of any kind should be afforded them from our mar-paincipal streets to the alms house, where the meat Kéts, nor any intercourse held with them in any was deposited for the use of the poor. shape whatever, and that our pilot boats should ab stain from visiting them. TAMMANY SOCIETY OR COLUMBIAN ORDER. Brothers-The die is cast. The disturbers of the Resolved, That the murder of John Pierce, one of world's peace have spilt the im cent blood of your our fellow-citizens, by a shot from a British ship of countryman, John Pierce. The standard of the nas war, at the entrance of our harbor, and within half a tion will be hoisted half mast at sun rise at the tile of the shore, while he was engaged in peaceably great wigwam. The society are requested to attend navigating a coasting vessel, laden with provisions this morning, precisely at nine o'clock, with buck's for our market, was an act that excites our detesta-tails in their hats, and crape edged with red on tion and abhorrence, and calls upon our government their left arms, in order to join with the corporation for the adoption of prompt and vigorous measures and the rest of their fellow-citizens, in paying a trito prevent a repetition of such wanton and inhuman bute of respect and honor to the manes of their mut conduct, and so flagrant a violation of our national]dered countryman. Sovereignty. Brothers-On this solemn occasion you will ap Resolved, That this meeting approve the conduct pear without your tomahawks, your bows and your of those persons who intercepted the supplies which arrows: nevertheless you will have the tomahawks were sent from this city to those vessels who now well sharpened, the arrows pointed, and the bows blockade our harbor, and who have murdered our well strung. The enemy are on our borders. The fellow-citizen, John Pierce. black belt of wampum, stained with American blood, is now before your eyes in the great council chamber of the nation. Brothers-Be vigilant : be prepared. By order of the grand sachem, JAMES D. BISSETT, Secretary. Resolved, Tat we will attend the funeral of the deceased, and that it be recommended to the ships in the harbor to display the customary signs of mourning. 314, and of the Institution 17th. Resolved, That John B. Coles, Ebenezer Stevens, Samuel Mansfield, Robert Bogardus, and Samuel Seasm of Blossoms-Year Discovery April 28th. Gedney be a committee to confer with the friends of the deceased, and make the necessary arrangements in behalf of this meeting relative to his funeral. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published. CORNELIUS RAY, Chairman. SAMUEL BOYD, Secretary. MURDER OF PIERCE. City of New-York, ss.-Jesse Pierce, master of the sloop Richard, a coasting vessel of Brandywine, being duly sworn, deposes and says, that as he was approaching Sandy Hook, and was about a quarter of a mile off the beach and two miles south from the The subscribers being the committee appointed light house, in his said vessel yesterday evening at the meeting of Federal Republicans, on Saturday about five o'clock, two shots were fired at different evening last, to make the necessary arrangements in times from a large British ship of war, with two tier Behalf of that meeting, for the funeral of J. Pierce, of guns, supposed to be the Leander. That one of murdered by a British ship of war at the mouth of the said shot struck about forty yards ahead of the our harbor, give notice, that they have waited on a said vessel, and the other went nearly over her-upcommittee of the corporation, in whose hands they on which the deponent rounded too his vessel, and found the corpse of the deceased, and were inform-about five minutes after another shot was fired from ed that the corporation had directed the same to be the said ship and struck the tassel rail and the quarinterred at the expense of the city, this day at 12 ter rail, and killed immediately a man at the helm o'clock. The services of the committee for this pur-named John Pierce, brother of this deponent who was pose, have therefore become unnecessary; but they a hand on board of his vessel. That the deponent canearnestly recommend to all classes of their fellow-ci-not accurately determine the distance of the said sizens to unite in performing the last offices of hu-sloop from the Leander, but he conjectured it to be manity towards the deceased, not only for the pur-above a mile. That the deponent then continued his pose of manifesting the public sorrow, but as a so- course, and entered the Hook without further mo leman and impressive testimony against that system|lestation. JESSE PIERCE. of administration, which, regardless of humble petitions withholds all adequate protection from our eity and sea-faring brethren, and thereby leaves us and them defenceless and exposed to the violence and depredations of the free-booters of the ocean. EBENEZER STEVENS. Sworn 26th April, 1806, Hezekiah Pratt, master of the brig Sally of this port, deposes, That as he was approaching