Virginia Argus

On the continent of Europe, the preparations on all sides, are of the utmost magnitude, and evince a determination to prosecute the war with vigour. In Great Britain, an expedition is going forward of the utmost importance, exceeding any thing of the kind, which that country has set on foot for some time. The papers state the force to be 33,000 foot and 10,000 horse, and some say the whole force will be 50,000 men. The destination of this force, was a profound secret at the date of our last advices. Conjectures were various, some imagined this force was to be sent to Italy; but the number of horse is much too large to be transported to such a distance, and we should suppose that horses would be drawn to Italy with more facility from Austrian dominions, and countries adjacent.--An attempt on Holland is spoken of, and others imagine that Hanover is the object. There are a bolder set of quid nuncs, who have destined this army to France, and on the enemy's own shore, to contend with their rivals. Which, or if any of these conjectures have any foundation, it is impossible for us to say. We should, however, deem it not improbable that this army is intended, if not to invade France or Holland, to cause a powerful diversion in favor of Austria, by arresting the march of part of Bonaparte's army to the Rhine. If this can be effected, the Russians will have time to join the Austrians, before France falls upon them with their whole force.

The arrival of the East India, China, Jamaica, and Quebeck fleets in England, the two first without the loss of a ship, and the two latter with only three or four missing, has been the cause of much satisfaction, adding greatly to the resources of the nation in revenue and seamen.--ib.

State of the British Naval Force, Sept. 1, 1805. Ships of the line—In commission; Fitting out, In ordinary; Building;	119 25 15 27
Fifties, Frigates, Sloops of war, &c.	186 19 140 412
Total;	757