Alexandria Gazette & Advertiser

From the Boston Evening Gazette.

COURT OF ENQUIRY.

The defence of Capt. Hull was read by
his counsel before the court of inquiry, assembled at the navy yard, in Charlestown,
on Thursday forenoon. It was a document of great interest, and was considered by those who have attended the whole
investigation to have presented a faithful
outline of the vast mass of testimony, occupying upwards of 400 folio pages, spread
upon the record of the court. If this opinion be correct there can be no difference of sentiment hereafter, as to the perfect integrity of Capt. Hull, and the unsubstantial and groundless charges that
have been preferred against his official
conduct. Without attempting to give an
abstract of even the points of the defence,
which was very much condensed, we may
be permitted to state one fact contained in
it. A candid consideration of this fact
will at once extinguish in a mind of the
least reflection the charge of speculation
and plunder, so confidently advanced against this distinguished officer. He stated upon his honor and veracity as a gentleman, that his whole real and personal
property, including his prize money for
capturing the Guerriere, his pay and emoluments for 25 years of service, and all
his other resources, amounts to less than
eighteen thousand dollars. A schedule of
his estate we understand is to be annexed
to the proceedings. The only regret we
entertain at this circumstance is that so
gallant an officer should have felt it necessary to resort for his vindication to an argument of this description; but having
urged it, the charge of peculation is completely divested of even the shadow of a
foundation.

The whole defence was very masterly,
especially that part of it comprising an
examination of Lieut. Abbot's letters to
the secretary of the navy, with a view to
a refutation of the allegations they contain by means of the testimony before the court.