The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Natchez, Oct. 8.

Perhaps there is no occasion which has excited a more lively concern in the public mind than the outrages lately committed within the limits of our territory, on the persons of the Kempers. We are happy to be enabled to lay before our readers a summary of the inquiry and proceedings had before the hon. judge Rodney, at Fort Adams, on the 25th and 26th ult. in this extraordinary affair.

From a full examination, it appeared, that on the night of the 3d of Sept. about 12 o'clock, a body of men composed of whites, negroes and persons in disguise, to the number of 19, armed with various weapons, broke open the house of Nathan Kemper, about two miles from Pinkneyville, and after much violence and great abuse tied Nathan and his brother Reuben Kemper, who happened to be that night at his house. After having secured these two, a detachment of the party went in pursuit of Samuel Kemper, broke open his house and secured him in like manner with his brothers: Shortly afterwards the parties united and forced the Kempers to go a few feet below the line of demarcation between the United States and the territory occupied by his Catholic Majesty; where they were received by a patrole guard of Spanish troops under the command of captain Solomon Alston. They were then conveyed to the Bayou Tunicau landing, there put on board a boat which was prepared to receive them, under a guard of six men, and ordered to Baton Rouge. In passing Point Coupee on their way down the river, the whole crew were taken by lieut. Willson, commandant of that post.

Agreeably to the request and directions of the executive of this territory to lieut. Wilson, the Spanish guard and the Kempers were sent under escort to capt. Sparks, commanding officer at Fort Adams, there to await a judicial investigation. According to the orders of Gov. Williams they were all transferred to the civil authority.

It appeared further, that among the persons who were active above the line in securing the Kempers, some were citizens of the Mississippi territory, and others subjects of the king of Spain. Of the latter all escaped beyond the line or elsewhere, so soon as the Kempers were delivered to the Spanish guard. The majority of our citizens who were active in this flagrant breach of the laws and peace of our territory, have also escaped. The only two who were in custody, were bound in a heavy penalty to appear at the circuit court to stand their trials. The Kempers were bound to appear as witnesses, and to keep the peace especially towards the subjects of Spain. The negroes were adjudged to be tried in a summary manner, under the statute of this territory. The Spanish guard were released and directed to be conveyed into their own territory by a military escort. This disposition of the Spanish subjects was made from a knowledge of their having acted in obedience to the orders of their commanding officer, capt. Alston, and the more especially as we are still in amity with Spain. Thus the matter rests at present.

We cannot but express our satisfaction at the conduct of our officers, executive and judicial, who have had the management of this business. From the prompt and energetic measures pursued by our governor, and the firmness he has shown on this occasion, we have no doubt but spirited and decisive steps will always be adopted by him, to repress any outrage that may be attempted upon the citizens of this territory, by our treacherous neighbors, the Spaniards.