Historical Affairs. EAST INDIES. BY the arrival of the ship Doris from In dia, we have intelligence of the surrender of the Islands of Macassar and Timour to a small expedition, consisting of a few British ships of war, and the 30th and 84th regiments. On the 21st July, the Doris spoke his Majesty's ship Malacca, Captain Butterfield, ten days from Java, bound to Madras, and from her learnt that the expedition fitted out from Batavia, against Palambang, in the island of Sumatra, had been complete ly successful; and that the army, on its return to Java, had again been employed against the Rajah, or Prince of Jacjoccattra, who, it appears, had shewn symptoms of disaffection to the British Government during the absence of the troops. This force was commanded by Colonel Gillespie, who stormed the fortress and town in which the Rajah had taken post, and had succeeded in obtaining a complete victory-the Rajah was taken prisoner, and the whole of his property captured. The Rajah had 10,000 men in arms, and his loss in killed and wounded is said to have been very great. Colonel Gillespie was wounded in the arm, but was getting better, and our loss is inconsiderable. The general intelligence received from India, as far as regards the British and Indian chiefs, is of a pacific tendeney; but it appears that the Indian chiefs are as much embroiled in quarrels with one another as ever. MUTINY AND MASSACRE AT TRAVANCORE PREVENTED. Within a few days previous to the de parture of the Doris from Madras, intelligence reached that Presidency of a dangerous mutiny, for the most fell and sanguinary purposes, having been newly detected at Travancore. The following letter from an Officer at Quilon to his friend at Madras, gives the best account of any we have seen, of this horrible affair: "Quilon, May 30. "As you have probably heard but vague reports of what is going forward at Travancore, I take the liberty, as it may not prove Νου. 1812. uninteresting, of informing you of the dan ger myself, and every other European of ficer in Quilon, have escaped. I must com. mence by telling you, that we have had, as State prisoners, a Dewan of Travancore, lately for some misdemeanour deposed; also a man called Pyche Rajah. These together, by bribery, had corrupted a native officer of the 14th regiment of infantry, and they engaged him to bring into their plans the greatest part of the native troops of Quilon; and, I am sorry to say, in a great measure succeeded. The Rajah, the prime instigator of the whole plot, proposed, that when sufficient numbers of sepoys came into their views, to attempt the murder of all the European officers in the place, and to be accomplished in the following manner: They had heard that the 18th regiment was to be reviewed on a certain day, and that every offieer in the cantonment, the Resident included, were to dine at our mess in the evening. The conspirators were to fall upon us when assembled, and to strike off the head of every one. When this horrible murder was accomplished, they were to remain quiet till morning, on the appearance of which the drums were to beat to arms, and the three corps were to be thus disposed of :-one was to march to the southern lines, another to the northern, and the third to the Arunghaut pass, for the purpose of preventing the march of troops into the country. Several battalions were also to be immediately raised, and by these means they expected to keep possession of Travancore. I must tell you, that, to accomplish the intended massacre, and to make it the more easy, the lines were to be fired and if the officers left the mess-house, which they expected they would do, they intended to bayonet them as they came out. This abominable and atrocious design was prevented only by the absence of one man, who had promised to make his appearance with fifty associates. It was two days after found out by a sepoy, who overheard a few of the conspirators talking of the business, and lamenting why it was not accomplished, and appointing the next public party, which they expected would be on the 4th of June, as the day of business. The Commanding Officer was informed of the whole by this man. "The brigade was immediately ordered cut, out, for what purpose not an officer knew. The native officer above-mentioned was called to the front, with about thirty sepoys, by name these were from the 14th regiment, and were immediately put in irons, and sent to the main-guard. A field officer, one captain, and 2 subalterns, were immediately ordered on duty; and it was then that the officers knew the extent of the danger they had providentially escaped, but never dreamed that more of the native troops were concerned. The following morning a board of officers was held, and a few sepoys turned King's evidence. They informed the Committee of what I have already told you, but did not implicate another person. It was thought strange that so few should have the temerity, without other assistance to attempt such a vile murder; but the following morning a Fakeer, and one or two other persons, were taken up on suspicion, and when the Committee had met, they gave in evidence that two-thirds of the troops, with the native officers, were concerned. The Fakeer called out a great num ber, by name, from the 14th native officers; five from the 18th, two or three from the 11th and 9th; implicated some of the Resident's Peons, natives of the place, and several officers' servants: he also said, nearly all the sepoys of the 14th, and several from the other corps, were engaged in the plot; said, that the man in charge of the public cattle had been bribed, and many others. "The danger was now thought very great, and Quilon was in great agitation and alarm. It was deemed necessary to make an immediate example of one or two of the ringleaders. All the native officers who had been implicated from the different corps, were sent off to