perate action ensued, which lasted for a very considerable time, at length the superior skill and courage of the British prevailed and the enemy were completely defeated, six of their line of battle ships taken, three sunk, and the remainder escapad.-This however, it is added, was not purchased without very considerable loss on our side. Two of our vessels, it is said, sunk soon after the action, and, what we should regret infinitely more, the gal lan Admiral himself and two captains are stated to have been killed. This better, we understand, came through Holland; but we confess it appears to us a little strange that in the present state of the continent a letter should come safe from the shores of the Mediterranean, through France and Holland, to London. There were other circumstances which gave rise to doubts in our minds. The numbers of the opposite squadron did not agree with the accounts which had previously reached us. The enemy's squadron in Palmas Bay is stated to amount to 12 sail of the line the Carthagena squadron we know was not near so numerous-but if a junction had taken place between the Carthagena and the Rochfort squadrons, their united force would be about that number. Sir R Strachan's squadron too is stated at eight ships of the line, whereas we always understood he had but seven with him. It is, however, possible that he might have been joined by another line of battle ship, and if we are not misinformed, there was a great chance of his falling in with the Windsor Castle, which would have increased his squadron to the numbér mentioned in the letter. The Lavinia is one of the frigates attached to Sir R. Strachan's squadron. We have thus stated to our readers all the facts that have come to our know Ledge, and the observations that occur red to us. No intelligence has reach ed the Admiralty, nor are government, we believe in possession of any other information upon the subject than that the which is already before the Public. We should be sorry to raise expecta tions which may ultimately prove to be unfounded, but we think there are strong reasons for believing that an action has taken place in the Mediterranean, and that the British squadron has been victorious. We can by no means agree with one of our dotemporaries who seems to ground his doubts of the truth of this report upon improbability of Sir Richard Strachan attacking a superior squadron in a bay. It cannot surely be forgotten that Lord Nelson attacked a superior French squadron in the Bay of Aboukir, where they were protected by very formidable batteries, and where the access was so difficult, on account of the shoals, that the Culloden, in leading in, gor aground, and could not take any share in the action, whereas Palmas Bay in perfectly open. That Sir Richard would attack them in the situation deseribed we have no doubt, nor should we entertain any apprehensions as to the result Sir Samuel Hood sailed from the Downs for the Baltic yesterday, in the Centeaur-the other ships going upon the same destination, only wait for pilots. The force in the Downs 5 increasing daily; two more seventyfours and a sixty-four arrived there on Tuesday. The Triumph and Impla cable passed Portsmouth yesterdaythey are all destined for the Baltic. A Dover pilot, who was driven some time since into Sweden, in a gale of wind, and from his long absence was supposed to have been lost, returned home on Wednesday night, having come to England in the last Gottenburgh packet. He reports, that the anxiety of the people of Sweden is untommor ly great for the arrival of the promised assistance from this country, particu larly our ships of war That the greatest harmony prevails between the King and his subjects, and that they seem ready to make every sacrifice in * his his defence, as long as there appears any probability of success. Extract of a letter from Captain Jones, of the Betsey, one of the Sirias's convoy from Gibraltar, arrived at Castlehaven, dated March 24:-" On the 17th instant a signal was made for the flees to make the best of their way, and take care of themselves, when I shaped my course for Mizen-head; in the evening saw the enemy up with the sternmost vessels, and I think, from the state of the weather, not more than four or five of the fleet were taken by them.” 5. The King has received an elegant musket, and Mr. Secretary Canning a superb snuff-box, from his Swedish Majesty, as presents on the occasion of the late treaty. Mr. L. an eminent stock-broker, put an end to his life on Monday last, by shooting himself with a pistol. He rode to town that morning from his villa in the country, about 14 miles distant. When he reached his