Herald Of The Times

SHIP ALBANY.—Various accounts have been published in the New-York papers respecting the packet ship Albany, which lately put in here in distress, all of which are wide apart of the facts in the case, and calculated to impress the reader with the most unfriendly feelings towards the authorities and inhabitants of this place. We had a right to expect better things from some of the corps editorial in New-York, and we have yet to learn what ultimate object they had in view by so gross a misrepresentation of the facts in relation to the treatment which the Albany met with after her arrival in this port.

In our last we published a correct statement of the assistance rendered the ship by the citizens, &c. of this place, giving to all their just proportion of credit due for their timely services—and no more. But to look at the accounts published in the New-York Courier Enquirer, Standard, Mercantile Advertiser, Advocate & Journal, &c. &c. one would suppose we on this little island, were the most uncivilized and unchristian race that ever existed. The Advocate & Journal says: "On their arrival at Newport, the authorities REFUSED ALL ASSISTANCE, not even permitting any intercourse, alleging that the ship was from N.-York, all communication with which place was prohibited on account of the cholera. The soldiers who constituted the cordon sanitaire, threw down their arms, went on board the ship, and assisted in extinguishing the fire. Holes were bored in the ship to let in the water, and thus the fire was extinguished."

We have before had occasion to notice the unfriendly conduct manifested by the authorities at Newport and Providence, in preventing the landing of passengers in steam-boats from this city, in consequence of the prevalence of the Cholera among us, but that they should have refused assistance to a vessel in the situation of the Albany, really appears to be such a disregard of the golden rule of "doing unto others as you would they should do unto you," that we can scarcely account for such a course."

Every one at all acquainted with the facts, knows that the authorities of this place did not refuse assistance as alleged, and that instead of the fire's being extinguished by holes having been bored in the ship to let in the water, it was extinguished by the prompt and efficient interference of our citizens who went a-long side of the ship in sloops with engines, and arrested its progress at the risk of their lives. Another account accuses us of denying all hospitality to the passengers on board said ship, compelling them to remain on board of a foul sloop without even the comforts of life.— This is equally incorrect,—the passengers, we admit, were not allowed to land here, nor were they compelled to remain on board said sloop or ship, either with or without the comforts of life.—They were informed that they could land on Rose-Island, a healthy, pleasant situation, where they could be made perfectly comfortable, the Barracks being newly fitted up and cleansed for the reception of such as pleased to go there while remaining at quarantine. If they did not see fit to go there, it was a business of their own. We are also warranted in saying, that the Health officer did not, as has been represented, permit the citizens of this place to go on board said ship and return to town, just as they pleased. This additional fabrication carries on the face of it the object intended, and we are extremely sorry it should receive credence in the respectable prints alluded to.

We have deemed it our duty in justice to our inhabitants and all others concerned, to make this statement, and have only further to remark to our New-York friends, that it will be very fortunate for them, if under similar circumstances, they do not fall into worse hands than those they have so unjustly complained of.— We will also take occasion to remark, that justice would seem to require at the hands of the captain of said ship, that he should in some shape, disabuse the authorities and citizens of this place, of the ungenerous libel passed upon their hospitality and humanity.