Historia de Barcelona

Etiqueta: madrid

  • Entra León V o VI de Armenia que venía de Castilla

  • Informe sobre la magnífica recepción del conseller en cap en Madrid

    Se hace relacion en el consejo de ciento de la magnificiencia con que fue recibido en la corte el conseller en cap de esta ciudad.

  • Pasquín contra Barcelona con respuesta contra Madrid

    Los últims dias de aquest mes de janer vingueren de Madrid còpies de uns pasquins allí fets… Entre aquestas y aquellas se mogué un Bafumet. Diuen era castellà, criat de algun dels Regents del Consell de Aragó, que féu contra Barcelona, y hagué de fugir de ella, aquest

    Soneto

    Cuatro varcos, un muelle, una marina:
    Quatro cavallos, quarenta cavalleros;
    Dos dozenas de coches sin cocheros,
    Pages sí, del estrivo a la cortina.

    Damas en grano y damas en harina,
    cuyos rostros del turco son pecheros;
    Cortesía, nomás que en los sobreros,
    Lenguaje vasto y inclinación malina.

    Corral sin comedias, una calle,
    Estafermo de máscaras cartuxas,
    Vino mestizo, agua de tahona.

    Pan enlutado, capones de Serralle,
    Refitorio de putas y de Bruxas.
    Quien no lo ha visto: esto es Barcelona.

    Respuesta

    Una Plaça Mayor, un Prado, un Soto;
    Vente mil Condes, quatro mil Marqueses,
    Sinco mil Duques, la mitad ingleses,
    Un palacio mongil con su devoto.

    Trenta mil damas del esquadrón roto,
    A prueva de Alumbrados feligreses,
    Que por darse un artasgo diez mil veces
    Rompieron cada dia el casto voto.

    Auto de putas, Teatro de jayanes,
    Inclinación sobervia, comunera,
    De cuernos feria, adúltera semilla,

    Jaula de Pagagayos charlatanes
    Charco de savandijas, calaveras,
    De vicios, de Madrid, esta es la Villa.

  • Entra el duque de Feria, virrey de cataluña, y da una fiesta impresionante en honor de su nuevo hijo

    Aplazaron para la jura del duque de Feria por virrey de Cathaluña, el día 11 de Junio de 1629, y así ese día por la tarde se salió el Duque al lugar del Hospitalete. Empezóse á llenar el camino de gente y á pasar correos de una y otra parte, con las embaxadas que se acostumbra, de Consejo, Diputación y Ciudad: á cosa de las quatro de la tarde salió el Consexo Real con sus mazas altas y á cavallo, hasta el lugar de Sans, en donde hizo alto y despachó al Morondon (Juan Miguel de Monredon, alguacil real, que en 1.º de Mayo de 1640 le quemaron vivo con los suyos dentro de una casa, los amotinados de Santa Coloma de Farnés.) con aviso de que aguardava: estava el Duque en Provenzana, también parado, con el de Alcalá y su hijo, y respondió á la embaxada que no se moviera el Consejo, y despachó luego el Duque otro correo al Cons(ej)o y partió, y llegando á vista del Consejo, dexó su coche y montó en un hermoso caballo blanco, que con aderezo bordado de oro y plata le tenían prevenido; también estava aprestado el pendón ó guión con un Santiago á cavallo bordado en él; precedieron antes de llegar el Duque dos trompetas, con sus armas en las pendientes y mucha parte de su familia. Llegó el Consejo, y dándole la enhorabuena le pusieron en medio del Conseller y Regente. El Duque era hombre mui grueso, su vestido no se podía divisar de qué era, por solo se descubría la bordadura de plata y oro. Empezóse á caminar llebando delante las dos trompetas, el capitán de la guardia, los alabarderos y seis lacaios con librea verde y franxones de oro: venía después el Consejo y la persona del Duque, y detrás un cavallero de su familia, que vestido con baquero de terciopelo carmesí con franxas de oro, trailla el pendón; y después seguían algunos cavalleros cathalanes y el resto de la familia del Duque. Con esta orden se llegó hasta donde aguardavan los diputados, que ya tienen puesto señalado; hecha la ceremonia ordinaria, el Consejo quedó atrás y (el) Virrey se puso en medio de los diputados, hasta que llegando cerca de la Cruz Cubierta, en donde aguardaba la Ciudad, después de dado el parabién y aquellas sólitas ceremonias, se puso al lado del Virrey el Conseller sigundo, Buenaventura Gualvez, que por hallarse el Conseller en Cap enfermo, que era Bartholomé Sala, no pudo asistir, ni tampoco el cuarto, porque el día antes le hablan sacado á suerte por muerte de Pablo Magarola: suplieron estos lugares los cónsules de Lloixe [Llotja/Lonja] que llaman los Diputados. Se retiraron como acostumbran y puestos en esta forma entrando por la puerta de San Antonio, calle del Carmen, Puerta Ferriza y Plaza Nueba, llegaron al Aseo, en donde recivido por el Cavildo y conducido al altar maior prestó el juramento que es de estilo, y vuelto bajó á hacer oración á Santa Eulalia, y saliendo después tomó su cavallo, y pasando el guión ó penda (Pendón) delante, con el mismo acompañamiento, y por las casas de Diputación, Ciudad, calle del Rogomí y calle Ancha, le cortejaron hasta palacio, en donde todos se dispidieron.

