Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-10-05
SALEM, September -.
FROM GIBRALTAR.

Captain Israel Williams, who arrived
last evening from The Mediterranean, has
Obliged US with some minutes of intelli-
gence which he had collected. He left
Gibraltar the 23d Of August; previous to
which, they had no certain accounts of
lord Nelson the report, however, was that
he arrived at Ferrol two days before the
combined fleets, and not finding them
there, had gone back to Newfoundland i'm
quest ofthem. Neither had they any par
ticular account of the action between ad.
Calder and the combined fleets the off.
ciai account eft the Spanish admiral was
published, and stated that they had gain
ed victory over the British, which would
have been more compIel. if the French
had not unfortunately been too far to lee
ward, which brought the whole brunt Of
the battle upon the Spaniards; finding
that Spanish & French ship were mis-
sing he gave over PURSUING the British, s.
Informs chat the fleet though much dis
persed. had arrived safe, part at Vigo and
part at Fsrrol.
Captain w. informs that a few days af.
ter the action the combined fleets formed
junction 1T FerroI, and with the soua.
dron,ini that port, sailed for Cadiz, where
they bad arrived so in number, Two dav .
before The Friendships sailing, and with
ships in tina. port, formed feet of IS
sail OF the line.-This intelligence was
received at Gibraltar hours before cap
tain w. sailed, together with further ac-
count tn. the Carihagena squadron of g
sail OF he line (tbe same was To have ;oin-
ed the Toulon squadron when bound down
the Straits, but was not ready had arriv-
ed at Malaga. 20 leagues from Gibraltar
only. Just before sunset (says captain
W. an easterly wind sprung up, with
which the Carthagena squadroa probably
started, as they we're in plain sight Of the
Rock some time before dark, sail of the
line and many gun boats this created a
most serious alarm at Gibraltar all was
hustle; the alarm guns were constantly
firing, which we heard on board his shin
till 10 o'clock at night, at which time the
wind had increased 10 a very strong Lee
vanter, and the night being very dark, il
must have given them a fine chance to
pass the Gut.
AT the time the alarm was given, the
squadron under sir r. Bickertcn was at an
chor in Gibraltar Bay, consisting of the
Queen OF es guns, Toaant 81, Mino,aur
land Bellerophon 74's, 2 frigales and two
gun briggs. This squadron had been some
time waiting at Gibraltar for reinforce
ments from England, to go up and blec-
kade the CaF;hagena squadron above men
toned. Immediately after the alarm, the
squadron got under weigh, it was said to
join the squadron off Cadiz, under sir Ro-
ger Curtis, who according to some &C
counts, had twelve sail, and according to
others eight sail Of The line.
Captain w. was informed by the Amc-
rlcan Consul, and other gentlemen at CT
braltar, that WAR between Spain & A.
merica appeared inevitable and that the
SPaniards were in daily expectation of
war being declared against them by the
United States. Mir. Pinckney, whose me-
gotation had failed, was expected Al Tan.
gieF, every moment; and Mr.. Bowdoin
had thought il expedlent not to proceed TO
Madrid, as we have before known. In the
mean time the Spaniards treat these things
with contempt, and insult and capture the
American flag daily and the common 90.
sefvaiIon is, that our government cannot
much longer brook such hostile and insultr
ing treatment.