The Virginia Gazette

Naples, July 11. O. S. Many Hands were employ'd several Days at Chiaia, in building a great Machine on the Sea, representing a Fortress, which when finish'd was well furnished with Bread, Cheese, Hams, Salt Beef and Bacon; besides live Hens, Geese, Capons, Lambs, Calves, and Hogs. The Squadron of Gallies of this Kingdom, that of the Gallies of Malta, and the St. Philip Man of War, ranged themselves in Line of Battle about that Machine, with their Flags and Streamers hoisted. The King and Queen with all the Court, went the 4th Instant in the Afternoon to the Borough of Chiaia, whither a Detachment of Horse march'd to take Post beforehand. Their Majesties being seated on a magnificent Throne which had been prepared for them, the Festival was begun, being what we call a Cocagne. A great Fire was made against the Fortress from the Gallies, whose Guns were charg'd with Apples and Lemons; Granadoes and Fireworks were likewise thrown into it; then 60 Barks advanced from behind the Gallies, in which there were 1200 Men in their Shirts and Trowsers, and red Caps. They came out of the Barks, and by the Help of the Tables and Steps placed at the Foot of the Machine, scaled the Fortress and plundered it, while a Mine was sprung, and Fireworks thrown into it. The Provisions and Animals in that Machine, which would have sufficed for 10,000 Men, were given to the 1200 who scal'd it. The common Practice is to abandon these Machines entirely to the People; but as this Cocagne was given upon the Water, where there was a prodigious Concourse of People in Barks, Boats, &c. it was feared that Accidents might happen on this Occasion.