house in Cornhill, he read a letter, put into his hands by his servant which seemed to affect him much. Shortly afterwards he complained of fatigue and indisposition, and said he would retire to his bedroom. He did so, and was found there, in the course of the day, dead, with the pistol lying by him. It was supposed that the pistol was fired about eleven o'clock, but no report was heard by the servants Mr. Lit appears, Mr. it appears, was under considerable embarrassments, which were unknown even to his partner or family, but which had occasioned a depression of spirits that led to the unhappy catastrophe. Mr. L. has been in the habit of giving expensive entertainments to the nobility in the country. He left behind him a letter, the tendency of which was to exculpate Mr. C. his partner, from any blame which might be imputed to him. On Tuesday morning a Coroner's inquest was held on the body of Mr. L. The servants were examined to the fact. His depressed state of mind for some time past, was deposed to; and the Jury gave in their verdict, Insanity-Mr. L. had given a letter to his coachman, in the morning, to be delivered to Mrs. L.; he left one behind him for Mr. C. and another for his nepew, who was on the eve of becoming a partner in the house. THE CHILDERS SLOOP OF WAR. On Thursday last came into Leith harbour, to be repaired, his Majesty's sloop Childers, after an engagement with a Danish brig of war of very superior force. We are happy to lay before the public a copy of Captain Dillon's statement to the Admiralty, who have signified their high approbation of his conduct, as well as that of all his officers and crew, by official letters, and conferred on him the rank of Post Captain. SIR, Leith, 18th March, 1808. I have the honour to acquaint you, that on the 14th inst. at four p. m. when standing in for the coast of Norway, a sail was discovered in shore, and, on seeing us, appeared to be seeking a port for safety. We instantly gave chase, with a fresh breeze from the eastward. As we neared her, she was hauled amongst the rooks out of our sight, to take shelter in the small port of Midie. Immediatly a number of boats came out to her assistance, I suppose with the intention of removing her cargo. I dispatched Mr. Wilson, acting master, accompanied by Mr. Knight, mate, with the cutter well armed to bring her out; the jolly boat was also sent with M Nicholl, gunner, and Mr. Le Neve, purser, who volunteered his services. This duty was performed by Mr. Wilson, with the utmost gallantry; for, when mixing with the boats, they were dispersed in all directions, leaving him at libertyto board the vessel, in doing which he was opposed by the inhabitants with musketry, whilst others hurled down stones upon our men from the top of the precipice, under which she lay se cured; cured; however, she was carried with out any loss, to the astonishment of an increasing multitude, who crowded to gether on the surrounding heights. She is a galliot (name unknown), her crew having deserted) with only part of her cargo, consisting principally of oil and fish. Scarcely had the galliot hove in from under the rocks, when a large brig was observed coming out of Hitteroe. He bore down on us with confidence, indicating a vessel of force, and apparently with the design of rescuing the prize. A bout six, he got on our weather-beam, and judging him to be within the reach of our guns, I sent a challenge, by firing a shot over him. He hauled his wind close, and kept in sbore.-Finding he would not join us, I made sail for the purpose of bringing him to action, which soon commenced at half gun shot range, distant from tee shore about half a mile, passing each other on different tacks. When he received our first broadside, he caught fire forward, and had we been closer at the moment, to profit of his confusion, I have no doubt of the result He kep: so near the land, that he was held from our view, so that we could only be guided in our fire by the flash of his pans, and were also from this circumstance, prevented weathering him. We continued engageing him in this manner for three hours, but found he had a decided advantage over us. The Dane was a man of war, appointed in every respect, carrying long eighteen pounders, and seemingly had taken fresh courage after a few of our broadsides, as if aware of our inferiority to him in weight of metal, the Childers bearing only twelve pounder carronades; latterly his guns were so well directed, that every shot did us mischief, particularly between wind and water Observing, nothing could be done whilst he kept so near his own port, from whence he might draw fresh supplies of men. I conceived