The New Hampshire Gazette

BOSTON, May 15.

Original Correspondence.

FROM MARTINICO—April 15.

Since the arrival of General ROCHAMBEAU, and the establishment of the patriotic Clubs, the alienation of the planters from the existing government has increased to an alarming degree.

The name of PERCHIN, a planter, in the vicinity of Fort-Republican having been mentioned in the Club of that town, an exaggerated account of the transaction reached him and induced him to disrespectful measures: With a view of guarding against the consequences of these measures, he collected a few persons of the disaffected class, and affected to form "a Camp of defence," which for some time past has given great uneasiness. Of late, however, on the prospect of an English invasion of the Island, the disaffected party, has discovered itself more openly, and has been strengthened by the accession of numbers from this town.

It was in agitation some time since to reduce this Camp; but as the measure was deemed dangerous in the present posture of affairs, it was laid aside: The project, however, was known: Perchin's Camp was reinforced, and he was assured of support from all quarters, in case of attack, provided he should not be the aggressor.

Such was the state of things on the 15th inst. when Perchin suddenly appeared with about sixty men at the battery of Cape-Navire, of which he took possession, and soon after retired, carrying with him all the powder stored there, and two patriots whom he had intercepted on their way to St. Pierre.

The artillery-men stationed at the battery, brought an account of this incursion to the General, who immediately detached 80 men to Cape-Navire.

At dawn on the morning of the 16th the General marched, with 300 men drafted from the garrison of Fort-Bourbon, and soon after the second column commanded by Monf. DE ST. CYRAN, chief engineer, moved towards the left of the Camp, each column had a field piece. At 9 o'clock the General attacked the advance post of 80 men commanded by DE RIVAUX, and drove them from an height, after a skirmish of two hours; and the commanding officer was wounded and made prisoner. The General had eleven wounded, two of whom are since dead. It is supposed that his field-piece must have galled the enemy considerably.

It is said, that had the second column supported that of the General the advanced corps would have been entirely cut off. This consideration has proved fatal to the leader, who was killed by a straggler on his return. He is universally regretted and the assassin is secured.

In a military point of view, I do not see that the success upon this occasion is answerable to expectation. but the consequences of this skirmish, may prove important to the welfare of the Colony. Yesterday and the day before, the planters embodied in several places. but it does not appear that their intentions are hostile, and from a proclamation of yesterday, I am led to think, that perfect peace will ensue. I have been thus particular, as these events are commonly magnified, and have but too often the effect of interfering with commercial enterprises.

[The preceding is from an American gentleman of information. The succeeding from a French gentleman, who arrived here on Monday, in the schooner Peggy and Hester, Capt. Davis who informs]

That on the 16th April, General ROCHAMBEAU projected an expedition to convey the powder contained in a magazine at Cape-Navire, owned by the Chevalier DE PERCHIN, one of the planters, who had fortified his plantation, situated on the summit of a hill, a mile from Fort-Republican. To put his purpose into execution, the General put himself at the head of 300-of the patriotic troops, and gave the command of a second column of above 200, to M. De ST. CYRAN, Col. of Engineers and Artillery. The attack was unsuccessful, and the loss of the patriotic troops 30 men killed, and many wounded. On his return, General ROCHAMBEAU issued a Proclamation, declaring his intention was not to injure the planters, but to punish certain Insurgents against the National Will.

An unhappy circumstance attended this expedition— Col. ST. CYRAN, suspected of treachery by his troops, was on his return shot through the head, by a concealed soldier, and killed.

The post which the Chevalier DE PERCHIN has fortified, is so advantageously situated as to command the best landing place near Fort Republican which must greatly facilitate an invasion of the English, which was hourly expected not only of Martinico, but of Gaudaloupe.