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No 12 Vol. Vl.] .from the New York Commercial Advertiser of August 17. LANDING OF LAFAYETTE. Agreeably to ihe arrangements previous made, and which were announced in this paper yesterday, the Marquis LAFAY ETTE, the only surviving General of the seven years’ war of our Revolution, was conducted from Staten Island, and landed in this city, amidst every demonstration of joy and admiration, that our citizens could be stow. The news of the General’s arrival had spread through the surrounding coun try with the rapidity of lightning; and from the dawn of day until noon, the roads and ferry boats were thronged with people who were hastening to the city, to participate in the fete, and testify their gratitude for the services, and respect for the character of the illustrious “ National Guest.” Our citizens also turned out in immense num hers, at an early hour, and, together with the military, presented the most lively and moving spectacle that we have witnessed on any former occasion. The day was clear, cool, anJ remarkably pleasant, which added much to the comfort of our citizens, and contributed largely to the general effect of the splendid and patiiotick proceedings. Unfortunately for themselves, a grea’ number of our most fashionable citizens were absent; and among them bis honour the Recorder, Alderman King, (he Assistant Alderman Hone, all of whom were upon the original committee of arrangement*. When, however, the arrival of the General we- announced, the Mayor promptly filled th > places of the absentees from other mem hers of the Board, and the arrangement-, though ha-tily made, were judicious, ample, and well executed. The committee hav iog chartered the steam ship Robert Ful tori, and the steam boats Chancellor Living ston, Oliver Ellsworth, Henry Eckford Connecticut, Bellona, Olive Branch, Nanti lus, &c they were all superbly dressed with flags and streamers of every nation, and directed to meet and form an aquatick escort between the south part of the Bade ry and Governour’s i-land, arid thence pro ceed in order to Staten l-land. The spec tacle as the boats were assembling, wa truly interesting and beautiful. The Bat tery was crowded wii-h respectable people of both sexes, Castle Garden was filled, and every boa! that arrived to take its station, was completely crowded with elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen. The ap pearanc.e of the Robert Fulton, as she came down the East River from the Navy yard, escorted by the Connecticut and Oliver Ellsworth, all superbly decorated, was rich beyond description. Her yards were man ned to Hie round-tops, with about two bund red seamen from the Constitution, who made an elegant appearance, and a battal ion of marines, under the command of M <j. Smith, was on hoard, with a hand of musick, and many of the Naval Officer* upon (Li station, together with several ladies and private gentlemen. Arrived at the place of rendezvous the several vessels comprising the fleet look their stations and proceeded in regular or der t. the quarantine as follows: First, the Chancellor Livingston, on hoard of which were the Committee of the Corporation, Major Gen ral Morton and suite, a number of the members of the Cincinnati, including Colonels Willett, Varick, Trumbull. Platt, and others, toge.ther with a few ladies, sev oral officers ami professors from West Point, accompanied hy the excellent milita vy band attached to that institution. On the right of the Chancellor, and about a length in rear, was the Connecticut, and on thr lfcti, to correspond, was the Oliver El!* worth. Directly in the rear of the Chan cellor, was the Robert Fulton, whose lofty masts and wide spread arms, which literally swarmed with men, towered proudly above her less pretending, but not Ipss gay and beautiful consorts. On the right of the Robert Fulton, about a length in the rear, was the Bellona, and on the left, the Henry Eckford, in a station to correspond-, and the squadron was closed by the Olive Branch and N HUlilufl. The siguals exchanged, and the steam boats having attained their sta (ions, as above stated, the squadron got on der way, amidst the cheers of thousands of delighted spectators. The view of tin* fleet will perhaps never he forgotten. It was not only unique, but beyond a doubt one of the most splendid spectacles ei-pr witnes sed on this part of the globe. The squad ron, hearing six thousand of our fellow citi zens, majestically took its course towards Staten Island, there to take on hoard our long-expected and honoured guest. At 1 o’clock, the fleet arrived at Staten Island, and, in a few minutes, a landau was seen approaching the hotel, near the. ferry. The Marquis, the Vice President, and the Ex Governour Ogden, of New Jersu y, hav ing alighted, a procession was formed, and the venerable stranger, supported by these geutlemen, followed by all the officers of the Island, and a crowd of citizens, passed through a triumphal arch, round which was tastefully entwined the French and Ameri can colours. As soon as the Marquis and suite entered on the broad stairs, connected with and leading to the steam boat which was to convey him to the