the plan of enticeing him out to sea where the contest would be more equal, by giving us an opportunity of forcing him to close action, which he had hitherto so repeatedly avoided. In order to effect this, I stood out under easy sail. It was some time before he relished the idea of following us; but in the end he did so. At eleven, he was about three miles off the land. I set the courses and tacks, intending to weather him. As we approached, the wind unfortunately headed us, and soiled our attempt. I therefore passed under his lee, as close as it could be done, without touching, and poured round and grape upon his decks, which I ima gine did the Dane much damage, for we distinctly heard the groans of the wounded; his guns also did us very material injury, most of his shot taking us between wind and water; and when on the point of renewing the battle, it proved impossible. In the mean time the enemy tacked, and made sail to re gain the shore, and we shortly after lost sight of him. I was mortified that our situation would not admit us of our pursuing the enemy. We had five feet water in the hold, the maga zine afloat, the lower masts wounded bowsprit and main-mast badly, and the pumps increasing on us in such a way. as to make it doubtfull whether we should be able to prevent our vessel sinking under us. In this position we bore up to secure our prize, with the only satisfaction of having drove a man of war, of much superior force, off the field of action, which we kept during the space of six hours, in the very entrance of his own harbour. Iherefore trust, that when the above particulars are seen in their proper light, it will be found that al though not successful in capturing the enemy, the Childers has supported the glory of the navy, and the honour of the British flag. I am happy to have the opportunity of testifying the spirited conduct of my First Lieutenant, Mr. Edmonds, as well as the other offsers, and crew, who on this occasion behaved. any attend, behaved with that determined courage which at all times distinguishes the conduct of English seamen. Mr. Drammond and Mr. Gormon pilots, deserve much praise, for the able manner in which they conducted us among the rocks. The acting carpenter, Mr. Mason, has rendered himself worthy of his pointment, by his ability in stopping the shot-holes. Not being able to keep at sea, from the nature of our leaks and wounded masts, I could not put into execution the remaining part of your orders; have in consequence judged, it proper to return to this anchorage with my prize. I am, &c. "W. H. DILLON." Rear Admiral Vashon, So. P.S. We could not ascertain the number of guns on board the Dane, but having measured his length, in which he certainly had the advantage of us, weare all of opinin, that he had, at least, five ports on a side; the shot on board us weihghed 20 pounds. Enclosed is a list of the killed and wounded, as well as an account of the damage we sustained during the action : ceived one of my letters, respecting the capture of four brigs out of Batavia Roads. "Off Cheriboa (a little to the eastward of Batavia) on the 15th of April,'" we chased and brought to three prows under Dutch colours; at five p. m. on its falling calm anchored, out boats and sent them armed to bring the prows alongside; two were brought to the larboard-side, the other hung on the quarter; got the prisoners out of the two alongside (amounting to near 120), and placed a strong guard ever them, under the direction of Lieutenant Wemyss, as I intended sending them. away after overhauling their cargoes.. "Lieut. Parsons had been on board the prow on the quarter, but returned, with his people, on finding it impracticable to get the crew from below. I instantly ordered her to be hauled close up, under the quarter, fired a carronade into her and musquetry, which they returned by throwing spcars, and firing pistols, &c. got a gun out of the stern ports and fired into her, the sperks of which most unfortunately reached some KILLED Mr. Roberts, Captain's powder (which must have been carelesClerk, shot through the body; Wmly handed out of the prows) abaft, and Jones, Boatswain's Mate, through the belly, the left leg and arm off. WOUNDED-Captain Dillon, badly wounded in both legs, his arm and shoulder much contused; Mr. Batters, Midshipman, slightly on the thigh and hand, by a splinter; Mr. Corporal Allander, of the marines, slightly on the head; John Holding, Seaman, badly on the hand, lost one fingen; Dennis Burk, Seaman, badly on the face and head; John Constable, Private Marine, slightly on the forehead; John George Marshall, boy, slightly, on the thigh. Extract of a letter from