Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

London, August 24.

AMERICA.

The Sheffield, an American ship, is arrived from Norfolk in the Chesapeake. She left the capes on the 22d ult. The Bellona, commodore Douglas, had previously sailed for Halifax, taking with her the four seamen who were the cause of the rencontre between the Leopard and the Chesapeake. The damages sustained by the latter were nearly repaired, and the trial of commodore Barron was immediately to take place on board her. A report was picked up by this ship that a midshipman and three seamen from the British squadron in the Chesapeake landed on the Norfolk coast, on the 15th of July, for the purpose of procuring water for the tender to which they belonged, when they were warned by the inhabitants to return to their ship. The officer, it is said, expostulated and persisted in his endeavours to obtain water, the consequence of which was, that he and his party were made prisoners and marched into Norfolk, where they were suffered to be at large on parole. We do not attach much credit to this intelligence. After the interview of the deputation from Norfolk with commodore Douglas, and the second letter of the latter to the mayor of that town, it is by no means likely that an attempt to procure supplies by force would have been made by any detachment from the British squadron.

The irritation among the Americans, we are happy to learn, had considerably subsided, in consequence of the conciliating statement of the persons deputed to confer with commodore Douglas. Meetings, however, continue to be held, and offers of service made to government. To these, the general reply of the president was as temperate as the mutual friends of both nations could possibly desire. At the time of the departure of the Sheffield, the Revenge, which is expected to bring the dispatches to Mr. Munroe had not sailed. The delay is supposed to have been occasioned by collecting proofs that the seamen seized on board the Chesapeake were bona fide native American subjects.

We have this day resumed our extracts from the American papers. We hope the fracas between the Chinese, at Canton, and the English seamen, mentioned in these papers, has been greatly exaggerated.

The Revenge schooner, which is to bring the dispatches from the American government relative to the late transactions, is not yet arrived, but a vessel is arrived which left the Capes on the 22d July. The populace in different towns continue to pass violent resolutions, but the president does not appear to have caught any of their violence and fury. He seems to be convinced that the Americans have nothing to gain but every thing to lose in a contest with this country. We have no doubt the differences will be amicably adjusted. But it is stated in the Norfolk papers of the 20th that two young English officers, and three seamen, have been taken into custody for being found on shore at Cape Henry. The letters state, that this party of five, had been amusing themselves on a fishing party, and being in want of some refreshment, had landed on Cape Henry, for the purpose merely of satisfying their wants. They were immediately surrounded by a party of cavalry, and made prisoners under the president's proclamation, and sent to a general Matthews, who immediately dispatched a messenger to Mr. Jefferson. It was afterwards intimated to the two boys and their three companions, that they were to continue in custody, until the pleasure of the government of the United States should be ascertained; but that in the mean time they would be treated with every respect. Another letter on the same subject states, that the five prisoners had been removed to the adjoining state, where they were treated with the greatest humanity.

Our conduct towards the United States affords a marked and honourable contrast to the conduct which Buonaparte has invariably adopted to every state which has been too weak to resist him.

Courier.

Dispatches, brought by the William store-ship, we understand were received from admiral Berkeley on Saturday, dated Halifax, the 9th ult. The Bellona had arrived there the day before from the Chesapeake. The official account and documents relating to the affair between the Leopard and the American frigate have been transmitted by this opportunity. As soon, therefore, as the dispatches said to have been sent to Mr. Munroe by the United States vessel, the Revenge, shall arrive, the discussion of the late transaction, and the principle on which it is founded, will be proceeded upon.