The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1823-07-30
Com. Porter's Squadron.

The schr. Caravan, in 10 DAYS from
Key West, brings the latest account of
the disposition OF our squadron sent a.
galnst the pirates. Left at Key West,
on the 18th inst. galliot Sea-Gull, wear
ing the Commodore's pendant sIoop of
war Hornet, Capt. Smith; schr. Ferret,
Lieut.. Comd't. Newell, both masts out,
refitting ; Sand Fly, Gnatt, and Nudge,
fitting for cruise. The Grampus,
Lieut.. Gregory, sailed on cruise on
the 9th inst. The Terrier, Lieut..
Comdt. Rose, sailed on the Cd in COM
pany with the British ship of war Tyne,
Capt. Roberts, for the coast of Cuba
The Greyhound, Lieut.. Comd't. Kear-
ney, is crulzlng on the coast of Yucatan.
The Peacock was expected soon from
Vera Cruz. The Beagle, Lieut.. Comd't.
Newton, had gone around the island of
Cuba, TO deliver circulars TO the militia
~ commandments from the Captain-Gen-
eral. The crew of the Hornet were
nearly all employed in repairing barges
and erecting necessary buildings on
shore. The officers and crew of the
squadron generally enjoyed good
health. Only nine men in the hospi-
tai, and most of them with diseases
contracted in the United States.
No information of piracy on the
coast Of Cuba had been received since
the robbery of the brig Mary Joan, in
Matanzas Bay; but there was no doubt
of large body of pirates having as
sembled on the coast of Yucatan, where
they had erected Notifications, COM
mitted many acts of piracy, and murder
ed the whole of the crews of several
vessels. An officer named Malta, left
there by the government of Yucatan,
had Joined the villains. Preparations
were going forward in our squadron to
pay them visit, and we hopeit will
prove sorry one for the pirates. In
formation had also been received by
small schooner, from surveying
voyage on the coast of Florida, that
there was body of Spaniards there of
suspicious appearance, who had fortifi-
ed themselves with an eighteen poun-
der. They would be looked after.
Several Spanish vessels which had
been captured by the Colombian scbr.
Centella, had been purposely wrecked
on Key Vacas, and their eargoes ship
ped to Charleston and Norfolk. Com.
Porter had in consequence issued an
order to prevent such proceedings in
future he had also taken possession of
the Key, and placed a guard of marines,
with twelve FOUNDER. Some of the
J cargoes of these vessels had been
seized and landed at Thompson's Island,
and some found at the Key, all of which
had been identified by Spanish claim
ants from Havana. 1t is said that Com.
Porter had given orders to our cruisers
to bring the Centella in, if they should
fall in with her, as she had made cap
lures under the American flag, and the
most positive proof had been obtained
OF the intentional wrecking of her
prizes, after having sold their cargoes.
Strong doubts were entertained as to
the character she assumes.
The Sea Serpent was in Long Island
Sound on Wednesday last. We are in
formed that Capt. Wyer, in the sloop
Rose, from Newly ork for Nantucket,
in passing through the Race, had full
view of him, and judged him to be
about 50 feet in length.
[.N. Bedford Mercury.
Earthquake-A very slight shock ofan
Earthquake was felt in this city and vicin-
lily Wednesday morning, about Z o'clock
twas also experienced in Dorchester,
Milton, Salem, Gloucester, Reading, Lex
ington, Newburyport, and other places.
[Rosf E- Go1