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claimants have never been able to produce proof fines a robber, as that the officers of the port of of the government of Galvezton having ever been New Orleans should be accused of being unfriendauthorized by the Mexican republic; and restitution ly to the revolution in the Spanish provinces, be has been decreed in several instances. There is no cause they have attempted to prevent a lawless esevidence of the establishment having been made or tablishment at Galvezton from violating the laws. sanctioned by, or connected with, a Mexican re. The prizes made by the privateers under the Mexpublic, if one be now existing, and the presumption ican flag, are to a very large amount of merchan of such an actual establishment, under such autho- dize, such as jewelry, laces, silks, linen, britanias, rity, is strongly repelled by the illegal and piratical muslins, seersuckers, calicoes, &c. &c. all of which character of the establishment, and its ambulatory are re-packed in small bales, of convenient size for nature. It is not only of very recent origin, but is transportation on mules, and the greatest part in clothed with no character of permanency; for it troduced clandestinely. Other articles, such as was abandoned about the 5th of April, and trans: iron, nails, tallow,leather, glassware, crockery, cordferred to Matagorda, leaving at Galvezton only an age, beef, &c. are brought here in their prizes.advice boat, to advertise such privateers and pri. It is stated, and universally believed, that captain zes which might arrive there, of the spot on which Champlin sold the slaves captured in the Patronila they had fixed their new residence. Some days and Enrequita, to the Lafittes, Sauvinet, and other after the abandonment of Galvezton, several priva- speculators in this place, who have or will resell teers arrived there, and among the rest the General to the planters; and the facility afforded to smugArtigas, commanded by one G. Champlin, of New glers by the innumerable inlets, are too obvious, on York, with two schooners, her prizes, the Patronila, a view of the map, to doubt but they either are or with one hundred and seventy-four slaves, and the will be all introduced into this state, without the Enrequita, with one hundred and thirteen slaves; possibility of the officers of the revenue being able and also a Spanish and Portuguese vessel, and the to prevent or punish them; more especially as a American schooner Evening Post, of New York, great portion of the population are disposed to Calvin Williams, master, prizes to the captain countenance them in violating our laws. A few Maurice Nicholas Jolly. days ago information having been given that one of Among the most conspicuous characters who hap our citizens had gone to the W. with a very consipened to be then at Galvezton, were many of the derable sum of specie, to purchase slaves for himnotorious offenders against our laws, who had so self and two other planters, I determined to make lately been indulged with a remission of the pu- an effort to arrest him on his return, and immedi nishment, who so far from gratefully availing them ately purchased a fine boat on account of the goselves of the lenity of the government to return tovernment, (which had been lately captured by a par or commence an orderly and honest life seem to ty I had sent on lake Ponchartrain. and condemnhave regarded its indulgence almost as an encou- ed for a violation of the slave act) which I have ragement to the renewal of their offences. You will sent under the command of an active, enterprising readily perceive that I allude to the Barratarians, inspector, with a military guard of twelve men, and among whom the Lafittes may be classed foremost, am in great hopes of his falling in with and capand most actively engaged in the Galvezton trade, turing the party. I am persuaded you will approve and owners of several cruisers under the Mexican of my not waiting for instructions, at the risk of flag. Many of our citizens are equally guilty, and are seeing the laws violated with impunity, and I cannot universally known to be owners of the same kind of but hope that the government will see the necessity of vessels. A number of these characters being at of giving instructions to the naval force on this staGalvezton after the abandonment readily saw the ad- tion to prevent the re-establishment of Galvezton, vantages that would result in the re-establishment of otherwise the bay will no longer be safe for any a government at that place, its situation so immedi- flag. Since they have been denied shelter in Port ately in the vicinity of our settlements, being much preferable to Matagorda, their views being entirely confined to introducing their captures into this state; accordingly, a meeting was called on the 15th April, and it was resolved to re-establish the government, and a true copy of their deliberations you have enclosed. I can vouch for the correctness of the copy, having received it from a person of undoubted veracity; and thus without even the semblance of authority from the Mexican republic, they immediately proceeded to condemn vessels and cargoes as good prizes, and to introduce them into this port, and among the rest the cargo of the Evening Post.. It was some time before this was known here, great pains having been taken to keep it secret. Since it has been known, I have felt it my duty to report all vessels and cargoes which have arrived here from Galvezton, to the district attorney, who has had them arrested under the Spanish treaty, but owing to the unfortunate absence of the judge, no decision can be had thereon. These steps of the officers of the port have irritat. ed the Barratarian gentlemen and their connexions Mr. Chew, Collector at N. Orleans, to Mr. Crawford. in a high degree, and representations filled with falsehoods will probably be made against them, particularly on the score of enmity to the patriotic cause. As well might a man be accused of being nor to make to you, under date first instant, I gave an enemy to personal liberty, who arrests and consuch information respecting the establishment at