the said port from St. Thomas' yesterday evening, and within twenty rods distance from the said mentioned sloop, he observed the facts stated in the within affidavit of captain Pierce, and that to the best of his knowledge and belief they are true, except the killing of APRIL 28th, 1806. the man, of which this deponent has no personal A pilot-boat full of men, well-armed, sailed on knowledge. That there were at that time three Saturday afternoon in quest of the vessels which ships of war in the offing, and that the one menhad been captured at the entrance off Sandy Hook tioned in the within affidavit was a two decker, and by the British frigates who have commenced an the largest. That all the said vessels fired at the actual blockade without any formal declaration of deponent's vessel, at least twenty shot in the whole war. This expedition is undertaken at the expense-but that he proceeded without coming to. That a of several commercial gentlemen, who have also vo-sloop of war fired at the deponent's vessel when he lunteered their services on the occasion. was about a quarter of a mile from the shore, and af A large petiauger, which had sailed early on Sa-ter the within mentioned death is said to have octurday morning with provisions for the blockading curred. That about twenty sail of vessels were squadron, was intercepted by the above pilot-boat, coming into port at the same time, and that up-and compelled to return. The populace assembled wards of a hundred shots were fired at the said vesat the wharf took out the provisions, loaded several sels by the said ships of war. carts therewith, and paraded through some of the Sworn 26th April, 1896, before De Witt Clinten. H. PRATT. [N. Y. Morn. Chron. New-Yong, April 29. Indictment of murder-The grand jury, found a, this deponent replied "hewould board him immedibill on Saturday last, against Henry Whitby, capt. of ately," at the 'same time enquired whether the frigate's boat had boarded him; to him he answered the Leander, for the murder of John Pierce. in the negative; that in the mean time the ship AuPOSTSCRIPT-Just as this paper was put to press, rora bore away from under the Cambrian's lee, and ten-cart-loads of provisions, which had been procured hove too again near the pilot boat, waiting, as this in this city for the British squadron, now blockad- deponent supposed, for a pilot; under which iming our harbor, and which had been arrested on the pression, he immediately boarded the Aurora, and way to the ships, and brought back to town,were con-discovered her to be in the possession of a British veyed to the Alms-house, amidst the loud huzzas of officer and eight men; that he enquired whether the multitude. [N. F. Com. Adv. the brig Ceres had been cleared, and received the following reply: "I shall take my own time for that -give yourselves no further trouble respecting the To the Public-In this critical posture of our na- vessel or perhaps you may be sent to Halifax," and tional affairs insulted and oppressed as we are by ordered this deponent instantly to quit the ship; the detested tyrants of the ocean, I have considered that this deponent then left the said ship, and went it my duty to this community, to inform them that on board his boat, the brig Ceres yet laying close the Common Council have made an application to under the guns of the Leander. That after getting the President for a naval force. The following me-on board his boat, the brig Jupiter and the schooner morial was unanimously adopted and transmitted Concord (having been cleared by the Driver and to the seat of government, by this morning's mail. Cambrian) stood for the boat, and this deponent TUNIS WORTMÄN, boarded the Jupiter, and hailed the schooner, directing the master to follow him, no other pilot be ing in the boat; the brig Ceres and ship Aurora still near the British vessels as long as they could be discovered by day-light. And this deponent further Clerk of the city and county of New York. April 28, 1836. TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The memorial of the Mayor, Aldermen and Com-saith, that he did not, when hailed by the master of monalty of the city of New-York, Respectfully shaveth the brig Ceres, say "he would not board him until regularly dismissed," but that it was the intention of this deponent to have boarded him if the British officer would have permitted him so to do. That your memorialists repose full confidence in the wisdom and patriotism of the present administration of the United States. They are sensible that the general government is disposed to afford sufficient and adequate protection to every por-me, tion of the union. ROBERT MITCHELL. Sworn the 28th day of April, A. D. 1806, before J. LENNINGTON, N. P. NEW-YORK, April 30. A melancholy event has taken place. This day consigns to the grave the remains of John Pierce, a At a special meeting of the Tammany Society or fellow citizen inhumanely and wantonly murdered by the British. Our port is blockaded, our vessels intercepted, our seamen impressed, our commerce interrupted, and our jurisdictional rights most grossly violated. A British squadron is now before our harbor, evincing a disposition to renew its outrages and to penetrate additional enormities. We therefore respectfully request that a naval force may be immediately stationed at this port, and that three or more American frigates may, without delay, be sent for our protection. DE WITT CLINTON. Columbian Order, convened by order of the Grand Sachem, for the purpose of attending the funeral of our deceased republican fellow-citizen, John Pierce, on Monday, the 28th April, 1806, at 11 o'clock, pursuant to public notice. 