    No truxo á su muger por quedar en Madrid y á últimos días de parir, ni vino dama alguna con él. Dentro de pocos días le llegó la noticia del parto que havía sido mui feliz, encomendándole Dios un hijo; y para celebrar esta alegre nueva, se publicó un sarao que se tubo en casa del conde de Eril, en frente de Junqueras, en el jardín de la misma casa. Para maior capacidad del concurso, dispúsose un grande tablado algunos palmos en alto de tierra, y al deredor colgado de ricas sedas de tapicería, y por cielo una grande vela con que venía á quedar como un gran salón, y en medio del teatro havían puesto unas divisiones para poder danzar y hacer los juegos sin estorbo alguno. Asistieron el Virrey, duques de Alcalá y hijo y nuera y todas ó las más damas cathalanas; hiciéronse torneos, monerías, danzas y bailes; empezóse el sarao á las nuebe de la noche, y acavó á las seis de la mañana; el señor Virrey dio una rica colación y, sigún se dixo, le costó el festín pasados de mil ducados, porque todos asiguraban que ni por el Rey se podía hacer cosa maior.

  • Llega la duquesa de Mantua (será la última Virreina española de Portugal), pero es feísima y poco festera

    Á 19 de Septiembre llegó la princesa de Mantua con muchas galeras: hera parienta mui cercana del Rey nuestro señor, y S. M. la llamava para gobernadora de Portugal: ospedóla el de Santa Coloma, por ausencia del de Cardona, virrey; agasajóla y fuela sirviendo asta Madrid, mui á su costa. La ciudad de Barcelona hizo entrada con muchas luminarias y carnestolendas, como acostumbra; pero mostró estimarlo poco, pues se partió en medio de las fiestas. Era señora ya de algunos años y muy fea.

  • Fiestas para la mujer de un general italiano filoespañol en la guerra de Flandes

    A 26 de Julio 1636, con 17 galeras, las diez de España y 7 de Sicilia, llegó la princesa Cariñena (La princesa de Cariñán), mujer del príncipe Thomás, hermano del duque de Savoia que servía á nuestro Rey en Flandes, en compañía del Infante cardenal; y el Rey la havía embiado á buscar para que se estubiera en Madrid mientras su marido servía en Flandes. Mandó S. M. á la Ciudad que la hiciese entrada y todos aquellos agasajos que á su persona Real se le harían si venía á esta ciudad. Apenas dieron fondo las galeras salió la Ciudad, y entrando los conselleres en la galera, se le ofrecieron con toda su posivilidad: fabricóse luego un puentecillo para el desembarco, y mandó la Ciudad salir quatro compañías de mosquetería para que la festejasen, y al entrar se le hicieron tres salbas, la primera con vala. Entró en una carrocilla descubierta que el Rey le havía embiado, con tres ó cuatro criaturas, y el gobernador (que por ausencia del de Cardona) hacía veces de Virrey, con los conselleres á cavallo la acompañaron hasta casa el duque de Cardona, en donde se ospedó. Hicióronsele luminarias y carnestolendas en bariedad de máscaras, vailes y danzas por tres días, de que gustó mucho, y después de haver descansado algunos días, se partió para Madrid.

  • Entra el duque de Mónaco con 26 galeras

    En 26 de Agosto de 1638, entró el duque de Monaco con 26 galeras. Era general de mar y yerno del duque de Florencia; recivióle la Ciudad por orden del Rey con la pompa y regocijo que si fuera persona real: asistieron á su entrada Conselleres, Virrey, compañías de soldadesca, y los baluartes lo hicieron salva real; hubo luminarias y otras fiestas á su arribo. Estubo aquí algunos días; posava (Se aposentaba) en casa el de Santa Coloma que se hallava Virrey; partióse para Madrid y bolbió dentro poco tiempo, y embarcándose, pasó á levante. Su edad devía ser 30 años, y apenas se le conocía barva: fuese con las galeras de Nápoles.

  • Llega noticia del levantamiento del sitio de Fuenterrabía, pero no todo el mundo está contento

    Hacía cosa de algún mes que Francia havía puesto sitio á Fuenterrabía. Esta plaza (está) allá en Nauvarra y raia de Francia y España, como aquí en nuestra Cathaluña Perpiñán, bien que no está fuerte; pero como es llave por la parte de Castilla, es mui importante.

    Hallávanse por cabos del campo francés el príncipe de Conde y arzobispo de Bordeus; apretavan la plaza rigurosamente; componíase su exército de veinte á veinte y cinco mil hombres; vatíanla en diversas partes con 20 cañones, y tiravan á destruirla á fuego y sangre.

    Convócanse el socorro con sobrada flema (pensión de España); acudían las levas de Castilla toda, Andalucía, Nauvarra, Aragón y de aquí, que hallándose la armada real, que se componía de 44 vaseles gruesos, se sacaron de ellos asta mil soldados veteranos, linda y valerosa gente; y para que llegasen presto y descansados por tierra, se tomaron quantos bagajes se hallavan, así de Barcelona como su contorno, y aunque era tiempo de trilla, la gente los daban de buena gana, porque se savia que la plaza sólo podía conservarse de diez á doce días. Esta gente y quanta munición se pudo partió á toda diligencia de aquí.

