Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

Boston February 8.

SPANISH REGULATION.

The following particular and authentic account of a recent regulation in the ports of Spain has been received by Mr. Topliff, from his correspondent in Gibraltar.

Copy of a letter from the American Consul at Malaga, to the American Consul at Gibraltar, dated Malaga, 12th November, 1817.

Sir—The Governor of this place has officially communicated to me, that all American vessels calling in at the ports of Spain, will henceforward be subject to a Navigation Duty, as it is so called, of one dollar per ton. None are to be exempted—those that arrive from other ports in Spain, (where the duty has already been paid) windbound that come to anchor in our bay, and even vessels forced by stress of weather, will be called on for the amount, according to the interpretation of the order by our captain of the port, who is charged with its execution. But no charge will be made of the Tonnage Duty, visit, or admission to pratique, anchorage, or light duty, and clearing the mole, or for the Tarifa light, formerly exacted, these items being now all included in the above mentioned Navigation Duty.

As so many of our vessels call in at your port, with the intention of proceeding to the ports of Spain, I have considered it proper to pass to you the information that the Captains may be made acquainted with this new regulation, and, in consequence, act as they consider most conducive to their advantage.

Your's truly,
WM. KIRKPATRICK.