The Virginia Gazette

Hague, Nov. 14. Since the Deputies of the Admiralty of the Republick are return'd to Amsterdam and Rotterdam, after having conferr'd with the Members of the Government, such Dispositions are making as confirm the Idea which has been conceived of an approaching Naval Armament. It's said that 7 or 8 Men of War will speedily be equipped more than what are already actually employ'd, the Court of Spain being greatly distrusted by the States General. The Discontent which their High Mightinesses labour under, in Regard to the Conduct of that Court, makes them strictly attentive to any Enterprizes that it is in any Likelihood of forming to the Prejudice of the Republick. The States-General appear resolv'd to have constantly some Ships of Observation in the West-Indies, and a Squadron to cruize in the Mediterranean, or at least till the Discussions on both Sides shall be determin'd. Letters from M. Vander Meer, dated about the Middle of last Month, take Notice, that hitherto all his Representations have appear'd useless; and that the Court of Spain persisted in its unjust Pretensions. It's said that their High Mightinesses had Sent Orders to their Minister to engage Mr. Keen, at Madrid, to employ his good Offices in Favour of the Republick; that this Minister had not fail'd of communicating this to the Marquess de la Quadra, who return'd an Answer to it no way satisfactory to the States-General. The British Minister here was lately invited to a Conference with the Deputies of the States-General, with whom he continu'd two Hours. All that is at present known concerning the Subject thereof, which is kept very secret, is, that it related to the Affairs of Spain, and was occasion'd by a Letter which their High Mightinesses very lately receiv'd from M. Vander Meer, wherein he gives very important Advices concerning the Designs of that Court in Regard to this Republick.