Herald of the United States (Warren, R.I.), 1805-06-22 00:00:00

Gerald of the United States.
WARREN:—PUBLISHED NEAR THE POST-OFFICE, BY NATHANIEL PHILLIPS.
[No. 38, of Vol. XIII.]
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1805.
[Whole No. 662.]
New & seasonable GOODS.
JOHN CROADE, Takes the earliest opportunity of no- tifying his Customers and the Public, THAT he has just received and now opening at his Store, a general Assortment and extensive Variety of SUMMER GOODS, of the latest Importations, which he is enabled to sell at a lower Rate than usual.
Among his goods, are 1st and 2d Quality SUPERFINE BROADCLOTHS , of the most fashionable Colors. Middling & common, Ditto. Superfine and common CASSIMERES. Ribb'd and plain Ditto. MOREENS, JOANS, SHARLOONS, DU- RANTS & DUROYS —all Colors. Black & blue, ribbed & plain RUSSELLS. Black FLORENTINES. \frac{3}{4} & \frac{1}{2} black and colored Sarsnet CAMBRICS for Ladies' Gowns. \frac{3}{4} & \frac{1}{2} embossed, Ditto. \frac{3}{4} & \frac{1}{2} white glazed & unglazed, do. Fashionable laced, Ditto. \frac{3}{4}  JACONET , Ditto. Figured black & white Cambric MUSLIN , for Ditto. A large Assortment and extensive Variety of the most fashionable and elegant, superfine and common CHINTSES and CALICOES. CHINTS FURNITURES —a Variety. Red and white, purple and white, and blue and white COPPERPLATE . Do. \frac{3}{4} & \frac{1}{2} Dutch and Irish LINENS. Brown, Ditto. BRITANNIAS and PLATILLAS, \frac{3}{4} to \frac{1}{2}  DIAPERS , for Table CLOTHS, and other Purposes. Russia SHEETING and DOWLAS. A great Variety of INDIA COTTONS , from about SHEETING , to fine SHIRTING , by the Piece or otherwise—unusually low— \frac{3}{4} to \frac{1}{2} wide. Black, blue and brown, Ditto. India blue STRIPES , Ditto CALICOES . Cotton and Linen CHECKS . Cotton, Ditto. DIMITIES and MUSLINETS a general As- sortment. \frac{3}{4}  BOOK MUSSLINS —an Assortment. Linen CAMBRICS . Plain and check'd CHAMBRAYS , for Gowns. Book and jaconet MUSLIN HANDKER- CHIEFS . ITALIAN SHAWLS , \frac{3}{4} figured, do. Silk and Camel Hair SHAWLS . Black, white and slate fring'd, and figured Cotton CAMBRIC , Ditto. Needle-wrought and clouded, Do. A Variety of fashionable colored and black fring'd SILK HANDKERCHIEFS . Blue and red China check'd, Do. Red, blue and yellow Bandana, Do. Mens' Muslin CRAVATS . A Variety of Linen and Cotton POCKET HANDKERCHIEFS . Black and white Russland GAUZES . \frac{3}{4} black CRAPE . Plain and crape, black Ditto. Love, Ditto. Black and white MILLINETS . A Variety of fashionable India, French and Italian black and color'd SILKS for Gowns. 3d chop of color'd SATIN for Cloaks. Black India SATINS , 1st. & 3d. Quality. English and Italian stout plain and ribb'd Do. suitable for Gentlemen's Vests and small Cloaks. A Variety of fashionable figured SILK VEL- VETS for Gentlemen's Vests. Plain and figur'd MUSLINET, JANE and MARSEILLES , for Ditto. Black and olive, plain and ribbed twilled VEL- VETS —a great Choice. Genoa CORDS, THICKSETS & CORDU- ROYs . India blue and yellow NANKEENS . English blue, black and figured, Ditto. Striped NANKINETS . Blue and black Silk, Ditto. Black, blue, olive and mixed Cotton CASSI- MERES . JEANS, FUSTIANS, & WEAVERETS . Black and colored SATINS for Ladies' Bon- nets. MODES, SARSNETS & PERSIANS . A great Variety of fashionable RIBBONS , TASTES, EDGINGS and LACES . Black LACES —an Assortment. Black and colored GALOONS . Velvet Collaring, and black and Color'd Silk VELVET for Caps. Scotch THREADS . Color'd Ditto. TAPES and BOBBINS . SILK, TWIST, and BUTTONS . QUALITY & SHOE BINDINGS —all Colors. Ladies' black & color'd extra long French and English Silk GLOVES —a great Choice. Black and color'd Cotton MITTS and GLOVES . Long Kid Ditto. Silk and Cotton BRACES . Glove TIES .
