The Catholic King’s Ship El Raio, mentioned in my Letter of the 15th. ultimo, proceeded on the 5. Instt. to Cadiz, and on the same Day also sailed from hence for Holland the Dutch Ship of War Gerderland mentioned in my Letter of the 11th. of January.

A Proclamation has been issued here for assembling the Seamen belonging to this District; which is probably for the Purpose of Manning the Gun Boats.

However improbable or uncertain the Reports may be which are circulated concerning the Expedition at present preparing, it may not be unaceptable to you to know them. It is said that the Emperor of Morocco is to join in it with a considerable army to be headed by Spanish officers, that the Three Spanish Garrisons of Mebilla, Penon and Athusemas on the Coast of Barbary are to be ceded to his Imperial Majesty, and that an exclusive Trade to Barbary from Spain is to result from the Alliance.

Generals Solano, Barcelo and Mazarredo are mentioned for the naval Command, and Don Martin Alvarez for that of the Land forces.

The late Notice given in the Madrid Gazette of the reestablishment of Galleys for the Convicts hitherto sent to the African Garrisons, seems to afford some Foundation for the Report of the Cession of the Latter.