The Massachusetts Spy

October 9. Yesterday morning, at three o'clock, Mr. Potter, one of his Majesty's messengers, who was sent with dispatches from hence to the court of Madrid, arrived at Lord Weymouth's office in Cleveland-Row from that place ; his Lordship came to town in the afternoon, and on receiving the dispatches, brought by Mr. Potter from Spain, his Lordship immediately set out to Richmond, to wait on his Majesty.

On Friday and Saturday nights there was a very hot press on the River, every ship that came in was cleared of her hands, except the Captain, mate, and apprentices.

October 11. Tuesday night summonses were issued for the Parliament to meet as soon as possible ; and it is thought they will be assembled this week : it is not certain whether this unexpectedly early meeting is occasioned by the evasive answer from Spain ; or by the plague having broke out in France. Expresses were immediately sent to the members of both Houses of Parliament in all parts of Great-Britain.

We do not hear that any messenger has been sent off for Madrid since the arrival of Mr. Potter. The truth is, more intelligence concerning the Spanish dispute is expected Saturday or Sunday next. If nothing satisfactory is received, final and conclusive dispatches will be sent off (perhaps by a messenger of greater importance and character than the last) to Madrid, who will be instructed to demand a Categorical answer within a few hours.--- Thus much has transpired from a very respectable quarter.

The Spanish ambassador has absolutely refused to answer any questions concerning the present disputes that may be put to him by the ministry, till he receives instructions from his court, which are expected every hour.

Yesterday Lord Mansfield, with the heads of the Ministry, had a private conference with his Majesty.

We hear the Earl of Chatham and Lord Camden are both summoned to attend the grand Council on the Spanish dispute.

We are assured that there is yet another messenger at Madrid, waiting for the answer of the Spanish court to our last dispatches.

It is certain, that the Spaniards have a fleet of between forty and fifty ships of the line at Ferrol.

In case of a war with Spain, we shall have all the privateers of France poured upon us, with Spanish commissions ; which will be a great annoyance to our trade ; while we can take nothing from the Spaniards, for they have nothing to take, now their galleons are come home.

Two regiments of foot are ordered to hold themselves in readiness to embark, on the shortest notice.

This day the following promotions of Admirals took place ; Sir Peter Denis, Captains Buckle, Montague, Shuldham, Spry, and Lord Howe. No other promotions will be made, till the war is declared, which seems inevitable.