was returned with an equa number. A more interesting spectacle than that afforded by the junction of the two fleets has been rarely beheld.

On quitting the prince-regent's ship, I repaired on board of the Hibernia, but returned immediately, accompanied by sir Sidney Smith, whom I presented to the prince, and who was received by his royal highness with the most marked and gracious condescension.

I have the honour to enclose lists* of the ships of war which were known to have left Lisbon this morning, and which were in sight a few hours ago. There remain at Lisbon four ships of the line, and the same number of frigates, but only one of each sort is serviceable.

I have thought it expedient to lose no time in communicating to his majesty's government, the important intelligence contained in this dispatch. I have therefore to apologise for the hasty and imperfect manner in which it is written.

I have the honour to be, &c.

STRANGFORD.

Admiralty office, Dec. 21, 1807.-Dispatches, of which the following are extracts and copies, were received at this office, on Saturday last, by captain Yeo, of his majesty's sloop the Confiance, from rear-admiral sir William Sidney Smith, addressed to the honourable William Wellesley Pole.

His majesty's ship Hibernia, 22 leagues west of the Tagus, Dec. 1, 1807. SIR,-In a former dispatch, dated the 22d November, with a postscript of the 26th, I conveyed to you, for the information of my lords commissioners of the admiralty, the proofs contained in various documents of the Portuguese government being so much influenced by terror of the French arms, as to have acquiesced to certain demands of France, operating against Great Britain. The distribution of the Portu guese force was made wholly on the coast, while the land side was left totally unguarded. British subjects, of all descriptions, were detained; and it therefore became necessary to inform the Portuguese government, that the case had arisen which required, in obedience to my instructions, that I should declare the Tagus in a state of blockade; and lord Strangford agreeing with me, that hostility should be met by hostility, the blockade was instituted, and the instructions we had received were acted upon to their full extent; still, however, bearing in recollection the first object adopted by his majesty's government, of opening a refuge for the head of the Portuguese government, menaced as it was by the powerful arm, and baneful influence of the enemy, I thought it my duty to adopt the means open to us, of endeavour. ing to induce the prince-regent of Portugal to reconsider his decision" to unite him. self with the continent of Europe," and to recollect that he had possessions on that of America, affording an ample balance for any sacrifice he might make here, and from which he would be cut off by the nature of maritime warfare, the termination of which could not be dictated by the combination of the continental powers of Europe. In this view, lord Strangford having received an acquiescence to the proposition which had been made by us, for his lordship to land and confer with the prince regent, under the guarantee of a flag of truce, I furnished his lordship with that conveyance and security, in order that he might give to the prince that confidence which his word of honour, as the king's minister plenipotentiary, united with that of a British admiral, could not fail to inspire towards inducing his royal highness to throw himself and his fleet into the arms of Great Britain, in perfect reliance on the king's overlooking a forced act of apparent hostility against his flag and subjects, and establishing his royal highness's government in his ultra-marine possessions as originally promised. I have how the heartfelt satisfaction of announcing to you, that our hopes and expectations have been realized to the utmost extent. On the morning of the 29th, the Portuguese fleet (as per list annexed) came out of the Tagus with his royal highness the prince of Brazil, and the whole of the royal family of Braganza on board, together with many of his faithful counsellors and adherents, as well as other persons attached to his present fortunes.

This fleet of eight sail of the line, four frigates, two brigs, and one schooner, with a crowd of large armed merchant ships, arranged itself under the protection of that of

* See rear-admiral si Sidney Smith's dispatches.

his majesty, while the firing of a reciprocal salute of twenty-one guns announced the friendly meeting of those who, but the day before, were on terms of hostility; the scene impressing every beholder (except the French army on the hills) with the most lively emotions of gratitude to Providence, that there yet existed a power in the world able, as well as willing, to protect the oppressed.

I have the honour to be, &c.

W. SIDNEY SMITH.

List of the Portuguese Fleet that came out of the Tagus on the 29th of November, 1807. Principe Real, of 84 guns. Rainha de Portugal, of 74 guns. Conde Henrique, of 74 guns. Meduza, of 74 guns. Affonso d'Albuquerque, of 64 guns. D. Joac de Castro, of 64 guns. Principe de Brazil, of 74 guns. Martino de Freitas, of 61 guns.

1

Frigates.-Minerva, of 44 guns. Golsinho, of 36 guns. Urania, of 32 guns. And one other, name not as yet known.

