Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1843-10-06

Diplomatic Agent. This took place for
tunately while the steamer was in the port
of Gibralter, on the Goth August. Mr..
Gushing proceeded on his way in British
steamer, which sailed from Gibralter for
Alexandria, on the 7th Sept. Below will
be found an account of this disaster.
The general state of trade continued TO
improve.
Queen Victoria has visited the King
and Queen of Belgium, about which there
was of course much ado. She will visit
John Tyler-perhaps who knows' And
why not = John is President, just as Vic
toria is Queen--by accident.
On the 18th Sept. Repeal meeting
was called in Liverpool, which resulted in
mob fight.
Disturbances in Wales still continue.
O'Connel was still agitating Ireland ac-
lively.
The rebellion in Italy had not been sup
pressed.
ToTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE U. STATES
STEAM FRIeATE Missouri BY FIRE.
The splendid new steam ship Bentwick
arrived at Gambia from Gibraltar on the
3lst ult. bringing the intelligence of the
total destruction by fire of one of the fin
est vessels of which the U. 5. Navy could
boast. The following is the Official noti-
fication forwarded to her Majesty's consul
at Cadiz
"Port of Gibraltar, 9th of Aug. l943.
"The American steam Frigate of War
Missouri, unfortunately caught fire in the
course of the past night, and burnt down
to the waters edge, between the Orange
and Montague batteries, in four fathoms
of water; and as it is impossible to re-
move her now, she having gone to the
bottom, and being anchored there, all cap
tains of vessels who may enter the bay at
night are thus advised lest it should hap
pen that, through bad weather or any 9TH
er incident, the light should be extinguish-
ed, which will be fixed over the place
where she is sunk.
"W. THOMPSON,
| hCtliIS Sdpldil vi Tic OIt.
The Missouri carried % guns, and was
pierced for Al. The crew was entirely
saved through the active Intervention OF
her Maiesty's steamer Locust, which i'm
mediately repaired to the spot, attracted
by spectacle of such extraordinary and
disastrous briliancy. The burning vessel
threw a glare over the entire rock, ilu-
minating in the midst of the night the va
rious points and batteries, and throwing
its reflection over the bay as far as AIge-
siras. The black hull and dark spars and
rigging stood out in the midst of the in
tense glare oflight with fine but porten-
tious effect, and the roar of the fire was
intermingled with the discharge Of guns
of distress, which soon, however, ceased in
the despair created by the awful rapidity
with which tie flames increased their
ravages, and made all human efforts una
availing. The Locust got up her steam
Immediately, and arrived just in time to
rescue the crew from the fate which a.
waited them. So rapid was the progress
of the fame from the moment it burst
forth, that by the time the Locust reached
her side she had burnt down nearly to the
waters edge. The Missouri had on board
a very large quantity of gunpowder, and
to prevent the dangerous effects of an ex.
plosion it was judged best to scuttle her
which was successfully accomplished with.
out delay, when she instantly disappeared
The fire was occosioned by combustion
of the large cargo of coal which the Mis-
souri, was obliged 10 carry. This combus.
ton had been going on for considerable
time, and upon its discovery quantity o.
water was thrown upon the coal, which
apparently had the effect of extinguishing
the flame. But it was in fact merely
smothered; and upon its breaking out Q
second time, it was found to have gained
such head that no efforts could arrest it.
progress. Many valuable effects were sa
we'd, including $4,000 in specie. Othe