Elizabeth Town Gazette

INTERCEPTED DESPATCH.

Baltimore, Dec. 4, 1818.

Mr. Elliot,

Sir—The Castilian Spanish Indiaman of about 800 tons, bound from Lima to Cadiz, has lately been captured by a Buenos Ayrean brig of war, off Cape St. Mary's. Her cargo is said to consist of copper, cocoa, bark, and a large quantity of specie. There were found on board many government and private letters, which shew the country to be in a very alarming state. The following are translated extracts from one of the private letters, dated Lima, May 29, which will no doubt be interesting to you, and which you are at liberty to publish if you think proper.

Your obedient servant,

J. M.

"The Grand Junta assembled on the 20th inst. by order of his excellency the Vice-Roy, has recommended, to make every exertion to forward the troops to the position of the Insurgent army in Chili, and Talcahuano, with a view to gain the attention of the kingdom during the present year, and urgently prevent their attempting to invade this country until we are reinforced from Spain. But all are much alarmed at the present state of things, for the whole regular force of Lima does not exceed 3600 men: and they speak of embarking no less than 2000, which will leave us very much exposed. To effect this remission of men, money, and warlike stores for their use the Junta has also recommended a forced loan from the inhabitants of all classes, to the amount of $1,000,000, to be raised next month; which has caused almost an universal consternation."

TRANSLATION.
civil disgust. I say but little on the subject; but yesterday, as you will find, embarked $20,000 more in the Castilian, and intend to realize the remainder of my property, and go to Europe, as soon as it can be done.

We have, till lately, a secure way to remit dollars by Panama, but the insurgent vessels from Chili now swarm in these seas, and capture many of our coasting vessels. The Castilian is the best opportunity, and will probably go safe, as she carries 26 guns, is well manned, and sails remarkably fast. Every one appears to have confidence in this vessel, and as no ship of war is soon going, I presume she will carry over $800,000 in specie.

The crews of the insurgent privateers which infest these seas, are said to consist principally of English & North-Americans. I know nothing certain, however, as no one has as yet been captured by our cruisers—to their shame be it said.

The old curate of Arequipa, who has been constantly in irons and confined in his dungeon ever since you left here, goes in the Castilian. His revolutionary principles are not doubted by his best friends, and the court at home have little more to do in this case than to execute the sentence of the law. Many others are as guilty as he is; but, if the government were to arrest all the suspected, they would hardly know when and where to stop.

Osorio's popularity has declined much; but he will continue in command at Callao till some one arrives from Spain to take his place. No one, however, has any belief in our ability to re-conquer Chili.—To keep the war there for a while, is all we can do.