    Visto el apretado trance de la plaza, y recogidos hasta catorce mil hombres con la brevedad posible, se resolvió el socorro y bien que con gran inferioridad de gente á la que tenía el francés, y que éste estava fuerte en las trincheras.

    Viendo que el enemigo continuava los asaltos, aunque bien á costa de mucha sangre, que el peligro de la plaza era evidente, por más que los asediados con inaudito valor rechazavan los abances, tanto que hubo muchas mujeres que ejercitaron el disparar el mosquete, con tan incansable valor que pudieron abergonzarse los hombres, y que, ó perder la fortaleza ó socorrerla era forzoso como españoles, que es el maior encarecimiento, envistieron por dos partes víspera de Nuestra Señora de Septiembre 1638, después de encomendar á su pureza la victoria.

    Governava la una parte del exército el marqués de los Vélez y la otra el Condestable, y fué tal el esfuerzo y valor con que rompieron al enemigo, que no sólo socorrieron la plaza, sino que con infame descrédito le obligaron á huir dejando tiendas, artillería, vastimentos y muxa riqueza, que fué mucha la que el Arzobispo havía llevado para animar los suios. Socorrióse Fuenterrabía con los bastimentos que, poco rato havía, eran para su destrucción y ruina.

    Celebróse esta victoria en Madrid con públicas demostraciones de gozo; el Rey, dicen que cenó en público la noche que llegó la nueva, y que á todos los de Fuenterrabía premió, pues hasta las mujeres y niños señaló, durante su vida, á quatro y á seis rr(eales) de sueldo todos los días.

    Aquí en Barcelona hubo sus luminarias y una lucida encamisada en que salió toda la nobleza con ricas y bellas galas: yva por cavo el conde de Santa Coloma, virrey. En la encamisada hubo alguno, que con unas flores de lis fué señalando las casas de los mal afectos, que havía algunos, y manifestavan su disgusto por esta victoria.

  • Los agustinos destrozan la iglesia de los teatinos

    Havían empezado su fundación los clérigos que llaman de la calza blanca, bien que con gran controbersia, en la calle que llaman de Oliver, á la Rivera, y haviendo obrado una iglesia ó capilla en donde tenían su reserva y celebraban, estando ya para abrir puerta de iglesia al Llano de Llui, el día 20 de Henero (de) 1640, y entendido por la comunidad de Santa María del Mar, tubieron consejo ó capítulo, en que se resolvió ir á sacar la reserva con viole(n)cia si se resistían los religiosos, y si no llebársela, y así, el día 19 á las nueve de la noche saliendo la comunidad de Santa María con una solemne procesión y multitud de achas, se encaminó á la d(ic)ha capilla ó iglesia, y entendiendo esto los frailes, con gran prudencia abriendo las puertas y el sacrario, y retirándose á sus aposentos, dejaron obrar quanto quiso la comunidad. Llevóse la reserva con gran culto y veneración. Asistía tanta multitud de gente que es indecible.

    Los religiosos de S(a)n Agustín, que no menos ojeriza tenían al nuebo cómbento, y llebavan mal la fundación, aquella misma noche, después de estar fuera la reserba, fueron mano armata, y no dejaron cosa en la iglesia que no la destrozaron, puertas, ventanas, celosías, texado, hasta las alhajas de la casa, y botas de vino y aceite; sin dexar la menor oficina ni traste que aprobechara, dándoles de daño á los pobres frailecitos por pasados de dos mil ducados, sin que ellos hicieran resistencia alguna, ni se mostrara alguno de ellos en toda aquella noche. Recurrieron estos religiosos á Madrid dando quenta de lo sucedido, y vino provisión de captura contra algunos, en virtud de la qual se prendió á Galcerán Nabot, obrero, y J. Torres, Not(ari)o de la iglesia: los demás se retiraron á sagrado. La comunidad de S(an)ta María introdujo causa que se prosigue, y en Roma.

  • Entra el duque de Cardona, ya enfermo, para jurar como nuevo virrey en lugar de Dalmau de Queralt, ya muerto; salida en litera para Perpiñán

    Llegó á Madrid la noticia del estrago, y sin duda que luego se despachó orden y privilegio al duque de Cardona, que se hallava en Cardona enfermo, para que partiese á toda diligencia á Barcelona y jurase por Virrey; así lo ejecutó, pues llegando á Barcelona lunes 18 de Junio 1640 por la tarde, y entrando sin pompa alguna, entregó luego los despachos que, registrados aquella misma noche por los consistorios de Ciudad y Diputación, el día siguiente 19 á las ocho de la mañana, le juraron, y arto mal combalecido, que havían de irle mantiniendo, tenía orden de S. M. que en haver jurado partiera á Perpiñán, por las causas que en adelante se dirán; y así aquella misma tarde pidió para su jornada la asistencia de Diputado y Conseller en cap, así para mejor suceso de lo que havía de obrar como para la seguridad de su persona, por no estar aún quietos los ánimos de las turbulencias pasadas; concediéronselo todo y partieron viernes á 22 con el virrey Luis de Calders, conseller, y D.n Joseph de Tamarit, diputado, que ambos, para el cerco de Salsas, havían ya salido. Por el camino lebantaron los somatenes en su seguimiento; hivan todos en literas, que la corta salud del Duque no dava lugar á otro, y los dos personajes para su decencia no permita menos; el sávado 23 partieron, en su seguimiento, y para asistir al Virrey los obispos de Urgel, D.n Paulo Duran y el de Vique, D.n Ramón Semmenat.