au Prince, they have no other asylum than Galvezton. On the part of these pirates we have to contend with, we behold an extended and organized system of enterprize, of ingenuity, of indefatigabili ty, and of audacity, favored by a variety of local advantages, and supported always by force of arms; and unless they be met by corresponding species of resistance, the results of the contest are of very simple calculation.

You will, I trust, see the necessity of either granting a certain number of revenue cutters, of the description I have mentioned, or that the naval force on this station may be enjoined strictly to prevent these privateers from hovering in our waters, and violating our laws. It is a fact you may rely on, all the cruises of these privateers commence and end at this port; they enter in distress, comply with the formalities of the law, and if they do not augment their force and renew their crews in port, they do it in our waters, and it is not in my power to prevent it.

Collector's office, New-Orleans, 2 August 30th, 1817. S Sm-In the communication which I had the ho

Galvezton as I had recollected; since then the de- large quantity of provisions, and the first cargo will positions of Messrs. J. Ducoing and V. Garros (ex-soon sail, a copy of the manifest will accompany judges of admiralty at that place, and now here) this or soon follow. These persons and a long list have been taken and I herewith transmit you copies, of others I could add, if necessary, have no other which go to substantiate the material fact stated profession, occupation or mode of livelihood, than by me, and I make no doubt that you will be sa- privateering and violating our laws, and openly tisfied of the correctness of the assertion, that the threaten revenge against any officer of the revenue establishment of Galvezton is nothing more or less that may molest or impede their pursuits. They than one of privateersmen, without even the shadow are now preparing a memorial to the department, of a connexion with a Mexican republic, if such a with the double view to misrepresent the conduct republic exists, and as such will not, I presume, be of the officers of the port, and to obtain permission countenanced by the government of the United to introduce their illegally captured property, un. States. It has been reported to me, and from a der the false pretext that they (the memorialists), source deserving credit, that the principal part of have made heavy advances; the truth is, the only the force from Matagorda and Soto de la Marina, advances they allude to, is the equipment and had returned to Galvezton, and that two prizes with fitting out privateers contrary to our laws. The exslaves have recently arrived, one a schooner with a ports from this place to Galvezton and Matagorda full cargo, said to be 300, (probably exaggerated,) have consisted principally of provisions, a cargo that a contagious fever having made its appearance of arms was sent some time in the fall of the last among the slaves, the privateersmen, apprehensive year, which have long since given up as lost, and of its communicating to the other prize, cut the no return whatever can ever be expected from the cables, and sent the schooner adrift with the unfor- Mexican government, from all present appearances. tunate beings on board! The other ship, with 400 The imports (without taking into consideration the slaves, was lying there, and they have altogether large amount of goods introduced clandestinely) about six hundred and fifty slaves on hand, all of have been very large, as you will observe by the whom are intended to be introduced in this state. enclosed abstract of duties secured at this office on The United States brig Boxer has sent in two these importations. small schoooers with 30 slaves on board, captured I have felt it my duty to give you this informa. in our waters, and the deputy collector of the dis- tion for your correct understanding the nature of trict of Teche writes me he has seized 15, and was the establishment at Galvezton, and cannot but in pursuit of a larger number. At this moment hope you will be pleased to instruct me explicitly I have sent two confidential inspectors to examine how to act. My conduct has been governed by a three plantations on this river near Baton Rouge, sense of duty, and from a conviction of its propriety; information having been given me, that 100 had if I have erred, I hope it will be ascribed to an been purchased for the three at Galvezton. This honest zeal. activity has occasioned some alarm, and I am in. BEV. CHEW. formed fand place complete confidence in it) that P. S. The brig, with provisions and lumber for the privateers men and others interested have re- the winter quarters of the slaves, attempted to solved to remove the slaves to the neighborhood of clear to day, but, owing to the informality of her Sabine, build barracks, and keep them there during papers, it is postponed till Monday. I enclose a the winter, or till the purchasers appear, and leave list of private armed Mexican and Venezuelian vesthe risk of introducing the slaves to the planters, sels now in port. whose eagerness to procure them will induce them [Here follows a list of six vessels commissioned". to run every hazard. They imagine, that fixing by Aury, carrying as follows-5 guns, 60 men; themselves to the west of the Sabine, they will be without the jurisdiction of the United States, but I trust they will find their mistake only when the whole party will be seized.

