Spain and the United States, and diametrically op- importance, and so well established. I am well pose 1 to the general principles of public security persuaded that his excellency the president will and good faith, and to the laws of nations, produces easily perceive that if the states of Kentucky, t e most melancholy effects on the interest and the Tennessee, Louisiana, and Georgia, cominue, as property of the subjects of his catholic majesty. they do, allowing their citizens to commit hostiliCertain it is, that neither Carthagena, nor any oth-ties against a friendly power, notwithstanding the er place in the Spanish dominions in this hemis. orders he has issued for dispersing and disarmphere, which has revolted, can be in communicationing the gang of desperadoes, headed by Toledo, with any power friendly to Spain, since neither on Humbert, Anaya, Bereardo, Suterier, Istri, Dr. its part, nor on that of any other government, has Robinson, majors Eurie, and Preire, and their foltheir independence been acknowledged; and it is,lowers, the king my master, will have reason to consequently, an offence against the dignity of the suspect, that if those meetings are not authorised Spanish monarchy, and against the sovereignty of by the government, they are at least tolerated. All the assurances I may give to my sovereign, of the king, my master, to admit vessels from such places manned and commanded by insurgents, and the friendly depositions of his excellency the pre. armed in the dominions of this confederation; par-sident, will not suffice, when compared with the ticularly as they are all pirates, who do not res- evident proofs I had the honor to communicate to pect any flag, are justly considered the disgrace you in this and my former note; particularly when his majesty is well convinced of the resources and of the seas, and are execrated by all nations. The three preceding points are of such esta-authority of the federal government, and the blished equity and justice, that it would be offen- promptitude with which their orders are strictly sive to the delicacy of this government to suppose || observed in the whole union. I do not entertain that it could delay, under any pretext, to determine any apprehension of the result of the expedition of The European wars being on them, in the manner I have proposed, and which these incendiaries. I have an express order to request, (solicitar,) in terminated, his majesty will be able to direct all the name of the king, my master. The prompt in his attention and his powerful armies, to stifle at terposition of the president, that his majesty may once the growth of that insurrection; but the phi be gratified, would be a new testimony of his friend-lanthropic heart of my sovereign, the humanity by ly disposition towards Spain, as evident proof that which he is distinguished, and which constitutes he is determined to put an end to the incalculable the character of the Spanish nation, induce him to extortions and injuries which Spain has suffered, || wish to re-establish order among the seduced, rafor the space of seven years, from the gang of ad- ther by mildness than by the force of arms venturers who have assailed her from the bosom of which cannot be effected without the effusion of this republic; a means of fixing the frank and sin- the blood of his beloved subjects. This object cere system of good neighborhood which so much interests both states; and finally, a sure prelimina-insurgents, and those of the internal province ry to the removal of all the difficulties which may present themselves in the negociations, which ought to terminate all the pending discussions between the two governments, and to fix forever between them a perpetual and solid friendship.

If, as I flatter myself, the president gives all the attention which is due to affairs of such transcend. ant importance, and yields to my solicitations, I can assure his excellency, and yourself, that there will be nothing which the king, my master, will not be disposed to do, to satisfy this republic, which may be compatible with his dignity and with the interests of his subjects.

I renew to you the assurances of my particular respect, and of my constant desire to please you, and pray God to preserve your life many years. (Signed,) LUIS DE ONIS. Washington, Dec. 30th, 1815. Hon. James Munroe, &c. &c.

Translation which accompanied a note of the 2d January, 1816, from the Chevalier de Onis, to the secretary of state.

cannot fail to be obtained as soon as the Mexican

cease to be furnished by citizens of this republic with arms, ammunition and troops.

I shall never have the vain presumption to offe you, or the wise magistrate that is at the head o this administration, any observations on the con sequences that might result aginst the interest of this republic by the independence of Spanis America. My wishes are only directed to equi you in moderation, and to re-establish on the mos firm and permanent basis, the relations betwee our governments This sincere desire will, hope, serve as an apology for me, while I tak the liberty to present a hypothesis in this not

