The Virginia Gazette

London, Jan. 6. On Tuesday Night about Eight, Mr. Robinson, one of his Majesty's Messengers arriv'd at St. James's, having been dispatch'd from Helvoetsluys early on Monday Morning; he brought the News that his Majesty was then in perfect Health, and design'd to embark that Evening, and to sail by Three the next Morning for England, if the Wind veer'd to the East, as was generally expected it would.

The Letters from Rotterdam, dated on Tuesday the 21st ult. O. S. say, his Britannick Majesty was row'd on board his Yacht, about Eleven o'Clock in the Forenoon the Day before, and immediately put to Sea with the other Yachts and Convoy, the Wind at S. E. which soon carried them out of Sight. But says the Postscript to the Letter, 'If his Majesty had not the Happiness to land upon the English Coast before this Morning, he must certainly have had the most violent Storm to encounter with that has happen'd since the 19th of January, (N. S.) 1735; for 'tis now actually tearing up Trees by the Roots, blowing down Chimnies, &c. &c. with the Wind blowing furiously from the N.W.'

A particular Letter from the Hague says, The Yachts were scarce got out to Sea, but the Wind turn'd contrary, and that about Four o'Clock in the Afternoon a Storm arose, which increas'd at Night, and grew so violent by next Morning, that the Convoy was separated from the Yachts, and these from one another. When the Storm was in some Degree dispers'd, Admiral Wager took the first Opportunity to make the best of his Way to Helvoetsluys, into which Port he brought the King's Yacht about Three o' Clock in the Afternoon, together with 4 other Yachts and a Frigate; but the Men of War, to the Number of 5, together with One of the Yachts, were dispers'd: The King was in great Danger of being cast away, had it not been for the extraordinary Care and Skill of Admiral Wager, whose happy Conduct his Majesty seems to think he cannot sufficiently admire. As soon as the King landed at Helvoetsluys he went with Mr. Horace Walpole and the rest of his Attendants to the Admiralty-Office there, to which Mr. Wolters, his Agent at Rotterdam (who happen'd to be now at Helvoetsluys, and assisted the King at his landing) had likewise the Honour to accompany him: and 'tis said his Majesty was so well pleas'd with the Assistance he gave him, that he has permitted him to return with him for London. Tho' his Majesty, to be sure, must have suffer'd great Fatigue; yet (God be prais'd) he is in as good Health as can be expected.

The Prince of Orange and Two Gentlemen of his Household, went on Thursday following to pay a Visit to the King, who received him with very great Friendship, and kept him at Dinner, &c. so that his Most Serene Highness did not return to the Hague 'til next Day. The King commonly dines with 5 or 6 Noblemen of his Retinue, but sups alone while he stays at Helvoetsluys.