Star.
London, England, 1818-07-09 00:00:00

THE FLORIDA&

A private letter from Paris announces that the
forces of the United states have seized the Floridas
from Spain. The courier of the Spanish Embassy at
the French Capital had brought letters to several
commercial houses communicating the above intelli-
gence, of which M. ONIS is said to have conveyed
the particulars to the Court of Madrid. This, we
are apprehensive, will be considered as an important
blow by the Spanish Cabinet. Grounds have been
urged in vindication of the measure, of which we
know not yet how to estimate the solidity or the jus-
tice ; but where is an usurpation ever attempted,
which we do not see coloured with some pretence of
right? What atrocious injury was ever committed,
which the aggressor did not strive to mask under the
embroidery of self-defence, or retaliation? We fear
that the real and substantial cause is the present
feebleness of the Spanish Government.

Yesterday the Grand Duke MICHAEL, attended by
Baron NICIIOLAI and Sir WILLIAM CONGREVE, &c.
went to view the London Docks, where he was re-
ceived by several of the Directors, who conducted
him over the extensive Establishment. His Imperial
Highness proceeded from thence to the West India
Docks, where he was received by a guard of honour
of the Guards. After viewing the premises, his Im-
perial Highness embarked on board the Admiralty
barge, and proceeded in her to the Whitehall Stairs,
where his carriage was in waiting to convey him to
Stratford House.

Tuesday evening the Marchioness of IiBRITORD't
House, in Manchester-square, was illuminated in a
style of the most refulgent splendour, in compliment
to the Grand l)uke MICHAEL of Russia. The seven
apartments on the ground floor, with all their match-
less embellishments, were thrown open at ten o'clock.
An additional object of attraction was the garden,
which was also lighted up with many thousand varie-
gated lamps, interspersed among the trees in a variety
of beautiful forms. The Band belonging to the 3d
Regiment of Foot Guards were stationed on the lawn,
where they played martial airs with their accus-,
tomed excellence. In the interior of the mansion, a
temporary conservatory was formed. The agreeable
odor; of the plants, and the coolness of the rooms,
were delightful. The GRAND DIHIE was delighted
with the nourele arrangements. The most costly
refreshments were provided, set out on tables in the
saloon, with great taste and grandeur. Among the
company were
The Prince Regent, Prince Montmorenry,'Prinee de Rohan ;
their Exzellencics the Austrian, Russian, Ftench, Spanish, Da,:
Mali, Hanoverian, American, Bavarian, and Pruisiasi Ambassa-
dcrrs, and a long list of Fasbioaahles.
Lady CHARLOTTE STRVTT'S Ball, in Hntfor7d-
street, May-fair, on Tuesday evening, was attended
by 100 Fashionables. The dancing commenced in
the great drawing-room at eleven o'clock, and con-
cluded soon after four in the morning. A cold col-
lation was provided, with an abundant as►ortment of
the finest wines.

The baptism of the young Princess Royal of Wirt-
TEMBURG took place at Stutgard on the 23d ultimo,
in presence of the whole Court. She re:eived the
names of SOPIIIA FREDERICA MATILDA. The spon-
sors present were her Majesty the Dowager Queen
of WIRTENIBURG, and her Highness the Dosviger
Duchess bons of WIRTEMBURG. The absent spon-
sors were his Majesty the Emperor of RUSSIA, the
Empress Mother, the Grand Duke NicitoLns, the

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

PORTSMOUTH, JULY 8.
'Wind N. W.—ltemain at Spithead his Majesty's
ships Li VIERPOOL, SPARTA N, TOPAZES and CON FIANCE.

DEAL, JULY B.
Wind N. W.—Arrived his Majesty's ship FLORIDA,
from a cruize. Passed this the Adventure, WHITE,
for Barcelona. Came down from the River Success,
SHAND, for Rio Janeiro; Unison, —, for New
York ; and the Earl St. Vincent, SimesoN, for New
South Wales.