I grant, for a moment, that all the Mexican em pire erects itseif into an independent state; tha it adopts the wise constitution of this confedera tion: establishes a complete system of legislation and, finally, that it enjoys all the blessings liberty, in the same full extent as this republic It is beyond question that the climate of Mexic is more temperate than that of the United States the soil richer and more productive; the pr ductions and fruits more abundant, rich, an of a superior quality; and that provisions, labo SIR-Since the last note I had the honor to ad- wood, houses, clothing, &c. are in consequenc dress you, under the date of the 30th of December, of the mildness and regularity of the climat I have received positive information that the ex- much cheaper than in this country. If this ever pedition which the traitor Toledo was preparing should take place, do you not think, sir, as I d in New Orleans against the dominions of the king, that so many alluring prospects, so many evider my master, has been suspended until the arrival at advantages, will deprive this republic of the su that city of two bodies of troops, one thousand men cessive emigrations from Europe? and, what from Kentucky, and three hundred from Tennes-more, of a very considerable part of the most us see, commanded by two American citizens, that were to be united in twenty four days, to the army of the insurgents. I abstain, sir, from offering to you any observations ou a subject of such high

ful and industrious inhabitants of this confeder tion, who would carry with them to Mexico the flour and saw mills, machines, manufactures, the enterprising genius, in a word, their general i

struction, and all the means that actually promote authorised by each government, but its ratification and vivify the commerce of these states? I flatter though negociated and concluded in the presence myself that this event will not happen; but I am of the Spanish government, was afterwards declinfully convinced, that the consequences of this hy-ed by it. At an anterior period, too, the deposit at pothesis can be demonstrated almost with a math- New-Orleans, stipulated by the treaty of 1795, was ematical certainy; and that if the citizens of Ken-suppressed. As the United States had done no intucky, Tennessee, Louisiana and Georgia, should reflect deeply on this subject, far from giving any aid to those vagabonds, greedy of the acquisition of gold, and regardless of the happiness of their country, they would unite themselves with the authorities of the king, my master, to punish that gang of perfidious traitors, that hide themselves in these states, with the criminal design of devas-friendship of the two countries on a solid and dutating their country. I hope, sir, you will have the goodness to overlook this digression, to which I have been carried by my warm desire of strengthening the most perfect friendship between the two nations, and to inform his excellency the president, that the orders I claim in his catholic majesty's name directed to the trial and punishment of the ringleaders of those armies, and to the prohibition of exporting arms, of any kind, from this country to the provinces, against my sovereign's authority, are of the grea est importance, and are supported by the existing treaty of friendship, limits, and navigation, between Sia and the United States, especially the 16th article.

I expect, sir, your answer to these important points, and I have the honor to be, &c. &c. &c.

The secretary of state to the Chevalier de Onis en voy extraoränary and minister plenipotentiary of his Catholic majesty.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Jan. 19, 1816. SIR-I have had the honor to receive your let. ters of the 30th December, and 2d of January, and to sabmit them to the president.

You demand that your sovereign shall be put in possession of West Florida; that certain persons whom you have mentioned, shall be arrested and tried on the charge of promoting insurrection in the Spanish provinces, and exciting citizens of the United States to join in it; and thirdly, that the flags of Carthagena, the Mexican congress, Buenos Ayres, and other revolting provinces, shall be excluded from the ports of the United States.

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jury to Spain, these acts, so hostile in their nature and injurious in their effect, excited much surprise. It had been the uniform object of this government to make such arrangements with Spain, respecting the free navigation of the Mississippi, and the boundaries, as, securing to our citizens the full enjoyment of their rights, would place the peace and rable basis. With this view it was sought to obtain of Spain, at a fair equivalent, the territory eastward of the Mississippi. Overtures to this effect were made to the Spanish government, and rejected. Being renewed, the minister of the U. States was informed that Spain had ceded Louisiana to France, to whom he was referred for the acquisition of such territory, in that quarter, as he might be instructed to make. On the last very important event, the suppression of the deposit at New-Or leans, a special mission was instituted to France and Spain, the object of which was to avert, by amicable negocia ion and arrangement, the calami. ties of war. Affairs had, more especially by this act of violence and hostility, reached a crisis which precluded the idea of temporary palliatives. A comprehensive and permanent arrangement had become indispensable, of which, it was presumed, the governments of France and Spain would be equally sensible. The cession of Louisiana by France to the Uni ed States, was the immediate consequence of this mission, with such a description of its boundaries by the treaty, as it was presumed, would leave no cause of controversy with Spain.

