[Extract]
No 58.

My Lord, Since I had the Honour of writing last to your Lordship, M. Grimaldi has given me official Assurances, that proper Orders shall be sent from hence, to prevent the Exportation from the Ports of Spain of any warlike Stores upon British Vessels, and I enclose to your Lordship a Copy of my Note to him, & of his Answer to it, together with a Translation of the latter. Besides which Assurances, I have, from the Information which I have collected learnt, that any Search for Gun Powder in the Ports of this Kingdom would be fruitless, as the Regulations concerning it prevent any Quantity laying in the Hands of any body, who could dispose of it. ー The Powder Magazine at Carthagena with no less than three thousand six hundred Quintals of Powder, has been struck by Lightning & blown up; some Lives were lost, but the Distance from the Town prevented the Damage extending so far.

From Cadiz I hear, that four Ships of the Line, and four Frigates were ordered to be equipped....

There is no Answer from Portugal yet of any kind, tho' a fresh Promise of one is arrived; I am of opinion that if one does not come soon, Troops will be sent out to Buenos Ayres; & that nothing but continuing the Negociation will prevent it...

His Majesty's Consul at Corunna will I doubt not be very exact in his Intelligence, as He acquaints me that He always sends the same both to your Lordship & to me.

I have the Honor to be with the greatest Truth & Regard My Lord [&c.]