Trichinopoly that day, under the guard of fifty of the Resident's Peons, and the whole under the charge of an officer of the 14th. The 14th itself was ordered to leave Quilon, with its European officers, the following morning, and to march to the same place; but they march in the course of this day instead, as twelve hours was rather too short a notice. On the same day that this information was received (the day before yesterday,) the troops were ordered under arms, and formed a line in brigade at five o'clock. Three guns were advanced to the front of the line, about one hundred paces from the centre; also a gun from each flank the same distance. The latter were primed and loaded with grape shot, and pointed towards the battalion, as it was expected the sepoys would make some opposition to the severe measures in contemplation. Two of the guns in the centre were only loaded with powder. Two prisoners, the Jemidra, that I first mentioned, and a writer, who had been most guilty, were brought forward, and, without ceremony, were lashed each to the muzzle of a gun. The troops, upon seeing this, were still as death-not a murmur-no, not even a breath was to be heard and at this awful crisis, Balmain, the Brigade-Major, read over the sentence that had been awarded the prisoners, by the board of officers which sat in the morning, and the Colonel gave the words "Ready, Fire!" An involuntary shudder ran through the whole line, but nothing more. The Colonel then informed the troops why he was obliged to have recourse to this severe measure, and ordered the whole line to march round bodies, and return to their barracks." ISLAND OF JAVA. By the same arrival, Java government Gazettes have been received to the date of 8th March last. The intelligence contain. ed in these papers relate principally to those judicial and commercial regulations conse. quent on conquest, and which will, it is to be hoped, tend to render the acquisition advantageous to the British, and ultimately promote the happiness of the natives and settlers. Governor Raffles has directed the formstion of a Javanese corps, which, when completed, would consist of 4000 men. Colenel Gibbs, and Captain Fraser were superintending the enlistments at Sourabaya. The legion of the native Prince Prang wedono, comprising 1500 men, had been taken into British pay. The officers and men would wear the British uniform. The Prince was to be Colonel Commandant, and all the officers were to be appointed by Government, from his family or on his recom mendation. They would have local rank, except when acting with British troops, Lieut. Paul had been appointed Adjutant to the legion. Twelve hundred Spanish dollars are to be allowed the Prince monthly, for the subsistence and all other expences attending the legion. All the courts of justice on the island have been new-modelled on the plan of those of Great Britain, so as to separate the judicial from the police duties, and insure the prompt, free, and impartial administration of Justice. The principal courts are estab lished at Batavia, Samarang, and Sourabaya: that at Batavia is supreme. Theo ficers and magistrates commenced the exercise of their duties on the 1st of February. In criminal cases, the prisoner is to be confronted with the evidence, and a jury be called to judge of the fact; in civil cases, the mode of proceeding to be conformable to to that existing previously to the establishment of the British Government; and civil cases, where natives only are concerned, are to be tried by native direct courts, who are to transmit their decisions quarterly to the British court of justice, unless in causes where the amount exceeds 50 Spanish dol. lars, when their decisions may be reviewed. From the list of members of the three principal courts of justice, published in the Gazette, we perceive that the whole of them are Dutchmen, not excepting the residents. The paper currency (termed Porbolingo paper) issued by General Daendels, occasioned some embarrassment to the Government. In order that individuals may be as little prejudiced as possible, it is still to be deemed a legal tender in all transactions in the eastern districts; but not at any fixed value, except in contracts concluded previously to the 14th February. The paper currency to be fiquidated by half-yearly lotteries, one of which was to be drawn the 14th March last. All the teak timber found in the Government stores, or lying felled in the forests, at the time of the reduction of the island, and claimed by those employed in the expedition, has been purchased by Government from the prize agents, at a fair valuation. The amount to be paid in silver money, by bills of exchange, on one of the Presidencies of India, within six months, from February 11th 1812. The commercial regulations announced in the Gazettes are as follows :-regular custom-houses, established at Batavia, Samarang, and Sourabaya; and no description of vessels are allowed to enter for trade at any other port in Java. At Batavia, a duty is levied at the rate of 6 per cent. ad valorem on all goods and merchandise imported by sea, and to be paid within one month. Cloths, the manufacture of native eastern ports, to pay 15 per cent. Goods transferred in the roads, to pay duties as if actually landed for sale; but on goods landed, declared for exportation, and not for sale, the importer shall pay half duty on the invoice value, and give security that they be not tendered for sale. A duty of 12 per cent. ad valorem, to be levied on all European and Chinese goods, imported in Asiatic and European vessels. All goods and merchandise having paid the import duty, are exempted from export duty. At Samarang and Sourabaya, the import duty is eight per cent. ad valorem; but the export does not differ materially from that at Batavia. NEW SOUTH WALES. this settlement in a Madras paper of the 4th April last. Madras, April 4, 