§ No. 1.—Extract of a Letter from W. Warre, Esq, his Majesty's acting Consul at Porto, to Sir E. Nepean, dated 26th July, 1803,—I beg leave to mention that this coast is much annoyed by the enemy's small privateers; that they are fitted out from the neighbouring ports of Galicia; 230 and, considering the nature of this bar, and the approach of winter, the trade is much exposed. I have just received intelligence, that the ship Commerce, of Dublin, Grant, master, to this place, has been captured by a small French row-boat privateer, from Vigo, and carried into Guarda, in direct violation of neutrality, having been taken under the guns of the fort.
§ No. 2.—Natal Occurrences reported by Mr. Duff, his Maj.'s Consul at Cadiz, for Aug. 1803.—5th. Sailed, store-ship Presentacion, with salt, for Galicia.—17th. The Rufina frigate, 34 guns, with 11 millions rials vellon, for Carthagena,—18th. Store-ship Aurorei, with salt, for Galicia.—19th. Ship Mino, of 50 guns, with salt, and 10 millions rials vellon, for Galicia, to disarm.—Lugger Daphne, from Algeciras, is gone to the Carracca, to disarm.—Orders have been received at Ferrol for the ships, Neptune, of 74 guns, and Saint Austin, of 74, to take in their artillery, and keep in readiness until farther orders; and the same dispositions have been given at Carthagena, with respect to the Argonaut, of 84, and Bahama, of 74.—The Astrea, of 34 guns, with quicksilver, destined to Buenos Ayres, is to sail in Sept. and will carry out the capt.-gen. of the Rio de la Plata, brig. Don Ruez Huidobra.—Of the frigates Pomona and Mercedes, which sailed from Ferrol, for Lima; the latter was obliged to put into Montevideo, in consequence of some damage she had suffered in her helm, the other went on.—In the Carracca, the America of 66 guns is fitting out; she is to go to Vera Cruz, with quicksilver.—The Espana, of 64, has gone into Dock to careen, and will have the same destination.—The Sabina frigate, with treasure for the king, is expected from Vera Cruz.—The French ship l'Aigle, and the corvette Torch, are gone up to the Carracca to receive some repairs.—Of 18 sail of the line which are there, 3 of them, which had been in the dry docks for a length of time, were lately taken out, without any thing of consequence being done to them. They, as well as most of the others, will require very great repairs, there being only 3 judged to require but a moderate one, and, in the opinion of good judges, are not fit for any thing but to be broken up. There is a total want of timber in the arsenal, where there is hardly any but the country pine; and, in other respects, it is but very poorly provided.
231§ No. 3—Extract of a Letter from Sir J. T. Duckworth, to Sir E, Nepean, dated Shark, Port-Royal, Jamaica, 2d Oct. 1803.—Sir; The report I stated to you for the information of the lords commissioners of the admiralty in my letter of the 12th June, by the Goliah, of a horde of privateers being in the act of fitting at St. Jago de Cuba, is, I am concerned to say, confirmed, and the sad effects of it are felt most particularly by the coasting trade of this island, notwithstanding the utmost exertions are used by his maj.'s squadron under my command; but the vessels they have to counteract are of such description, that large ships can be of little utility; I therefore hope, that their ldps. will have allowed of the national schooners, which are uncommon fine vessels of the sort, being purchased for that service.
§ No. 4.—Extract of a Letter from J. Duff, Esq. his Maj.'s Consul at Cadiz, to W. Marsden, Esq. dated 14th Oct. 1803.—I am assured this day, orders have been received at the island for the arming at that arsenal of 2 three-deckers, an 84, and 3 74's; and at Carthagena 3 large frigates. It has even been said some line of battle ships have been ordered to be fitted out there; also at Ferrol, but I believe not with certainty; and the fact is, several months must elapse before those at this department can be in any readiness to put to sea. My next will probably convey you more pointed information on this head.—Our capt.-gen. is called to court; and, as a considerable number of troops have assembled at Zamora and Valladolid, it may be inferred with a view to his inspecting them, or giving him some command.
§ No. 5.—Extract of a private Note from Mr. J. Hunter, his Brit. Maj.'s. Consul at Madrid, dated 22d. Oct. 1803, to Sir E. Pellew.—There is no confirmation of the rumours of neutrality.—At all the 3 arsenals they are arming; but there is a want of seamen, stores, and materials of every sort.
§ No. 6.—Extract of a Letter from. Rear-Adm. Sir E. Pellew, dated on board the Tonnant, off Ferrol, 24th Oct. 1803, to Adm. Cornwallis.—Much increased activity prevails since the last dispatches from Madrid, and they worked night and day until the 16 gun-boats were ready. It may be possible that these Spanish ships are fitting to embark Augereau's army. I shall use every means to discover that measure if it 232 should be adopted, and forward the earliest intelligence of it to you.