  • Robo de correos para descubrir las intenciones de Felipe IV

    Viendo los cathalanes que los perpiñaneses eran como en Argel, viles esclavos de los soldados castellanos, y que los tratavan con rrigor y fiereza siendo dueño de puertas y presidios, viendo asimesmo que se esperavan las galeras de día en día de la parte de Italia, con mucha gente, y que los militares hacían su negocio, resolvieron robar la estafeta que hiva á Madrid y descubrir con las cartas la enfermedad que tenía el cuerpo de la Provincia: ejecutáronlo el día 12 de Agosto 1640 cerca el Torrente Jornal [Collblanc – en catalán, Torrent Gornal] que, parando al correo, abrieron los pliegos y encontraron los que ingratos á la patria davan avisos y ministravan me(dios) á los ministros de Madrid para conseguir su intento; nombráronse algunos que luego se ausentaron ha vista de haver cogido las cartas.

    El día 15 tomaron también un correo que pasava de Madrid á Perpiñán, el qual llevava entre otros pliegos dos cartas del Rey: una para Don Juan de Arce, en que le ordenava que en llegando las galeras, embarcase en ellas la más gente y más veterana que tubiese y que pasase á los Alfaques para hacerse dueños de Tortosa que así combenía. La otra era para el Obispo de Urgel [Pau Duran], electo arzobispo de Tarragona, que residía en Perpiñán todavía, en que le dava orden le continuase los avisos de quanto acá se obrava, encargándoselo mucho y agradeciéndoselo ygualmente. Este sujeto era cathalán y con las dependencias de sus prelacías, tenía quien le ministrava las noticias. Era natural de Espar(ra)guera, hijo de un peraire, pero gran letrado y no menos alevoso á su patria, que por particular interés hubo también muchos que le ymitaron.

    Con estas noticias se suspendieron los Correos (En aquellos días fué cosa frecuente el interceptar correos, originándose gran perturbación en la correspondencia. [ejemplos]), y si no era por mar no pasavan los avisos; también se cerró en quanto se pudo el comercio con el Rosellón, así por mar como por tierra, privando á todos el pasar allá mantenimientos, tomando la gente de armas todos los pasos, y dando órdenes á las fusta, de donde resultó nuevas disposiciones en los ánimos para su defensa.

  • Bajo órdenes desde Madrid de evitar peor destrucción, Barcelona se rinde a los franceses, acabándose así la Guerra de los Nueve Años

    Meanwhile, the French king, in the hope of procuring more favourable terms, resolved to make his last effort against the Spaniards in Catalonia and in the Netherlands, and to elevate the prince of Conti to the throne of Poland; an event which would have greatly improved the interest of France in Europe. Lewis had got the start of the confederates in Flanders, and sent thither a very numerous army, commanded by Catinat, Villeroy, and Boufflers.

    The campaign was opened with the siege of Aeth, which was no sooner invested, than king William, having recovered of an indisposition, took the field, and had an interview with the duke of Bavaria, who commanded a separate body. He did not think proper to interrupt the enemy in their operations before Aeth, which surrendered in a few days after the trenches were opened, but contented himself with taking possession of an advantageous camp, where he covered Brussels, which Villeroy and Boufflers had determined to besiege.

    In Catalonia the duke of Vendome invested Barcelona, in which there was a garrison often thousand regular soldiers, besides five thousand burghers, who had voluntarily taken arms on this occasion. The governor of the place was the prince of Hesse d’Armstadt, who had served in Ireland, and been vested with the command of the imperial troops which were sent into Spain.

    The French general being reinforced from Provence and Languedoc, carried on his approaches with surprising impetuosity; and was repulsed in several attacks by the valour of the defendants. At length the enemy surprised and routed the viceroy of Catalonia; and, flushed with this victory, stormed the outworks, which had been long battered with their cannon. The dispute was very bloody and obstinate: but the French, by dint of numbers, made themselves masters of the covered way and two bastions. There they erected batteries of cannon and mortars, and fired furiously on the town, which, however, the prince of Hesse resolved to defend to the last extremity.

    The court of Madrid, however, unwilling to see the place entirely ruined, as in all probability it would be restored at the peace, dispatched an order to the prince to capitulate; and he obtained very honourable terms, after having made a glorious defence for nine weeks; in consideration of which he was appointed viceroy of the province. France was no sooner in possession of this important place, than the Spaniards became as eager for peace as they had been before averse to a negotiation.

  • Peterborough desembarca en Barcelona

    Peterborough landed, took the small fort of Denia, circulated proclamations in the name of Charles III, and, finding the disposition of the Spaniards in those parts to be very favorable, and that insurrections against the French claimant, Philip, had broken out in other quarters, he, with his characteristic daring, proposed making a forced march inland, and setting the Austrian on the throne at Madrid, which capital he was confident he could carry by a coup de main. But those who were acting with Peterborough had none of his romantic boldness ; his project was overruled, and he was constrained to go and undertake the siege of Barcelona. It may bo doubted whether it would not have been easier to march and take Madrid. There were 5000 brave men within the walls of Barcelona—the Spaniards in all ages have been famous for their resistance in such places—and the fortifications had recently undergone considerable repairs. Yet Peterborough landed, and sat down before the place in the end of August with little more than 6000 effective men.

