American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1823-12-05

,s;on OF piracy" passed by congress az thelr
soesion. Thst armament has been emlnently
.sssfm in the accomplishment of its object.
a;rscies. BY which our commerce in the neigh
Ip"l If the Island of Cuba had been afflicted,
been repressed, and the confidence OF our
chants in a great measure restored
rta natriotic zeal and enterprise of Commodore
.or TO whom the command of the expedition
.on6ded. has been fully seconded by the Off
and men under his command. And, in re,
tnc. with high satisfaction, on the honorable
nner in which they have sustained the reputa-
If their country and its navy, the sentiment
sloyed only by a concern, that, in the tulfilment
b.t arduons service, the diseases incident to
"sason. and to the climate in which it was dis
.roed, have deprived the nation OF many useful
as and among them OF several officers of great
IN The month of August, very malignant fever
Me its appearance at Ihompson's Island, which
roatened the destruction of our station there
,ny nerished, and the commanding officer was
'o1ov attacked. Uncertain as to his fate, and
,owinr that most of the medical officers had been
uderel incapable of discharging their duties, it
though expedent to send to that post an officer
rank and experience, with several skilful sur
ons. TO ascertain the origin of the fever and the
[ohahility of its recurrence there in future sea-
me: TO furnish every assistance to those who
cre suffering, and, if practicable to avoid the ne
.sty of abandoning so important station. Com.
mIrers, with prompttude which did him honor,
eprfully accepted that trust, and has discharged
in the manner anticipated from his skill and
atriotism Before his arrival, Commodore Porter,
it'll the greater part OF the squadron, had removed
om the Island, and returned to the United States,
consequence of the prevailing sickness. Much
eful information has, however, been obtained, as
6 IL, al alYata oil
to those who had been necessarily left there.
Although our expedition, cooperating with an
ryyorated administration of the government OF
lie Island of Cuba, and with the corresponding
cye exertons of British naval force in the same
eas, have almost entirely destroyed the unlicens
piracies from that Island, the success OF our ex
ons has not been equally efectual to suppress
he same crime, under other pretences and colors,
h the neishboring Island of Porto Rico. They
ave been committed there under the abusive issue
( Spanish commissions. At an early period of the
t.esent year, circumstances we're made to the gov
srnor Of that Island, by an agent who was sent
or the purpose, against those outra9es on the
peaceful commerce Of the United States, of which
many had occurred. That officer, protesting his
Own want of authority to make satisfaction for
our lust complaints answered only by reference
ot them to the government Of Spain. The minis
Ter of the United States to that court was special
y instructed to urge the necessity of the immedi-
ate and effectual nterposition Of that government,
directing restitution and indemnity for wrongs al
ready committed and interdcting the repetition OF
them. The minister, as has been seen, was de0ar-
red access to the Spanish government, and III the
mean time, several new cases OF fiagrant outrage
have occurred, and citizens OF the United States IN
the Island of Porto Rico have suffered, and others
have been threatened with assassination, for assert
Ing their unquestionable rights, even before the
lawful tribunals of the country.
The usual orders have been given to all our
public ships, to seize American vessels engaged
IL The Slave Trade, and bring them in Tor adludica-
ton and have the qualification to state that not
one so employed has been discovered, and Their is
sood reason to believe that our flag is now seldom,
fiat all, disgraced by that traffic.
1t is source of great satisfaction, that we are
always enabled TO recur to the conduct OF our Navy
with pride and commentator. AS means OF ma.
ona defence, it enjoys the public confidence, and
ssteadily assuming additional Importance. 1t is
submitted whether a more efficient and equally e.
economical organization it, might not, in several
respects, be effected. 1t is supposed that higher
grades than now exist by law would be useful. They
would afford well merited rewards to those who have
long and faithfully served their country;present the
DeStlncentives to good conduct, and the best means
OF ensuring aproper discipline; destroy the Inc
quality in that respect between the milltar,
and naval services and relieves our officer
from many Inconvenience and notifications
which occur when our vessels meet those of othe
natons-ours being the only service in which suc
/ grades do not exist.
report of the Postmaster General, which ac
/ companies this communication, will sheW the pre-
sent state of the Post Office Department, and it
/ general operations for some years past.
There is established by law eighty eight thousan,
six hundred miles of post roads, on which the ma
Is now transported eli hty five thousand seven hun
bred miles, end contracts have been made for il
transportation on all the established routes,with on
or two exceptions. There are five thousand tw
hundred and forty post Offices in the Union, an
rba nf puS