ciiy, he was re ceived by the Committee of the Common Council, who conducted httn on board the THE MISSIONARY. Chancellor. On entering this splendid ves sel, the marines paid him military honours. Hs was now introduced to the Committees from most of our honoured Associations, and the General Officers representing the In fantry. The West Point band all this lime were playing “See the Conquering Hero ( -omes,” “On pent on etre mieux ,” “ Hail Colombia,” and the “ Marsellais Hymn.” The steam ship now fired a salute, and the whole squadron got under way for the city in the same order as before, except ‘hat the Bellona and Olive Branch fastened each side to the Cadmus , (the ship which brought the General from France,) decorat ed with colour-, and filled with passpno-ers, najesiically moved up the Bay. Tne sea was smooth and placid, end the breeze cool md agreeable. Decidedly the most mter e-ting sight was the reception of the Gen era! by his old companions in arms: Colo nel Marions Willet, now in his eighty fifth year, General Van Cortland, General Clarkson, and other worthies whom we have mentioned. Col. Fish, General Lew is, and several of his comrades, were absent. He embraced them all affectionately, and Col. Willet again and again. He knew and remembered them nil. It was a re-onion of a long separated family. After Ihe ceremony of embracing and congratulations were over, be sat down ■iiong-ide of Col. Willet, who grew young again and fought all his battles o’er. “Do you remember,” said he, “at the battle of Monmouth, I was volunteer aid to General Scott ? I saw you in the heat of battle. You were but a boy, but you were a seri ous and sedate lad. Aye, aye; I remem ber well. AnJ on (he Mohawk, I sent you fifty Indians, and you wrote me, that they -et up uch a yell that they frightened the British horse, and they ran one way and the Indians another.” No person who witnessed this interview, will ever forget it; many an honest tear was shed on Ihe occasion. The young men retired at a little distance, while Ihe vene rable soldiers were indulging recollections, and were embracing each other again and tgaiu; and the Rurronndiqg youth silently dropt ihe tear they could no longer restrain. Such sincere, such honest feelings, were never more plainly or truly expressed Ihe sudden change of the countenance of the Marquis, plainly evinced the emotion he endeavoured to suppress. He manfully supported this truly trying-ituation for some lime, when a revolutionary story from the venerable Millet, recalled circumstances long passed: Ihe incident, the friend allud ed to, made the Marquis sigh; and hi swelling heart was relieved when he bnrsi into tears. The sympaihetick feeling ex tended to all present; and even Ihe hardy lar rubb and away (he tear he could no long er restrain. —“Quit temperet a lacrymis t.dlea ftneio.” 1 he sci-ne was too affecting to be contin ii'-d, and one of (he Cincinnati, anxious to divert the attention of the Marquis, bis eyes flouting with tears, announced the near ap proach -if the steam ship. The Marquis advanced to the quarter railing, where he was no sooner perceived by the multitude, th in an instantaneous cheer most loudly expressed the delight they- experienced. The other steam boats in succession pre sented themselves, ami passed, each giving threp enthusiastic!; cheers. The Marqu> was delighted, and especially with the ac tivity and quickness with which 200 of our gallant seamen manned the yards of the steam frigate previously to ihe salute.— About 2 P. M. the fleet arrived off the Bat lery. What an impressive scene! 3000 men, making a splendid appearance, form ed in a line with a battering train The ramparts and parapets of the Castle were lined with ladies and gentlemen. The (lag- staff, the windows, and even the roofs of the houses facing the Bay, were literal ly crowded with spectators.’ Hundreds of boats and wherries surrounded the Battery The Marquis left the Chancellor in a barge commanded by Capt. Rodgers, of the Na vy, accompanied by (he Committee of the Corporation, and the Cincinnati, the Gene rals of Infantry, &c. and landed amidst the cheers and acclamations of 30,000 people, who filled the Castle, Battery, and surroun ding grounds within ight. The Marquis now entered the Castle, which was taste fully carpeted from the landing place to the receiving rooms, lie here partook of some refreshment, and was introduced to some distinguished citizens. Perceiving the restless anxiety of nearly 3000 persons in the Castle, to see him, Ihe Marquis advanc ed to the centre of the area of the Castle, and was greeted with loud cheers, expres sive of as honest and generous feelings as were ever spontaneously manifested by any people on the face of the earth. An officer from General Benedict now announced to Gen. Morton, all was ready for the review, and the Marquis, supported by the Major Generals, and followed by the Committee, officers of the navy, army, and militia, reviewed the troops. Agon now announced the order to march, and the General entered a beautiful barouche, drawn by four grey horse* ; and the whole cavalcade moved in the direction of the City Hall. 1 he assemblage of citizens, independent of the military, at the Battery, in Castle , . Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gosp*l to everv creature.— -Je&u Christ. Ofall the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indir-pensable supports.— Washington. MOUNT ZION, (HANCOCK COUNTY, GEORGIA,) MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 0, 1824. Garden, in State street, through Broadway, and in the vicinity of the City Hall, was im mense; and, from the respectability and order of the persons composing it, splendid and interesting beyond description. Thro’ this dense and towering host, (for the doors, casements, railings, windows, chimneys, and turrets of the buildings, were hnng with spectators,)’ the General wascoDveyed in a barouche drawn by four horses, follow ed and preceded by the Lafayette Guards, through the whole distance to the City Hall, which is near a mile. The General rode uncovered, and received the unceas ing scouts and the congratulations of 50,000 freemen, with tears and smiles which be spoke how deeply he felt the pride and glory of the occasion. The ladies, from every tier of windows, waived their white handkerchiefs, and hundreds, unloosed by their fair owners, were seen floating in the air. He was evidently much embarrassed, and even afflicted, with the conflicting and powerful sensibilities which were called up and kept in action by the continued and uni versal demonstrations of love, which pro ceeded from every age, sex, and condition, of our people. Several attempts were made by the people, both in going up and returning through Broadway, to take the horses from the General’s carriage, and draw him in triumph themselves. On the steps of the City Hall were as sembled, having a space in the centre, a great number of ladies, many of whom step ped forward and gave the General their bands as he passed along. The general enthusiasm also extended to the children of all ages; the name of the Hero continually reverberated from their lips, giving to Fay ette a heart appealing evidence that his memory has been hallowed al every family altar, and that future generations, as well is this, will be familiar with his name, and echo hi* prai-es. After his return to the City Hotel he had the extraordinary con de-cension and good feeling to come out and -hake hands with G or 700 American youth, the future conservatories of his fume. This circumstance has planted in the minds of these little ones, the strongest affection (or the man, which will go with them thro 1 lile, and endure tiil ils close. On the General’s being presented to the Mayor, the latter addressed him in feeling and impressive terms, formally welcoming and congratulating him on his safe arrival ui the country which he had so eminently served, and so powerfully aided, in the great struggle for freedom and indepen dence. The General expressed, in a vpry feeling manner, his thanks for the kind and affectionate manner in which he had been received by our citizens, and the high grati fication he felt in witnessing the great im provements in our City since the gloomy pe tio lof his former visit. We have not been r.Jde lo procure copies of these ad dret-ses for publication this evening. He was then introduced to the members of the Board separately ; after which, Mr. Cowdrey offered a resolution, that the Gov ernour’s Room, in the City Hall, should be at the General s service during his stay here, to receive the visits of his friends, and that the Board dispense with the ordin ary business, and immediately adjourn. The resolution was unanimously adopted, and the Board adjourned to meet at 4 o’- clock on Wednesday next. The General then, in company with the Common Coun cil and military officers, descended in front of the hall and received the marching sa lute of the Brigade, which, notwithstanding the short notice, was as full, and appeared as well, severally, as usual. The review being over, the General ascended to the Governour’s room, where the officers of the corps were introduced. - The ceremonies at the Hall having been concluded, the General, attended byGener al Morton and the Committee, repaired to his lodgings at the City Hotel, where the members of the Corporation and a number of others dined with him as guests. In the evening the front of the City Hotel and several other buildings, were handsomely illuminated. The theatres, publick gar dens, &,c. displayed transparencies, fire works, and rockets, in honour of the occa sion, and the evening passed off with great hilarity ; nor did we hear of a single acci dent to mar the pleasures of the day. The General is in excellent health and spirits, and we ure happy to learn that he feels little inconvenience from the fatigue of the day, which must have been very great. „ ‘ J Among the veterans of the Revolution who were brought together on this anima ting occasion, were four officers, who, in the commencement of that conflict, were attached to the Ist New York regiment, commanded by Col McDugal, and who all served in the daring though unfortunate ex pedition of Montgomery against Qoebeck, viz: Capt. Willett, Capt. Varick, Military Secretary of Maj. Gen. Schuyler, Lieut. Rlatt, acting Adjutant General, and Lieut. Bleecker. To