  • Entrada del Duque de Berwick, Te Deum en la catedral, grandes destrozos en la ciudad, los Migueletes entran en el ejército borbón, quema de banderas

    A Barcelone le 21. Septembre.

    M. le Maréchal de Berwick a fait le 18. de ce mois son entrée en cette Ville pour aller à la Cathedrale faire chanter le Te Deum. Il partit du Camp suivi de plus de 100. Officiers du premier ordre, tous bien montez, & les Chevaux couverts de houffes tres propres. J’avois l’honneur d’estre de nombre. Lorsque nous fumes au tiers du chemin, il s’arrêta un quart d’heure, après il s’avança à une demie portée de Canon de la Ville, où il attendit encore un quart d’heure. Le Corps de Ville vint au-devant de luy. Il y avoit dix hommes à pied vêtus de Robes rouges & un galon deflus. Ils estoient suivis d’un pareil nombre vestus de même qui estoient à cheval. Il y en avoit de montez sur des mules avec des Timbales; après quoy marchoient à cheval six hommes avec des Robes bleues & violettes, tenant des manieres de masses à la main, & ils étoient suivis de cinq Consuls bien montez, donc les chevaux estoient magnifiquement harnachez, avec beaucoup de rubans à leur teste. Ils avoient une maniere d’écharpe de satin rouge à fleurs d’or large de neuf à dix pouces qui leur prenoit sur l’épaule & descendoit jusqu’à leur épée. M. le Maréchal s’arresta; le premier Consul luy fit une petite Harangue en Espagnol. Je ne pus pas bien l’entendre. M. le Maréchal luy repondit fort honnestement, & leur dit en general qu’il falloit oublier le passé, qu’ils n’avoient qu’à donner au Roy des marques de leur fidelité, & qu’il feroit toux ce qu’il pourroit auprés de S. M. C. pour l’engager à les traiter favorablement. Apres quoy les Gardes de M. le Maréchal mirent l’épée à la main, & passerent les premiers. Tout le cortege fit demy tour à droite, & marcha du costé de la Ville dans le même ordre qu’il estoit venu. Le premier Consul marcha à la gauche du Milord. En approchant, le Montjoüy salua de tout son Canon, & en entrant dans la Ville toute l’artillerie de la Place tira. Il y avoit sur la porte trois tapis avec le Portrait du Roy d’Espagne. Nous marchâmes dans cet ordre jusqu’à la Citadelle. Les ruës estoient bordées de Soldats qui presentoient les armes, & avoient leurs bayonnettes au bout du fusil, il n’y avoit que les Gardes Valones qui eussent le fusil sur l’épaule. Il y avoit dans les rues qui traversaient celles par lesquelles nous passions, des Cavaliers qui avoient le sabre haut. Le Portrait du Roy edtoit aussi au dessus de la grande porte de l’Eglise. Le Chef du Clergé suivi de ses Chanoines se trouva sur la porte & fit son compliment à M. le Maréchal. Se l’accompagna dans le Chœur où on luy avoit preparé un Prié-Dieu. L’Eglise estoit fort illuminée. On chanta le Te Deum en Musique, pendant lequel tems la Place fit 3. décharges de Canon. Les enfans & le petit peuple crioient Viva & jettoient leurs chapeaux en l’air. Le Te Deum fini on repassa par les mêmes ruës & avec le même ordre jusqu’à la porte. En sortant, la Place & le Montjoüy saluerent encore de toute leur artillerie. Voilà toute la Ceremonie.

    Je remarquay qu’il y avoit neuf Bombes qui estoient tombées dans cette Eglise. Il y a des ruës où l’on ne peut passer à cause des débris des maisons. Il y en a peu qui ne soient endommagées ou des Bombes ou des Boulets à ricochet que nous avons tirez.

    Lorsque M. de Broglio est parti il y avoit auprás de M. le Maréchal des Deputez de l’Isle de Maillorque pour traiter avec luy.

    On parle diversement du Marquis de Villaroel qui commandoit dans Barcelone, & qui a eu le genoüil cassé au dernier assaut; les uns disent qu’il s’est sauvé à Maillorque, & les autres qu’il s’est remis à la clemence du Roy, alleguant qu’il n’a pas tenu à ses representations que les Rebelles ne se soient plutost soumis. Ce dernier sentiment paroist le plus vray.

    J’ay vû d’ailleurs des Lettres qui mandent qu’il ne faut pas croire un mot du grand nombre de gens que nous avons perdu. Il y en a six fois moins.

    On ajoute qu’on va faire le procès aux plus coupables des Rebelles, que les Miquelets prendront parti dans les Troupes d’Espagne, & qu’on oblige la Ville de bastir une Citadelle à ses dépens.

    On dit que M. le Maréchal de Berwick avoit envoyé les Drapeaux de Barcelone à Madrid, & que le Roy d’Espagne les luy a renvoyé par le même Courrier avec ordre de les faire brûler au milieu de la Ville par la main du Bourreau.