§ No. 7.—Navel Occurrences for Oct. to be reported by Mr. Duff. Ships ordered to be fitted out.—Trinidad, of 130 guns; Santa Ana, 112; San Rafael, 84; Terrible, 74; Soberano, 74; America, 64; Amphitrite, 40. Destined for Vera Cruz and Havanna.—Rufina, 34 guns, destined for Lima.—The brig Penelope, of 18 guns, in the bay destined for Malaga, but detained on account of the epidemical disorder which reigns there.—Brig Argo, of 22 guns, and schooner Felozo, of 16 guns, are appointed guarda costas for La Guayra, under the command of brig. Don A. Figueraa, going commandant of that department.—Lugger Experiment, arrived from Malaga, to careen at the arsenal, and is still under quarzmtine.—Ships fitting out at Carthagena. Reyna Louisa, of 112guns; San Carloz, 112; Bahama, 74; Argonauta, 84; Matilde, 34; Vanganza, 34.—The ships ordered to be fitted out at Ferrol are 5, though hitherto the following only are named: Principe d'Austuria, of 112 guns; Neptune, 84; San Augustin, 74.—The place of rendezvous, it is asserted, will be this port; but from all appearances the earliest possible they can assemble will be Feb. or March next. The French ship and corvette have not yet got into dock.
§ No. 8.—Naval Occurrences for Nov. 1803, reported by Mr. Duff, his Maj.'s Consul at Cadiz.—In the Carracca, the fitting out of the 6 ships is going on. The America, of 66 guns, is the only one of them which is completed, and is gone out of the arsenal; as to the others, 3 of them (one of which the Trinidad) are in port; some time will elapse before they come out of it, and can be equipped as well as the others.—At Ferrol they are occupied in the armament of the 5 ships to be fitted out there, the Neptune, Don. A. Valdes, Monorca, Don A. Argomosa, S. Augustin, Don A. Pareja, S. Fulgencio, Don J. Rivera, Principe, Don C. Charruca; these ships, as fitted, are expected to come here.—Of the 4 ships fitted out at Carthagena, the Argonaut, 84 guns, brig. Don de One, and the Bahama, 74, capt. Don L. Truxillo, have been some time arrived here; the 2 remaining S. Carlos, 112 guns, brig. Don L. Musias, and Reyna Luisa, 112 guns, brig. Don. A. Pastigo, were preparing to follow.—The ships Paula, San Pablo, San Joaquim, and Guererro have been masted at the same place, but no order had 233 been received for fitting them out. The frigate Santa Rufina, which arrived here from Carthagena, about 10 days ago, is under orders to get ready for America, supposed to be for Lima. The king's storeship, Santa Justa, sailed the 26th ult. for a port in Galicia, with a cargo of salt for the king's account. The new frigate Vengeance built at Mahon, and arrived latterly from Carthagena, is to be attached to the squadron; she appears to be a fine frigate, and can mount 40 guns. Of the 2 frigates which sailed from Ferrol last Feb. for Lima, the Santa Clara arrived at the Callac the 22d June; the other, the Mercedes, has put into Rio Janeyro, leaky. The brig Argo, and schooner Telosa, under the orders of the brig. Don A. de Fegueroa, are intended to sail in the present month, as guardá costas for the Caracas. The lugger Experiment, which went with surgeons and priests to Malaga, and is lately returned, remains in this bay performing quarantine. The brig Penelope remains equipped in this bay, and without any destination being given her.
§ No. 9.—Extract of a Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir E. Pellew, dated on board the Tonnant, off Ferrol, 1st Dec. 1803, to Adm. Cornwallis.—I have only to confirm the last report of the state of the enemy's ships in Ferrol and Corunna, with the additional circumstance of orders having arrived the day before yesterday to equip, with all expedition, 2 sail of the line (Spanish) it is said for St. Domingo.
§ (Inclosure in No. 9.)—Extract of Information from Sir E. Pellew, inclosed in Adm. Cornwallis's Letter, dated on board the Ville de Paris, off Ushant, 11th Jan. 1804, to Adm. Cornwallis.—A few days since the Spaniards have been much employed mounting cannon in all their forts; and the garrison at Ferrol is augmented to 7000 troops. They have made no alteration with respect to their ships, except the 2 intended for the West Indies, which are getting forward.
§ No. 10.—Naval Occurrences for 6th Dec. 1803, reported by Mr. Duff, his Maj.'s Consul at Cadiz.—The Argonaut and Bahama, which arrived here from Carthagena in Nov. are gone up to the Carracca, the one to be coppered, the other to have her upper-works caulked. By late advices from the Havanna, the San Alexandre had been careened, and was expected to proceed for Vera Cruz; another ship was careening there; the others are in a great measure 234 abandoned, and in so decayed a state as to be judged incapable of being repaired, The French ship l'Aigle and corvette the; Torche equally, the brig Argus of. 18 guns latterly arrived here, continue, the two first in the Carracca, and the latter in the bay; it has been surmised orders having latterly been received, for their being in readiness to proceed upon service. There can be no doubt entertained of their wish to spend the winter in this port, and in which I think it probable they will be grar titled. J. D.