I am, &c. &c.

guns, 55 men; 6 guns, 40 men, 2 guns, 18 men; gun, 30 men, and a boat of 7 tons with 17 muskets. ́ ́Then a list of five vessels, commissioned by Boltvar, as follows-5 guns and 114 men; 1 gun and 50 In addition to the foregoing, I beg leave to refer men; one of 3 and 1 of 1 gun, men not mentioned, you to the documents lately forwarded by com- and one of 3 guns and 60 men, just sailed on a modore Patterson, to the honorable secretary of the cruise.] navy, with the memorial of some of the most respon spectable merchants of this place, praying him to furnish convoy to protect their vesaels trading with the Spanish ports, from the piratical cruisers who respect no flag when specie is in question.

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Mr. Chew to Mr. Crawford. Collector's office, New Orleans, October 17, 1817. Srn--My communications of the first and thirtieth I have lately sent an inspector of confidence, to of August last, relative to the establishment at examine La Fourche from the Mississippi to the Galvezton, and the numerous cruisers under the sea, and he reports it as thickly settled for 80 miles Mexican flag, that infest our waters, will, I trust, from the river; has 8 or 10 feet water, and 6 feet have reached your hands. I deem it my duty to on the bar, at the mouth or entrance in the sea: trouble you once more upon the same subject, and there is no obstacle whatever to craft entering it to enclose copies of additional testimony of Mr. from the sea, and ascending to the Mississippi, and John Ducoing, late judge of admiralty, and of Mr. trading freely as high up as they please. I men- Raymond Espagnol, fate secretary of state, which tioned in my last the necessity of appointing an will, I trust, satisfactorily prove my assurances of inspector for that place, if your decide not to have the piratical nature of the establishment, and justify, revenue cutters on this station. I cannot but rein your opinion, the officers of this port, in the steps peat that I am firmly persuaded the measure is taken by them to put an end to it; for such, it ap more necessary for this, than any other district in pears, has been the effect of the measures adopted the United States. Bartholomew Lafon of this place here. Late advices from that place state, that (who acted as secretary to the meeting of 15th Aury and Champlin, with their privateers and prizes, April, copy of deliberation forwarded in my last) said to be thirteen sail, evacuated the place, and is mentioned as the governor of the new establish it is believed they have steered their course for ment near the Sabine. Lafitte is now purchasing a | Amelia Island. Before their departure, they dis

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I hope you will be pleased to give me some instructions relative to the cruizers, that I may act in a way to meet the views of the executive. I have the honor to be, &c.“ (Signed) przed To the hon. William H. Crawford, Secretary of the treasury,

BEV. CHEW.