Brigs.-Voador, of 22 guns. Vinganea, of 20 guns. Lebre, of 22 guns.
Schooner.-Curioza, of 12 guns.

(Signed)
(Copy.)

JOAQ. JOZE MONT. TORRES, Major-General.
W. SIDNEY SMITH.

His Majesty's Ship Hibernia, 22 Leagues West of the Tagus, Dec. 1, 1807. SIR,-In another dispatch of this day's date, I have transmitted a list of the Portųguese fleet that care out of the Tagus on the 29th ultimo, which I received that day from the hands of the Admiral commanding it, when I went on board the Principe Reale to pay my wilt of respect and congratulation to his royal highness the Prince of Brazil, who was embarked in that ship. I here enclose a list of those left behind. The absence of buc one of the four ships is regretted by the Portuguese (the Vasco de Gama) she being under repair. Her guns have been employed to arm the Freitas, sixty-four, a new ship, and one of those which came out with the prince. The other three are mere hulks; and there is also one ship on the stocks, the Principe Regente, but she is only in frame

The prince said every thing that the most cordial feelings of gratitude towards, and confidence in, his Majesty and the British nation might be supposed to dictate.

I have by signal (for we have no other mode of communicating in this weather) directed captain Moore, in the Marlborough, with the London, Monarch, and Bedford, to stay by the body of the Portuguese fleet, and render it every assistance.

I keep in the Hibernia close to the prince's ship. I cannot as yet send the Foudroyant, Plantagenet, and Conqueror, on to admiral Purvis, according to their lordships order of the 14th, which, I trust, will be the less felt as an inconvenience off Cadiz as they appear to have been ordered thither with reference to the Russians being within the Straits, before it was known they were on my station. I have the honour to be, &c. W. SIDNEY SMITH.

List of the Portuguese ships that remained in Lisbon.

St. Sebastiao, of 64 guns-unserviceable without a thorough repair. Maria Prima, of 74 guns-unserviceable; ordered to be made into a floating battery, but not yet fitted. Vasco de Gama, of 74 guns-under repair, and nearly ready. Princesa da Beira, of 64 guns-condemned; ordered to be fitted as a floating battery. Frigates.-Fenix, of 48 guns-in need of thorough repair. -in need of ditto. Perola, of 44 guns-in need of ditto. repair. Veney, of 30 guns-past repair.

Amazona, of 44 guns Tritao, of 40 guns--past (Copy) W. SIDNEY SMITH.

Hibernia, at Sea, Lat. 37° 47' Long. 14° 17' Dec. 6, 1807. SIR-I have the satisfaction to acquaint you, for the information of my lords commissioners of the admiralty, that I succeeded in collecting the whole of the Portuguese fleet, except a brig, after the gale, and that the weather was such as to allow the necessary repairs, and such distribution of supernumeraries and resources to be made, as to enable vice-admiral Don Manuel d'Acunha Sottomayor to report to me yesterday all the ships capable of performing the voyage to Rio Janeiro, except one line of battle ship, which he requested might be conducted to an English port. I meant to escort her part of the way, but she did not quit the fleet with me last night as settled. I hope, however, she may arrive safe, as she is not in a bad state, being substituted for

the Martino de Freitas, which was at first destined to go to England, in consequence of a fresh arrangement made yesterday on the latter being found in the best state for the voyage of the two. I have detached captain Moore, in the Marlborough, with the London, Monarch, and Bedford, to attend the Portuguese fleet to the Brazils. I have thought it my duty, in addition to the usual order to take the above ships under his orders, to give captain Moore one to hoist a broad pendant after passing Madeira, in order to give him greater weight and consequence in the performance of the important and unusually-delicate duties I have confided to him. I feel the most perfect reliance in that officer's judgment, ability, and zeal.

The Portuguese ships did not, after their repartition, want more provisions or slops from us than the list inclosed, which I supplied from this ship and the Conqueror.

This dispatch will be delivered by captain Yeo, of his majesty's sloop Confiance, who has shewn great address and zeal in opening the communications by flag of Truce, which it was the interest of those in power, who were against the measure of emigration, to obstruct. Lord Strangford speaks of his conduct in terms of warm approbation; on this ground I beg leave to recommend him to their lordships, to whom his general merits, as an officer, are already well known. Having been in Lisbon without restraint during the intercourse, he is qualified to answer any questions their lordships may wish to put to him. I have the honour to be, &c.