§ No. 11.—Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Duff, his Maj.'s Consul at Cadiz, to Sir E. Nepean, dated 22d Dec. 1803.—Dear Sir; The armament of the ships here go on very slowly, and I have reason to believe it to be the case at the other departments, from many circumstances. I rather expect that several months may elapse before the ships fitting out will be so manned and united here, as it is said to be the intention to the number of 20 sail of the line.—By an express which arrived here to the French commissary of commercial relations, M. Le Roy, the 18th from Paris, and latterly from Ferrol, it is said he is supposed to have received directions relative to l'Aigle, corvette Torche; and Argus brig of 18 guns, (arrived since my last from St. Domingo and the Havanna,) relative to their further proceedings. It is surmised by some, that they are to remain in readiness in the event of the squadron at Ferrol being able to evade the vigilance of Sir E. Pellew, and appearing off to join them, and to proceed to the Mediterranean.
§ No. 12.—Extract of a Letter from Vice-Adm. Sir J. T. Duckworth, K. B. Commander in Chief of his Maj.'s Ships and Vessels at Jamaica, to Sir E. Nepean, Bart, dated on board the Shark, the Port Royal Harbour, 15th Jan. 1804—I herewith transmit, for the information of the lords commissioners of the admiralty, an extract of a letter just received by a merchant of eminence in this island, in which great confidence is placed; and should it be certainly ascertained that French agents proceed to the condemnation of English vessels carried into the ports of Cuba, I shall not feel great delicacy is due to the Spaniards, though I shall endeavour to avoid any open hostility till I am honoured with their ldp.'s commands.
§ (Inclosure in No. 12.)—Extract of a Letter dated St. Jago de Cuba, 8th Jan. 1804.—There has arrived here 2 days since, a French agent, who is charged with great 235 powers. Just at present the Spanish govt. is not willing to acknowledge him; that does not prevent him nevertheless from leaving an agent to condemn prizes.
§ No. 13.—Naval Occurrences at Cadiz for Jan. 1804, repoted by Mr. Duff, his Maj.'s Consul at that place.—Note of the 15 ships armed and arming in this and the departments of Ferrol and Carthagena. Trinidada, 130—St. Ann, 112—Principe 112—ReinaLuisa, 112—San Carlos, 112—San Rafael, 84—Neptune, 84—Argonauta, 84—Monarca, 74—Bahama, 74—Sau Augustin, 74—Espacia, 66—America, 66—San Fulgencio, 66.—The 31st Jan. the following vessels sailed from this port: The frigate Vengeance, 36 guns, with stores for the Havanna, and Quicksilver for Vera Cruz: the frigate Amphitrite, 40 guns, Stores for Porto-Rico, and Quicksilver for Vera Cruz: the frigate Rufina, 34 guns, stores for La Guayra and Porto-Rico, and Quicksilver for Vera Cruz. This last ready, but not yet sailed. The frigate Matilde, 36 guns, is daily expected here from Carthagena, with stores for this arsenal.—The two brigs and schooner, destined as guarda costas for La Guayra, continue getting ready to proceed for their destinations.—The frigate Clara, 36 guns, opened her register at Lima, in Oct. upon her return for this country, and may be expected in May, with from 3 to 4 millions of dolfars.—The French ship l'Aigle is new victualled, and although badly manned, is expected to quit this the first favourable opportunity. The corvette Torche, and Argus brig, are not yet quite ready. The Donegal quitted this neighbourhood about the 15th of Jan. The Medusa and Maidstone have taken her station, and it is doubted the Aigle quitting this while they continue upon that station. The American brig of war Argus, has been here some days, and sailed the 5th Feb. for Gibraltar. An American schooner sailed the 4th, with answers to dispatches she brought here 3 weeks ago, from the Spanish minister at Washington.—4 regiments are said to be under orders to embark at Corunna or Ferrol, for N. Orleans,—Feb. 8th, sailed the Rufina, mentioned before as being ready; the 9th, 3 frigates, supposed to be the Medusa, Maidstone, and Diana, were seen at sunrise, about 2 leagues from the lighthouse; l'Aigle had been expected to sail in the night; the wind, a fresh Levanter; the Diana came in and anchored in the evening; the other two frigates are the Medusa and Am- 236 phion. The Diana was immediately admitted to Pratique.
§ No. 14.—Extract of a Letter from Adm. Cornwallis to W. Marsden, Esq. dated on board the Ville de Paris, off Ushant, the 15th Feb. 1804.—I send a copy of a letter from Sir E. Pellew to me, with the communications therein referred to; and a copy of a letter from Mr. Frere at Madrid to him. (Vide No. 12 of the additional papers, p. 181.)