Additional testimony taken in sundry causes depending in the United States district court, for the Louisiana district, on behalf the United States, ugainst sundry vessels and cargoes from Galvezton,

posed of about three hundred Africans to the It is universally reported and believed many of agents of some planters on this river; the remainder, these vessels (under the Mexican flag, and comthey have taken with them. The deputy collector missioned by Aury) are owned by persons resident of the district of Teche writes me, a large gang of here, and enjoying the privileges of American citiAfricans passed near the church of Attacapas on zens. At the end of the cruise the same farce is the night of the 14th ultimo, bound for the Missis played over again; and it may with truth be said, sippi. He heard of it too late to seize them. I have that each cruise commences and ends at this port. sent a confidential agent to watch the plantations of Attempts have been made to convict them, but as Joseph Erwin, James Still, and Christopher Adams, yet without success. They easily exculpate themit being reported that the latter had been to Gal selves. Witnesses, on their part, are never difvezton, to purchase slaves for himself and others.ficult to procure, in a place where there are a vast I received, a few days ago, a letter from the per-number of people with whom the solemnity of an son called commodore Aury, dated at sea, 31st oath has little weight. This you will believe, when July last, on board the privateer Mexican Congress, I add, that two witnesses were produced in the (late Calypso, of Baltimore) enclosing a duplicate United States district court, in the month of May of a letter, which it appears he had thought pro-last, who swore that Galvezton was a considerable per to write to me on the 28th of the same month, and well built town, with coffee houses, shops, &c. (the original of which has never come to hand.)—and that the then constituted authorities, (Durier, In this letter he gives me a kind of official infor. Ducoing, Espanol, &c.) had been appointed and mation, that it has been determined to abandon commissioned by Aury. The testimony of the two Galvezton, and that he had taken with him the latter, as well as many other persons now here, will judge of the admiralty, the collector, and all his fully refute that falsehood. other constituted authorities, and that, whatever may be done at the place, after that date, will be without his approbation or consent, and any clearances, or other official acts, at that place, illegal I have no doubt, however, but that a new establish ment soon made there. The advantages are to to be voluntarily abandoned by per. sons who have so long enjoyed the profits. Early in September two vessels, the Carmelite, belong. ing to B. Lafon, and the Franklin, belonging to J. B. Laforte, (both unregistered vessels, formerly prizes) cleared at this office for Laguna, but really bound to Galvezton, with provisions, and materials John Ducoing being, duly sworn, the deponent for erecting buildings. On their arrival they found further says, that the establishment at Galvezton the place deserted, and the Franklin has returned was composed, as before stated, by persons of to this port with her outward cargo. By her, ac- various nations, and that the sole view and object counts have been received that the Carmelite was of the persons comprising the said establishment lying there, and that Lafitte (who had been par-was to capture Spanish vessels and property, withdoned for the crimes committed at Barrataria) and out any idea of aiding the revolution in Mexico, Lafon had arrived there, with about forty other per- or that of any other of the Spanish revolted colonies, sons, and it is believed intended to form an es- as far as this deponent knows and believes. And tablishment, and will, no doubt, soon replace the judge, and other authorities, carried off by Aury, Private armed vessels, under the Mexican flag, and one or two under that of Venezuela, continue to frequent this post; and uniformly report in distress, (one case only excepted) make protest, and obtain The deponent further says, that the government a certificate from the wardens of the post, that established on the 15th day of April had no conthere is necessity to unlade their armament and nexion whatever with any other government, state heave down. They have thus been admitted to an for people. That Galvezton stands on a small entry, free of any charge, other than the fees to the island, or rather a small sand bar, a few miles long officers of the customs, under the sixtieth section of the collection law. This course seems to have been adopted by my predecessor, and has been followed by me, in compliance with the instruc. tions from the department of third July, 1815. These armed vessels being admitted, great care has been taken not to permit my violation of the acts of 5th June, 1794, and 3d March last, by augmenting their force, or enlisting American citi zens; but, in defiance of every vigilance, on the part of the officers of the customs, they violate the law, not whilst they remain in port, but before they Mr. Raymond Espanol being duly sworn, says, leave our waters. Nothing is easier, when the that on the 16th day of March last, this deponent privateer is completely repaired and ready for sea, went from this place to Galvezton, in the province than to send both men and guns, if they need them, of Texas, in the brig Devorador, for the purpose of to Barrataria, or any other convenient place where diaposing of merchandise. Aury was acting as the privateer repairs to, and takes them on board governor. This deponent accepted of no office (or and sails on a cruize, with an augmented force, to emyloyment) under Aury, nor had he any acquaintcommit hostilities against the persons and pro.ance with him, he never took any oath of allegiance perty of a nation with whom the United States are to Aury; that on the 15th of April last, Aury and gen. at peace. buka Mina abandoned Galvezton, burned the buts and

