Majesty's consul in Barbary, arrived from Tangier, in a Swedish frigate, with certain intelligence of the intended rupture between Great Britain and Spain. Mr. Logie's information proceeded from a Swedish brig, which on her passage to Tangier had fallen in with the French fleet, of about 28 sail of the line, off Cape Finisterre, when the master being ordered on board the Admiral, M. d'Orvilliers, he learned that they had been cruising for some time in that latitude, expecting the junction of the Spanish fleet from Cadiz. From the amicable assurances held out by the Spaniards, we could not persuade ourselves in the garrison that a rupture was so near; but the mail from the garrison being refused on the 21st of June, Artillery 12th Regiment 39th and being acquainted at the same time that the intercourse between Gibraltar and the neighbourhood was no longer to be permitted, we had sufficient confirmation of Mr. Logie's intelligence. We afterwards learned that the courier who brought from Madrid the order to shut up the communication, had been detained by accidents on the road; otherwise it was not impossible that he might have arrived during General Eliott's visit at St. Roque. As the fortress of Gibraltar after this event became a little world of itself, it may not be unacceptable to commence the history of the siege with a state of the troops in garrison at that period, and the commanding officers of the dif ferent corps. General G. A. Eliott, Governor. 56th 30 58th 29 72nd, or R. M. V. 47 Hardenberg's 13 42 14 Reden's 12 42 14 De la Motte's 16 42 14 367 8 0 Engineers, with a Company of Artificers On the communication being closed, a council of war was immediately summoned, to advise concerning the measures to be pursued on the occasion. Preparations had been privately made for the defence of the garrison, when intelligence was first received of the probability of a war. The objects, therefore, at this time to be considered were, how to procure constant supplies of provisions from Barbary, and in what manner the correspondence between England and Gibraltar was to be conducted. Mr. Logie's presence in Barbary was very essential to both these points: he consequently returned to Tangier on the 22nd, having concerted with the governor proper signals, by which he might communicate intelligence across the Straits. Admiral Duff also, on the 22nd, removed the men-of-war under his command from 169 Lieut.-Col. Cochrane. 944 Lient. Col. Gledstanes. 367 Lieut.-Col. Hugo. 361 Lieut.-Col. Dachenhausen. 106 Colonel Green, Chief Engineer. 4632-making an army of 5382 men. their usual anchorage, off Waterport (where they were liable to be annoyed by the enemy's forts), to the southward, off the New mole. His force at that time consisted of the Panther, of 60 guns, Captain Harvey, on board of which was the flag; three frigates, two of which were on a cruise; and a sloop of war. It is natural to suppose that the garrison were not a little alarmed at this unexpected procedure of the Spaniards. The northern guards were reinforced, and the pickets cautioned to be alert, in case of alarm. Landport barriers were shut, and an artillery officer ordered to Willis's batteries, to observe the movements of the enemy, and protect the Devil's-tower guard, which was ordered to be very circumspect and vigilant. Whilst the friendly intercourse sub The major was remanded to his old confinement in the Navy Hospital, and the latter were punished according to their deserts. sisted between the garrison and the neighbourhood, several British families and officers had permission to reside at St. Roque, Los Varios, and other small villages a few miles distant; but imme- Though the motions of the enemy diately on the communication being did not indicate any immediate design elosed, General Mendoza sent them of attacking the garrison, and the clos peremptory orders to remove; and the ing of the communication might be time limited for their departure was so only in consequence of hostilities hav short, that some of them were obliged ing commenced between Great Britain to leave most of their effects behind. and Spain, yet our intelligence, and Those officers whose curiosity had led their late deceitful conduct, gave us them into the interior parts of the great reason to suppose that they incountry were positively refused liberty tended some attempt on Gibraltar. to return to the garrison; they were Dépôts of earth, &c. were therefore therefore conducted to Cadiz, and had collected in various places; empty hogspassports granted them to leave the heads and casks were bought from the kingdom by other routes. Col. Ross inhabitants, for the purpose of filling and Capt. Vignoles of the 39th, with them with earth, to strengthen and reCapt. Lefanue of the 56th, neverthe-pair the fortifications; and other preless contrived to join their corps, by assuming disguises, and