Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-03-06

VIRTUE ut orders which the English 60.
scrnment had signed atthe very momen,
when they dcccitfuIIy required conditions
for the continuance of peace, when every
possible assurance was given them, and
when even their own vessels supplied
Ithemselves with provisions aud refresh.
mems in the ports of Spain.
These same vessels which were enjoy
ing the most complete hospitality, and
Iwere experiencing the good faith with
which Spain was proving to England how
safe were her promises, and how firm her
resolutions TO maintain neutrality, these
very vessels already concealed in The
breast of their commanders the iniquifous
orders Of the English cabinet to assault on
tue seas Spanish property: orders both in-
iquitons and profusely circulated, as all
their vessels of war in. the American and
European seas are already OBTAINING and
carrying to their ports every So lnish yes
sci which they meet with; without re.
smelling the cargoes ofgrain coming from
all parts TO the succour of faithful nati-
OIL in the most caIamitsus season.
Orders which are bsrbarcus. because
those ms no other name which require,
every Spanish vessel, whose burthen is
less than 100 tons, TO be sunk those
which may be stranded on the coast, to be
butnt; and only those which exceed the
burthen Of 100 tons to be captured aud
carried to Malta. This has been declare
ed by the master Of Land of Valencia,
of 81 tons, who was fortunate enough to
SAFE himself 10 his boat, on the 10Th Mo-
yeriber, on the coast of Catalonia, after his
vessel had been sunk by an English ship,
the. captain OF which took away his papers
and his flag, and informed him that he
had received the above orders from his
court.
Notwithstanding actions 30 atrocious,
which prov- 70 demonstration the coyetous
and hcstile views which the English cabi-
net had meditased, it vet wishes to CONT
nue. its perfhous system of decciying the
Ipnblic opinion, by aIledgiug for itself that
the Spanish (rigates were not carried into
the English. ports as CAPTURED, bat as de-
fdineT, until Spain shouid;eiye the assur-
ances, which were desired, that she would
observe the strieest neutrality.
And what greater assurances could or
ought spain to give What civilized natl
on has hitherto praclised such unjust and
violen; means of obtaining assurances
from another9 Even il England had in
fine any thing to require from Spain; how
could she afterwards make an atonement
for such a gross outrage! What sa,isfac-
! tinn could she give for the late loss of the
trigate Mercedes, with all her cargo, crew
and great number of distinguished passer..
gers, who persisted innocent victims of a
policy so detestable
Spain would MT ftifi what She owes TO her.
eclf, nor think she could maintain her well
known honor and dignity asnong the Other now .
ers OF Europe, If she should shsw herself any lou
ger insensib'e to ousrsges So manfess, ard she
did not endeavor 10 ayenge them with the noble
nsss and energy peculiar to her character.
Animated by these sentiments. the nacuani-
nous hcars of the King, after having exhausted
tor the preservation Of peace, all the resource
compatible with the dignity Of his crown, finds
itself under the bsrd necessity of makipg. war a
gainst the king Of Great Britain his subjects.
and people. bat omitting the formaIities custonl
ary, IN order 10 solemn declaration aud publ,
! Carton, inasmuch the English cabinet h..
commences and continues making war withous
declaring it,
IN consequence his majesty, after having d.
tracd that all Engiish property in these doS,in-
ons should be sequcstered by way of renr,sal
and hat orders best calculated Cor self dsfepce
and for offence, against the enemy should be
transmitted to the Vice noys, captains genera,.
and o,her chiefs. by sea ard land, has ordered
his minister in i.oudon 70 Withdraw. with the
whole Spanish legation; and his majesty makes
no doubt thar al his subjects infanied with the
| just Indignation. with which tbe violent proceed
ings of England must inspire teni, viii omit no
means whatsoever, which their valor MAY su0
gest, for contributing with his majesty, 20 the
most complete vengeance, for the insults com
rnit,ed upon the Spanish flag. For this he in.
vi,e9 them 20 arm priSateess against Great Bsi.
tain, and 10 seize with courage IT'S vessels and
properly. under the most ample privileges. h;s
majesty offering he utmost promptitiide & celeritv
IN the adjudication Of prizes, as 500. as rbsy
are proved TO be English property, and n.
majesty expressly renouncing, IN favor Of the
esptors. every portion of the value Of orizea
which on ofher occasions has been reserved Cor
himself, so that they sh2ll enjoy the full valve
wi,hou: any deduction.
Lastly. his majesty has resolved tina, the ahou.
shall be inserted in the public pspers. In order
that IL may be generally known. and also ria, I,
be transmitted 10 the ambassadors and n,;n;s,e,s
of the King. at foreign courts, IN order ,b,, al,
powers niay be informed of these tr-.ns.s ;or-
and take an interest in SO just a cause bo,,;ny
that Divine Providence viii bless the Snan;se
! arrn>. in f,rtier fifof fhcv 49,