the deponent says that during the time he exercised the functions of judge at Galvezton, he had no knowledge or belief in the existence of a Mexican republic or other government, independent of the Spanish government.

and broad, and was a desert when taken possession of by Aury, known by the name of Snake Island, without a port or harbor, and no buildings except a few huts or cabbins, probably three or four, made of boards and sails of vessels.

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And further this deponent saith not.
JOHN DUCOING.
Sworn and subscribed before me, this 7th day of
October, 1817.
(Signed)
R. CLAIBORNE, clerk.

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city of New Orleans, citizens of the United States, respectfully sets forth:

cabins there were standing, and left no person au- Memorial of merchants of New Orleans, to Com, thorised by them or otherwise, to form a governPatterson, of the 28th of July, 1817. ment. After their departure, to wit, on the 15th of The memorial of the subscribers, merchants of the April, 1817, the persons then at Galvezton consisted of about thirty or forty in number, including sailors, &c. six of whom assembled on board of the schooner Carmelita (belonging to Mr. Bartholomew Lafon, late of N.Orleans, and engineer in the service of the U. States) to wit: Durier, John Ducoing, Pereneau, said B. Lafon, Rousselin, and this deponent, who formed the new government. The proceedings were drawn up and signed by those present, by which certain persons aforesaid took upon them selves offices, namely

Durier Governor.

John Ducoing, Julge of Admiralty.

This deponent, Notary Public and Secretary.
Pereneau, Major de Place.

Rousselin, Collector.

At the meeting on the 15th April, there was no paper or document produced, authorising the same, or giving them power to form a government.

That your memorialists have extensive dealings with the merchants of La Vera Cruz, Campeachy, and other places in the gulph of Mexico, and usual. ly receive from thence gold and silver, as returns for their adventures, and remittances from their correspondents and debtors there.

That since some part of the Spanish colonies have risen in arms against the royal authorities, vessels carrying the flags of the several new repub lics of Buenos Ayres, Venezuela and Mexico, pre. tending to have commissions from the constituted authorities there, to cruise against their enemies, but manned with renegado crews of all nations, have lately commenced the plundering of the ves sels of your memorialists, sailing under the flag of the United States, on lawful voyages, and rob them of whatever specie they find on board, The brigs The deponent further says, that the sole object Pomona and Freelove, owned by citizens of the and view of the persons comprising the establish- United States resident in this city, have been rob. ment at Galvezton was, as far as he knows and be bed in this manner; and the brig Charles, also of, lieves, to capture Spanish property under what and owned in this city, by an American citizen, has they called the Mexican flag, but without an idea been deprived of her papers on the high seas, and of aiding the revolution in México, or that of any thereby exposed to be made lawful prize of by any of the Spanish revolted colonies; and further, that cruizer, when she was fortunately boarded by the during the time that this deponent acted as notary U. S. sch. Firebrand, commanded by Lieut. Cun, public and secretary to the new government at Gal-ningham, who convoyed her to Vera Cruz, her des vezion, he had no knowledge or belief in the ex-tined port. Proofs of all these nefarious acts are istence of a Mexican republic, or any government hereunto annexed. in Mexico, independent of the Spanish authorities; further, the deponent says, that the new government established at Galvezton on the 15th of April 1817, had no connexion whatever with any other nation, state or people.