The mission had thus succeeded in a very important object, but there were others of a similar character which remained to be adjusted. The differences with Spain still existed, and to them was added, a circumstance of much interest, proceeding from the acquisition of Louisiana, he unsettled boundaries of the province, which were now to be established with Spain. Under the influence of the same policy, the special mission was ordered, soon afterwards to Madrid, to invite On the re-establishment of the diplomatic rela- a negociation, for the arrangement of all these imtions between the United States and Spain, it was portant concerns. Spain still held territory easthoped that your government would not have confin-ward of the Perdido, which by her session of Lou ed its attention to the objects in which Spain is alone interested, but have extended it to the injuries of which the United States have so long and so justly complained, with a view to such reparation as it might now be able to make. The subjects are, in their nature, intimately connected. In some important circumstances, indeed, it is impossible to separate them, since the exposition of the wrongs of the United States affords the proper answer, in these instances, to the complaints of Spain. It is my duty to bring these wrongs in o view, that they may be duly considered and provided for, in case your government has, as I am bound to presume, invested you with adequate power for the pur-pi, adjoining the provinces of Spain, which it was

pose.

At a period anterior to either of the circumstances mentioned in your letters, the United States had suffered great injury by the unlawful seizure and condemnation of their vessels in the ports of Spain. A treaty, providing an indemnity for those spolialions, was agreed to and signed by a minister duly

isiana, and its transfer to the United States, was separated from her other dominions, and lay, except on the side of the ocean, exclusively within our limits. The importance of this territory to Spain, in consequence of these events, in any view which might be taken of it, seemed to be much diminished, if not entirely lost, while in certain views, of which it was susceptible, it might prove highly injurious. There was danger that the continuance of a Spanish colony there, might produce jealousy and variance between the two nations. On the other hand, the United States had acquired territory westward of the Mississip

supposed, she might be desirous of obtaining. By mutual cessions of territory, in quarters most convenient to each other, and by forming an interval between their possessions, to remain vacant, the danger of collision might be avoided, and their good understanding more effectually preserved. By rendering justice likewise to the claims of the

United States, their citizens would be contented, || nion, as to the great moderation of this governand their government be better enabled to controlment, in acquiescing in it. But why restore this their conduct beyond their limits. Here then province to Spain, if it is the intent on of your gov. seemed to be fair ground for amicable compromise ernment, to make the title to it, in connection with between the parties. An opportunity was pre-other differences, a subject of amicable negociasented for terminating every difference, and secu- tion and arrangement? May not such negociation ring their future harmony, without loss or sacrifice be entered into, as well while it is in the occupanby either. On the result of this mission I need!cy of the United States, as if it were in that of not enlarge. I shall remark only, that the friendly Spain? policy which produced it, was not reciprocated by your government; it was perhaps not felt; it was certainly disregarded. Every proposition of the American ministers, having these objects in view, was rejected, and none made in return by your go

vernment.

You demand next, that Mr. Toledo and others, whom you mention, ch rged with promoting revolt in the Spanish provinces, and exciting citi zens of the United States to join in it, shall be arrested and tried-their troops disarmed and dispersed.

This conduct of your government, would have You intimate that troops are levying in Kenjustified if it did not invite he most decisive tucky, Tennessee, Louisiana and Georgia, for the measures on the part of the United States. The invasion of the Spanish provinces, of whom one refusal to make reparation for preceding injuries thousand are from Kentucky, and three hundred or to surrender any portion of the te. riory in the from Tennessee, to be commanded by American possession of Spain, to which they considered their citizens; but you do not state at what points these title indisputable, or to accept fair and liberal pro- men are collected, or by whom commanded; and positions for the accommodation of these differen- as to the forces said to be raised in Louisiana and ces, or to make a proposi ion of any kind for the Georgia, your communication is still more indefipurpose, left the United States perfectly free o nite. The information recently obtained by this pursue such course, as in their judgment a just re-department, from persons of high consideration, gard to the honor, rights and interests of the na- is of a very different character. It is stated that tion might dicta e. In the condition of Spain, ||no men are collected, nor is there my evidence of there was nothing to excite apprehension of the an a tempt or design to collect any in Kentucky, consequences, whatever might be the course deci-Tennessee or Georgia, for the purpose stated; ind ded on. Of this, the well known state of the pe that the force said to be assembled under Mr. Toninsula, at the time, and since, and of the Spanish ledo is very inconsiderable, and composed principrovinces in America, affords ample proof. The pally of Spaniards and Frenchmen. If any por ion friendly policy which the United States have since or it consists of citizens of the United States, pursued, is the more conspicuous, from the cousi- their conduct is unauthorised and illegal. This deration, that your government has inflexibly main- force is not within the settled parts of Louisiana, tained the unjust and hostile attitude which i but in the wilderness, be ween he settlements of then assumed, and has even dded new injuries the United States and Spain, beyond the actual and insults to those of which I have already com- operation of our laws. I have to request, that you plained. I refer in this latter remark, to the will have the goodness to state, at what points in breaches of the neutrality of Spain, which her gov. Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Louisiana, any ernment permitted, if it did not authorise, by Bri-force is collected, the number in each instance, ish troops, and British agents, in Florida, and through that province, with the Creeks and other Indian tribes, in the late war with Great Britain, to the great injury of the United States. It is under these circumstances that you have made the demands above recited, to which I will now pro ceed to give a more particular reply.