1. Resolved, That this society will proceed, at 12 o'clock, in a body, to the funeral of our deceased fellow-citizen above named, who was murdered by the British in our own harbor. 2. Resolved, That this society view with the strong; est sentiments of indignation the conduct of the British in stationing their ships off our harbor, and violating our lawful commerce-And that all those who have been, and are still engaged in such acts of piracy, or aiding and abetting in the same, deserve the execration of every American. To the editor of the Mercantile Advertiser. 3. Resolved, That the society are ready to unbury SIR-In consequence of a late injurious and unwarrantable attack upon me, I feel it a duty to the tomahawk whenever their country's good re submit to the public the following statement;quires it. which I beg may have a conspicuous place in your ROBERT MITCHELL. paper. State of New York-City of New-York, ss. 4. Resolved, That the thanks of this society be given to the mayor and corporation of this city, for the patriotic and spirited arrangements, adopted by them on this occasion, and that brothers George I R. Mitchell, of the said city, branch pilot, being Warner, Garret Gilbert and Napthali Judah, be apduly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, pointed a committee for that purpose. that on Friday last, about 6 o'clock, P. M. he was off 5. Resolved, That the standard of the state of Sandy Hook, and discovered four sail of American Delaware, of which the deceased was a native, be vessels brought too by the British ship of war Lean-hung in black, during the usual days of mourning. 6. Resolved, That the Grand Sachem be request. der, frigate Cambrian and Driver sloop of war, which proved to be the ship Aurora, brigs Ceres and Ju-ed to communicate, to the relatives of the deceased, piter, and schr Concord, not farther distant (as near- a letter of condolence, expressive of the sentiments ly as this deponent could judge) than five miles, S. of the Tammany society on this subject. 7. Resolved, That the proceedings of this society E. from the light-house; whereupon this deponent immediately made for said vessels, with intent to be published. By order of the society, JAMES D. BISSETT, Sec'ry. board the first vessel that should be dischargedthat he spoke the brig Ceres about pistel shot from Season of blossoms, year of discovery, 314, and of the the Leander, under her lee (yet lying too) and was institution, 17. hailed by the captain of the said brig for a pilot; that "NEW-YORK, April 28, 1806. intercourse with the said armed vessels, the LeanTM STR-"Agreeably to a resolution of the Tammany der, the Cambrian, and the Driver, or with any of Society or Columbian Order, convened for the pur-them, and the officers and crews thereof, and do propose of attending the funeral of your deceased bro-hibit all supplies and aid from being furnished them ther, I hasten to communicate to you the condolence or either of them. And I do declare and make of that society, composed of several hundreds of known, that if any person, from, or within the ju our republican citizens, on the melancholy occasion. risdictional limits of the United States, shall afford We have long viewed with indignation the conduct any aid to either of the said armed vessels, conof the British in committing depredations on our trary to the prohibition contained in this Proclinalawful commerce, and feel with peculiar sympathy tion, either in repairing such vessel, or in furnishtowards you and the other relations of the deceased, ing her, her officers or crew, with supplies of any the indignity committed on our national rights; rest kind, or in any manner whatsoever, or if any pilot -assured, sir, that whatever may be your sensations shall assist in navigating any of the said armed resas a brother, ours are equally strong, for we feel sels unless it be for the purpose of carrying them that we too have lost a brother. His blood be on in the first instance, beyond the limits and jurisdicthe piratical invaders of our sovereignty! It swells tion of the United States, such person or persons to heaven and calls for the vigorous exertions of eve-shall, on conviction, suffer all the pains and peralry friend to his country to avenge it. I remain, very respectfully, your