That Galvez on stands on a small sand bar, a few miles long and broad, and was a desert when taken possession of by Aury-known by the name of Snake Island; without a port or harbor, and no buildings except three or four cabins built of boards and sails of vessels.

That your memorialists, under these circumstances, impeded in their lawful commerce by marauders and pirates, are prevented from sending their vessels to sea, as they cannot insure them but under premiums which would be ruinous, and labor under the intolerable disappointment of not receiving the expected returns for their property, now in the Spanish dominions, and ready to be shipped to them if it could be done with safety.

other merchandize, for the precious metals; but their value has now so excited the cupidity of the freebooters of the Gulph, secure, as they believe, from resistance and from punishment, that all this valuable commerce will cease, unless the merchant vessels be protected; and that protection is now solicited from you.

That the commerce carried on by your memorialists with the Spanish colonies is extremely adFurther, this deponent says, that some time in vantageous to the United States, inasmuch as it the month of May last, when some of the merchan-exchanges the productions of this country, and dise and vessels from Galvezton were libelled by the Spanish consul in behalf of the Spanish owners, application was made to this deponent to appear before the honorable judge Hall, and to prove that the anthorities appointed by the meeting at Galvezton, on the 15th of April last, were appointed and commissioned by Aury. This application was explicitly stated to be on behalf of those interested in the Galvezton establishment, particularly of Mr. Bartholomew Lafon and J. Bte. Laporte, the former of whom, it was known, was indebted to this deponent in the sum of ten or twelve hundred dol lars; this deponent refused informing the person by whom the application had been made; that if the deponent appeared he would tell the truth, and should prove that the persons forming the government at Galveztón (after 15th April) were not T. & D. Urquhart named by Aury. This deponent was not summon- Richard Relf ed as a witness though it was known he was in the Benjamin Story city, and has continued since to reside here. This J. Longpre deponent says that this is the true reason why he was not summoned to appear before the judge at the time when Messrs. Rieux and Pereneau appeared.

RICHARD ESPANOL.

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Your memorialists therefore, respectfully intreat that you will give orders to the armed vessels of the United States under your command, to give convoy to the vessels of your memorialists, to and from the Spanish ports in the Gulf of Mexico, on such conditions and under such regulations as you may think fit, and the least inconvenient to yourself and the public service. (Signed)

Pedro Dalhoste y Claveria
Vincente Nolte & Co.
Dutillet & Sagory
Jno. Bte. Labuttut

Amory, Callender & Co. Simon Crecully
L. D. de Morant
Tallcot & Bowers
S. N. Stackhouse
R. L. Rochelle & Shiff
David Oliver
Isaac L. Mc Coy

L. Millaudon
G. Dusser
Wm. Keuner & Co.
Debuys & Longer - -
J. Brandeger
: Harrod & Ogden

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Extract of a letter from captain Charles Morris, to the hon. B. W. Crowninshield, secretary of the navy, dated

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U. S. frigate Congress off Balize, 10 June, 1817.

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December 19.-Mr. Vandyke, from Delaware, ap peared and took his seat.

to.

Several motions submitted yesterday were agreed

"As it respects marine operations, when Aury December 22.-Notice of several intended moJeft Galvezton with Mina, it was understood to be his intention not to return there but to establish himself at the Santando, and all the public stores tions were given-among them one by Mr. Dickerand other buildings were destroyed. The Santan-son to mend the constitution of the United States do having been found altogether unfit for this pur- as it respects the election of representatives in congress and electors of president and vice president. pose, he is returning to Galvezton again. The senate has been considerably occupied with

"A temporary government, with the admiralty judge, &c. were left during his absence, to con-executive business.

