Gazette Of The United States

PRIVATEERING-IN CHARACTER.

Capt. FARLEY, from St. Martins, brought the following memorial, which he was desired to have inserted, in the Newspapers:

April 23d, sailed from Baltimore, in the Theresa, belonging to Champain and Deyme, for Barbadoes, and a market, -with flour and hoops. May 23d, was brought to by a National brig Caira, of 18 guns, Capt. Lebae, from Guadaloupe, then in lat. 17, 56, long. 62, 58. Being ordered to hoist out my boat, I told them, it was impossible, as she was leaky and much lumbered. They swore, they would fire upon me immediately, if I did not obey them; and while I was clearing my boat actually fired at my vessel; the shot, however, passed without injuring us. As soon as possible, I went on board with my papers, when observing my clearance was for Barbados, they asked for my letters--I told them, I had none. They then sent seven people on board my schooner, detaining me and my crew in the brig--they there searched every chest, trunk, case, locker, and place they could suspect, and finding no letters, swore the owner's brother, who was on board, and who was bred a clerk in Baltimore, was an Aristocrat, and that we were going with provisions to the English. They brought him on board the brig, and put him with myself, as prisoners into the cabin—Capt. Lebae, taking all my papers; and ordering my mate to follow him with the schooner, or he would sink her. They then bore away. In the night they run foul of the schooner-the brig's jib boom and bowprit, passing through the schooner's mainsail, which being new, carried away the boom tackle, tack rope, &c. and tore the sail from the gaff to the boom; and injuring the schooner so as to make her very leaky.

May 24, anchored in St. Martin's Great Bay. A strong guard was put on board my schooner, where I also requested to go to shift myself; but was told, I was a prisoner, and should not. A search was again made on board my vessel for papers, &c. and one officer, observing a small crack, in one of the mouldings-he tore off part of it, swearing papers had been there. Mr. Champain and myself were brought to the commissaries, without shifting or having; and separately examined. I was asked,-if my owner was a Frenchman--if the cargo belonged to him-Why I cleared out for Barbados, &c. As it was clear I was bound to an English port, my answers had no effect: As I found I should go again prisoner on board the Ca Ira, I demanded leave to go on board the schooner and shift myself; but was denied. I even asked liberty to send on board, but in vain. On the 24th, the captain gave me leave to go on board my vessel. When I got on board the schooner, I found her thumping on a large anchor, I asked the officer on board to move her, as I knew her bottom was damaged, for she made much water. But could not persuade the Officers, or get leave to move her myself. Our water being out, on the 27th, I went under guard to the Commissary, who then granted me leave to get water, or any necessaries from on shore, or the American vessels. This day, Mr. Champain was sent a prisoner to Guadaloupe. I demanded canvas and twine from the Commissary, to mend my main sail; he said he had none. May 29th, the Ca Ira being gone, I got the harbor master to assist in moving my vessel, which he did, but she had received so much damage, as to be very leaky. I have several times inquired of the Commissary, what was to be done, with my vessel, but received no satisfaction.

June 1st, being sent for by George Bruce, tavern keeper, who calls himself a Virginian, to whom I had entrusted some letters and papers, I had received from my owners, after opening them before several Americans, among whom was capt. Davis of Boston. A Mr. Richards told Mr Bruce he would be sent to Guadaloupe and be guillotined, for concealing letters, whereupon he gave me the letters, which I put in my pockets, when Bruce, went out and brought in a number of Frenchmen, and told them, I had papers and letters against the Republic. I was directly taken to the guard house, and every paper and letter taken out of my pockets; and all carried to the Commissary. What will be the event I know not,

WILLIAM WILLIAMSON.