§ State of the Naval Force in Ferrol, inclosed in a Letter from Adm. Corawallis, dated 15th Feb. 1804—Two ships of 80 guns, half ready, men enrolled for them in the vicinity, and ready when called upon. One three-decker, two of 74 guns, commissioned and rigged. Storing their holds slowly.—Two frigates will be ready with the first ships. 4 three-deckers, 8 two ditto, and some frigates, out of commission.—In the arsenal, 1 of the line, and 2 frigates building.—The troops in garrison fluctuate from 8 to 10,000. E. PELLEW. Tonnant, Betancos Bay, 5th Feb. 1804.
§ No. 15.—Copy of a Letter from Vice Adm. Sir J. T. Duckworth, dated on board the Shark, Port-Royal, Jamaica, 7th Mar. 1804, to Sir E. Nepean.—Sir; having in a letter of the 15th Jan. acquainted you, for the: information of the lords commissioners of the admiralty, of various intelligence received from St. Jago de Cuba, amongst which it was positively asserted, that the gen. of brigade, Noailles, had collected a force on the north side of Cuba, (of the troops that had escaped from St. Domingo) with which he meditated an attack upon New Providence; and having had the same corroborated by a letter express from gov. Halket, which reached here the 30th; on the 31st, and 1st of Feb. I dispatched the Racoon, and La Superieure schooner, to aid the Snake, Stark, and Sandwich, in resisting any attempt that might be made on that colony; and on the 29th ult. I received a letter, bearing date the 15th, from gov. Halket, by the Stork, acquainting me that the gen. of brigade, Noailles, had been killed in an action, with a Providence privateer, in the night, whilst removing from, one port to another, with 350 French troops in a brig, which captured the privateer; but in consequence of that gen.'s loss, all the French troops bad gone to the Havanna, and were in a very considerable force, receiving a sort of protection, and he believed a tacit encouragement, very improper from a neutral nation, even to 237 the engaging of Spanish pilots, and being suffered to procure vessels to prosecute their hostile intentions against Providence. He therefore has thought incumbent to send a remonstrance to the govt. of the Havanna, demanding an explicit answer, with which capt. Roberts of the Snake has allowed the Sandwich cutter to proceed, and it is with great satisfaction I learn from gov. Halket, that the naval assistance he now has, causes him to have little apprehensions for the safety of the island, all which I will beg you to communicate to their 1dps. And I am, &c. J.T.DUCKWORTH.
§ No. 16.—Copy of a Letter from Vice-Adm. Sir J. T. Duckworth, dated on board the Shark, Port Royal, 25, March, 1804. to Sir E. Nepean.—Sir; The inclosed I have this moment received, and though it is not of a very recent date, as it corroborates the former intelligence of the very improper conduct of the Spanish govt. in Cuba, I transmit it for the information of the lords commissioners of the admiralty. I am, &c. J. T. DUCKWORTH.
§ (Inclosure in No. 16.) Ship Enterprise, Havanna, 17th Jan. 1803.—Sir; According to my instructions from the high court of admiralty, I have to inform you of the proceedings in this port since my arrival on the 12th of this month. On my being in eight of this port, the signal was mane for an English ship. The French general here sent a French Privateer out for the express purpose of taking my ship; but not being of force sufficient to attack the ship, she thought proper to haul off. There are 5 privateers now here, of different descriptions; one brig fitting out on purpose to take this ship when she sails. The said brig mounts 18 guns, and full of men. One schooner of 6 guns; and the others mount 4 guns each, and carry from 50 to 60 men. I understand they are determined on taking the Ship. I shall have on board, when sailing, 30,000 sterling; and unless I have some protection, I am undetermined on sailing. One of the before-mentioned privateers has brought in here a large ship, named the British Queen, of St. John, that sailed with the last convoy from Jamaica. She parted with the fleet, and came through the Gulph. She was captured off Cape Antonio by a privateer of one gun. These privateers make prizes of Danes, Americans, and every thing unarmed. I have also to communicate to the admiralty of G. Brit, the conduct of this govt. And have the honour, &c.
§ C. LAWSON.