fellow-citizen, ~BY THOMAS JEFFERSON, President of the U. States, A PROCLAMATION. L. S. In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. ties by the laws provided for such offences; and I do hereby enjoin and require all persons bearing office civil or military within the United States, and all others, citizens or inhabitants thereof, or being within the same, with vigilance and promptitude to exert their respective authorities, and to be aiding and assisting to the carrying this proclamation and Whereas, satisfactory information has been re-every part thereof to the full effect. ceived, that Henry Whitby, commanding a British armed vessel, called the Leander, did, on the twen ty-ninth day of the month of April last past, within the waters and jurisdiction of the United States,and near to the entrance of the harbor of New-York, by Given at the City of Washington, the third day a cannon shot fired from the said vessel Leander, of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight commit a murder on the body of John Pierce, a citi-hundred and six, and of the sovereignty and indezen of the United States, then pursuing his lawful pendence of the United States the thirtieth. vocations within the same waters and jurisdiction of the United States, and near to their shores, and that the said Henry Whitby cannot at this time, be brought to justice by the ordinary process of law. TH: JEFFERSON. (Signed) By the President. Secretary of State Captain Isaac Hull. HOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. From the Analectic Magazine. And whereas it doth appear that both before and after the said day, sundry trespasses, wrongs, and unlawful interruptions and vexations on trading Vessels coming to the United States, and within their waters and vicinity were committed by the said armed vessel the Leander, her officers and people, by one other armed vessel called the Cambrian, There are few employments more pleasing and commanded by John Nairne, her officers and peo-useful than that of paying a just tribute to those ple, and one other armed vessel called the Driver, who have honorably distinguished themselves in the commanded by Slingsby Simpson, her officers and service of their country. It is pleasing because it people, which vessels being all of the same nation, gives opportunity for the indulgence of merited adwere aiding and assisting each other in the trespass-miration; and useful, inasmuch as it serves to sties, interruptions and vexations aforesaid. mulate others to similar exertions, that they may Now therefore, to the end that the said Henry obtain similar distinctions. To those, too, who are Whitby may be brought to justice, and due punish- capable of meriting either praise or gratitude, praise ment inflicted for the said murder, I do hereby honorably bestowed, and gratitude expressed withespecially enjoin and require all officers, having au-out exaggeration, are the most pleasing and heartthority civil or military, and all other persons with-felt rewards that a people can bestow. Titles may in the limits or jurisdiction of the United States, for a while give a short-lived gratification, by attract wheresoever the said Henry Whitby may be found, ing the wondering gaze of vulgar admiration; but now or hereafter, to apprehend or secure the said the purest, the noblest, and the most lasting reward Henry Whitby, and him safely and diligently deli-ef virtuous heroism is to be found in the applauding ver to the civil authority of the place, to be pro- tongues, and grateful hearts of our countrymen. ceeded against according to law. Public curiosity, with regard to the lives of indiAnd I do hereby further require that the said viduals who have distinguished themselves in honorarmed vessel the Leander with her other officers able pursuits, is a sort of indirect praise; for we and people, and the said armed vessels the Cam- seldom feel a disposition to inquire into the characbrian and Driver, their officers and people, immedi- ter and actions of any man, until he has performed ately and without any delay,depart from the harbors something that excites our admiration. This uniand waters of the United States. And I do forever versal curiosity, when called forth by praise-wor interdict the entrance of all the harbors and waters thy achievements, is an honorable testimony to the of the United States to these armed vessels, and merit of him who excites it, and as such ought to other vessels that shall be commanded by the said be gratified. Henry Whitby, John Nairne, and Slingsby Simpson, We therefore feel much pleasure in offering to our or either of them: readers such particulars of the gallant officer whose And if the said vessels or either of them, shall portrait accompanies the present number, as have fail to depart as aforesaid, or shall re-enter the har-come to our knowledge, regretting at the same tune bars or waters aforesaid, I do in that case forbid all that our information is not more ample. Captain