1812. The Mangalore, Captain Patrick, arrived in the river on Saturday last, from New South Wales and Bencoolen. From the latter port, she brings a detachment of the 20th regiment native infantry. The Mangalore sailed from Port Jackson, in New South Wales, on the 15th December. The accounts of that date represent the colony of Sydney and its several subordinate settlements, in a state of continued and increasing prosperity. Uninterrupted tranquillity prevailed, the troops and colonists were healthy, provisions abundant; additional tracts of land were brought into cultivation; and agriculture and other improvements were rapidly advancing. A newly-discovered Island, in the latitude of about 54 south, named Macquarrie Island, in compliment to the Governor of the British possession of Austral Asia, had opened an additional and fruitful field to adventurers in the seal fishery, and the enterprise of those individuals who prosecuted the fishery at Macquarrie Island had been abundantly rewarded.-Upwards of 80,000 seals had been caught at that island in the course of a few months. Governor Macquarrie embarked from Sydney in November, in a colonial schooner; and sailed on a tour to the southern settlements. His Excellency was expected to return to Sydney early in January. SOUTH AMERICA. BUENOS AYRES. Our last Number contains an account of the restoration of tranquillity between the. government on the river Plate and the Portuguese settlement at Brasil. The ship George Canning has since arrived from Buenos Ayres, bringing accounts to the 8th August, from which it appears that that unfortunate country still continues the scene of anarchy and confusion. A conspiracy it seems had been entered into by a number of European Spaniards to overturn the government of the Junta, and re-establish the authority of the mother country. Their scheme, however, before it was properly matured, had been discovered, and all who were suspected of being concerned in the plot, put under arrest. The passengers by the George Canning, a few days previous to their departure,, witnessed the execution of 28 of the Royalists, in the public streets, by the Republicans. The unhappy victims were seated in chairs in a row, and shot We find the following intelligence from and were afterwards linked together, and hung hung in a cluster. Upon the restoration of tranquillity many of the Spaniards who had been under arrest, had been set at liberty, whilst others had been sent out of the country. Through the interference of Lord Strangford, a perfect good understanding was maintained between the Portuguese Government and the Junta. Information had reached Buenos Ayres, that all the Peruvian mines, and the mint at Potosi, were in the power of the army of Lima. In consequence of the deficiency of specie, arising from the cause, sales of goods were very heavy. Produce was not plentiful, nor likely to be so, for a length of time; as the ravages of the civil war, on the eastern side of the river Plate, had ruined the Estancius, where hides and tallow of the first qualities were prepared. The punishment of the conspirators had revived the animosity of the Government and inhabitants of Monte Video, against the Junta of Buenos Ayres; and ac-. tive preparations were making for the recommencement of hostilities. CARACCAS. The New York papers recently received contain a variety of articles relative to the counter-revolution in the Caraccas, the sub stance of which is, that the terror inspired by the earthquake had such an influence over the minds of the survivors, as to produce a complete change of sentiment with respect to their new Government. La Guira was the last place which hoisted the flag of Ferdinand VII. About forty of the leaders of the revolution were taken along with Miranda, and the last accounts state, that they have been sentenced to suffer death. MEXICO. Advices have been received, by way of New Orleans, from Mexico, to the 19th of August, by which we are informed, that the Republican arms had of late been very suc cessful. The insurgents have two armies, which are commanded by Generals Morellos and Ryan. The former had taken Acapulco, after a long blockade. After its cap vested. It is also said that the city of Mexico was besieged by 70,000 men, under Ryan. Several persons had left the United States with a view to join the Insurgents. PERU AND CHILL. The Foudroyant, 80 guns, Admiral De Courcy has arrived at Plymouth, from the Brazils. By that vessel we learn, that the Royalists, or Ferdinand's party, have been completely successful over the insurgents in Peru and Chili, where tranquillity has been restored, and the Government of South America re-established. THE AMERICAN WAR. UNSUCCESSFUL INVASION OF CANADA. (From the London Gazette.) Extract of a Dispatch from Lieutenant General Sir George Prevost, to Earl Bathard, dated Montreal, 17th August 1812. I have the honour to inform your Lordship, that an invasion of Upper Canada took place on the 12th July last, the enemy having on that day crossed the river Detroit with a force, composed of regular troops and mounting in the whole to about 2300 men, militia, together with 40 or 50 cavalry, s under the command of Brigadier-General Hull, and took post at Sandwich. The militia in the neighbourhood not be ing able to oppose any effectual resistance, retreated upon their approach towards Fort Part of the enemy's force having since adAmherstburgh, about 12 miles distatant vanced to within six miles of that fort, se veral skirmishes have taken place between them and the troops of the garrison, which have constantly terminated in favour of the latter, with the loss of several men on the part of the enemy, and of only one soldier of the 41st killed, and another wounded, and a similar loss on the part of the Indias; and, I am happy to say, that, on these occasions, his Majesty's 41st regiment in a particular manner