Gentlemen's black, white and color'd Silk and Cotton GLOVES . Common and best Beaver, Ditto. Kid and Morocco SLIPPERS . Black FLORENTINE , Ditto. SILK, SILK and COTTON , plain and rib- bed black, white and colored COTTON HOSE . Vandyke and Hemp, Ditto. Ladies' black and white Cotton Ditto, with Clocks. A Variety of Ivory, Bone and other Wood- Stick FANS . India fan, and common size Ditto. OIL CLOTHS, &c. &c.
English and Dutch LOOKING- GLASSES, a handsome Assortment.
A few Articles in the STA- TIONARY Line, such as Quarto and Com- mon Bibles, Testaments, Rippon's Hymns, Watt's Psalms and Hymns, Spelling Books, Alden's 1st and 2d Vols. and Reading Books, Preceptors, Geographies, Dictionaries, Arith- meticks, Blunt's Practical Navigators, Moor's Daily Assistant, Romford's Essays, Writing- Paper, Red and Black Morocco Pocket-Books, Walkden's Ink Powder, Ink Stands, Sand- Boxes, Dutch Quills, Slates, &c. &c.
HARD-WARE ; among which are, Shovels, Flat-Irons, Warming Pans, Shovels and Tongs, Knives and Forks, Pen and Jack Knives, Nail and Shoe Hammers, Candlesticks, Desk and Draw Trimmings, Door, Chest, Cup- board, Stock, and Trunk Locks, single and double warded pad Ditto, Coffee Mills, Hin- ges, Door & Table Butts, Saws, Files, Chisels, Plane-Irons, Table and Tea Spoons, Block Tin Tea Pots, House, Hearth, Clothes and Shoe Brushes, Waiters, Snuffers and Snuffer Trays. An Assortment of Nails & Brads.—German, Heart and Club, Crawly and Halback, Eng- lish and Philadelphia Steel, &c.
London PEWTER.
Platters, Plates, Basons, Porringers, Plate and Quart-Pots.
An Assortment of TIN-WARE.
Boston and New-York SNUFF per Bladder.
West-India GOODS, and GRO- CERIES , among which are—West-India Rum, French Brandy, Holland Gin, Sherry, Malaga, and Port Wines, Hyson, Souchong and Bohea Teas, Loaf and Brown Sugars, Molasses, Flour, Rice, Raisins, Pimento, Black Pepper, Cinna- mon, Cloves, Nutmegs, Ginger, Coffee, Bar- Soan, &c. &c. &c.
Leather and Hair TRUNKS.
Warren; May 18, 1805.
Foreign Intelligence.
ENGLAND. LONDON, APRIL 2. IT will be seen by our parliamentary report, that Mr. Whitbread's mo- tion relative to the tenth report of the commissioners of naval inquiry has been put off from Thursday to Monday next. Some further papers, which are necessary to place the question fully and fairly in all its bearings before the House, have been moved by the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer, and princi- pally a communication from Lord Melville to the commissioners, on Thursday last, which will require some time to be printed; and on this ground the delay suggested by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Nothing certain- ly, can be more reasonable than the grounds of this delay. Every oppor- tunity should be afforded the accused party of justifying his conduct; and, for our own part, until we have heard both sides of the question, we conceive it would ill become the inflexible im- partiality of our character, to pronounce any judgment whatever upon its mer- its. In due time, the public, we trust, will find us not wanting in the duty we owe, or deserting our post when the country demands our exertions.
IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
House of Commons, April 1. Tenth Report of Naval Enquiry.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to the discussion which stood for Thursday next, thought it desirable to have the House put in pos- session of every possible information that might enable it to come to a de-
cision on this most important subject. It was material that the discussion should not be unnecessarily protracted, but it was also to be wished that every assis- tance should be afforded to the judg- ment of the House. With this view it was that he proposed to submit a mo- tion to the House for the production of a letter written by Lord Viscount Melville to the commissioners of Naval Inquiry on Thursday the 28th of March, in elucidation of some points in his Lordship's case, which would be important to have before the House. He was not aware of any objection to his motion, but if any should exist; he should content himself in the present instance with a notice for to-morrow. As the printing of this letter would take up some time and Gentlemen would require also time to consider its contents, in order to come to the dis- cussion fully prepared, he submitted whether it would not be desirable to have the notice for Thursday with- drawn and some early day in the ensu- ing week fixed instead of it.
Mr. Fox asked across the table, whether any answer had been returned to this letter?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer was not aware that any answer had been sent, but was desirous that all the Pa- pers relating to the subject should be laid before the House and printed for the information of Gentlemen.
Mr. Grey in the absence of his Hon. Friend (Mr. Whitbread) felt it impossible to say whether he would consent to put off his motion to next week. Of this, however he was cer- tain that it was the wish of his Hon. Friend, that opportunity of informa- tion should be afforded to the House. He agreed with the Right Hon. Gen- tlemen, that the discussion of this im- portant question should not be pro- tracted. He thought that by deferring the motion till Friday, sufficient time would be afforded, and suggested the property of adding to the Hon. Gen- tlemen's motion, a copy of any answer or proceeding thereon.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer thought that Monday would be the earliest day when the House could be prepared for the discussion if the Hon. Member (Mr. Francis) who had a mo- tion for that day, would consent to defer it.—If it should appear on the production of the letter, that any fur- ther proceedings had been taken upon it, they also would be necessary to be laid on the table, which would require further time.
Mr. Fox was of opinion that Fri- day would be the most convenient day. The House was already completely in possession of the report, and it would not require much time to examine this fresh document. Besides, gentlemen were aware how difficult it would be to have a full attendance in passion week.
Mr. Francis made some objection to a further delay of his motion, which had already been put off to accommo- date the other side of the House.
But on the suggestion of the Coun- cellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Francis's motion relative to the present state of India, was fixed for Friday next, and Mr. Grey consented to put off his no- tice on the part of his Hon. Friend to Monday, under an understanding on all sides, that no further delay should take place, unless something not then foreseen, should occur to render it ne- cessary.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer then moved "That there be laid be- fore the house a copy of the letter of Lord Viscount Melville, dated 28th of March to the commissioners of naval inquiry; and also a copy of any proceedings had thereon, or of any answer thereto by
the said commissioners of naval in- quiry."
Authentic copy of the letter from Lord Melville to the commissioners of Naval Enquiry. GENTLEMEN,
Having read your tenth report, and observing particularly the follow- ing paragraph in the 14th page, "How- ever the apprehension of disclosing del- icate and confidential transaction of Government might operate with Lord Melville in withholding information respecting advances to other depart- ments, we do not perceive how that apprehension can at all account for his refusing to state whether he derived any profit or advantage from the use or employment of money issued for the services of the navy. If his Lordship had received into his hand such mon- ies as were advanced by him to other departments, and had replaced them as soon as they were repaid, he could not have derived any profit or advantage from such transactions, however repug- nant to the provisions of the Legislature for the safe custody of public money."
I think it necessary to state the following observations, in order to place in their just view the grounds on which I declined answering your question, and which you appeared not to have ac- curately understood.