ISAAC HULL was born at Derby, a small a merchant ship,an invitation to capt. Hull to give him town in the state of Connecticut; about ten miles a meeting of this kind. from New-Haven. He is a son of the gentleman who In this action, where there was a vast disparity of distinguished himself in the capture of some whale loss on the part of the enemy, we think we can trace boats in the sound during the late war. Choosing some of captain Hull's generous self-denial, on his the sea for the exercise of his profession, he enter-officers and crew. Whatever may be the fashion of ed, soon after leaving school, on board a merchant considering soldiers and sailors as mere machines, vessel, and in due course became master of a ship.without capacity of being operated upon by any exHe was in this situation at the first establishment of citement but that of the fear of punishment, we the navy, and, at that time, received the appoint- are convinced that all men, high or low, are fond of ment of a lieutenant. In this capacity he always glory, and that this fondness is one of the strongest Panked high as an excellent seaman; an attentive and incitements to brave actions, even in the most com vigilant officer. The situation of the United States mon minds. Mere discipline, however indispensa for some years past, it is well known, afforded lit-ble it may be to constitute a soldier or sailor, is the opportunity for the acquisition of either naval or but a tame inspirer, when compared with the im military reputation; or to obtain any other distinc-pulse given by the hope and expectation of renown. tion than that which arises from an attentive dis-It was from this conviction, that all the distinguishcharge of an officer's daily duties. It is only, there-ed commanders we ever heard or read of, were fore, since the declaration of war with Great Britain, careful to celebrate the valor of their officers and that captain Hall has become the object of public soldiers, and to bestow on them the glory of every attention, by two brilliant exploits; the one exhit-action. Men, let them be what they may, willasing an instance of admirable skill as a seaman, and suredly make greater sacrifices and exertions in an the other, of his gallantry as an officer. engagement where, if they conquer, they share the Leaving the Chesapeake bay on the 12th of July glory, than if it is all to be given to the commandlast, in the Constitution, of 44 guns, he, on the 17th, er, let them love him ever so well. Small as may fell close in with a British squadron, consisting of be the portion of this glory which falls to the share one ship of the line, four frigates, a brig and a of each man, still we are to consider, that though schooner, the nearest frigate within gun-shot. It he is not individually named in the records of the was a dead calm, and the only head-way to be made times, or transmitted to future periods in the page was by towing. The enemy attached all his boats of history, yet in that little circle by which every to two frigates, and by so doing gained on the Con-being, however insignificant, is surrounded, he stitution, so as to bring some of his bow guns to moves an object of wonder, and is a hero among the bear on her. In this situation they continued all-day, little men of his little world. In our minds, there the Constitution.occasionally firing her stern chasers: fore, that comunander, not only displays his magnaand it was not until the next morning that a light nimity, but his knowledge of mankind, who assigns breeze enabled her to escape from an enemy so su-a large portion of his fame to his followers. They perior in force as to render a contest desperate. The will fight the better for it, and the world will make whole chase lasted sixty hours, and during all that him ample amends for his generosity, inasmuch as time the gallant crew remained at their stations this liberal self-denial is a much more rare and hewithout a murmur. Nothing, we think, can evince roic quality than mere personal courage or military a more decided superiority of activity and skill, on skill. the part of the Americans, than this extraordinary Captain Hull has not been at sea since his return escape from two frigates, towed by the boats of a from the cruise which terminated in the capture of squadron of seven vessels. It is related on good au- the Guerriere, having been, we understand, em thority that the enemy himself expressed his admi-ployed in settling the affairs of a deceased brother. ration of the skill with which captain Hull manœuv-It was reported, but without foundation, that he was red his vessel and effected his escape. under some disgust at the command of the Constitų The public notice taken of this affair and the tion being assigned to capt. Bainbridge, who, as lus praises bestowed on capt. Hull induced him, on ar-senior officer, had undoubtedly a right to claim it riving at Boston, to insert the following card on the according to the etiquette of the service. Captain