The Portland Gazette

PORTLAND GAZETTE.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 4 P. M.

Since our last, papers from England and Spain have been received of a later date. These accounts, however, are so vague and contradictory that but little reliance can be placed on them. A gentleman in Liverpool writes to his correspondent in New York that a report prevailed there that a war on the part of England "is in contemplation, most probably with the United States."

The Floridas to be the bone of contention—and as Spain cannot defend herself, England is to do it for her. This is report, and we give it only as such.

Reports at the southward indicate something like preparation on the part of our government to put themselves in the attitude of defence, at least—such as ordering 20,000 stands of arms with a corresponding quantity of ordnance, ammunition, &c. to Savannah.

By an arrival at New-Haven from Cadiz, despatches of an important nature from our Minister at Madrid were brought for government. Mr. Forsyth still remained there. The Spanish expedition had not left Cadiz. The King did not refuse to ratify the treaty but suffered the time to expire for ratifying it with an understanding or expectation that the United States would avail herself of the Floridas by immediate occupation.

Ferdinand is said to have been led to this measure in consequence of the interference of the British government, which had put in her claim for the Island of Cuba as an offset for the Floridas.

We give these various reports, and leave our readers to draw their own inferences, having no room for remarks.

The space occupied by the proceedings of the Convention compels us to omit several advertisements, and other matters intended for this day's Gazette, which will be attended to in our next.