The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from an English Gentleman at MADRID, June 17, 1775.

"I hope to dine with you on Christmas day. I propose leaving this place in about a week, if I can; and before I set off for Paris, intend, if possible, going for Gibraltar, to see our friend, Capt. -, that is, if the armament of this kingdom does not pay a visit to that place before me. All my countrymen in this city are of opinion that Gibraltar, and not Algiers, is the loadstone that attracts them; but for my part. I do not give into this whimsical notion, notwithstanding there may be some trifling things to authorize it. Every precaution, I am confident, has been taken by this Court to prevent their subjects aiding and assisting the American insurgents. The Captain of a ship of war was lately tried here for practices of that nature, and ordered to be shot, which sad sentence I saw put in execution. The destination of this fleet, to be sure, is at present a secret; but I have very substantial reason to believe our Ambassador here is in the secret, and is perfectly satisfied; and has also posed his master of it; and that their not disclosing it is a point of honour. I am not, however, so credulous as to believe every thing gospel that a Spaniard utters; but, on the contrary, would advise the utmost exertion on the part of our Ministry to put the navy on a respectable footing, that they may be able to give blow for blow."