risking the passage in a row-boat from Faro (a port in Portugal) to Gibraltar: others also attempted, but unfortunately were intercepted in their voyage. cautions were taken for the defence of the place. On the other hand, the enemy employed what troops they had then on duty, in the lines and neighbourhood, in drawing down cannon from St. Roque, &c. to animate the forts (in which few ordnance were mounted during the peace), and in ar ranging matters to strengthen and sup port their posts. The Childers sloop of war, on the 24th, brought in two prizes from the west, one of which (an American) Capt. Peacock captured in the midst of the Spanish fleet, then at sea. The In the beginning of July, the Enterconduct of the Spaniards on this occa-prise frigate, Sir Thomas Rich, Bart., sion was extremely ambiguous. Every returned with a fleet of small craft, circumstance that fell under our own laden with live-stock and fruit, from immediate observation convinced us Tangier; in consequence of which, that they now intended hostilities fourteen days' fresh provisions were is against Great Britain; and from Mr. sued to the troops. The engineers Logie's intelligence we had every cause continued preparing materials in their to think that this fleet was out to join departments, towards completing the the French admiral. Their permitting works of the garrison; for which purour cruisers, therefore, to capture a pose strong parties from the line were friend (as they might then call the granted them daily, under the com→ Americans), under the protection of mand of overseers. About 300 Jews their fleet, we must either consider as and Genoese were also employed in a finesse, or suppose that they had not levelling heaps of sand, near the gar received orders to act offensively. The dens, on the neutral ground, in order Childers left two of our frigates watch that, if the enemy should approach, ing the motions of the Spanish fleet. they might not receive any protection It was somewhat singular that a Mr. and cover from our lower batteries. Suasé (an American major, who had The pickets of the garrison were been prisoner in the garrison a little ready, on the grand parade, to sup time before, along with others of his port these parties in case they had countrymen, but had made his escape), been molested; but though they and two deserters from Gibraltar, were at work within half musket should be recognised through their dis-shot of the enemy's advanced guards guises, on board the American prize. in the Micquelet huts, yet not the them. On the 3rd of July a detachment of about 180 men from the British line was ordered to join the artillery, to be taught the practice of the great guns. The artillery in garrison were only five companies; a number not adequate to the different duties in case of a siege: this reinforcement was therefore added, and proved afterwards of great service in that department. Three English sailors came in an open boat, on the 4th, from Cadiz, and brought intelligence that an embargo was laid on all English vessels in that port. In the evening we observed the Spaniards relieve the guards in their lines. least attempt was made to disturb | repaired; but Admiral Duff being backward in granting the stores, the governor thought proper to send for Mr. Logie to explain to the admiral the necessity there was of complying with the emperor's request. To refuse such trifling assistance at that important time, he considered might be productive of serious consequences to the garrison. The Enterprise fri gate accordingly sailed to Tetuan to bring over the consul. About sunset, the evening of the 5th, the frigate left Tetuan to return, and was discovered by the enemy's squadron, part of which immediately gave chase. Sir Thomas Rich, however, from his superior knowledge of the tides, escaped, though the wind was con trary. When he arrived within view of the garrison, not making the con certed night-signals for fear of being discovered by the pursuers, the officer at Europa saluted him with several shot, but fortunately they did not take effect. The following day, the 6th of July, a packet was received from England, by way of Lisbon and Faro, informing the governor that hostilities had commenced between Great Britain and Spain. A proclamation in consequence was published in the evening for capturing all Spanish vessels, &c., and letters of marque were granted for that purpose to the privateers in the bay. Early on the morning of the 8th, a soldier of Reden's deserted from the Devil's-tower guard, and some time afterwards was followed by a serjeant of the 39th, who was one of the overseers attending the inhabitants em The Spaniards, in time of peace, always stationed a regiment of cavalry at St. Roque, with another regiment or detachment of infantry at Algeziras; parties from which did duty at their lines; and no additional body of troops, or