books of the Exchange Coffee-house, Hull, we are confident, knows too well the duty [Here follows a card from capt. Hull, inserted in which he owes to his country in this period of dan. the REGISTER, attributing the chief merit of this af-ger, to desert his colors. The sailor as well as the fair to his officers and crew.] soldier is a man who in war, by defending his coun It was naturally to be expected, that a man, who try, makes her amends for the care she extends to had the honest prile to decline monopolizing that him in the time of peace. Their duties are, recipraise, which, he was conscious ought to be shared procal, and we think the officer who in time of war with others, would, when opportunity offered, dis-retires permanently from a station where he bas tinguish himself in the most honorable manner.-been placed in time of peace, ought to have the Those who are themselves conscious of desert, are strongest motives for such a deserton. the last to claim that praise which belongs to others; This gallant officer is still in the vigor of life; of and those who feel a capacity to acquire reputation, pleasing, unaffected manners; and of unblemished are ever the most liberal in according it to others. reputation in all the relations of social life. It is only little, stinted minds that are anxious to In reverting to the victory obtained by captain claim that glory which they can only gain by de-Hull, over one of the finest frigates in the British frauding their associates; liberal hearts are not navy, we cannot but view it as one of the most imafraid to resign what they can so easily acquire: portant events that has occurred in the history of Accordingly, we find captain Hull, on the 19th of this country for many years past; important not the ensuing August, with the same vessel, the same from the loss sustained by the enemy in this single officers, and the same crew, falling in with a large ship, but from its effects in having in a great meafrigate, which struck to him after a close action of sure dissolved an enchantment under which the peo30 minutes. She proved to be his Britannic majcs-ple of the United States had so long labored with ty's ship the Guerriere, rated at 38 guns, and carry-regard to the unequalled skill and prowess of the ing 50 commanded by capt, J. R. Dacres, who some British sailors. Without giving in to the visionary time before bad politely endorsed on the register of folly of those who anticipate the downfall of the British navy, by the exertions of our little fleet; and it will generally cherish that opinion when the we hail this event as the dawning of a glorious era foundation on which it was first erected has moulfor our country; as the parent of a well-founded con- dered away. Nations often retain this superiority fidence in ourselves, without which neither nations in the minds of men, long after the circumstances or individuels can ever be distinguished. in which it originated have ceased to exist, and live Dazzled and awed as we have been by the glory upon their hereditary renown, as a man lives upon of England, in her naval victories over France, Spain his credit when his capital is exhausted. To reason and Holland, and fascinated with the splendid against established habits is a vain undertaking, and achievements of a Nelson,our imaginations had been even demonstration, though it may produce convic infected with a sort of superstitious reverence.-tion, often fails to produce acknowledgment; for. The power, the wealth, the lion-hearted prowess, there is a pride in human nature that revolts from the eminence in literature and the arts, of that illus-a confession of error. trious nation, have ever been the theme of wonder The foregoing observations are intended to apply in this youthful country. With the fond credulity to those events which have taken place at the very of a child, she has been ready to receive the most outset of our paval career. We believe there was exaggerated impressions of a nation to whom she scarcely a man in this country,except our gallant offi. once looked up as to a parent. When Britain lost cers themselves, who did not look towards the event the government of these colonies, she retained of a contest on the ocean, with British sailors, with through the instrumentality of her writers, an influ-a comparative degree of despondency. Even the ence over our minds, deep, lasting, and invincible. most elastic minds sunk under the overwhelming Her historians, philosophers and poets, still keep idea of British naval prowess, and those who were possession of our understanding, our imagination, the most sanguine, just scarcely hoped that if a sin and our hearts; and there is hardly a reader in Ame-gle vessel of the U. States encountered an equal rica that does not still cherish in his bosom a pure force of the enemy, whatever might be the event, and respectful affection for the soil at least that there would be no loss of honor on either side. They produced such