Virginia Argus

NEWBERN, (N. C.) June 21.

The following is a copy of a paper which was found corked up in a bottle, which was picked up near Cape Hatteras, on the 23d of May last. The original was sent to the secretary of state of the United States:

On board the Peterel sloop of war.

Lat. 10, Long. 74.

I am an American, born at Boston, aged 25 years, sailed from New York on board the brig Lyon, November 24, 1805. Nothing occurred worthy of remark for 14 days after we lost sight of the Hook, when at six o'clock in the evening we were brought to by the above vessel, and after undergoing every species of insult, myself and others, namely Frederick Foster, Simon Alogo, and Aaron Stupis, all native Americans, were ordered on board, which we refused, and on so doing, were beaten and kicked into the boat, were then thrown into irons for 10 days, after which time, was brought on deck, and interrogated if we would enter into his majesty's service, with the alternative of a good flogging and to live on bread and water, until we should comply with their imperious mandates: after a short consultation amongst us we agreed to enter, and embrace the first opportunity that occurred to free ourselves from the slavery in which we were involved.—Accordingly, we signified our willingness to become the tools of the slaves of his Britannic Majesty. 'Tis impossible to say any more, as my watch on deck is called; I must therefore conclude, hoping that some effectual mode of redressing the grievances of American tars, will be thought of, and put into execution by our government.

JOHN JOHNSTON.