You require that Spain shall be put in posses sion of West Florida, as an act of justice, before a di cussion of the right of the parties to it is entered on.

I is known to your government, that the United States claim by cession, at a fair equivalent, the province of Louisiana, as it was held by France prior to the treaty of 1763, extending from the river Perdido, on the eastern side of the Mississippi, to the Bravo, or Grande, on the western. To the whole territory within those limits, the United States consider their right established by wellknown facts, and the fair interpretation of treaties. In a like spirit may the United States demand the surrender of all the territory above described, now in the occupancy of Spain, as a condition to the commencement of any negociation for the adjust ment of differences. When we consider how long your government has maintained what is deemed an unjust possession; more especially, when we recollect that the injuries before received are still unredressed, and that others have been since rendered, there can be, it is presumed, but one opi

and by whom commanded. If such force is coltected, or collecting within the United States, for the purpose sugested, or other illegal purpose it will be dispersed, and the parties prosecuted according to law.

This government is under no obligation, nor has it the power, by any law or treaty, to surrender any inhabitant of Spain or the Spanish provinces, on ine demand of the government of Spain; nor is any such inhabitant punishable by the laws of the United States for acts committed beyond their jurisdiction, the case of pirates alone excepted. This is a fundamental law of our system. It is not, however, confined to us. It is believed to be the law of all civilized nations, where not particularly varied by treaties.

In reply to your third demand, the exclusion of the flag of the revolting provinces, I have to observe, that in consequence of the unsettled state of many countries, and repeated changes of the ruling authority in each, there being at the same time, several competitors, and each party bearing its appropriate flag, the president thought it pro per, some time past, to give orders to the collectors, not to make the flag of any vessel a criterion or condi ion of its admission into the ports of the United States. Having taken no part in the differences and convulsions which have disturbed those countries, it is consistent with the just principles, as it is with the interests of the United States, to

receive the vessels of all countries into their ports, to whatever party belonging, and under whatever flag sailing, pirates excepted, requiring of them only the payment of the duties, and obedience to the laws while under their jurisdiction; without adverting to the question, whether they had committed any violation of the allegiance or laws obligatory on them in the countries to which they belonged, either in assuming such flag, or in any orher respect.

Regulations respecting commerce by foreigners with
Porto Rico.

1816.

In the differences which have subsisted between Spain and her colonies, the United States have observed all proper respect to their friendly relations In the city of Porto Rico the 31st day of January, with Spain. They took no measure to idemnify then,selves for losses and injuries; none to guard By the governor and captain general Don Salvaagainst the accupancy of the Spanish territory by dor Melendez, and by the intendant general Don the B itish forces in the late war, or to occupy the Alexandro Ramirez: In consequence of the repreterritory to which the United States consider their sentations made in two general meetings of the tite good, except in the instance of West-Florida, merchants and others on the 24th November and and in that instance under circumstances which 15th December last, and with a view to conciliate made their interposition as much an act of accom- as much as possible the system established by the modation to the Spanish authority there, as of se- roval decree of 10th of August last, with the precuity to themselves. They have also prohibited sent state of this island, its greatest encouragetheir citizens from taking any part in the war; and ment in the exportation of its products and better the ipbabi ants of the colonies, and other foreign-pro ection of national commerce, &c. have decreed ers comected with them, from recruiting men in the United States for that purpose. The pro 1st. For and during the space of one year from clamations which have been issued by the govern- this date, foreign vessels from all friendly nations, ors of some of the states and territories, at the in-shall be admitted in this port,whether from Europe stance of the president, and the proclamation || lately issued by the president himself, are not unkowa to your government. This conduct, under such circumstances, and at such a time, is of a character too marked to be mistaken by the impartial world.