    Une Lettre du trois de ce mois porte que M. le Maréchal a fait embarquer le même jour vingt deux des principaux Chefs des Rebelles, pour les faire passer au Château d’Alicant, où ils seront bien gardez. On dit que Villaroel, Pinos, & Basset sont du nombre des prisonniers. Il y en a un grand nombre d’autres qu’on envoye à Peniscola.

  • Fundación de la sociedad de préstamo caritativo, el Real Monte de Piedad de Ntra. Sra. de la Esperanza

    En 25 de marzo de 1749 la Congregacion acordó erigir este Monte, á ejemplo del de Madrid, bajo la proteccion de S. M., quien en 28 de enero de [1751] aprobó sus constituciones. En virtud de estas se presta sobre alhajas de oro, plata, joyas de piedras preciosas, perlas, aljofares, cobre, azófar, metal, ropas de todas clases y de todos colores asi nuevas como usadas por pobres que sean. Y como su principal objeto es socorrer la clase menesterosa evitándola pagar escesivas usuras, se presta desde la insignificante cantidad de 2 reales hasta la de 800, por medio año y sin interés, admitiendo la limosna que voluntariamente quiera darse por devocion y gratitud; la cual se aplica al mantenimiento del Monte y al socorro de las hermanas del Retiro. Tambien se prestan cantidades que escedan de 800 rs. si lo permiten los fondos que proporcionan personas piadosas depositando alli algunas sin interés, y otras á un interés muy módico, para contribuir á una obra tan benéfica.

    Hay tres sujetos destinados para señalar la cantidad que puede prestarse atendido el valor de la prenda; además un Secretario y dos porteros. La Junta particular se compone del Hermano mayor de la Congregacion ó el que hace sus veces, el Señor Administrador, el Contador, el Depositario y el Tesorero, y de sus respectivos Oficiales que se ocupan con el mayor desinterés en este acto de Beneficencia. Estos mismos con los individuos de la Congregacion que marca la Real cédula de 28 de marzo de 1764 forman la Junta general, que actualmente preside el Sr. Alcalde Corregidor de la ciudad, y ante ella se presentan las cuentas anuales.

    Este Monte va en aumento, como que para poder contener los prendas de ropas tuvo que levantarse el edificio que la Congregacion tiene destinado para dicho objeto. Las oficinas están abiertas los lunes y jueves de todas las semanas de 10 á 1. Los lunes se hacen los empeños, y los jueves los desempeños.

    Dichas oficinas están situadas en la misma casa de la Congregacion.

  • Una representación de Cid Campeador; la situación militar-pirata

    Barcelona, November 10, 1775.
    YESTERDAY, being the festival of Saint Charles Borromeo, the king’s patron, was kept as a day of Gala. All the officers waited upon the governor in grand uniform; the theatre was illuminated, and crowded with well-drest company, which made a very handsome shew; the price of admittance was raised from half a pistreen to a whole one. The pit is divided into seats, let by the year, each person keeping his own key; the boxes are taken for the season, and the upper gallery is filled with women in white veils, and no men allowed to sit among them; so that a stranger is at a loss for a place.

    The play was the Cid Campeador, an historical tragedy, written with a great deal of fire, and force of character. The actors, in the old Spanish habit and Moorish garment, seemed to enter more than usual into the sense of the author. In all tragedies they drop a curtesy, instead of bowing, to kings and heroes. A pretty ballad was sung by a woman, in the smart dress of a Maja or coquette: she wore her hair in a scarlet net, with tassels; a striped gauze handkerchief crossed over her breast; a rich jacket, flowered apron, and brocade petticoat. I observed the pit was crowded with clergymen*.

    I passed the morning in the cabinet of natural history belonging to Mr. Salvador. The botanical specimens are the most perfect part of the collection, though, he possesses many rare things in every other branch of that study. This afternoon has been employed in copying out lists of the Spanish forces, with their regulations; a succinct account of which may perhaps be interesting to you at this period, when our politicians in England
    seem so much afraid of them, and whilst their late unsuccessful attempt against Algiers still renders them the general topic of conversation.

    * Since the fire which in 1778 consumed the theatre at Saragosa, the king has forbidden any playhouses to be opened, except in the cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Cadiz.

  • Bastante completa impresión de la ciudad

    [Date in September not given]

    A fine avenue of poplars leads in a direct line [from the Llobregat, which has «the most magnificent bridge in Spain»] to Barcelona, and the stony road changes to a fine causeway. It was covered with men and carriages, and embellished on each side by country houses, gardens, and plantations. Every thing had an appearance of affluence, animation, and gaiety. Before us were the towers and fortifications of the city, and at a distance the amphitheatre of mountains we had descended. Here we again breathed the refreshing sea air, and at length passed the Hospitaller gate. Within, the walls are adorned with aloes, but soon this verdure disappears on entering the dark and narrow streets of Barcelona.

    […]

    BARCELONA is situated on a plain, which is bounded on three sides by mountains, but the view is open toward the sea. Here the traveller readily perceives he is approaching the frontiers of Spain and of the Pyrenees, yet the climate of this city is of the most agreeable temperature, to which the vicinity of the sea and its general situation probably much contribute.