W. SIDNEY SMITH. MEMORANDUM.-The Diana merchant vessel, having on board about sixty British subjects, who had been detained in consequence of the embargo, came out of the Tagus in company with the Portuguese ficet, and it is supposed that she bore up for England at the commencement of the gale.

PROCLAMATION OF THE PRINCE REGENT OF PORTUGAL.

Having endeavoured, by all the means in my power, to maintain the neutra lity hitherto enjoyed by my faithful and beloved subjects, and having exhausted my Royal treasury, and made other sacrifices, proceeding even to the extremity of shuiting the ports of my dominions against the subjects of my ancient Royal ally, the King of Great Britain, thus exposing the commerce of my people to total ruin, and consequently suffering the greatest losses in the collection of the revenues of the crown; I find that troops of the Emperor of the French and King of Italy (with whom I had united myself on the Continent, in the hope of being free from further molestation) are actually marching into the interior of my kingdom, and are on their way to this capital; and desiring to avoid the fatal consequences of a defence, which would be more dangerous than profitable, serving only to occasion an effusion of blood dreadful to humanity, and to inflame the animosity of the troops which have entered this kingdom, under a declaration and promise that they will not commit any the smallest hostility; and knowing also that these troops are most particularly destined against my royal person, and that my faithful subjects would be under less apprehensions were I absent from this kingdom, I have resolved, for the welfare of my subjects. to retreat, with the Queen, my mother, and all my royal family, to my dominions in America, there to establish myself in the city of Rio de Janiero, until a general peace; and, moreover, considering the importance of leaving the government of these kingdoms in that good order which is for their advantage, and for that of my people (a matter which I am essentially bound to provide for), and having duly reflected on all the circumstances of the moment, I have resolved to nominate to be Governor and Regent of these kingdoms, during my absence, my truly beloved cousin the Marquis D'Arbantio Francisco da Cunha de Menezes, Lieutenant-General of my Forces; the principal Castro (one of my Council, and a Regidor de Justica); Pectroda Meller Breynez, also of my Council, who will act as President of my Treasury during the incapacity of Luis de Vas Concellos e Seuzis (who is unable to fufil that function at present on account of illness); Don Francisco de Noronka, President of the Board of Conscience and Religious Orders; and in the absence of any of them, the Conde De Castro Mazim, (Grand Huntsman) whom I have nominated Presi dent of the Senate, with the assistance of the Secretaries thereof; the Conde de Sampayo, and in his absence, Don Miguel Perira Forgaz; and of my Attorney-Geeral, Jocco Antonio Salter de Mendenca: on account of the great confidence I have

in them, and of the experience which they possess in matters of government; being certain that my people and kingdom will be governed and directed in such a manner that my conscience will be discharged, and that this Regency will entirely fulfil its duty, so long as it shall please God that I shall be absent from this capital; administering justice with impartiality; distributing rewards and punishments as they may be merited. And these Regents and Administrators will farther hold this to be my pleasure, and fulfil my order in the form thus mentioned, and in conformity to the instructions signed by me, and accompanying this Decree, which they will communicate to the proper departments.

"Palace of the Ajunda, 27th Nov. 1807." (Signed) "THE PRINCE."

SPANISH ORDER.

New York, Nov. 9-The following is the Spanish order referred to in the speech of the president.

TRANSLATION.

"By the greatest outrage against humanity and against policy, Spain was forced by Great Britain to take part in the present war. This power has exercised over the

sea, and over the commerce of the world, an exclusive dominion. Her numerous factories, disseminated through all countries, are like sponges which imbibe the riches of those (countries) without leaving them more than the appearances of mercantile liberty. From this maritime and commercial despotism, England derives immense resources for carrying on a war, whose object is to destroy the commerce which belongs to each state from its industry and situation. Experience has proved, that the morality of the British cabinet has no hesitation as to the means, so long as they lead to the accomplishment of its designs; and whilst this power can continue to enjoy the fruits of its immense traffic, humanity will groan under the weight of a desolating To put an end to this, and to attain a solid peace, the emperor of the French and king of Italy issued a decree on the 21st of November last, in which, adopting the principle of reprisals, the blockade of the British isles is determined on, and his ambassador, his excellency Francis de Beauharnois, grand dignitary of the order of the iron crown, of the legion of honour, &c. &c. having communicated this (decree) to the king, our master; and his majesty being desirous to co-operate by means sanctioned by the rights of reciprocity, has been pleased to authorize his most serene highness the prince Generalissimo of the marine to issue a circular of the following

war.

tenor.