ships of war, had yet appeared near the garrison. On the 5th, however, in the afternoon, a Spanish squadron of two seventy-fours, five frigates, and other vessels, to the number of eleven, hove in sight from the west, and lay-to some time off the garrison. Whilst they remained in this situation, the governor thought it prudent to make some new disposition of the ordnance at the southward, and to caution the regiments in the South barracks, the 12th and 72ud, to be alert. The captain of Europa guard, who, before, usually joined at retreat-beating, was also ordered to his command. In the afternoon three privateer cutters arrived from the westward. Aployed beyond the gardens. In the schooner, under Portuguese colours, stood across from the enemy to reconnoitre the first that came in, and on her return was fired upon from Európa batteries, which was the first hostile shot from the garrison. The enemy's squadron, in the evening, drove to the eastward, and at night the Enterprise frigate arrived from Tetuan with Mr. Logie the consul. In the interval of this gentleman's departure from the garrison, a ship of the emperor's had arrived at Gibraltar to be evening General Mendoza, with several officers, advanced from the lines as far as the Micquelet huts, and, after reconnoitring about an hour, returned. The Spanish commodore continued cruising in our neighbourhood till the 8th, when he stood under an easy sail for the westward. Before they quitted the Mediterranean they brought-to a Portuguese schooner, bound from Tetuan to the garrison, and made very earnest inquiries concerning the state of our provisions. The 9th, the Ame rican prisoners, detained at this time in the garrison, were distributed amongst the privateers; and the following day, in company with the Childers sloop of war, they brought in four small prizes. Admiral Duff having received intelligence that a large fleet of small vessels was to sail from Malaga with wine and provisions for the Spanish grand fleet, the Childers was ordered, on the 11th, to cruise to the eastward, and give information, by signal, when they appeared, with the strength of their convoy. Whilst she was on the lookout, her boat gave chase to a settee, and was fired at from Fort St. Barbara, which was the first hostile shot from the enemy. About eleven o'clock the signals were made of the expected Spanish convoy being in sight, and soon after, of their force. Our admiral, however, only cautioned the navy to be ready, and went to Windmill-hill to reconnoitre them personally. About four in the afternoon the convoy, consisting of about 60 sail of different burthens, under charge of five xebeques, from 20 to 30 guns each, were abreast of Europa Point. The privateers which had accompanied the Childers in the morning, were then towing in a prize taken from the midst of their fleet; and they, as well as the Childers, kept up a smart running fire on the Spanish commodore; which was seconded at the same time from the garrison batteries at Europa Point and Europa Advance. The Panther (the admiral's ship, with the flag on board) and the Enterprise were still at anchor; but at sunset Sir Thomas Rich had permission to slip, and the Panther soon after got under way. On the appearance of the frigate the enemy were confused, and instantly steered for Ceuta. The Childers and privateers pursued, followed by the frigate, and soon after by the Panther. Night was now advancing apace, and in a short time we lost sight of the ships. A few broadsides now and then gave us hopes that our friends had come up with them; and we could not help flattering ourselves, from the inferior force of the convoy, that daylight | con would exhibit the majority of them in our possession. In the morning, however, we discovered the admiral standing towards the bay with five or six small prizes, and not one other of the enemy in sight: whence we cluded that they had worked back to their own coast, or escaped through the Straits in the night whilst our ships were off Ceuta. We afterwards learned that the squadron which appeared on the 5th was sent to convoy this valuable fleet past Gibraltar, lest the British admiral should intercept them, and prevent their grand fleet from receiving these much wanted supplies; but the convoy being by some unforeseen delays detained, the Spanish commodore quitted the station on the 8th. Two line-of-battle ships were observed cruising behind the rock on the 13th, and at night they went into Ceuta. The 16th the enemy blocked up the port with a squadron of men-of-war, consisting of two seventy-fours, two frigates, five xebeques, and a number of galleys, half-galleys, and armed settees: they anchored in the bay, off Algeziras, and being judiciously arranged, and keeping a vigilant lookout, the garrison became closely blockaded. This was the first motion of the enemy that discovered any direct intentions