inestimable fruits of genius. Indeed did not consider that we were too enterprising, too. for the most part we receive all our early impres-amphibious, too much in fact, of Englishmen in our sions of mankind, and of the world at large, from habits, to be easily overpowered; and every man the writers of Great Britain, and are accustomed must remember; every man that has a spark of to submit to their decisions, not more from reason feeling for his country's honor must indelibly rethan from a habit which has grown up with us from member with what a mixture of surprise and delight the cradle. This cordial sensation, united with this the first heard of the capture of the Guerriere, a early habit, naturally disposes us to receive,without chieved, as it was, with almost the celerity of ma enquiry the most extravagant opinions in favor of gic. To have escaped on equal terms; to have made that country. Authors in every nation, except this, it a drawn battle, would almost have been consider if they wish to become popular, must in some res-ed a triumph: but to have taken one of England's pects, flatter the vanity of their countrymen, and finest frigates, and conquered one of her most boastadminister a little occasional adulation. The histo-ed and boasting heroes, in equal fight, in thirty mirian, if he does not absolutely falsify events, will nutes, and with so little comparative loss, was an naturally so detail them as to gild the successes and event that could scarcely be realized. From that varnish the defeats of his friends; while the poet moment the enchantment under which we had so will swell their achievements to a magnitude utterly long lain spell-bound, was dissolved; the spectres disproportionate to their real dimensions. Those that had haunted us from the cradle upwards, va who compare and examine the events thus celebrat-nished like shadows at the dawn of day; and we ed, can easily reduce them to the standard of im-firmly believe our country at that moment received partial truth; but with the majority of readers they into her bosom a spark, which, at some future peri pass for irrefragible chronicles. od, will animate her to deeds that will realise this From these causes had arisen what we conceive first promise of her youth. was an exaggerated opinion of the superior skill This victory, though is itself an object of appa. and prowess of the British sailors, compared with rent insignificance, we look upon as one of those our own unpretending tars, who as yet hardly know events which have a lasting influence upon the chathe extent of their own power. racter and destinies of nations. It has disclosed to Every man of the least observation is aware of us an invaluable secrat, and given a shock to that the tyranny which early and long cherished opini-superstitious veneration for British naval supremacy ons exercise over the human mind, and of the in-under which the minds of the people of the United tensity of thought and labor of enquiry necessary States have so long been oppressed. It constitutes a to free us from their dominion. Our reason once noble example for the imitation of our gallant offibrought into subjection to the belief of what is ei-cers, who we are, however, convinced, do not rether true or false, is prone to submit with quiet and quire the excitement; and it has given a confidence indolent resignation, rather than undergo the trou-which in the hour of battle is of incalculable influ ble of further exertion. This is more especially ence. This confidence from being at first the conse the case with opinions implanted early in life, when quence of victory, becomes afterwards a cause; and reason unfortified by experience or reflection, is as-we believe has hitherto been one great moving prinsailable on all sides, and is overcome, not by the ciple of the uniform successes of the British navy. force of the attack, but by the weakness of the re- The influence of captain Hull's victory is apparent sistance. The mind of man has this analogy to his in the eyes of our officers and seamen; we see them body, that if once completely subjected, it loses exalted in their own estimation, and in that of their that elastic vigor and energy which are necessary countrymen; proud of their profession, and zealous to regain its freedom, and either quietly acquiesces to emulate the glory of that gallant achievement. in its vassalage, or resists with such weakness and The subsequent instances of similar victories will indecision, as serves only to rivet its chains. add vigor to these effects and do much to form a The effect of long established opinions on the desti-national character, which will render our country nies of mankind, is sometimes altogether extraordina- respectable abroad, and honored by her own citi7. Once let a nation adopt an opinion thatany other zens. They form a little precious hoard of national nation is its superior in valor, force or military skill, glory round which our heaats will rally at all times, |