The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from St. Pierre (Martinique) dated April 7, 1780.

"Several vessels have arrived here from Marseilles; but last from Malaga, from which last mentioned place they bring an account of the arrival of their Excellencies Mr. Jay and Monsieur Gerard at Cadiz, after a passage of twenty five days from this place.

They also bring an account that several British ships of the line and store ships had arrived to the relief of Gibraltar, and had actually not only thrown considerable succour into that fortress, but had had a severe action with the Spanish fleet, with which it was invested.

By the examination of five American seamen, who lately made their escape from the enemy at St. Lucia, and came to this place, we learn that Admiral Rodney arrived at that island the 24th ult. from England, but last from Barbadoes, with five ships of the line and a frigate.

After having accompanied the fleet destined for the relief of Gibraltar, as far as the Streights mouths and that at the time of their leaving St Lucia, which was the 28th ult. the enemy had twenty two ships of the line and three frigates at that island, besides a large body of troops, and that all the troops, except two regiments were kept on board of transports, and not permitted to land, from which it appears as if they were meditating an attack upon one of the French islands, and it is generally thought that Grenada or St. Vincents is their object; but the Commander in Chief of this island, suspecting that the force collected at St. Lucia was intended to act against one of these places, embarked a few days ago, eight hundred men for the defence of Grenada, and six hundred for the defence of St. Vincents, and we have the pleasure of informing you, that those troops have safely arrived, and the frigates that convoyed them are returned."