Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

BALTIMORE, August 8.

The following letter from the supercargo of the ship Ardent, to S. Smith and Buchanan, owners, is handed us for publication:-

It is with the greatest regret that I announce to you the capture of your ship Ardent, which happened on the 16th of May. It was 8 o'clock in the morning, when we found ourselves off Cape Trafalgar, and at the same time discovered five sail of small vessels over on the Barbary shore, which we took to be Spanish - we, soon however, found we were mistaken; for it being calm, they rowed up to us very fast, having French colours hoisted: and at about half past 8. (it then blowing a light breeze) one of them fired a shot to bring us to, which hot we answered, making the best of our way. In a short time they came within gun shot of us and formed a line.-We fought until 11 o'clock, when by accident our powder on deck caught fire and blew capt. Smith and two of our men up. I was considerable time before I could see what had happened, and think my surprise, when I saw our poor captain lying on the deck, all on fire and covered with blood. In five minutes afterwards they all came up with us--longer resistance was useless--our colours were hauled down but this did not put an end to our misfortune They boarded us and in a cruel manner wounded three more of our men with their swords: they then demanded our papers, which I handed them. After having overhauled them, they searched every thing and took whatever they wanted. They carried us into Algeciras, where we now are laying quarantine and God knows when it will be taken off. My begging to have the captain and wounded men ashore is useless, all I could obtain with the assistance of the vice consul is that they have sent us a doctor from shore.

I shall enter a protest in the captain's name as soon as I get ashore. I do not believe there is any prospect of ever getting either ship or cargo clear, several American vessels which have been carried in here, have been condemned immediately. I am afraid it will take a long time before captain Smith will be able to go back to America ; three canister shots went right through his left calf, all the skin is burnt from his feet, his hands and head are the same, and he has been out of his senses almost all the time.

I try to send this letter ashore secretly- Our prize master does not permit me to write one line.

I am, gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,
C. F. KALKMAN.

On board the Ardent, May 20, '99