Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1822-10-05
u. s. ship Cyane, Harbor. ST. Johns,
Porto R;co .Aug. 81. 1892


Porto Rico, Aug. 81, 1922.
CA recollection OF my promise 10 make
you acquainted. during my absence from
The United States, with any events abroad
that thought would be interesting 10 you
induces me to offer you some account oil
circumstances that have lately transplred
here, and the impression they have made
on the Spaniards. The Cyane arrived at
Ter safe and pleasant voyage (all well)
of "a days from Hampton Roads. at Porto
Rico, where it seems our arrival was as
well timed as it was ever possible tor any
vessel to be in any port. The very day
previous 10 our arrival, intelligence, had
reached Porto Rico of the capture OF one
of their tavorite privateers, the Pa nchita
by the Grampus, Capt. Gregory, some
wounded men also we're brought to the
Island who suffered in the aCtion-the cir
cumsiance of the capture OF their vessel,
and the appearance OF their mutilated
countrymen, had so aggravatiDg an effect
on the feelings of the populace, or lower
order of people, that they rose almost en-
masse, and threatened vengeance on all
Americans in the Island, in retaliation for
what they deemed an outrage on their flag
and country Three American vessels at
the time were lying in port. and there were
several Americans also settled on shore as
commercial agents. Our countrymen were
much alarmed, as well as in real danger;
two were assaied by some ruffians, but,
fortunately escaped unburt, by prudenlly
retreating. The Englishmen in the place
were also in no less danger than the Anne
ricans, for they were abused and threaten
ed likewise. Our appearance during this
popular commotion seemed to still it,
Capt. Spence Immediately had communi-
cation with the military and civil govern
ors of The place. both of whom appear to
be dgni6ed, polished, and Courtsous off,
GERS. What were the official communica
tons do not know; but Judging from the
result, and circumstances attending the
negotiation, there must have been much
courtesy and good understanding in the
correspondence between our Captain and
the Governor, civil and military, OF the
Island.
A temperate, though firm policy appears
the wisest, which should Judge from the
negotiation above mentioned. A few days
seemed sufficient to place US on the most
amicable footing; and the proud Spaniards
appear now to strain points OF courtesy
with us, ss,hey are made to understand
our feelings towards them. We have
shown them temporarily, and by the
strongest and most undeniable evidence,
they have wronged US; that their priva
teers, without authority, have captured
and pillaged our merchant vessels, and
matreated our countrymen, and have had
the temerity to insult and fire on our 60
yernment vessel; the consequence OF which
was. as It always will be, their immediate
capture. The justice of our expostuIa
lions, as we'll as determination, therefore
thew cannot dissent trom-we can prove
the one and enforce the other. The good
understanding between Capt. Spence and
the Spanish Governors, who now show US
every civility, has paved the way to an
ap parent, and | believe real, recoDclia-
ton of the populace to US again; We walk
the streets now daily, and meet every CT
yility from THE populace we desire; the
military particularly are more civil TO US
than have known them 10 be in any other
Spanish port, of which have been in Sc
yeraI. Yesterday Mr.. Simmons, an Anne
rican gentleman settled IN Porto Rico.
invited Captain Spence and his officers to
an entertainment at his house, where both
the civil and military Governors of the
island met Capt. s, as mark of respect;
which the Spanards say, was the greatest
condescension ever shown to any public
officer who has visited the Island was
present at the entertainment, and was much
pleased with the dignided and courteous
department OF the respective Governors.
which have before remarked Toasts of
a patriotic kind, complimentary to our re-
spective governments and rulers, were
drank on the occasion.
The harbor and town of st. Iohn'.,
the capital Of the Island, are both fortified
with prodigious strength, and are perhaps
the strongest fortified of any place in the
West Indies, Havana excepted, The
island OF Porto Rico is beautiful and fer