When you first called upon me for information, I stated to you that I had not materials on which I could frame such an account as you required me at that time to prepare, and in a communication with Mr. Trotter, be- fore my examination on the 5th No- vember last, I learnt, for the first time, that in the accounts that he had kept respecting my private concerns he had so blended his own private monies with what he had in his hands of public money, that it was impossible for him to ascertain with precision, whether the advances he had occasion to make to me, in the course of his running private account with me, were made from the one or from the other aggregate sums which constituted his balance with Messrs. Coutts. This circumstance, which I understood Mr. Trotter, had distinctly communicated to you, made it impossible for me to return any other answer than I did to the general ques- tion which you put to me.—"Whether Mr. Trotter had applied any of the money issued for carrying on the cur- rent service of the Navy, for my ben- efit or advantage?" and to this cir- cumstance, I uniformly referred in my answers to other questions respecting the manner in which Mr. Trotter ap- plied the money in his hands.
When you put the question to me.—"Whether I did direct or au- thorize Mr. Trotter to lay out or ap- ply, or cause to be laid out or applied, any of the money issued for carrying on the current service of the Navy, to my benefit or advantage?" My answer was, "To the best of my recollection I never did." That answer I now re- peat. Had you proceeded to inquire whether I ever had any understanding, expressed or implied, with Mr. Trot- ter respecting any participating of ad- vantages derived from the custody of the public money, or whether I at any time knowingly derived any advantage to myself from any advances of public money, I should have no hesitation in declaring, as I now declare, that there never was any such understanding, nor any thing like it, between Mr. T. and myself: that I never knowingly deriv- ed any such advantages; and that what- ever emolument accrued to Mr. Trot- ter in the conduct of the pecuniary con- cerns of the office, was, so far as I am informed, exclusively his own.
With respect to any advances which Mr. Trotter might make on my

private account, I consider myself as debtor to him alone, and as standing, with regard to him, in no other predicament than I should have done with any other man of business, who might be in occasional advance to me in the general management of my concerns entrusted to him. It is impossible for me to ascertain from any document or vouchers in my hands, or now existing, what the extent of those advances might have been at any particular period.—The accounts which you have inserted in your report I never saw them in the report itself. They are no accounts of mine, nor am I party to them. They contain a variety of sums advanced nominally to me, which never came into my hands, and they give no credit for various sums received by Mr. Trotter on my private account for my salary as treasurer of the navy, and other sources of income of which he was in the receipt, nor do they take any notice of the security of which he was in possession for the repayment of any balance at any time due to him from private funds.
With respect to the sums of naval money advanced to me, and applied to other services I do not feel it necessary to make any additional observations, except to declare, that all those sums were returned to the funds from which they were taken, having, in no instance, been withdrawn from it for any purpose of private emolument or advantage.—Before I conclude, I wish to correct an inaccuracy which I observe in one part of the evidence in Appendix No. 7, page 192. The question is put to me, "did you derive any profit or advantage from the use or employment of money issued for carrying on the current service of the navy between the 10th of August, 1802, and 30th of April, 1803; or between the 1st of February 1784, and 31st December, 1785, during which period you held the office of Treasurer of the Navy?" Which question I therefore answer by a reference to the answer given to a similar question put to me before. This answer is inaccurate in so far as it contains a reference to Mr. T's. mode of blending his funds in his private account with Messrs. Courts.
Mr. Trotter was not pay-master till the year 1786. The circumstances, therefore, relative to Mr. Trotter's account, which precluded my returning an answer to your former questions, do not apply to the periods specified in that mentioned, and I can therefore have no difficulty in declaring, that during those periods I did not derive any advantage from the use or employment of public money issued for carrying on the service of the navy. Having stated these facts, it is almost unnecessary to add, that I am at any time ready to verify them upon my oath.
I have the honour, to be, Gentlemen, MELVILLE. (To be continued.)
MAY 6. Paris Journals to the 28th ult. and Dutch papers to the 3d inst. have been received. The latter contain the particulars of the acceptance of the new Dutch Constitution, and of the appointment of Schimmelpenninck to the Grand Pensionary. With respect to the junction of the French and Spanish fleets, they contain the following intelligence:—
LEYDEN, APRIL 30. We have received authentic accounts that the French squadron of Toulon got out a second time from that port on the night of the 30th March, consisting of eleven sail of the line, six frigates, and two corvettes, having on board about 9000 men. The squadron is commanded by Admiral Villeneuve, and the troops by General Lauriston. On the 7th ult. they appeared off Carthagena, and on the 9th they touched at Cadiz from whence they proceeded on the 10th for their destination, which is altogether, which is altogether unknown, after having been joined by one French ship of the line and two corvettes, and by six Spanish ships of the line and one frigate, with 2280 men on board, of the same nation, under the command of Admiral Gravina."