    The interior resembles a labyrinth; and this great city, which contains above 100,000 inhabitants, is full of dark narrow streets continually interfering each other: they are kept however tolerably clean, and lighted at night throughout the year. The houses are lofty, heavy, and painted in various colours. In the smaller streets the roofs seem almost to touch, and in some places the inhabitants may shake hands from the balconies; so that lovers only require the aid of a plank to meet. Whatever cordiality this proximity may produce among the inhabitants, and between the sexes, the want of air and of sun are great inconveniences. Add to this the crowd of professions and of trades, the journeymen of which work in open shops as at Marseilles. The various appearance of all these occupations, the noise of hammers and various other processes confounded together, the show of innumerable kinds of goods exposed to sale, with the charming catalonian women in the foreground, and the confused crowd of so many men collected together, all contribute to give interest to the scene. Scarcely is there a single art or trade but is practised at Barcelona, and many of them, as for instance the shoemakers, supply all Spain, sending whole cargoes to Seville, Cadiz, Madrid, &c.; for Barcelona and Valencia are in point of industry the two first towns in Spain.

    However confined are the walls of Barcelona, there is no want of promenades. On quitting its narrow streets you are at once transported to the spacious Plaza de la Mar, round which are the exchange built in the Italian style, the old governor’s palace (capitan general), and the modern though somewhat heavy edifice of the custom-house. In front on two sides is the sea. On the right you enter upon the mole called Muelle de San Luis, on the left is the way to the Passeo Nuevo.

    The first view of the Muelle de San Luis has something striking and solemn. The immense expanse of the ocean, the lofty rock and castle of Montjuich (as the Catalonians write it, though the Castilians write it as it is pronounced Montjui), the port with a forest of masts, the light-house and its batteries, the flat more lined with taverns, the little terraces of which adjoin the ramparts, and the fine rows of houses on the left, produce a grand and lively effect not to be equalled even at Cadiz: for at the latter the sea is only seen on one side of the ramparts. Hence the view at Barcelona is more free and magnificent.

    Here the finest part of the day is the evening, when the sun sets behind Montjuich. Ships of all kinds are seen entering the port, and the more is all alive: the fishermen drag their boats on to the sands with a loud cry, and at night innumerable lights are seen: the moon rises majestically above the sea, the roar of the mining waves is more distinctly heard, the number of people walking increases, and from the houses, which are lighted and open on all sides, the sound of music and of songs with all the noise and bustle of the dance are heard. This tumult contrasted with the calmness of the sea with her waves tranquilly sinking to rest gives the mind a sensation of sublimity that I should in vain attempt to describe.

    From the Muelle de San Luis the road turns to the left toward the Passeo Nuevo, which was formerly a waste plot of ground between the town and the fort. But since the war broke out, and to employ a great number of poor people who were out of work, the present governor-general, Don Agostin de Lancaster determined to make some embellishments there, and has been assisted by numerous voluntary subscriptions. Five avenues of elms and poplars have been planted, extending in a straight line to the Puerta de Francia, and two more are to be added. The Passeo Nuevo is much more lonely than the Muelle, but this only renders it the more rural.

    To the right is the road to the citadel, where the first object that strikes the eye is the great broad tower in front of the armory (plaza de armas). It is used at present as a prison for some generals and officers detained there to be tried by a court martial for surrendering the fort of Figueras. Hating the French as they do, the Catalonians consider the surrender of this fort as a double crime, and endeavour by all possible means to aggravate the confinement of the prisoners. Hence to deprive them of the prospect they would enjoy from their dungeon, they have stopped up all the windows, and except their prayers these unfortunate people are deprived of all books and even of the public papers.

    It is very probable, that some misunderstanding and the influence of their wives may have been the sole causes of their surrendering the fort, and the reports of treachery or of secret orders from the court seem wholly destitute of foundation. These trials may perhaps yet be delayed for a time by the fluctuation of different parties, but the military law is too clear for the prisoners to escape death, unless they are saved by an act of authority from the king.

    Near the Muelle de San Luis, under which are warehouses, is a small lateral street, from which you enter them, and commanding the Passeo de la Rambla, a promenade, which I cannot better describe than by comparing it to the linden walk at Berlin, This is undeniably the best street in Barcelona, and extends as far as the square of the Jesuits, being nearly half a league long in a straight line. The Rambla is used as a promenade in winter, because it is entirely sheltered and admits the sun. At night it is used as a place of intrigue by the lower orders.

    Going out of the gate toward the sea the shore en the right is full of wine-shops, and lined with large ships, which in consequence of the cessation of commerce are lying ashore. Farther on are tents and measurers of goods, where at all tunes are large heaps of cheese, beans, salt-cod, &c. Here every thing is in motion, especially at night, when the fishing smacks return into port. For then a vast number of soldiers and journeymen come down to haul them on shore for a few quartos, a multitude of men and women crowd round them to buy their fish the mariners extend their nets to dry, their children light fires, and the poor fisherman who has no other flock than his boat sleeps betide the element that yields him a subsistence.

