The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

The same day that the combined fleet sailed from Cadiz (the 22d ult.) the Duke de Crillon put to sea with 9000 land forces, embarked on board 73 transports, with all kinds of provisions and military stores, under convoy of the St. Pascal, Baylon and Aralanta, Spanish men of war; the Juno and St. Rufina frigates; two cutters, two bomb ketches, and two fire ships.

These men of war, appointed to cover and support the expedition in which the Duke is embarked, is under the command of Don Antonio Moreno: they have taken in provisions for four months: on the 25th of July the whole fleet appeared in the Streights of Gibraltar, in sight of the Spanish camp; the garrison and camp were for some time uncertain whether the expedition was not destined against Gibraltar, but their doubts were soon removed, for the fleet continued its route, and by noon was quite out of sight.

The Duke de Crillon, who commands the expedition against Minorca, is a lineal descendant from the brave Crillon, who once had the boldness to give the lie to his Royal Master, Henry IVth, of France; but in such a manner that the King, could not be offended with him. His Majesty was speaking to some ladies one day, when Crillon entered the Presence Chamber; the King, on seeing him, immediately said, "Ladies, there is the bravest man in France." Crillon instantly replied, "You lie, Sire, the King is the bravest." Henry smiled at the compliment, notwithstanding the rough manner in which it was paid by the blunt veteran, who was a better soldier than courtier.