The Emperor and King has created the following persons princes of the kingdom of Italy, with the title of Most Serene Highness , viz. Messrs. Melzi, Litta, Boromei, Stampa, Soncini, Camprara, and Mareschalchi.
Letters from Lisbon, of the 14th ult. corroborate the accounts of the Toulon fleet having passed the gut of Gibraltar, and joined the Spanish fleet at Cadiz. These letters also state, that the most active exertions are making throughout Spain to carry on the war with all possible vigour. A body of French troops had entered Catalonia, to co-operate with the Spaniards in the siege of Gibraltar. The French ambassador, with his lady and retinue, arrived at Lisbon on the 12th, via Madrid. Two Portuguese ships of the line and two frigates sailed from Lisbon a bout the 6th ult. to cruise against the Algerines; five sail of these pirates have lately appeared upon the coast of Portugal, captured several Portuguese coal-ters, and a Brazil-man, carrying their crews, to the amount of 100 men, into slavery. Jerome Bonaparte, after being five days under quarantine landed, and received visits from the Spanish Ambassador, and others of the corps Diplomatique in friendship with France.
The Prince of Peace had written to the Commandant General at Ferrol, that intelligence has been received that the English expedition under Gen. Craig, is destined against Ferrol.
Mr. Pitt attended the select committee this day, and underwent an examination of some length.
House of Commons.
Mr. Calcraft presented a more formal declaration from Sir Francis Burdett, relative to the abandonment of his seat. It was read by the clerk. The declaration stated, that it was not the intention of Sir Francis to defend his election and return. The petition of Mr. Mainwaring was then ordered to be taken into consideration, on Friday, the 7th of June. This arrangement is with a view to the free-holders themselves vindicating the return of Sir Francis.
GREENWICH, MAY 6.
The following note was stuck up at Lloyd's on Thursday last, at half past three o'clock:—
Lloyds, 2d May, 1805, half past 3.
Information has been received at the Admiralty that the French squadron which appeared off Cadiz on the 9th ult. was no longer there on the 10th and that the number of Spanish ships in the harbor was diminished. On the 11th and 12th, five sail of the line, supposed to be Spanish, were seen beating to the westward."
Our correspondent subjoins," the above communication has made a very serious impression. It is now supposed that part of the Spanish squadron is sent to reinforce the fleets in the West-Indies, while the French fleet is proceeding along the coast to raise the blockade of the ports." Till some decisive intelligence is received, it is now evident, that little dependance can be placed on any information which has hitherto been received, and that 'till positive assurances are obtained of the views of the enemy's squadrons, a constant succession of alarms must be submitted to.
It is certainly much to be regretted, that at a period of so much danger and alarm from without, party spirit should run so high at home as our Parliamentary report of this day, and indeed of every day for some time past, demonstrates.
A Lisbon mail arrived on Thursday, per the Walsingham packet, in which came passengers Lord and Lady Holland. Jerome Bonaparte had set off for France, and his lady and her brother, by sea for Amsterdam.
SPAIN.
CADIZ, APRIL 12.
The blockade of this port was raised on the 10th. About five o'clock in the afternoon the French fleet from Toulon, appeared off this port, consisting of 11 sail of the line, 6 frigates and 2 brigs; and being joined by a French man of war, one corvette, 1 brig, 6 Spanish men of war and a frigate from this port, they proceeded on, it is supposed for Ferrol. The English fleet, under Sir John Orde, of 6 sail of the line and 2 frigates kept to light all the time, and the next day followed the combined
fleet. The blockade, therefore, is completely raised; and as the Spanish fleet has sailed, there is no probability of our being again blockaded, perhaps all the war.
