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From Relf's Philadelphia Gazette.

"MELANCHOLY TIDINGS.--We have to-day to record an event which
must excite in the breast of every American, and we may venture
to add, in that of every civilized man, emotions of profound
regret and indignation--Lieutenant Commandant Allen, one of the
rising stars in our national galaxy, has fallen by the hands of
unprincipled pirates. In the earnest and honorable execution of
his duty to his country and to mankind, this gallant and
accomplished young officer has become the victim of a gang of
desperate buccaneers; but in this, as in most of the
occurrences of our naval warfare, he died in the lap of
victory. This melancholy intelligence was received this morning
from an intelligent gentleman, passenger in the Mary Ann,
Captain Cory, from Havanna, (now below,) and is furnished to us
in these words:

"About the 9th, two masters of American vessels came to
Havanna for the express purpose of raising money for the ransom
of their vessels, bound to Havanna, which with two other
Americans (bound to New Orleans) had been recently captured by
two piratical schooners near Key Romain, and left at anchor in
that neighborhood waiting their return. Captain Allen, of the
Alligator, on coming into port next day, being informed
thereof, started, without coming to anchor, in search of the
pirates, whom on that or the next day he discovered in the
channel of Matanzas. The Alligator drawing too much water, two
boats were manned and stood for them; an action ensued, in the
early part of which Captain Allen received two musket balls,
one in the head, the other in his breast, and soon died,
encouraging his men to do their duty; which they nobly
performed, for after a short contest the pirates abandoned
their vessel and swam to the shore. The vessels were taken
possession of by the victors and carried into Matanzas.

"They mounted one gun each, amid-ship, with forty men each,
well armed, and considerable plunder on board. Our informant
does not know what became of their prizes.

"The Mary Ann has despatches on board from the American Agent
at Havanna, furnishing official information in relation to this
disastrous occurrence.

"Since the above was in type, (says _The Evening Post_,) th