied. When Commodore Aury came in with two rich prizes, Irwin resigned, and the Commodore took the command—now, just as fickle as ever, they wish to put their new chief out, for some other favorite of the moment. In the mean time, their situation has become extremely critical and unpleasant; the black troops and sailors, characters of the worst description from St. Domingo and other of the West-India Islands, now about 150 in number, brought in by the Commodore, and the other privateers, insist upon equal rights and privileges with the whites, and otherwise very insolent; indeed, so as to assume equal command. The whites have come to a resolution to drive them off the Island, or perish in the attempt; both parties being enraged against each other, are now actually in arms, and, should the dispute end in a conflict, dreadful indeed will be the carnage, as neither side would give quarters. Neither are we, on this side (owing to the nature of the quarrel, and character of the parties) without alarm and apprehension as to the consequences, and nothing, it seems, will give security to both sides of the river, but the cession of East and West Florida, which I, as well as all orderly and well disposed persons towards this country, heartily wish may not be far distant. No more prizes have come in since my last, there being no court of admiralty as yet on the Island, and consequently none of the prize goods imported into the United States have been legally condemned, or even sold. The prize goods that have been introduced into this place, and from hence to Savannah and your place, are on the commodore's own responsibility and security to his men for the amount of their shares. Gen. M'Gregor, it is generally said, is gone to some part of South America."

Charleston Gazette.

Extract of another letter, dated 15th inst.

"I was at Amelia Island last Sunday evening—while there, a considerable disturbance took place between the whites and blacks. They were all armed, and I really expected every moment to see a battle royal. The blacks got all into the fort, and posted themselves as well as they could, although in great confusion: they kept the fort all the evening. The sailors paraded a 24 pounder abreast the picquets, and were determined to bring them to action; but fortunately, by the great activity of the Governor and officers, they quelled the fray pretty smoothly, but with great difficulty. The sailors were so enraged at the attempt of the blacks to command them, that they would have died in the contest: they were determined; if a conflict had ensued, to destroy the ruffians. It is reported that the blacks will all be shipped off the island this step can alone restore harmony to the place. There are six or seven private armed vessels there, as also several prizes. Only one of the prize ships is at present discharging—her cargo principally consists of sugar, intended to be shipped here in small parcels to St. Mary's, to be sold at auction. Five privateers and five prizes are expected every day; the latter said, among other articles, to have a considerable quantity of specie. I think the privateersmen will fare well here. It is rather unhealthy at Amelia—two or three from the force there, die every day."

From Amelia, we learn, that a disturbance of a very serious nature has taken place between commodore Aury and governor Hubbard—the former wishing to place his black troops over the heroes of Irwin, which would not be allowed; in consequence of this, Aury has drawn up his troops and threatens to put his orders into effect by force of arms. Colonel Irwin, it is said, will resist every thing of the kind. It is feared blood will be spilt before the matter can be adjusted. Several prizes were off Amelia bar—business, in consequence of the difference between Aury, and the governor and colonel Irwin, was completely at a stand.

Sav. Rep.

FROM AMELIA ISLAND.

Extract of a letter to the Editor of the Charleston Courier, dated

ST. MARY'S, OCT. 18.

"Annexed you will find a proclamation, which I have hastily copied for you. But, notwithstanding the language which it breathes, a revolution is still brewing; the American party is now waiting for Com. Champlain's arrival, when they will carry the day. At present every thing is in a state of suspense; no business doing; no prize sales have yet taken place, nor will, until this business is settled. The schooner Antelope, from Savannah, has just arrived here, and also a brig from New-York with notions. This evening arrived a prize with slaves, which the U. S. brig Saranac has detained, as some have been smuggled. She has now 5 prizes here."

PROCLAMATION

The Supreme Junta of the Floridas, to the inhabitants of Amelia.