Domestic Occurrences.
MARYLAND.
BALTIMORE, JUNE 15.
ARRIVED, the English brig Shannon, Canton, from Liverpool, and 59 days from Whitehaven. May 23, spoke the ship Betty, of Boston, from Charleston for Liverpool. June 10, spoke the ship United States, from Alexandria for Liverpool. The Shannon on her passage from Liverpool to Baltimore, 60 leagues west of Tory, was taken by a French privateer, who took the master and 3 of the hands out, and left the mate (who at present commands) and 4 men, putting 10 of their men on board, and ordered the brig for the first port in Holland.—The next day the mate and his 4 men rose on the Frenchmen and secured them under the hatchway. Four days after made the coast of Ireland, and obliged them to get out of the cabin window into the boat, and go ashore; after which the brig put into Whitehaven, to obtain a supply of those articles they had robbed them of.
STATE OF NEW-YORK.
NEW-YORK, JUNE 15.
From our correspondent at Philadelphia, we yesterday received the following information.
Philadelphia, June 15.
THE COMBINED FLEETS.—A French gentleman, passenger in the Louisa, from St. Pierres, (M.) via St. Kitts, arrived this morning, informs that he was on board the French and Spanish fleets at Port Royal, (M.) and that they consisted of 18 sail of the line and 9 frigates. The French admiral was Villeneuve in the Buccaneer; the Spanish Admiral Gravina in the Argonaut. There were 2 ships of 90, and 4 of 80 guns, having 10,000 troops on board, under Gen. Lauriston. The officers of the fleet say they had no knowledge of the precise point of destination.
Capt. Bishop of the brig Active, arrived at Baltimore in 18 days from St. Bartholomews, informs, that the day he arrived at St. Bartholomews, accounts were received from Martinique of the arrival of the French fleet there—that an embargo had been laid on all vessels at Martinique and Guadalupe—that admiral la Fosse had sent orders to the different islands, directing all masters of English vessels to consult their own safety, as he could afford them no protection against so large a force as had arrived.
"The 20th May was the day appointed for the sailing of the windward island fleet, to be joined by those from Surinam and Demarara at Tortola; but it was expected at St. Bars, that a division of the French fleet would be sent to St. Kitts and Tortola, to capture all the English vessels there."
Extract of a letter from a respectable gentleman at St. Kitts, to his friend in this city, dated
St. Kitts, May 22.
"This moment (11 o'clock, A. M.) the mail boat brings positive accounts of the arrival of twenty eight sail of the French ships—they say that nineteen are line of battle ships—a new fleet."
The Capt. of the Schooners Neptune and Victory, arrived at the Lazaretto, in 19 days from St. Bartholomews, confirms the accounts of the arrival of the French and Spanish fleets in the West Indies. It is stated to consist of 19 sail of the line, besides other vessels.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman on board one of the Schooners at the Lazaretto.
"The account of the arrival of the French fleet at Martinique may be depended on: I had it from three different Capt. who arrived at St. Bartholomews direct from there. They amounted to 22 sail of the line, and 6 frigates, having on board 15,000 land forces."
A Schooner from St. Lucie reported two French frigates off that port.
A letter from St. Croix, dated May 25th, says: "Lord Nelson was seen yesterday from shore with 14 sail of the line, in pursuit of the French fleet."
After receiving the above extract, we took some pains to ascertain how far it was entitled to credit. We have seen the owner and mate of the brig Sarah-Ann, now at quarantine, from St. Croix, which place she left on the 27th May. The owner informs, that he received a letter from St. Croix, dated the 27th ult. mentioning, that Lord Nelson was in the West-Indies with 15 sail of the line.—The mate of the brig says, that just before he sailed, three
ships of war passed close by the west end of St. Croix, and several others were seen at the same time in the offing, all steering to the westward.
The probability is, however, that the above is not Lord Nelson's, but the French Toulon fleet, bound to Jamaica; as we have accounts from Martinique, that the embargo at that place was raised the 27th of May, after the sailing of the fleet.
