The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from an officer at Gibraltar, dated June 23, 1738.

The Spaniards threaten us very hard that they will besiege Gibraltar; they may do it, but this I'll assure you, and the rest of my friends, that they'll meet with a very warm reception, tho' the garrison at present is but small, having but 5 regiments; two being lately taken from hence, viz. the Earl of Rothes's, the men being sent to Georgia; and the officers to Ireland; and Brigadier Anstruther's, which embark'd on board the squadron of men of war under Admiral Haddock, and sail'd the 14th instant for Port Mahon. But the 5 regiments that are here, are good, and I'll answer we shall make a noble defence, and we doubt not of having succour from home in due time: The Spaniards are marching their troops, and cantoning them all along the sea coast: They have 15 or 16,000 foot and horse canton'd within 2 or 3 days march of this place, so if they have a mind they can soon pay us a visit; therefore we keep a strict watch night and day. They have already put a stop to the coast boats that supplied us with wine, greens, &c. by their guard coasts taking some who were at sea coming to us; and our town boats that were in their towns, for wines, &c. are come away empty, not being suffer'd to load any thing; so now a very little time will shew what they'll do.