the following, viz:

or from the United States of America. To those coming from any of the foreign American islands, this liberty shall be limited to six months; and on the above limitations expiring, the governor and the intendant will determine whether they may or may not be prolonged, according to circumstances, and subject also to the king's intermediate orders which, at any time, may be received on the subject.

2d. No foreign vessel shall be admitted into any of the other ports of this island without & special permission from the governor and intendant, to be granted by both on the solicitation of its consignee and on his responsibility, be it for the better disposal of articles not saleable at the time in this city, or to facilitate the shipment of return cargoes.

What will be the final result of the civil war, which prevails between Spain and the Spanish provinces in America, is beyond the reach of human foresight. It has already existed many years, and with various success, sometimes one party prevail ing and then the other.-In some of the provinces, the success of the revolutionists appears to have given to their cause more stability than in others. All that your government had a right to claim of the United States, was, that they should no interfere in the contest, or promote, by any active service, the success of the revolution, admi ting that 3d. One month only is allowed for the admissithey continued to overlook the injuries received sion of foreign vessels into all the aforesaid other from Spain, and remained at peace. This right was ports of this island, which by virtue of former common to the colonists. With equal justice might regulations may be found going or bound to either they claim, that we would not interfere to their of them: after which month, to be reckoned in disadvantage: that our ports should remain open to each port from the day of the publication of these both parties, as they were before the commence-premises, it shall be intimated to all such vessels ment of the struggle; that our laws regulating commerce with foreign nations should not be changed to their injury. On these principles the U.

States have acted.

so bound to direct their course, if they see fit, to this principal port, and if, after such intimation they should be found hovering on the coast, such vessels shall be treated as smugglers, detained, tried and condemned according to law.

4th. The same penalties shall be rigorously in

So much I have thought proper to state, respecting the relations existing between the United States and Spain. The restoration of the diploma-flicted on all foreign vessels which, without some tic intercourse between our governments, forms an just cause of an unavoidable nature, bali enter epoch which cannot fail to be important to both into any road, harbor or inlet whatever; even into nations. If it does not produce a result favorable any of the ports of entry, after the expiration of to their future friendship and good understanding, the month allowed in the preceding article, withto your government will the failure be imputable.out previous permission being obtained as aforeThe U. States have at all times been willing to settle their differences on just principles and conditions, and they still are. Of this I informed you in my letter of the 5th of May, as I likewise did Mr. Cevellos, in a letter of the 17th of July It will be very satisfactory to the president, to find that your government entertains now the same disposition,

said.

5th. All kinds of merchandize will be permitted to entry in this, the principal port in foreign, as well as national vessels, during the year afore. said, if from Europe or from the United States; and during six months, if from the foreign islands, excepting, however, sugar, rum, molasses, and to

bacco; which, if imported must be on the express | imposed by the roval order of the 10th February, condition of re-exportation for other foreign 1785, of five per cent. shall be paid without any ports. other charge. From this regulation must be ex

13th. Articles the produce or manufacture of Spain, imported in foreign vessels from Spanish ports, shall pay only two per cent. ad valorem; and such vessels from Spanish ports will he exempt from the tonnage duty, and only pay four dollars for the mole charges.

6th. To balance as nearly as possible the advan-empted all sorts of cattle, large and small, which tages, which, in this direct trade, foreign mer will pay as heretofore; also timber of all kinds, chants and vessels enjoy over our own, and with a the exportation whereof is prohibited without any view to an equitable reciprocity in the du ies and special lecense from government. imposts which the Spanish pay in the ports of other nations, every manufactured article coming from foreign ports and in foreign vessels, be they from Europe, from the United States or from the Ame. rican islands, shall pay on its entry 15 per cent on the current value, wi hout any other charges. Provisions and all eatable articles from the same foreign ports and vessels, will pay 10 per cent. the article of flour excepted, which will continue to pay the present duty of two dollars and two reals per barrel, besides the cathedral impost. Utensils of agriculture, instruments for the arts and trades, African negroes and all such article: as are free of duty to national commerce in Spanish vessels, shall pay, when imported in foreign vessels, three per cent. only.