"As soon as England committed the horrible outrage of intercepting the vessels of the royal marine, insidiously violating the good faith with which peace assures indivi-, dual property, and the rights of nations, his majesty considered himself in a state of war with that power, although his royal soul suspended the promulgation of the manifesto until he saw the atrocity committed by its seamen, sanctioned by the government of London. From that time, and without the necessity of warning the inhabitants of these kingdoms, of the circumspection with which they ought to conduct. themselves towards those of a country, which disregards the sacred laws of property, and the rights of nations, his majesty made known to his subjects the state of war in which he found himself with that nation. All trade, all commerce, is prohibited in such a situation, and no sentiments ought to be entertained towards such an enemy, which are not dictated by honour, avoiding all intercourse which might be considered as the vile effect of avarice, operating on the subjects of a nation, which degrades itself in them. His majesty is well persuaded that such sentiments of honour are rooted in the hearts of his beloved subjects; but he does not choose, on that account, to allow the smallest indulgence to the violators of the law, nor permit that, through their ignorance, they should be taken by surprise; authorizing me, by these presents, to declare, that all English property will be confiscated whenever it is found on board a vessel, although a neutral, if the consignment belongs to Spanish individuals. So likewise will be confiscated all merchandize that may be met with, although it may be in neutral vessels, whenever it is desired for the ports of England or her isles. And, finally, his majesty conforming himself to the ideas of his ally, the emperor of the French, declared in his states the same law which, from principles of reciprocity and suitable respect, his imperial majesty promulgated under date of the 21st Novem ber, 1806.

"The execution of this determination of his majesty, belongs to the chief of the provinces, of departments, and of vessels; (baxels) and communicating it to themi in the name of his majesty, I hope they will leave no room for the royal displeasure. God preserve you many years.

"Aranjuez, 19th February, 1807.

"The prince generalissimo of the marine."

RUSSIAN UKASE.

TO COUNT NICOLAY PETROWITUK ROMANzoff.

"In consequence of the present political circumstances which have compelled ts to break off all connections with Britain, we order :-

"I. An embargo to be laid on all British ships in our harbours, and on all property of the British on board of the same, as also on that at 'change and in the cus tom-house pack houses.

" II. Their immoveable property, and what does not consist of goods, to be left in their possession as heretofore, but not be allowed to be sold, mortgaged, or transferred into other hands. Taking such measures merely from our evident mercy to them, we hope they will not, during the existing difference, transgress their duty by actions which might prove prejudicial to Russia, and thus incur our just displeasure but live in due quietness and tranquillity.

III. Concerning the embargo, a committee is to be appointed at this port, of the most respectable Russian merchants, and of one member of the college of commerce authorizing you to select these men; we leave it to you to form this committee, and to inform us of the same.

"IV. Similar committees to be appointed in Riga and Archangel, which are tole | dependent on the one here. The selection and appointment of the members of them to be left to the military governors, directing also the civil department, and where 13 such are, to the civil governors.

"V. The charges which may accrue on this occasion to be provided from the rev Пues of the respective custom-houses, and placed to the account of the sequester.. ships and goods.

"We are, &c..

(Signed by his imperial majesty's hand)

"St. Petersburgh, Oct. 28, 1807.

COPENHAGEN, Nov. 27.

"ALEXANDER."

In the year 1785, his royal highness the crown prince received an English-buil: fgate as a present from his majesty the king of England. When the English carr away the Danish navy, and plundered the arsenal, they left this frigate behind. H royal highness therefore, on his return to Copenhagen, ordered that this frigate sc be manned with sixteen English sailors, who had been made prisoners, furnished wi the necessary provisions, and sent back to England. The following is a copy of the pass with which the captain, William Patterson, was provided, written in the Dan French, and English languages:

"The deputies of the board of admiralty make known, that William Patters master of an English vessel sent from hence, with an English-built frigate, to Engla, for the purpose of delivering her to the royal English admiralty, has been permitted pass the boom at the toll-house, and further to sail without returning, from the road! Copenhagen in the said frigate, whose crew is composed of one mate and sixteen lors, all liberated English prisoners of war, agreeable to the list delivered to the master: requesting all whom it may concern to let the master of this frigate, togeths. with his said crew, pass free and unmolested, as well out of the harbour as at sea, his present voyage,

"The board of admiralty and commissioners of the navy 21st Nov. 1807.

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