238§ No. 17.—Naval Occurrences reported by Mr. Duff, his Maj.'s Consul at Cadiz, for May, 1804.—The squadron of the 15 ships continues nearly in the same state as in the preceding months. Upon the 16th May, the king's urea or storeship, the Santa Appolonia, left this port; her destination for the Havanna, conveying stores for that department, recruits, &c. Upon the 31st sailed his maj.'s urea visitation} her destination Ferrol; 2 others are pre-paring here to follow her, the Santa Justa and Liebre; the whole said to be intended to proceed to the Havanna, with stores, and to return from thence with timber for the arsenals. Orders are said to have been received for laying the keels of some ships and frigates, and to begin to build as soon as timber may arrive.—Upon the 7th April the frigate Amphitrite sailed from. the Havanna; she had gone from this, and with her sailed the frigate Neustra Senora Delao, of that department; their destination for Vera Cruz, there to join the frigates, Sabina and Vengenza, there to take aboard treasure, to be conveyed to this place, where they may now soon be expected. They will probably bring with them from 10 to 12 million of dollars.—Of the ships which have been fitted out at Ferrol, the san Fulgencio, of 66 guns, is under orders, and is getting ready to proceed for Vera Cruz, from whence she will probably return with treasure. She is reputed one of the fastest sailing ships in his maj.'s navy. By letters received lately from Lima, there is advice that 3 king's frigates were completing their register of money; it will probably run to about 3 millions of dollars upon each; they were expected to sail about the 15th Feb. and were to touch at Montevideo for intelligence, and there to put themselves under the command of the Gifu de Esquadra, or brig, don F. de Bustamente, who has been the naval commander there for some time, who is to take the command, and to return with them for Spain; they may be expected in August, and will come rich.—The ships that have been fitted out at the Carracca have but few men on board, and no steps taking, indicating a desire of soon manning them. Two of them are still in dock, completing their repairs. The number of additional carpenters and caulkers lately collected there, and which may go to about 1000, are employed upon the different vessels laid up there in ordinary, which are all of them to be overhauled, and to have repairs necessary to prevent many of them 239 from sinking. They are about 10 in number, exclusive of the 6 which have been fitted or are fitting out, and of the Bahama and Argonauta, which came round from Carthagena; 4 of them are judged to be incapable of being repaired, and only fit to be broken up.—The l'Aigle, corvette Torche, aud brig Argus, French, which have been so long here, are completely manned and victualled for 6 months, and appear to be now waiting to proceed to sea.
§ No. 18 —Extract of a Letter from Rear-Adm. Cochrane to Lord Melville, dated 15th June 1804.—Your ldp. will observe by the enclosed paper, that the French are making every exertion to complete their squadron lying at Ferrol and Corumia. This reinforcement, which I expect to arrive by the 22d, will do much towards it, as hitherto they have been without marines. I make no doubt but seamen will follow the same rout, if they do not send them in small vessels across the bay, landing them at the out-ports, from whence they will pass by land to Ferrol. Landsmen will answer, as they are by no means deficient of seamen. How far the Spaniards have adhered to their neutrality, in suffering S00 men to march from one end of Spain to the other, in order to complete the equipment of the French squadron, is a matter that is not for me to decide upon.
§ (Inclosure in No. 18.)—Thirteen boats belonging to the French at Sedera. Each boat has 26 men, armed only with small arms. They are under the command of a naval officer, and came from Bayonne, laden with sail cloth, bunting, cordage, &c. which is now transporting by land to the French squadron at Ferrol: 6" more are hourly expected. The above boats do not exceed 14 tons each, and keep close in shore, never leaving port but when the coast is clear. The men are said to be as a recruit to the French. ships; and the boats to be sold.
§ No. 19.—Extract of a Letter from Rear-Adm. Cochrane to Lord Melville, dated 24th June 1804.—What I suspected has come to pass, and the French are completing their complement of seamen from their ports on the bay, while they receive soldiers through Spain from Malaga.
§ No. 20.—Naval Occurrences at Cadiz for July 1804, reported by Mr. Duff, his Maj.'s Consul at that Place.—The king's store ship, Santa Justa, which arrived latterly 240 with building timber for the Carracca, is under orders to proceed to Trieste, to bring quicksilver. N. B. The mines of Almaden, which for the last 4 years had produced any quantity of quicksilver which was wanted here, having in a great degree failed, insomuch that the above-mentioned ship is destined for Trieste, to bring, a supply.—His maj.'s ship, Minho, which arrived latterly from Galicia, and brought building timber and powder, is to be careened at the Carraccas, as well as the Castilla, which is expected here from Galicia, and intended also to he sent for America.—The frigate Lucia is getting ready at Carthagena to come to this department.—The ship San Leandro, 66 guns, sailed from the Havanna, the 20th June, having on board don Mendimuta, late viceroy of Santa Fe; she is supposed to have put into Porto Rico, and was in a bad condition.—The Trinidad and Saint Ann are under orders to proceed for Ferrol, half manned, in order to remain in that department; in like manner the Regla, when careened. These large ships grounding at low water, from the creek of the Caracca having too little water for them in its present state, is assigned as the reason.—The 6' ships which were armed in this department, viz. the Trinidad, Saint Ann, Terrible, San Raphael, Glorious, and Saint Jago America, continue as before, with few men on board, and little exertion towards manning them.—The Bahama and Argonaut, 2 of the 6 which were fitted out at Carthagena and came round here, have their complement of men on board, and lay in the upper part of the bay ready for service.—They are continuing to overhaul and to careen the remaining ships in the Carracca as fast as they can undertake it. The number of caulkers, carpenters, &c. (Maistranzos) actually employed there may be about 2500. The ships actually in dock and repairing in them are the Rayo, San Juste, and Soverano. The department has a sufficient provision of pitch, tar, hemp, rope, and cables, and of sail cloth. I do not find any quantity of naval stores is expected from the Baltic this season, or that there are any contracts.—Nitre frigates, 4 of which from Vera Cruz, are expected soon from thence, Lima, &c.: 3 of them from Vera Cruz had sailed: the Venganza we learn is arrived at Ferrol, or Vigo, with 3,100,000 dollars. The Sabina and Amphitrite, which sailed with her from-Vera Gruz, and having equal sums on board, are said to 241 Lave put into Teneriffe, arid all of them with reduced crews, from having lain at Vera Cruz during the sickly season. They left the Rufina, which was to have followed them the 23d June, and may be every day expected. These frigates, and the others from Lima, &c. it is computed may bring about 24 millions of dollars.—The Castilla from Ferrol arrived here the 15th.
