The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser

PROVIDENCE, January 13.

A gentleman of this town has received a letter from Col. Talbot, who was sent by the President of the United States to the West-Indies, on the Subject of the Americans impressed on board British Men of war, dated Antigua, Nov. 10, '96, which he has been polite enough to show us. The Colonel states that on his arrival at Barbadoes, he was treated with great attention by the governor (Ricketts) who promised all the assistance in his power to enable him to accomplish his mission--that he (the Governor) had in every instance where the fact had come to his knowledge procured the discharge of the impressed men. The Colonel then went to Martinique, where he had a conference personally with Sir Hyde Parker, Henry Harvey, and H. C. Christian--Admiral Harvey informed him he had discharged more than 40, at Fort Royal who had been impressed--and the Colonel adds, that 20 had been discharged since.

The Admiral informed the Colonel that as fast as the ships on the windward island Station came into port they should be searched, and all impressed Americans discharged--and that he would give the most positive orders, that no Americans should in future be pressed--and that their protections should be strictly regarded. The Colonel adds, that on his arrival at Antigua, he found the Admiral had given out the orders he promised--and he saw them in the hands of some of the captains of the men of war, which directed them to discharge all Americans, after paying their wages and prize money-- and giving them certificates to prevent their being again impressed.