The Virginia Gazette

From the London Evening-Post, Octob. 18.

Letter from Madrid, Octob. 1.

There is yet no Likelihood that the Duke de Montemar's Project, for the Reduction in the Troops of this Kingdom, will take Place; on the contrary, 'tis said, that a Resolution has been taken to continue them upon the Footing they stand at present. The King and Queen have express'd a great deal of Satisfaction at the Emulation which the Officers of the Household Troops have shewn to out-do each other in Point of Magnificence at the Camp near the Castle of St. Ildefonso, amongst whom the Commandant-General distinguish'd himself most. M. d'Almendairs, whom the King appointed in that Quality, was formerly Vice-Roy of Mexico, and as he brought over immense Riches from that Country, his Expences on this late Occasion were answerable to his Opulence. All the Time the Camp lasted, six Tables of 20 Covers each were daily serv'd in his Tents at Dinner and Supper, with the utmost Profusion and Delicacy; for which Purpose he hir'd the Cooks, Confectioners, and other Officers of most of the Embassadors and Foreign Ministers residing here, and their Wages amounted every Day to upwards of 50 Pistoles. The Magnificence of the General Officers, &c. appear'd in their Equipages and Horses, which were of exquisite Beauty, and had very rich Trappings.

The Court has dispatch'd a Courier to Cadiz with Orders to pay the Proprietors in the last Flotilla their Dividend of the Money and Merchandize brought for their Account, upon which will be levy'd 4 per Cent. for the King, over and above the last Indulto.