distinguished themselves George Prevost. Head-quarters, Detrait, ture he pushed on towards the Table Land, Letter from Major-General Brock to Si or plains of New Spain, defeated the Royal Army and advanced towards Vera Cruz. The Royal General, Callejas, fell back, in order to save his magazines in his rear, and to get aid from Vera Cruz. He also entrenched himself near the Castle of Puotte, where Morellos attacked him, and gained a complete victory. Callejas and part of his Staff are reported to have been taken prison ers. After this victory Vera Cruz was in SIR, I have had the honour of informing your Excellency, that the enemy effected his pas sage across the Detroit river on the 12th ultimo, without opposition, and that after establishing himself at Sandwich, he had ravaged ravaged the country as far as the Moravia town. Some skirmishes occurred between the troops under Lieutenant-Colonel St George and the enemy upon the river Canard, which uniformly terminated in his be ing repulsed with loss. I judged it proper, to detach a force down the river Thames, capable of acting in conjunction with the garrison of Amherstburg offensively, that Captain Chambers whom I had appointed to direct this detachment, experienced difculties that frustrated my intentions. The intelligence received from that quarter admitting of no delay, Colonel Proctor was directed to assume the command, and his force was soon after increased with sixty rank and file of the 41st regiment. In the mean time, the most strenuous measures were adopted to counteract the machinations of the evil disposed, and I soon experienced the gratification of receiving voluntary offers of service from that portion of the embodied militia the most easily collected. In the attainment of this important point, gentlemen of the first character and influence shewed an example highly creditable to them; and I cannot on this occasion avoid mentioning the essential assistance I derived from John M'Donald. Esq. his Majesty's Attorney-General, who, from the beginning of the war, has honoured me with his services as my Provincial Aide-de-Camp. A sufficiency of boats being collected at Long Point for the conveyance of three hundred men, the embarkation took place on the 8th instant, and in five days arrived in safety at Amherstburg. I found that the judicious arrangement which had been adopted immediately upon the arrival of Colonel Proctor, had compelled the enemy to retreat, and take shelter under the guns of his fort :-that officer commenced operations by sending strong detachments across the river, with a view of cutting off the enemy's communication with his reserve. This produced two smart skirmishes on the 5th and 9th instant, in both of which the enemy's loss was very considerable, whilst ours amounted to three killed, and thirteen wounded; amongst the latter I have particularly to regret Captain Muir and Lieutenant Sutherland, of the 41st regiment, the former an officer of great experience, and both ardent in his Majesty's service. teries had likewise been commenced opposite Port Detroit, for one eighteen-pounder, two twelve, and two five and a half inch mortars; all of which opened on the evening of the 15th, (having previously summoned Brigadier-General Hull to surrender) and although opposed by a well-directed fire from seven twenty-four pounders, such was their construction, under the able direc Bat tions of Captain Dixon, of the royal engi neers, that no injury was sustained from its effect. The force at my disposal being collected in the course of the 15th, in the neighbourhood of Sandwich, the embarkation took place a little after day-light on the following morning, and by the able arrangements of Lieutenant Dewar of the Quarter-MasterGeneral's department, the whole was, in a short time, landed without the smallest confusion at Spring Well, a good position, three miles west of Detroit. The Indians, who had in the mean time effected their landing two miles below, moved forwards and occupied the woods, about a mile and a half on our left. The force, which I instantly directed to march against the enemy, consisted of thirty royal artillery, two hundred and fifty 41st regiment, fifty royal Newfoundland regiment, four hundred militia, and about six hundred Indians, to which were attached three six pounders, and two three-pounders. The services of Lieutenant Troughton, commanding the royal artillery, an active and intelligent officer, being required in the field, the direction of the batteries was intrusted to Captain Hall, and the marine department; and I cannot withhold my entire approbation of their conduct on this occasion. I crossed the river, with an intention of waiting in a strong position the effect of our force upon the enemy's camp, and in the hope of compelling him to meet us in the field; but receiving information upon landing, that Colonel M‘Arthur, an officer of high reputation, had left the garrison three days before with a detachment of five hundred men, and hearing soon afterwards that his cavalry had been seen that morning three miles in our rear, I decided on an immediate attack. Accordingly the troops advanced to within one mile of the fort, and having ascertained that the enemy had taken little or no precaution towards the land side, I resolved on an assault, whilst the Indians penetrated his camp. Brigadier-General Hull, however, prevented this movement, by proposing a cessation of hostilities, for the purpose of preparing terms of capitulation. Lieutenant-Colonel John M'Donnell and Captain Glegg were accordingly deputed by me on this mission, and returned within an hour with the conditions which I have the honour herewith to transmit. The force thus surrendered to his Majesty's arms cannot be estimated at less than two thousand five hundred men. In this estimate, Colonel M'Arthur's detachment is included, as he surrendered, agreeably to th |