A horrid plot has threatened to ruin, in its infancy, our rising republic. Discord, ever ready to spread its baneful alarms, had put us on the brink of a civil war; fortunately, we still preserved among us respect for liberty and the cause we defend. We have discovered the secret machinations of a despotic government, and we have saved ourselves from ruin, into which Spanish perfidy was on the eve of plunging us.

Yes, citizens, the terrible blow that threatened us proceeded from the intrigues of our cowardly enemy; we have the most certain conviction of it. Only cast a look upon the promoters and leaders of the horrid scenes that have taken place. Is there amongst them one of the bravest, who so valiantly and so gloriously defended this place against forces ten times more numerous? No! the eye searches in vain for one of them. Wherever it perceives a leader, it beholds a person who abandoned you in the hour of danger; it beholds men who, guided by their own self-interests, trifle with the shedding of the blood of the gallant defenders of liberty. Provided they accomplish their object, their views are accomplished. It is you, brave seamen, who have made so many sacrifices; it is your valor they wish to set forward for the perpetration of deeds so execrable.

They create a huge phantom, when in reality it is but a chimera. What would have been the results had we unfortunately been compelled to come to extremities, and sent off those who, it is said, were to be sent off? By coming to extremities, in a most cruel butchery.—By sending them off, deprive this infant republic of the succour of valiant men, who have fought with you until now, and will never abandon you in the hour of danger. Had this happened, you, gallant seamen, would most assuredly have followed the route dictated by honor, but weakened by it, you would have fallen a sacrifice to treachery and individual views, and the few remaining, whose valor would have sustained them until the last, would have found themselves compelled to abandon this place, and fulfilled the wishes of our implacable enemies, who have no other means of destroying the germ of liberty, but dissention among its defenders.

This would not have been the only evil, a greater one for yourselves would have ensued. Remorse, despair, would have attended your consciences to the grave, when cool reflection and calmness had told you, that you had stained your hands with the blood of patriots, who had defended the cause we have embraced—and that by Castilian intrigues.

Brave and gallant seamen! let us return thanks to that Divine Providence, which hovers and watches with a careful eye over this infant republic, for having saved us from the perpetration of such direful deeds: let us be united; and let this example, for the future, serve us as a lesson to be upon our guard against seduction.

By consent of the Council,

L. AURY,

Commander in Chief.

Fernandina, Oct. 4, 1817.

8 and 1 of Independence.

"The following proclamation relative to fugitive slaves, was promulgated here on the 8th inst."

PROCLAMATION.

It has been resolved by the Supreme Junta, or Council of State,

1st. That any person or persons who shall be convicted of persuading any slave or slaves to runaway from the U. nited States, or any other place whatsoever, shall, on conviction of the same, forfeit and pay, for the first offence, 100 dollars, and be imprisoned for a term not exceeding 30 days: and, for the second offence, forfeit and pay 500 dollars, and be banished from the country.

2d. Resolved, That any fugitive slave or slaves taken up shall be kept in jail until claimed by his, her or their owners

3d. Resolved, That all slaves coming to this city for employment, shall have a written permit from their owners.

WM. YONGE, Sec'ry.

Government House, Fernandina,

October 8th, 1817.

CHARLESTON, OCT. 21.

A gentleman who arrived here yesterday from Fernandina, which place he left on the 16th inst. reports the following particulars relative to the situation of affairs at Amelia Island; by which it would appear that a scene of the utmost contention and confusion had arisen among the Patriots. It would seem that the French officers, with commodore Aury and his black troops, form a strong party, in opposition to that which (with Sheriff Hubbard at its head) is still in entire possession of the civil authority. The parties were pretty nearly balanced in strength and resources; but the appearance of Com. Champian off St. Mary's Bar, with from three to six sail of vessels, supposed to contain a number of troops, was expected to turn the scale in favor of what is called the American party—the party of Gov. Hubbard. In a few days we hope to present something more satisfactory, in regard to this revolution, to our readers.

So. Pat.