.

DECLARATION OF WAR.
On our passage to New York we met with no remarkable occurrence, and saw not a cruiser of any nation.

On reaching the city, we found that an extraordinary excitement prevailed.

War had been declared against Great Britain; an American fleet under Commodore Rodgers had sailed the day before on a cruise.

The frigate Essex was at Brooklyn with a complete and gallant crew, and her commander, Captain Porter, was making preparations for an immediate departure.