Captain George Bell, Commanding his Majesty's sloop Victor, to Rear Admiral Sir Edw. Pellew, Commander in Chief of his Majesty's squadron in the East-Indies, late Port-Cornwallis, Prince of Wales's Island, May 22, 1807" Your Excellency has undoubtedly, 'ere now re blew the after part of the ship up: at this alarming moment, the guard over prisoners dropping their arms, and ran to extinguish the fire. The prisoners instantly seized their arms, and picked up several spears and kaives which had been thrown on board, and attacked the ship; by this time (8 p. m.) the fire, most providentially, by great exertion of Officers and Men, was got under, prows cut adrift, and the attention of all hands directed to the defence of the ship, which was admirably performed, for, in little more than half an hour, 80 of them lay dead in a most mangled state, the rest driven overboard; but sorry am I to add, not without severe lots on our side, including those blown overboard, and those who have since died of their wounds. 16. It appears that some doubts are still entertained respecting the Roche fort fort squadron, notwithstanding the intelligence derived from the Mullet schooner. It certainly is most singular, that there should have been so maBy concurrent reports of that squadron having passed the Streights, if in point of fact they have never entered the Mediterrean. There is, however, we understand, a letter in town from an officer of rank in the Mediterranean, which contains a detailed account of the proceedings of a squadron which corresponded, both in the number and size of the vessels with the Rochfort squadron. This letter states, that the squadron, in passing the streights, kept so near the Barbary coast as possible that it then continued its course up the Mediterranean, until it reached Carthagena, where it remained some time, for the purpose, as it was supposed, of inducing the Carthagena squadron to form a junction; but the Spanish squadron not being ready to put to sea, the French Commander did not think it prudent to remain any longer, but re-pailed the Streights. This statement we confess, appears to us very improbable. The French squadron might have entered the harbour, and remained there in safety, until the Spaniards were ready to put to sea, which we know they did in a very short time after the Rochefort squadron were sup posed to have entered the Meditterra Dean. An extraordinary inundation of the river Frome, at Bristol, caused from the uncommon swell of fresh water, occurred in the course of last week in that city. On Wednesday the waters began to rise, and in the course of the night, and following morning, a considerable part of the city was inundated; a stream rushing with the utmost impetuosity, through Newfoundland-street, Mik street, Rosemerry lane, Old King-street, Merchant-street, Broadmead, and James's-back. All the aveaues and places adjacent, presented one immense sheet of water, in many places four feet high, and at least three feet in the centre of several streets; all the cellars and lower apartments were full, and the inhabitants obliged to fly for refuge to the upper stories. Five or six boats were employed all day in removing the people, and carrying provisions to those who were obliged to remain. The goods upon the banks of the Weir, and the adjoining shops were either swept away, or damaged by the flood. 22. A military force is about to be embarked almost immediately for the Baltic, under the command of Sir John Moore. It is to consist of six thousand British, and about four thousand of the German Legion. The British regiments are the 4th, 28th, 52d, 79th, 82d, and 95th-they are to embark at Harwich. Another expedition is preparing, the destination of which is rather distant. The number of men to be embarked, it is said, will amount to 20,000. The contractors for shipping have been publicly apprised by the Transport Board, that a considerable number of coppered vessels will be wanted, for which they are at liberty to make immediate tenders. MARRIED.-At Convamore, coun ty Cork, Richard Maunsel, Esq. fourth son of the Dean of Leighlin to the Hon. Miss Catherine Hare, youngest daughter of the Right Honorable Lord EnEismore.-John O'Sullivan, Macroom, county Cork, Esq. to Miss Aston, Dundalk. Mr. James Conolly, Stephen'sgreen, to Miss Teeling. DEATHS. At Nenry on the 4th, of April, Miss Cumings-At Clifton, Henriet ta Maria, Dowager, Countess of Fingal-At Cork, Mrs. Morgan, widow of the late Mr. Jonathan Morgan Merchant-Aged six years, at Kilmartin, county Wicklow, Master JamesJohn Fox, only child of Thomas For, Esq.-Mrs. Boyce, of StoneyfordAt Balyres, near Armagh, Mrs. Oliver |