The Rhode Island Republican

The substance of a conversation reported to have been held by a lieutenant of the Constellation, with some of the officers of the British fleet in Hampton Roads, will tend to show the confidence with which our victories have inspired our gallant tars, and the terror which the British already begin to feel for our "fir-built" frigates.

The lieutenant of the Constellation visited the Marlborough, admiral Cockburn, with a flag of truce sent by Capt Stewart. After finishing the business on which the flag was sent, discoursing with some of the officers of the Marlborough, the latter observed, that they must and would obtain possession of the Constellation, and that no means would be left untried to ensure her capture.

The American lieutenant to this replied that there was one way in which possession of the frigate might possibly be had; one in which the valor and skill of the respective nations might be tested; and to which he knew Capt. Stewart would readily assent. "What was this?" asked one of the British officers. "Single out any frigate in your fleet (observed the American officer) or any in the British navy, not exceeding 44 guns--let your admiral pledge his word that no other vessel shall interfere, (and we will take your word, although you would not that of our commodore at St. Salvador)--the Constellation will meet her, and in single combat give you a chance of honorable victory, or inglorious defeat."

The proposition of the American lieut. was discountenanced by the British officers-- the latter thinking probably, that the "better part of valor was discretion."-Petersb. Int.