Portland Gazette

The latest London papers April 20 state, with some confidence, the conclusion of the groundwork of a treaty of subsidy between Russia and Great Britain; and that the points of it were in train to be immediately laid before Parliament.

Old Ocean, by the last accounts, bore on his back the elements of extensive carnage, and ingredients for deeds of high celebrity. Upwards of one hundred ships of the line were at sea, or in such a state of equipment, as indicated the certainty of their Speedy departure from port. - The English and French channel fleets were within sight of each other; and both apparently waiting only for an occasion to try the "tug of battle." The Toulon Fleet had passed the Pillars of Hercules into the Atlantic: had, it is said, been joined by the Spaniards from Cadiz; and had again sailed on an unknown expedition; probably for the West Indies. They will be followed by Lord Nelson. The other French, Dutch and Spanish squadrons at Ferrol the Texel and Corunna, were on the alert; as were very thing in Great Britain which could be gotten afloat.

The much talked of expedition from England, failed from Spithead, the 20th April. It contained several thousand elect troops -some of them celebrated for their exploits in Egypt. the whole was convoyed by the Queen of 93 guns, Rear- Admiral Knight, and the. Dragon, of 74 guns, Capt. Griffith. The troops. commanded by the veteran, Gen. Craig. -Destination unknown- conjectured by some to be for the East-indies, by others for the West-Indies.
Centinel.

THE TOULON FLEET
Has undoubtedly escaped into the Atlantic. and is probably now in the West Indies. -Capt Trefethen, from Mareilles to Portsmouth, passed this fleet on the 8th of April, 5 leagues East of Gibraltar, and describes it as consisting of t ships of the line (three of 80 guns) 6 frigates and 2 brigs, having on board 5000 chosen troops under the command of Gen Lauriston.. On the 9th he again passed the fleet in the Gut, then steering West.
In addition to this, Capt. Folgier, arrived at Boston last week, in 35 days' from Lisbon, makes the following statement : -" That on the 18th of April the Doris transport Ship, Capt. Lamb, arrived at Lisbon, with dispatches from Sir J. Orde, off Cape St. Vincent's, to the British Minister , with news of the Toulon fleet being off Cadiz. consisting of 10 sail of the line, and four frigates , that the Defence, of 74 guns, narrowly escaped being taken as he lay with her yards and tormals down when the French fleet bore in sight. The English Minister at Lisbon immediately ordered out two packets, the Phoenix frigate and a gun brig, then in port with dispatches for England ; the brig was however obliged to put back having sprung her bowprit and foremast in crossing the Bar. 46 hours after sailing. Capt. F. spoke the British fleet under Sir J Orde, consisting of two 74's and three. frigates only, Standing for England.
Capt. Folgier further advises, that the French minister had arrived at Lisbon, and was escorted from Belleisle Castle to this city by the nobility and Prince's horse guards.- Jerome Bonaparte had set out for France, by the way of Madrid ; and his lady was a passenger on board the Erin, which came out of Lisbon in company with Capt. Folgier, bound for Amsterdam. -ad Accounts had been received at Lisbon of the capture of two valuable Brazil Ships off the isle of Corvo, by the Algerine squadron. shi
FROM
Lisbon, April21.
The new French Minister, Gen. Innès, has arrived here, escorted by the Royal Horse Guards, and a cavalcade of Portuguese nobility.
Jerome Bonaparte has set out for France through Spain. --His Lady has gone passenger in a vessel for Amsterdam.