The ship Ardent, Capt. Crosthwaite, has arrived in the sound, in 33 days from Greenock, Capt. C. informs us, that an Embargo was laid on all vessels in the ports of England on the 7th of May, and in Scotland on the 10th. The embargo was laid in consequence of a secret expedition being about to sail from Portsmouth.
The Ardent having cleared out previous to the 10th, sailed in the evening of the 11th, under a protest.
Capt. Chappell, from Charleston, who furnished us with an account of the capture of the ship Two Friends, off Charleston bar, by a French privateer, informs, that a pilot-boat schr. was armed by the merchants of Charleston, and dispatched in pursuit of the privateer.
By a letter from Havana, dated May 28, we learn that markets were extremely low, and the duties on all goods thirty-two and one half per cent. ad valorem; one third of this duty was to be taken off on the 6th inst.—In the harbour were two Spanish 74 gun ships, blockaded by the Bacchante, Capt. Dalwood, who cruized within a few miles of the Moro, and boarded every thing going out or in.—Six gun boats were preparing to go out and take La Bacchante; and in order to accomplish them for this service they were daily occupied in the valorous exploit of boarding and taking one of the seventy fours. Their hopes of success were considerable; and indeed it began to be confidentially believed that those who could with such ease capture a Spanish line of battle ship would very soon be in a condition to attack a British sloop of war.
From Lisbon.—Capt. Delano, of the Mentor arrived yesterday, informs us, that when he left Lisbon (8th May) it was reported that the Spanish fleet doubled Cape St. Vincent the 23d of April. Forty sail of British transports, convoyed by two line of battle ships and four frigates, anchored in Cascal's bay (just to the southward of the rocks of Lisbon,) on the 6th of May. They were said to be part of the expedition that failed under the command of Sir James Craig, bound to Gibraltar and Malta, with troops for those two garrisons; but where they parted with the rest of the fleet was unknown. The general belief was that the fleet would remain at Cascal's bay, until something more correctly was known about the movements of the French and Spanish fleets. On the 8th of May, when Capt. Delano left the mouth of the Tagus, he saw the fleet crossing Lisbon bar, bound up to Lisbon roads. There were 46 sail in all. Capt. D. further informs, that it was expected that Portugal would declare war against France.—the brigs Atalanta and Essex are for government.
The ship America, Capt. Sisson, arrived last night in 35 days from Liverpool, but there were no loose papers on board, later than the 6th ult. and, as she arrived too late for examination by the health-officer, we were unable to obtain our enclosure. Though there is no verbal news by her, yet we may receive Lloyd's list, &c. as late as the 8th or 10th. The second secret expedition had not sailed from England on the 12th of May.
JUNE 17.
Capt. Fowler, has just arrived here from St. Croix, which he left the 27th May.—He informs, that advice had been received at St. Croix, from Grenada, through a respectable source, that seventeen sail of French ships of the line, and ten frigates, and other vessels, with 20,000 troops on board, had arrived at Martinico, last from Cadiz. Farther, that this report was corroborated, by Capt. Fairchild, of New-Haven, arrived at St. Croix, in 48 hours from Dominico, who added, that the day before his departure, (May 21st) he saw four sail of the line, and two transports pass Dominico, steering to the Northward, (probably for Guadalupe.)
Accounts from Porto Rico render it highly probable, the combined fleet left Cadiz from the West-Indies, about the 20th April.—and that they arrived off Martinico, about the 17th May.
The Industry, from Jamaica, just arrived, was boarded, May 24th, by the French frigate La Gloire, of 44 guns, from Guadalupe, for Havanna, with troops, for the combined fleet expected there.
The above, together with the reports previously received, respecting the arrival of the combined French and Spanish fleets in the West-Indies, derive considerable weight from the following article which is copied from the Philadelphia Gazette of the 12th inst:—
HIGHLY IMPORTANT.
We can inform our readers from the best authority, that the Marquis de Casa Turjo has lately direct information from the Governor of Porto Rico, of the arrival at that port of a small armed vessel from Cadiz, which sailed in company with a combined French and Spanish fleet; this vessel left the fleet in about