The Alexandria Herald

FROM ENGLAND.

By the packet ships Emerald and Topaz, arrived at Boston on Thursday last, papers to the 28th Feb. were received. War had not commenced—but (says the Palladium) appeared inevitable—and hostilities appeared to be on the point of beginning.

According to advices from Paris, France has informed the British minister that his further attempts to mediate between the French and Spanish governments would be unavailing. Fleet from Brest had sailed, and it is reported they were destined against Cadiz. Paris dates are to Feb. 24. A party in the French parliament oppose with spirit the war with Spain: but ministers are resolved to pursue it. Disaffection has appeared among the French troops on the Spanish frontiers. The Spanish cortes are said to have granted letters of marque against French vessels. Spain is said to have made England great offers as the price of her alliance. It would appear that some French officers intend to offer their services to the Spaniards. The civil war in Spain draws rapidly to a close. Oporto is open to the importation of grain, and Barcelona is said to be. Young Murat has been refused passports to come to the U. S.

Between ten and eleven o'clock on Saturday night, a fire was discovered upon the island, and yesterday it was ascertained to have destroyed the building at the landing, called the town-house. The wind, throughout the night, blew a gale at south west, which fortunately carried the flames into the Cove—had it been at north west, most of the houses on the island, would probably have been destroyed. [Charleston Cour. March 31.