of distressing or attacking Gibraltar. At night Waterport guard was reinforced with a captain and ten privates. Till the 18th of this month nothing material occurred, when a small convoy of settees, &c. arrived at the Orange-grove, laden with military stores, which the enemy began soon afterwards to disembark. Mr. Logie having prevailed on the admiral to grant the stores necessary for repairing the emperor's ship, and his presence in Barbary being absolutely necessary, as well to procure provisions as to conduct the correspondence between Great Britain and the garrison, he returned on the 19th, on board a Moorish row-galley, which had arrived from the emperor with dispatches relative to the ship under repair. The galley was interrupted in her return by the enemy's cruisers, and detained from seven in the morning till five in the afternoon, when she was permitted to proceed to Tangier. During the embargo Mr. Logie was concealed in a small scuttle, down the run of the galley, having previously made up the governor's dispatches, and concerted signals, in a loaf, which was entrusted to a Moor, to be delivered at Mr. Logie's house in Tangier, in case he himself should be discovered, with an order for the Moor to receive a gratuity if he delivered it safe. Early in the morning of the 20th a Portuguese boat arrived with fowls and charcoal from Tangier. Another, attempting to come in, was taken by a half-galley, and carried to Algeziras. Sixty pounds of fresh beef were delivered the same day to each regiment for the use of the officers; the artillery and engineers received in proportion, and the navy were included in this distribution. The following day orders were issued for the troops to mount guard with their hair unpowdered; a circumstance trifling in appearance, but which our situation afterwards proved to be of great importance, and which evinced our governor's great attention and prudent foresight in the management of the stores. So superior a naval force as the enemy now had in our neighbourhood alarmed Admiral Duff, who was apprehensive that they would make some attempts on the king's ships. Signals were therefore agreed upon between the fleet and the garrison, that in case the enemy should make an attack in the night, the latter might afford the ships every assistance and protection. Three lights in a triangle were fixed upon by the navy, to distinguish them from the enemy. The 22nd the navy manned their boats, and captured a settee, within a short distance of the enemy's xebeques: she proved of little value, but the exploit reflected great credit on the party employed. The same day arrived a boat with cattle, &c. from Tangier. In the course of the 22nd several officers, attended by a party of men, were observed tracing out ground on the plain below St. Roque, apparently for a camp; and it was remarked that the Micquelets in the advanced huts on the neutral ground were relieved by regular troops. These Micquelets are of the same description with our revenue officers, and were stationed to prevent the smuggling of tobacco from the garrison into Spain. A Portuguese boat, with letters, arrived early in the morning of the 24th; also a schooner with charcoal and fruit from Tangier. Between 200 and 300 men landed the same day at the Orangegrove, with an intention, as we conjectured, of taking charge of the stores which the enemy were disembarking there. The 25th they pitched a tent on the plain for the working party employed in clearing the ground. I should have mentioned, that on the 12th a Hanoverian soldier deserted, and this day two of the same brigade followed his example. The enemy, on the 26th, began to form a camp on the plain below St. Roque, about half a mile from Point Mala, and three miles from the garrison. Fifty tents were pitched, and a detachment of cavalry and infantry soon after took possession. The same day the Illerim, a Swedish frigate, which had been in the bay some weeks before, arrived, though opposed by the enemy. The Swedish captain politely brought-to on their firing a gun; but being told he must not anchor under the walls of the garrison, he resumed his course, telling them he must go to Gibraltar, and they should not prevent him. Some shots were exchanged, but none took effect. The Spanish camp being daily reinforced with additional regiments of cavalry and infantry, and large parties being still employed in landing_ordnance and military stores at Point Mala, the governor thought proper, on the 29th, to establish the following staff officers, namely, Captains, Vallotton, of the 56th regiment—Patterson, of the artillery-Forch, of the 12th regiment, and Eveleigh, of the engineers, to be aides-de-camp to himself, as commander-in-chief; Captain Wilson and Lieutenant Buckeridge, of the 39th regiment, aides-de-camp to Lieutenant-Gen. Boyd;, Lieutenant Weinzey, of the Hanoverian Brigade, aide |