7th. Foreign vessels will pay tonnage duty as follows, viz. American vessels eight reals per 1on, which is equal to the old duty exacted in the ports of the United States, from the vessels of other nations: but that duty having been increas ed twelve reals more, and it being understood by an act of the American congress that this addi tional duty is to cease on the 17th February nex', on the event of this not taking place, o which due attention shall be given, a ne regulation will, in such case, be made and promulgated conforma bly thereto. Vessels from every other nation shal pay for the present, and until more authentic information is obtained, in regard to the duties required in their ports from Spanish vessels, four reals only per ton. And this tonnage duty shall be paid only once in this the principal port, in every voyage, and shall not be required again in any of the other ports, when allowed as per ar ticle third to proceed to either of thei

8th. Foreign vessels coming from foreign ports where Spanish consuls reside, must be provided, as required, with their corresponding consular documents, and all vessels coming without the same shall not be admitted to an entry.

9th. Every individual belonging to foreign vessels, must return in the same, without going beyond the ports wherein they are admitted to an entry, neither attempting to remain or reside therein, without some just cause or accidental circumstance being assigned; or unless they have solicited and obtained the necessary permission from the government so to do.

10th. Articles landed from foreign vessels may be re-shipped for want of sale, when intended for foreign and not for Spanish ports, and in such case the duties paid on the same be returned with a deduction only of 2 per cent.

14th. Articles the produce of the dominions of Spain or of this island, exported hence in foreign vessels to Spanish ports in America, will also pay two per cent. without any other charge, but with the obligation of presenting documental proof of the due delivery thereof.

15th The exportation of money to foreign counries in any vessel whatever is prohibited. The importation of gold and silver in current coin from ny country and by any vessel, is free of all duies.

16th. All frauds committed or in ended by foreigners or by their vessels, will, inevitably exoose them to confiscation, according to law, and ny difference or excess observed or discovered between the manifest and the ca go at the comparing of both in the custom house, shall incur the same penalty, with out indul ence or allowance nade, unless instantly proved to be an error or unintentional mistake.

17th. Vessels arriving in ballast from foreign ports will continue, for the present, paying as by the edict of 25th October, 1814

The 18th and last article relates solely to local

purposes.

Spanish Consulate, Baltimore, 19th March, 1816. The preceding is a true translation from an original copy transmitted to this office.

J. B. BERNABEUA, Spanish Consul

Shipwreck.

CAPTAIN RILEY'S NARRATIVE. To the editor of the N York Mercantile Advertiser. I send you herewith a short account of the loss of the brig Commerce, late of Hartford, Conn. which I wish you to publish for the information of the friends of that part of the crew who still remain in slavery, and to make public the names of the worthy gentlemen who so nobly saved the lives, redeemed from slavery, and restored to our country and friends, myself and four of my unfortunate companions.

I sailed from Connecticut river on the 6th of May, 1815, bound to New Orleans, with a crew consisting of George Williams, chief mate, Aaron R. Savage, 2d mate, Archibald Robins, Wm. Porter, James Clark, and Thomas Burns, seamen. Ho11th. No transfer of any articles whatsoever race Savage, boy, Richard Delille, black man, will be permitted from one vessel to another with-cook, and two land men who left the brig at New out some very just and urgent motive, nor with- Orleans, where I shipped in their stead John Hoout a previous examination taking place, on thegan and James Barrett, seamen.-With this crew I Mole, of the articles so intended to be transferred; and when permission shall be granted for the re. exportation of such articles so transferred, the same two per cent. on the duties thereof, as per article 10th, shall be exacted and paid.

12th. On the exportation of the fruits and produce of this island by foreign vessels, the old duty

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sailed for Gibraltar, where I received on board part of a cargo of brandy, wine and specie. An old man named Antonio Michael, of N. Orleans, who was recommended to my charity, was here ta ken on board. I sailed from Gibraltar on the 24th of August, and experienced very thick foggy wea. ther for a number of days. On the evening of the