The New Hampshire Gazette

Lisbon, Jan. 18. A general consternation prevails throughout this kingdom, since the news was received of a War between England and Spain. Our consternation is the greater, as it is foreseen that we must take part in this war; and our troops, which have received no pay for two years, are in such bad order and the finances so much exhausted, that our court can do nothing of themselves. They are sincerely desirous to observe a strict neutrality; and have intimated this to the court of Spain; and, in consequence thereof, have sent orders to the British ships of war in the Tagus, to leave the river, being resolved to suffer no more than five to remain there at one time, agreeable to the stipulations of treaties between the two nations. Mean while, in the uncertainty we are in, whether the Spanish court will not compel us to declare for one or the other of the belligerent powers, we are making the utmost efforts to augment our forces by sea and land, and have sent to London for 18,000 muskets, and several warlike stores; the court being determined, if they must declare themselves, to declare for England.