The Virginia Gazette

London, July 21. An Extract of a private Letter from the Hague, dated the 17th of July.

It's just now reported here, that thro' the Vigilance and Activity of the British Ministry, a Discovery has been made of a formidable Design laid to invade Great Britain in favour of the Pretender, which, it's said, was to be executed by Spain, Sweden, and a third Power, which every body imagines must be France. This, unquestionably must have been the Cause of the great Armament made at this Time by the Court of Great Britain, and not merely its Contests with Spain; and this occasion'd the British Ambassador, in his last Conference with the Members of the Government, not only to make a fresh Demand of the Succours stipulated by antient Treaties, but likewise that their High Mightiness would enter into a stricter Alliance with his Britannick Majesty than hitherto, for their mutual Security, and Defence of their just Rights. That Minister at the same Time also represented, that the Conduct of Spain, was such as would no longer admit of the Ways of Negociation; and as the Republick had its Grievances to be redressed, his Britannick Majesty propos'd to act in Concert with it, in order to force that Power to do Justice to the Subjects of the Two Nations. Which Proposals their High Mightiness, as usual, took Time to consider on. Many Colonels and Dutch Officers already solicit to go into England in Case 6000 Men be sent thither. People here were exceedingly surpriz'd at the extraordinary ceremonious Behaviour of the Foreign Ministers who went to compliment Spain, towards Mr. Walpole; the Marquis being the first of the Foreign Ministers who went to compliment him on his Return to the Hague, and afterwards made an Entertainment for him and his Lady. What this Minister, who affects to be a plain Man, void of Ceremony, had in View, by shewing these unusual Civilities, at a Time when Matters between the two Nations were drawing towards a Crisis, cannot easily be conjectured.

London.