The Virginia Gazette

An Extract of a Letter from an Officer of some Distinction in Gibraltar, dated the latter End of August.

We have certain Information here, that the Reason why the Court of Spain insisted so vehemently on Adm. Haddock's returning home with his Squadron immediately after the Convention was sign'd, was, because it had form'd a Design upon this Place, which was to have been executed in the following Manner:

We were to have been attack'd by the Toulon Squadron at Europa, where the Rocks are easy to climb, and we have but a small Guard; Count Clavijo, with the Cadiz Squadron, was to have made an Attack in the Centre of the Town, where a great Part of the Wall was down, and re-building; and their Army, which then lay within a Day's March of the Place, was to have attack'd us by Land. All this was to have been done at one and the same Time; so that we should actually have been in some Danger, and the more so, as they carry great Numbers of Soldiers on board their Ships: But we are now prepar'd to give them a warm Reception; and for that Reason, I am persuaded the cowardly Villains dare not face us, for they have not Courage enough to attempt any Enterprize, unless they have the Appearance of Advantage greatly on their Side, which I am confident is far from being the Case in respect to us, because our Fortifications are in excellent Condition, and the Garrison never in better Heart, both Officers and Soldiers wishing nothing so much, as that they would dare to make another Attempt upon us.