Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1813-03-15
CONDE DOS ARGOS.
MR.. HILLS REPLY.

z. y. j
SIN,
In acknowledging the receipt of the
letter which l nad the honor Yesterday even
ing to receive from Your Excelency, can
Out express my surprize, that there should
exist the least cause of alarm or inouietude.
except on the part OF the British merchants
IN tins city, IN consequence of the supposi-
ton or tact OF an American squadron in
these seas, or from the appearance in and
of this port OF the II. ). ship of war Hornet.
and more particularly that the approach of
this ship to the mouth of the harbor yester-
day afternoon with her colors flying (being
already known as national ship of the u.
otates) should be called by your excellency
Il hostile act, or construed into a breach of
the neutrality Of this port, especially when
inc OBJECT OF, this ship must be well under
stood, from the circumstance of a British
sloop of var of equal or superior force lv-
ing sheltered within the harbor. Had any
aggression have been committed by the Hor-
net or any other vessel OF the United States.
on the portuguese commerce, or any insult
20 the sovereignty or real violation of the de-
Cared neutrality of this country have been
ohered, II Certainly would be matter of
extreme regret, and have afforded Just cause.
oil indignation and alarm, since hitherto the
most perfect peace harmony and good I'M
derstabdlng has existed between the two
countries, and am happy to have it in my
power to assure your Ecellenc,, that whilst
:ne ohited states will expect the free en-
Joyment OF their 6ssa,6srent rights in the
neutral territory ~ tue taninions of Portu-
gal, ON theil@part her Neutrality is dulv
appreciated, Abd tl,ateh shp Hornet (nnd
4 presume au othersvessels ofhhe u. Statesl
mas the most positive orders not in the least
10 violate the most strict neutrality, or by
any act toiRterrupt the friendk nnderstand-
ing and amicablc DISPOSE ION and relation.
which happiiy subsists between his Royai
Hishness Che Prince -lzegent of Portue al
and the governments or the United States,
nave the honor to remain, with due res
pect and consideration, your Excellency's
most obedient servant
(Signed)
HENRYHILL, Consul.
10 " ms Exceilency, the Count Dos Arcos,
Capt. Gen. and Gov of the prov ince and
City CT St. Salvador, &c. &c. &c.
Mr.. HILL TO THE GOVERNOR.
Consulate cftAc u. S IF lin, RIGA,
ot' SALVADOR, Sd Jan. 1918,
SIR.
lhave the satisfaction to participate to
your exce'iency that com. cambridge hay
ing become acquainted through ne Of the
n'ere manifested by your exec Iencv for
the liberation OF lieut. gen Hi!op & hi, stat.
mas resolved to take upon himself the re.
sponslbility OF paroling thoe officers here.
As well as The commander of the late Bri.
tish iriBste Java, on board which they were
captured, and Captain Marsha.i. snner-
numerary marine officer IN the service Of
MS bfitan"ic Majesty-taken also by the
commander On board that trigate.
In this act Of liberality on the o,.rt ne corr,
cambridge, your ExcelIenc, viii only per
ceive the friendly and generous spirit by
which he is actuated, in desiring to cores.
pond as Tar as in his power with The wishes
OF your Exceiiency, and 20 mitigate the evil
arising out of the event of " ar, from the mis-
fortunes OF individuals, whom brave Com-
mander will never recognize as the enemies
OF his country, i'll the character of prisoners
of war; T7NAS
have the honor to remain, with semi
ments OF respect & Consideration, your Ex-
cellency,s most obedient servant,
(Signed)
HFNpU IIIT r ~