The house adjourned to Monday.

demn prizes sent in by the privateers. It is stated December 23.-Mr. Smith submitted a resolution that the decisions of the judge are dictated by the for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of ducaptors, who will not unless it appears to suit their ties on imported salt in the years 1815, 1816 and convenience, even furnish him any papers on which 1817, and also the amount of allowances and drawto form an opinion, or ground his sentence. This is backs paid to fishing vessels and on fish exported. said to have occurred during the late absence ofAury; December 24.-The resolution submitted on the his return may have some good effect upon the 22nd by Mr. Dickerson was read a second time and proceedings there, but the general character of committed to Messrs. Dickerson, King, Daggett, the population of the place is such, that I am told Mason and Stokes. that even those persons concerned in the privateers, when they dispose of their goods there, are unwilAing to take specie in payment fearful of being plundered, but prefer bills, which can be more eaThe Speaker shall have power to admit persons sily secured. Most of the goods carried there are introduced into the United States, the more bulky to seats in the hall, during the sitting of the house, and least valuable regularly through the custom who belong to such legislatures of foreign govern house; the more valuable and the slaves are smugments as are in amity with the United States. gled in through the numerous inlets to the west. ward where the people are but too much disposed to render them every possible assistance,

Several hundred slaves are now at Galvezton, and persons have gone from New Orleans to pur chase them; every exertion will be made to intercept them, but I have little hopes of success,"

--HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, Dec. 19.-On motion of Mr. Harrison, of Ohio, the following rule was adopted:

On motion of Mr. Merrill, of Vt. it was Resolved, That the secretary of war be instructed to furnish a statement shewing the names of the several persons to whom land warrants have issued, and extra pay been allowed, subsequent to the 3d March, 1817, under the act "granting bounty in lands and extra pay, to certain Canadian volunteers," and the act supplementary thereto; together with the names of the agents or attornies to whom said land warrants were delivered, and the money paid, particularly noting such, if any, as were or are annexed with the public offices-and also to state whether any, and if any what information he may have received, relative to impositions practis off the Balize, June 28th, 1817. "From cape Catouche to La Vera Cruz, the piled on claimants, by persons pretending to be agents, satical boats are very numerous, and commit their authorized by the government. depredations without respect to flag or nation.Should it meet your approbation, sir, it would afford ae infinite pleasure to protect our commerce on that coast."

Extract of a letter from lieutenant commandant John
Porter to the hon. B. W. Crowninshield, secretary of
the navy, dated
U. S. brig Boxer,

Extract of a letter from John Kerney, Esq. deputy collector of the port of New-York, to captain Samuel Evans, commandant navy yard, New York,

dated

September 8th, 1817.

"A brig, said to be a Venezuelan cruiser, called the "America Free," Farero coininander, mount ing three carriage guns, and manned with seventy four men, and small arms in proportion, now lies at the quarantine ground.

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After other business, of no present importanceThe house having, according to the order of the day, again resolved itself into a committee on the bill for the commutation of soldiers' bounty lands, some further discussion on amendments to it took

place, in which Messrs. Forsyth, Poindexter, Clay, and Robinson, of Ky, bore part: when

The committee rose, and reported the amendments to the bill; which were ordered to lie on the table, and to be printed for the more easily understanding thereof by the members before called up. on to give a final vote on them,

The house having resolved itself into a commit. tee of the whole on the bill concerning the surviving soldiers of the revolutionary war:

It is officially reported to the collector's office of tis district, that a number of officers and men land. [*This motion was probably occasioned by the ed from said brig at Staten island, and in a fracas that took place yesterday, between them and the presence of lord Selkirk, a peer of the British realm, inhabitants on shore, they threatened to demolish in the gallery of the house. The act of courtesy or burn a house on said island." [The substance of is well.]

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