The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1823-09-09

later than the Oswego Boston. He reportsI
:. that the Colonists arc all weIl-abundantly
supplied with rovisions--contented comforta
bic and happy. Two only Of those who ar
rived in the last packet had died, and those,
more by own their imprudence, than from the
inveteracy of the disease. The fort said to-
have been destroyed by tornado. Vas still left
standing, and Capt. Thompson rNked upon
its platform. Lots we're to be laid but for the
settlers, which they were to cultivate, await
ing only the subsistence of the rSSns. This
arrival brings the intefngeuce down to forty
DAVIS" The editor of the American confirms
the above, and adds ave have seen letter
from DR.. Ayres, who left this city last Spring,
10 the Oswego, with sixty one Coionists. The
letter is dated on the 22d July, and mentions
that they had suffered much. 1t appears that
they had arrived in Africa " in the worst four
weeks of the whole year." The earth, which,
had been previously hardened during the dry
season, had Just been soaked by the rain when
they arrived, and they were ready to receive
the disease incident to the rainy season. Ten
of their number have died, among them Isaac
Preston. Capt. T. states that DR.. Ayres
enjoyed good health, and DIR. Ashmun had
nearly recovered. N. Y. Com. .4dU.
Russia.--The following article from Ger
man paper, explains the reports concerning
the late sudden changes in various depart
ments Of the Ministry, in the Cabinet, and
those about the Emperor Alexander's person.
" 1t will be remembered that this generous
Monarch, not long after his accession to the
throne, directed his attention TO humane plans
for the amelioration of the situation of the
most numerous class Of his subjects, and ex-
pressed, on many occasions, bis wish for the
alienation and gradual removal of the yoke
of vassalage which oppressed the Russian pea
santry. The Emperor himself began by
setting a good example, ordering, by an
ukase, the emancipation of the vassals of the
Crown. Several Russian mobiles generously
followed the example given by the Crown,
and emancpated the peasants on their estates.
The emperor, faithful to his principles, sue
oeeded in obtaining the abolition of slavery in
the Baltic provinces and by the new organi-
cation Of the immense provinces of Siberia, the
slavery Of the peasants is forever abolished
there. Meantime the benevolent views of
the monarch for the happiness of SO many
millions of his subjects, met with SO much OPP
position from the nobility in Russia Proper /;
and in order to disgust the Emperor with the
| idea, various means were contrived TO excite
spirit of dissatisfaction and discomfort a.
mong the emancipated peasant; an object
which was at length obtained BY rigorous ex-
actions of the taxes at the same time 1t was
contrived to represent this to the Emperor
as consequence of the emancipation of the
peasantry. As some great men, at the head
ofthe administration, and about the Emperor
person, acted upon this system, the complaints
ofthe oppressed people could not reach the
throne, and their distress was concealed from
the Emperor. At length an ecclesiastic, by
the aid Of the Emperor's mother, acquainted
the Emperor with the real state Of the case,
upon which a considerable number of persons
were Immediately removed from their Offices. y