Gazette Of The United States

UNITED STATES.

GEORGE-TOWN, January 27.

Extract of a letter from an American gentleman in New-Orleans, to his friend in this town, dated 12th Dec. 1789.

"The sparks of liberty which were discovered some time past in South-America have now actually broke out into a flame. Yes, my friend, the American Fever, which has shaken to its foundations the thrones of enlightened Europe, has found its way to this land of ignorance and superstition: by accounts received over land from Mexico, all bids fair for a revolution. The inhabitants of this rich and fertile country, who have been the dupes and sport of priest-craft for centuries past, begin to open their eyes—they have refused to pay the fourth part of the produce of their mines to the king, in consequence of which the viceroy ordered the European troops to take possession of some of the most valuable mines in the neighbourhood of the city of Mexico—this happened in October last; and about the 20th of Nov. upwards of 7000 of the inhabitants appeared under arms, among whom were the most respected characters of the country; they marched and attacked the troops who had taken possession of their property; an engagement took place—the greatest part of the king's troops fell a sacrifice, and the people retook their property—they were afterwards joined by a large body of Indians (who make the greater part of the inhabitants) and then proceeded to the city of Mexico, where they took possession of the King's magazines, arsenals, &c. the viceroy, the chief officers, the priests and jesuits, the most obnoxious to the natives, fled towards Carthagena. Two expresses arrived here over land. Government wishes to conceal it from the people, but time will disclose the whole of this interesting affair."