show the anxiety of the surviving veterans to greet their old com panion, we mention the fact, that an express was sent off to Maj. Gen. Philip Van Court landt, of Westchester, a distance of 47 miles, which arrived during Sunday night; and at 9 o’clock, the General, who is 30 years ol age, embarked on board the Chan- cellor, having travelled the whole distance overland! The General’s inquiries after many ol his old companions, were numer ous; and, in speaking ot General Hamilton, having learnt that the widow yet survives, he was prompt to call upon her at 9 o’clock, last evening. A. curious circumstance occurred in the elements at Staten Island on Sunday after noon which, in a superstitious age & coun. try* might have been regarded a* a happy omen. A heavy shower arose about 4 o’- clock ; but as the thick black cloud passed over Staten Island, it separated, and while the rain descended in torrents in this city, and south of the Quarantine Guard, the sun shone upon the seat of the Vice President, in all ils brightness. After passing the is land, the clouds again milled, and an iris, as perfect, bright and beautiful as ever was seen, appeared in the east, its bases resting, apparantly, upon Castle Fayette, at the Narrows, and the Battery. Thus, as it were, the very Heavens both wept and smiled for joy. At sunset, Mr. Gunthersent up fr*m Cas tle Garden his balloon, representing ihe fa mous horse Eclipse, mounted by an ancient knight in armour, and the effect upon the assembled thousands was announced by gen eral and animaling huzzas. Such is a faint outline of the proceeding of a day which shines proudly in the annals of our country—proceedings which were more brilliant than any that have ever been witnessed in America, and which will rarely if ever be equalled. It was a proud day lor the cause ol enlightened and liberal principles. As to (be pageant, we should suppose from the accounts then published, that the landing of Ihe king of England at Leith, in 1822, would lortn the nearest par allel. But the occasion, and the circum stances, were widely different. No fulsome adulation was here extorted by the power or splendour of royally, hut every move ment were Ihe spontaneous bursts of admir ation and gratitude for the character and services of a great benefactor of the whole civilized world, come among us in a private capacity, and in Ihe unaffected attire of Republican simplicity. OLD SETTLEMENTS IN FLORIDA. Pensacola , 1821. Gentlemen : The exigence of the old Spanish settlements in Florida, deslrovod hy the Creek anil Cherokee Indians about a century ago, i believe, is merely noticed by a few writers, but no foil and satisfacto ry account of them is to he found. When at Washington, I carefully examined Ihe publick library for information relative to Florida, but with very little success; I met with nothing except in Romans, and I think io Bertram, respecting these unfortunate settlements, one- so flourishing and exten sive, and whose history migh* form a very interesting page in American annals. From Capt. Burch, who has lately return ed from surveying the ground for Ihe na tional highway, from Pensacola lo St. Aug ustine, I have learned some very interest ing particulars, as well as regards Ihecnun try through which he passed, as of the tra gical fate of the Spanish population just mentioned. The distance from the Ocko lockony, to the Suwany, (St. Juan) rivers, is about eighty miles, and the greater part of the country lying north of the road, bor dering the Georgia line, is uncommonly fine, the lands, in general, of the bpst qual ity, and capable of supporting, for at least twenty mile 9 in width, a dense population. It is principally in this fine tract of country, the traces of the old Spanish settlements are to be found. The first is fort St Louis, , situated six miles east of the Ocolocko ny, and N. by W. 25 miles from St. Mark-. The place has mure the appearance of hav ing been a fortified town, than a mere for tification. North of this,about twelve miles, there wa9 another fort ; Northeast of this, about the same distance, there was a fort in the direction of the Mikasuky towns ; be sides, there were between St. Loins and the Suwany, (this fort included.) five other fortifications,the most considerable of which were at Anstila, (probably Aspalaga,) and Sanbila, (perhaps Ayavala,) about 2G miles wc9tofthe Suwany. The Indians informed Capt. Burch, that there was another a few miles from Mickasuky, where some brick walk were still visible. Fort St. Louis was built on an elevated spot of ground around a hollow, from the bottom of which issue two springs that I’urn ish au abundant supply of water, but which, after running hut a few yards, again sink into the ground. One of these, on being opened by Capt. Burch, displayed the wood en box or trunk in which it had been en closed ; they were overshadowed by a beautiful live oak tree. This place is about twenty five miles of the principal Fort of the scttlemets which was situated on the East bank of the Ocolockooy; near its mouth, (perhaps Ocon,) w hich, it is presum ed, was the entrepot of all the others. There were oo settlements between the Ocolockony and Appalache, except