§ No. 21—Extract of a Letter from Rear-Adm. Cochrane to Lord Melville, 23d Aug. 1804.—The Spaniards have put their 12 regiments of marines upon the same establishment as ours. Officers distinct from the navy are appointed to them, and they are formed into 3 departments; viz. Ferrol, Cadiz, and Carthagena": 300 French soldiers are within a few days march of this, disguised as sailors, from Bayonne. The Spaniards are afraid to interfere.
§ No. 22.—Naval Occurrences at Cadiz for Aug. 1804, reported By Mr. Duff, his Maj.'s Consul at that place.—Aug. 7.—Sailed for Galicia the king's urea, or store ship, the Brujalo.—20. Sailed the urea Santa Justa for Trieste, to bring quicksilver. The ship San Leandro, and the frigates Amphitrite and Rufina, which latterly have arrived from Vera Cruz and the Havanna, are to remain in this, department. The frigate Matilda, which arrived from Carthagena the 11th, is under orders, to proceed for the Havanna in the next month, with stores for that department, her commander Don A. Vacoro. The frigate Magdalena is continuing to be fitted out at the Carracas, to proceed for America. The frigate Venganza, which arrived latterly from Vera Cruz with money, and the frigate the Prueba, which has been in readiness some time in Galicia, are. under orders to proceed soon for Vera Cruz, to bring money. One frigate which remained at Vera Cruz is expected soon with a similar sum, for the king, as the 3 others which are arrived. A very considerable sum, which it is judged may amount to above 5 millions, is expected from the same place, on account of the merchants, and to come in the merchant ships expected from that part in the course of this year. The frigates expected from Lima and Buenos Ayres, 4 or 5 in number, and 1 from Carthagena, are not yet arrived; they may be looked for in what remains of this year, and may be expected to bring in all from 8 to 10 millions for account of the king and of the merchants. N. B. In the Car-raccas things continue, and are going on, 242 much as before; the old ship Rayo, sister ship to the Gibraltar, is changing into a 3 decker, her bottom has been found very good at this length of time since she has been built; since making out this. report, I am informed she registered seamen from the different ports belonging to this department, viz. from that of Ayamante to that of Algesires, both inclusive, have been ordered to repair to the Carracxa; this would indicate an intention to man the ship? which are fitted out; I will be attentive to the results, and to know how far it may be carried into effect, and as to the object proposed by it; giving information as to the result.
§ No. 23.—Extract of a Letter from. Rear-Adm. Cochrane, to Ld. Melville, dated 5th Sept. 1804.—Orders are just arrived to fit out the ships mentioned in the enclosed list with all possible dispatch: this, coupled with the sailing of 2 three-decked, ships from Cadiz for this port, to be followed by another, and the circumstance of the enclosed ships being ordered to victual for 3 months only (although said to be bound for America), makes me conjecture that their designs are not of the most pacific nature, I have, therefore, ordered the Illustrious to proceed directly to Plymouth, without calling off Ushant. Should the Spaniards' have any hostile views against G. Britain, within a month the following force may be collected here:—3 first raies from Cadiz—3 seventy-fours fitting here—5 French ships; making in all 11 sail of the line. The finances of this country are low. They only wait the arrival of the frigates with treasure to put on a different countenance. I cannot conceive that Spain, even if at war with America, could require so many line of battle ships, for similar orders are given at Cadiz and Carthagena. The time that the Armament will be ready for sea corresponding with that of the French squadron; the 3 first rates fitted at Cadiz to come round here; all tend to shew that they have some united object in view. Numbers of Soldiers for the French are now arriving at Ferrol from France, and many more are now upon the road.
§ (Inclosure in No. 23.)—List of the Squadron of Spanish Ships of War fitting at Ferrol.—Neptune 74 guns, San Augustin 74? Monarca 74, Vengeance 36, Fruesbo 40 Brugula, storeship, Urguiso, 24, corvette, a brig.—Provisions for 3 months. Don C. Balder commands this force.
§ No. 24.—Extract of a Letter from Rear- 243 Adm. Cochrane, to Ld. Melville, dated 11th. Sept. 1804.—I have been forced to keep the Illustrious, as there does not remain a doubt of the hostile intentions of Spain. Mr. Frere will inform your 1dp. that Spain has agreed to the propositions made by America; so that there is no pretence for supposing that the Armament is on account of that country: 3000 men embark from hence. I am told that the whole of the ships will be ready to leave this port in 14 days.
