The Rhode Island Republican

FURTHER FROM FLORIDA

We have just received a letter from a gentleman of high respectability at Natchez, Mississippi, from which we extract the following important intelligence.

NATCHEZ, DEC. 7.

"SIR,

We have just received unpleasant intelligence from Florida. The people refuse to come under the American government, and bloodshed it is apprehended will ensue. The reports that have reached us are in substance that Gov. Claiborne landed at the mouth of the Bayou Sara, and went up to the town of St. Francisville, half a mile distant, where he raised the American flag, and made a speech to the people. As soon as he had ceased speaking, General Thomas replied, and after a long harangue, in which he stated that the protection of the United States had been refused them until it was found that they did not need it—denied any right by treaty—and declared the President's Proclamation a Declaration of War. He closed by saying he would go into the Fort of Baton Rouge, and before he would surrender it, he would bury himself in its ruins. He then mounted his horse and departed. A day or two after, Governour Claiborne, went to Baton Rouge with a company of regular troops, and raised the American flag. The people tore it down, and raised on the staff the Flag of Independence. This was the state of things three days ago—We anxiously await the mail for further intelligence."