one, about fifteen miles northwest of San Louis. The country just described exhibits,even at this day, many appearances, which serve to prove that it had once sustained a very dense population. The forests, especially about St. Loui, for many miles, uppear to [Price $3 50 per ann. be of a second growth, excepting the occa sional shade trees, which are of primeva date, and of enormous size. The lands ari every where cut np wiih ditches, whicl are supposed by some to have been foo paths leading to the different plantations but this is rendered impossible from thei depth, their narrowness, and straightness Captain Burch met with an old Indian neai Tallahnsse, of the Creek nation, who ap peared to be of great age, and who inform ed him that he had been in the war wbicj destroyed these settlements. His agi could not be precisely ascertained, bo trom circumstances, it was thought that J could not be less than one hundred an| thiity or forty; accordiog to his accouu] he had left off hunting, about the time th warrior, now the oldest in the nation e: cept himself, was just beginning to hunj He recollects our revolutionary war, b| was then too old to take an active part | it. Neamathla, the Seminole chief, W H is about seventy years of ago, was a hc| when he had left off going to war. Til old Indian was brought by his daughiel his eye sight had failed a good deal, but l] walked tolerably well wiih the asistan| of a staff. His daughter appeared to a a middle aged woman, and what is -jngul al nearly all his children were begottnn in il old age. At the lime of the war with tl Spaniards he was in the prime of his lil and recollects very particularly all its cl cumstances, and which he seems to ta| great pleasure in relating. The Indi J had made repeated attempts on St. Loti hut were as repeatedly repulsed, unable! withstand the cannon. They then must! ed their whole force, and after laying wal ihe whole country, they made a final off* by investing the fortified places,and endej nnriog to starve them out. They wri encamped principally on the North side! the Foit; the Spaniards prepared evil thing for evacuating it, and retired in 1 night to the fort on the Ocolockooy. ‘ll first intimation to the Indians of the retr* was the explo.-ion of ihe Fort: the cantl was so much injur-d as to he unfit I n-e. The country haring thus fallen il Iheir hands, together wiih ihe Yarn:! tribe of Indians, with whom the Spaniaß had intermarried, and lived on tiie nH friendly footing; ihe males were all il troyed, and the women taken for wive*! slaves. But the country had been sol tirely cleared, that there was no game, I ihe domestic!? animals having been destil ed during the war, Ihe great body of I Indians returned to their nation. Thel diaris wbo remained formed anew rfl who were called Seminole*, which, in| H itchy language, signifies, run wild. ‘I old Indian himself went to the AppalachH la—no Indians lived near St. Louis cH ihe forests grew up, when he returfl about the time the Tallahasse and Mickl ky towns were built. He represents® Spanish population to have been very* merous, but could give no precise idejl to (heir numbers. They had horses, Iff no wheeled carriages. Their prior® highway, some of the causeway of whiiE -till visible, was not more than six or eßj feet wide, but well made ; every thingH iransported on horseback,excepthog-hfM which were rolled by men. The InrH bad no fire arms, being armed with and arrows, and clubs. In order to I tect themselves from the effect of the *3 they suspended thick board* about I necks, but which did not always answei purpose. Ihe Indians have preserv superstitious story, which keeps them t awful distance from San Louis. They that Ihp Spaniards, on quitting San L buried their church ornaments, and them some bottles of medicine, (mag which would prove fatal to them if touched. They cannot he prevailed to accompany the whites there, eve shew the place. Beyond the Suwaney, towards th John’s, including Picolala,on the St. Ji there are seven settlements or stai they were fortified in the same way those already mentioned, and sharei same fate. These were Sn. Pedri miles from the Suwaney ; Weechelno Santaffy, (Sta. Fee,) Sokohooto, Inleri Picolata, on the St. John’s, and a final on the opposite or west side of the i Picolata was the only fort afterwards pied by the Spaniards until St. Marki built. The Indians, from that day unt inva-ion of Gen. Jackson in ’lB, siicces prevented any of the whites from pet ting this country, which, until (hat was unknown or foigotlon by the civ world, and greatly excited the surpr the General and his troops in so unej edly finding one of the finest distri country in America. The Indians pi ted Ihe Spaniards to occupy St. Marksjl Picolata, for the purpose of trade, huff! or permitted any of the whites to peni the country. It is owing to this cif stance that there are no Spanish J| here, although its value is alone su/h to pay the Florida debt. The cnmml ers who have explored the country fJ’ purpose of fixing on the site for the f* govermenf, and Governour Duvall lately passed through it, all fully <1 with Capt. Burch in expressing the h| admiration of this fine body of land |