§ No. 25.—Extract of a Letter from Rear-Adm. Cochrane, to Adm. Cornwallis, dated on board the Northumberland, off Ferrol, 19th Sept. 1804.—I have ordered the Majestic to be completed with water, and should nothing particular happen she will be ordered to the Downs agreeable to the Admiralty order. It is impossible to say what state the Spanish squadron may be in; within a few days it must certainly depend upon orders from court.—I will delay sending the Ganges and Illustrious to Plymouth until I receive further orders, as I do not think the remaining 3 ships will be safe after their departure, should orders arrive from Madrid to send the Spanish squadron to sea, which they can do in 24 hours, should their object be an attack upon the squadron under my orders.
§ No. 26.—Extract of a Letter from Rear Adm. Cochrane, to Ld. Melville, dated 20th Sept. 1804.—I inclose to you copies of papers which I transmitted to adm. Cornwallis yesterday. I have since received an answer from the capt. gen. of the marine, to my last letter; the evasive nature of which must strike your 1dp. as it does me, that the retiring of the squadron into the arsenal is a mere blind, where they are equally ready for sea as when at anchor in the harbour. Most of their crew live in the vicinity of Ferrol; and they have, it is said, leave granted them until the 15th of next month. I must however remark, that they can be assembled at any time within a few hours.
§ (First Inclosure in No. 26.)—Copy of a Letter from Rear-Adm. Cochrane, to the Capt. Gen. of Marine, Ferrol, dated his Brit. Maj.'s Ship Northumberland, off Ferrol, 14th Sept. 1804.—Sir; Knowing the political situation in which G. Brit, and Spain stood with respect to each other, I was much astonished at being informed that orders had been sent to the different naval departments of this country to increase their marine establishments; and fit out squadrons 244 similar to what is now doing in the port of Ferrol. As Spain is not engaged in any foreign war, I feel it my duty to demand an explanation, more particularly as the harbour of Ferrol contains 5 sail of the line belonging to the French, as also 1 Dutch man of war of the same rate; the officers of whom I am informed declare, that they intend sailing in com. with the Spanish squadron; which report seems to be confirmed by their late preparations.—The situation in which I am placed by commanding a division of his Brit, maj.'s ships, calls upon me to enquire of your excl. if the above facts are true; for should the 2 squadrons sail in company, I declare to your excl. that it is my determination to attack that of France and Holland, and I trust in doing so I will not be opposed by the Spanish squadron; the consequences of which may prove fatal to the harmony and good understanding that has so happily subsisted between the two countries, and which my best endeavours have hitherto been used to preserve. At the same time there is a duty I owe my country in maintaining its honour and dignity that is paramount to every other consideration, and by this I must be governed. I have the honour, &c.
§ A. COCHRANE.
§ (Second Inclosure in No. 26.)—Copy of a Letter from the Capt. Gen. of Marine at Ferrol, to Rear-Adm. Cochrane, dated 15th Sept.1804:—At 3 quarters past 12 of this day, I have received your excl.'s official of yesterday, directed to ask me explanations upon the subject of the armament of ships that your excl. says is making in this port, and to manifest that you are determined to attack any of the French ships of war and the Dutch ship that are here, should they verify their departure at the same time that the Spanish ships of war effect it.—To the 1st point I have no objection to answer your excl. that though in this department there have been armed 3 ships & 1 frigate, besides another that was already fitted out, and some smaller ships for a secret commission; the manner in which these ships have been manned with only half crews; this circumstance alone by itself dissipates all hostile apprehensions on the part of any European power.—And as to what regards the 2d point, I can only say to your excl. that I remain informed of the declaration which your excl. makes, of attacking the French and Dutch ships of war, should they effect their sailing with the Spanish; and not having, the least knowledge of the French in- 245 tending to depart from this port with the ships of my sovereign, I give account to his maj. of what your excl, has just officiated with me for his royal information, which I lay before your excl, in reply to your said office. God preserve your exel. many years.
§ FELIX DE TEXADA.
§ (Third Inclosure in No. 26.)—Copy of 2d Letter from the Copt. Gen. of Marine at Ferrol, to Rear-Adm. Cochrane, 15th of Sept. 1804.—After having closed the adjoined packet for your excl. and having sent it with one of my adjutants to the English Vice Consul, who not being found, and when my dispatches were already in the post-office, in which I inform my court of what your excl. had officiated with me, and of my reply, I have received orders to disarm his maj.'s 3 ships that are in this port, and that only to remain so the 2 frigates, the packets, and transport ships, that were sp before, to be employed in their particular commissions; with which motive I have again opened the said packet, to subjoin to it this information, which should pacify the apprehensions you manifested in your office of yesterday. God preserve, &c.
§ FELIX DE TEXABA.
