The Virginia Gazette

Hague, Jan. 9. O. S.

A Mandate has just been published by the States General for keeping a Fast on the 5th of February next, and is expressed in the most affecting Terms; the Substance is as follows.

After the many Calamities and multiplied Judgments, which in Time past befel the State, the Hand of God is now again laid heavy upon it, by the bloody Wars which have been kindled in the Neighbourhood of the Republick, between the most powerful Princes of Europe. The State, without being immediately engaged itself in these Wars, has been attack'd in the Barrier, which was a Bulwark to it. To these publick Calamities are added essential Evils suffered in our Commerce and Navigation, on which the Nation so much depend. The State has been obliged by the Faith of Treaties, by the Support due to its Friends and Allies, and for the Defence of its own Possessions, to cause its Troops to march to Battle, when God was pleased to withhold his special Favour. This same Barrier, this Bulwark, acquired by the Price of so much Blood and Treasure, has been, in a great Measure, taken away from us. The Fire of War has approached the Frontiers of the State, which is more than ever in Danger of being involved therein. This Fire even threatens the Territories of the Republick itself, already very grievously afflicted by the Distemper among the Cattle, &c.

A Promotion of General Officers in the Service of this State is much talk'd of, and of fitting out a Squadron of twenty Men of War. The Auxiliary Ships lately come back from England, are to return thither as soon as they are in a Condition of sailing.