Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-05-16
PHILADELPHIA, May 9.
EXTkATS OF LETTERS.

TRIPoLI, Nov. IL. q
Soon after our colors had been struck
we got out one of the boats to send to the
gun-boats to inform them that we had sur
rendered and should make 10 further re-
sistance. l went wish the first lieutenant
| IN this boat.-As soon as we had got near
them, all hailed US, each ordering US to
their vessel, one Of them fired shot at
us 10 bring rs to him. We lay upon our
oars and one Of them came out,-We
were prepared 10 deliver up our swords
in very graceful manner, but we found no
time tor that Tor as soon as they were near
enough, about twenty fellows, armed with
! sabres, pistols and muskets, jumped into
the boat.--rhey seemed To have mark
ed out and divided the prey among them
selves-two OF them snatched my sword
from me, pulled off my coat, and got to
lighting between themselves who should
wear it, till at last to decide, l suppose,
their dispute, they gave it back TO me.
They got all the money | had except
twenty dollars in gold had put down my
ooots.-All our men in the boat were rob.
bed OF every thing except what they had
on their backs, and even part OF that strip
ped.-NVe were then carried on shore,
conducted amidst the shouts and acclama.
tons of the rabble crowd to the palace.
and there ushered into the presence of
the mighty Bashaw, who, seated i'm state
with his great council about him, was rea-
dy TO receive us i'll the audience chamber,
he asked US variety of questions, princi.
pally about our ship and our squadron.
The place assigned for us to live in, is
the house formerly occupied by Mr..
Cathcart--it is large and convenient
Captain b. has one room, the ward-room
officers another, and the midshipmen one
to themselves, with two large rooms, a
dining room and Sitting room-We all
eat tosether-We h ave our own cooks and
servants, and purchase our provisions.
The ships company are kept at work and
are supported at the expense of the Ba-
shaw-They are treated tolerably well.
TRIPoLI, Dec. 6.
There has been very violent gale of
wind these several days past. Three
Iunisian vessels were driven on shore near
this town, once which went to pieces and
every soul perished-we were in hopes
that our ship which was moored in the
harbour would have drifed on shore and
gone to Pieces-but her anchors held
However she can never be of any service
to the 1ripolitans. She is much Injured
| IN her bottom, and they are unable to re-
par her. They most certainly will never
be able to send her to sea.
Extract 81 a letter from an officer ottbe o. s fri
gate FStldaelp6fa, dated in prison, 7yipoii. 6t5
Dec 1903.
| wrote you on the 18th ult since which most
OF us have received supply of clothing from the
olnoers OF me u ) schooner Vixen cruising in the
mediterranean, which came aprobos as we were
Obliged 10 remain day OF two without COVERING
until The only shirts we were in possession of were
"7shed and dried l have reason to be extremely
grateful tor the politeneSs of Mr. John LYON. Of
the Vixen, who has been so kind as to forward me
some linen and blanket from Malta, which have
| enabled me to feel more comfortable than before
AT time when every thing had in the world ,vas
SO tout asto be lJathsome, and without any change
OF raiment, how 2rea' was my surprise and plea
sure TO receive his packet; | shall never forge,
mis- Kindness. ia Mr. Nelson, the Danish consul
we nave also hmm friend AID supporter; since
the commencement of ouc imprisonment ne bae
left no means untred TO alleviate our situation :
lie has been OF all others the most Jealous in our
"uu hdS NOT only supplied US with blankets
to shelter VS. from the cold, which at this season
is very sharp and uncomfortable, but with books
70 pass away our time more agreeably. Hisdis-
interested kindness and polteness ought never 10
be forgotten by Americans.
Last week we were Unexpectedly visited bv one
OF the bashaw's officers who in broken Fnglisb
delivered the following laconic message. 10
Wgof noibiHg-fo-'Hoyr0s9 to be casfc-R0od aigL, &"
winch was construed thus-that we should remain
nndis'urbed for that night. but that IN the moro.
ing we should be conducted to the castle No
sooner had the sun gilded our prison windows
than springing from our hnty couches, we packed
9iPour wardrobe which required but little time 10
no. as the clothes wear constituted the greater
part OF It, and anxiousy expected our guard--our
prison door soon unfolded, and we were con.
dueted amidst crouds ofgaping people whom curl.
osity or the hope Of plumber had collected, TO the
most dreary place inagiuable--it was a large and
gloomy apartment--the walls were entirely black
and duHing with unwholesome damps. and tbe
vauited ceiling hung with cobwebs--the ground
broken and uneven afforded shelter to the hmm
meraole verrnin tiat infested this place-the nros.
Pest black and dre5 Try, SNgian darkness reisneI
around and the oily light which was &ami5,ed,