§ (Fourth Inclosure in No. 26.)—Copy of a Letter fram Rear-Adm. Cochrane, to the Capt. Gen. of Marine, dated his Maj.'s ship Northumberland, off Ferrol, l6th of Sept. 1804.—Sir; I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date, in answer to mine of the 14th inst. It affords me much pleasure, to understand, that your excl. has received order to retire into the arsenal and disarm the Spanish squadron now in the harbour of Ferrol. May I beg of your excl, to know, for the information of my court, if the orders are for the actual disarmament of the squadron, that is to say, disembarking their guns, provisions, rigging, &c. as also fpr the discharge of their respective ships companies. I am well aware, that ships of every der scription can remain in the arsenal equally ready for sea as at anchor where they now are; and the duty I owe my country puts me under the painful necessity of making the demands I now de. May God long preserve, &c.
§ A. COCHRANE.
§ (Fifth Inclosure in No. 26.)—Copy of a Letter from the Capt. Gen, of Marine, to Rear-Adm, Cochrane, dated 18th Sept, 1804. —To the office that your excl. has been pleased to address me, under the date of 6th of the present month, and which was delivered to me yesterday morning, I can pnly reply to your excl. that the king's 246 ships which I informed your excl. by my 2nd office, dated the 15th, should enter the arsenal, have already effected it, will remain in the same state they were in before their equipment for to get into, port, which has been the origin of the apprehensions your excl. had, and which you manifested to me in your letter of the 14th, and to which I have replied to your excl. by my; two officials on the following day, which I reassure yourexel. in answer to your said official; and wishing for opportunities in which I may be able to evince the consideration I have for your excl.'s person. God preserve, &c. Felix de Texada.
§ No. 27. —Naval Occurrences at Cadiz, &c. for Sept. 1804, reported by Mr. Duff, his Maj.'s consul at that Place.—Upon the 13th arrived the 2 store ships belonging to the king; the Presentacion and Aurora from Galicia with timber for Carthagina, and 450 of the troops destined from Tijas. The 1st proceeded the 23d for her destination, the 2d went to the Carracca to repair her main-mast. The troops were landed at the island and incorporated with the force which is forming there for that service, under the command of Don P. Grimarest, who is to command there, as is, according to report, Don J. Caro, lately promoted to the rank of capt. of a ship from that of capt. of a frigate, to qualify him for the command, which is to consist in frigates. For the present, 1600 troops are only intended to be sent out, and probably will go to the Mavanna in the 1st instance.—In the Carracca, the frigates Magdalena and Refina are getting ready; and in the hay, the frigate Pomona, (lately arrived from the department of Carthagena), also the Amphi-trite. In all these frigates they are forming the case for their receiving on board the quicksilver destined for the Havanna and Vera Cruz.—In Galicia, the frigates Venganzaand Pruesa are under sailing orders for Montivideo.—From Montivideo was expected to sail 25th of July the frigates Assumpcion, Paz, and Mercedes, which had put in there from Lima, where they have united with the frigates Clara and Medea, which were upon that station. The whole being a money or plate register, and under the command of the Gife d'Es-quadra, rear-adm. Don, J, Bustamente. They are expected to bring 6 millions.—The ships which had been ordered to befitted out at the Carracca, (and which, with respect to armament, have been so these some months past) remain in the same situation as they have been of late. Only 3 247 of them have any number of men on board. These are the Trinidad and St. Ann, having about 500 each, and the America, with nearly her complement. The other 3 with hardly any. The Argonaut and Bahama, which came from Carthagena, are completely manned and ready for service in every respect. The careening of the remaining ships in the Carracca is carrying on.
§ No. 28—Extract of a Letter from Capt. Gore of the Medusa, dated 5th Oct. 1804.—The French ship l'Aigle of 74 guns, and 5 sail of Spanish line of battle ships, are perfectly ready for sea at Cadiz. The Santis-sima Trinidada and the St. Ann, both first rotes, are fitting, but not ready.
§ No. 29—Copy of a Letter from Capt. J. C. White, to Lord Melville, 19M Oct. 1804.—My Lord; In obedience to your ldp.'s commands, I herewith state the force of the French and Spanish ships, as far as came under my observation during my stay at Cadiz, between the 27th Aug. and 5th Sept. last, viz. In the pontal or road of Cadiz, the French force consisted of l'Aigle of 74 guns, and 2 corvettes, manned and ready for sea.—The Spanish force in the pontal consisted of the guardship, an old non-effective 6*0 gun ship; 2 ships of the line, one of 70,., the other of 64 guns; these had recently arrived from the colonies, were badly manned, sickly, and appeared by no means effective ships of war; 4 frigates were also lying in the road, 2 of them were in good order, and appeared fully manned; the other 2 I understood were incomplete, sickly, and wanting repairs; they had lately returned from the colonies. The Spanish force at the Carracc as I understood consisted of 2 ships of 74 guns, about half manned, and were fitting it was said merely to be carried round to Ferrol to be laid up; an 80 gun ship was repairing at the Carraccas, and to have a third tier added to her.—The above was as nearly as I can recollect the naval force at Cadiz on the 5th Sept. and, as far as my observation and enquiries led, there did not at that lime appear any thing like a naval armament on foot. I am, &c.
§ J. C. WHITE.