    To the left is a vast inclosure, at the end of which are tiers of vessels, and here is seen that activity with its attendants, which prevail at all sea ports of any magnitude. The quay is about 1000 paces wide and terminates at the foot of the light-house, where is a guard-house with some other buildings for the purpose of performing quarantine. Upon the ramparts properly so called, or the Muelle Nuevo, you may enjoy at your ease the view of the ocean and the port, the entrance being defended by a battery, the guns of which cross with those of the Muelle de San Luis. Hence you perceive these two moles together with the beach, which is very broad, form a semicircular harbour.

    Returning toward the town you will perceive a row of houses painted greenand red, which lie beyond the great road. They form the hither side of Barceloneta or little Barcelona. On beholding this it is difficult to conceive, that this little town, which has not been founded above twenty years, should contain 13,000 inhabitants; but it is very extensive in depth, and covers a considerable space along shore. It may be considered as a suburb to Barcelona; for a vast many seamen find there the means of supplying all their wants, and smuggling being so much in fashion there, many kinds of goods are bought much cheaper than at Barcelona. All that part which is without the sea gate as far as the light-house point forms a strip of land of an oval form, which extends along the coast.

    The rest of the environs have a very rural appearance, and you may ride round them from Puerta de Francia to Puerta de Santa Madrona, in a semicircle. The space along the coast from the last mentioned gate to the former is occupied by the Muelle de San Luis, the citadel, and the Passeo Nuevo.

    The promenade that surrounds the city runs along the glacis and has some very grand avenues. It commands a charming view of the mountains, which are cultivated almost to their tops, and which insensibly change to a smiling plain. Many of them brought strongly to my mind the country about Geneva near Seligny. Farther on between the intermediate gate called Puerta del Angel and the gate of Santa Madrona are nothing but kitchen gardens, beds of flowers, and little cottages, that have have a very pleasing appearance. At length we approach Montjuich, which we have already seen on various sides and in various points of view, and we ascend it by a steep road washed by the sea. As we mount we find a vast number of country houses and wine shops adorned with artificial gardens upon ridges of rocks. The road is planted with various shrubs, with oleander, and with aloes, and passes under the guns of the citadel. Meanwhile the horizon seems to increase wonderfully, and the eye looks down upon the sea, the town, and the port. This is an excellent spot from which to take a view of Barcelona.

    It is the custom to go to Montjuich chiefly on Sundays. The narrow road that runs along the shore is as full of venders of vegetables as if it were a fruit market, and the whole heights are covered with people. Some sit quietly at the foot of the rock and amuse themselves with angling, while others sit in groups round great leathern bottles of wine. Some play at pelota or ballon, and others at bowls. Here sturdy artisans exercise themselves in wrestling, there an amorous couple steal from the importunity of the crowd to some retired corner of the rock. Wherever we turn our eyes, we behold affluence, chearfulness, and the just reward of industry.

    The same may be said in regard to dress: for the inhabitants are every where adorned with the manufactures of the country. The costume of Barcelona has something peculiar which characterizes it. The women wear cotton petticoats of various colours, silk jackets, fine striped aprons, lockings of clouded silk or worsted, green or yellow shoes, long silk hair-nets of various colours adorned with fringe and stone ear-rings. The men wear culottes and short jackets of manchester stuffs, or of satin, and of all colours, large black hairnets, or when more undressed red woollen caps; blue and red scarfs, enormous cocked hats, and the lower classes wear alpargatas or shoes made of packthread.

    Both the men and the women have a robust make, and their muscles, their features, and their whole appearance mow a vigorous constitution. The women without possessing the graces of the Valencians have their clear complexions, are graver and prouder, but equally good housewives. The men have an uprightness equal to that of the Svviss, and the same love of liberty. They have inherited the noble spirit and bravery of their ancestors, whose arms they retain. In general Catalonia seems to be the great scene of spanish generosity. The Catalonian piques himself on a mortal hatred to the French, has a marked predilection for the English and Germans, and the conjectures of historians on this subject are realized in a manner highly flattering to the travellers of these two nations. A secret attachment to the ancient german house that once reigned in Spain seems still to prevail among the Catalonians, and had the French reckoned upon a party in this province, it is certain they would have found insurmountable obstacles in the majority of the inhabitants.

    It is true the present state of affairs does not contribute to make the French beloved. To them the Catalonians attribute the present war with England and consequently the loss of their trade. Their goods accumulate, their manufactures are at a stand or dwindling away, they have either no importations at all in the present state of affairs, or they arrive very rarely and at exorbitant prices, and the blessed english flag, that formerly gave life to their ports is no longer seen, but on board the privateers that infest their shores and totally ruin their coasting trade.

    The English however seem still to treat the Catalonians with a certain degree of lenity and regard. Frequently they have restored their vessels at open sea for nothing or for an inconsiderable ransom, and many sailors of that province who were taken on board french ships have been sent horne well clothed, and even with money for their journey. In general the catalonian merchants can only make use of neutral colours, and especially those of Greece and Turkey; and the fatal changes their new connections with the Porte have made in the trade of Spain, Spain are already perceived with regret. Under the latter of these flags the eorn of the north has given place to that of Syria and Tauris, and they even send cargoes of it to America. I have been told that more than one ship loaded with this article have derived from a voyage from Buenos Ayres to Barcelona and back a profit of above 80,000 piastres. Hence the Greeks have an agent here, who at the same time fills the office of drogman or interpreter. He is a young man, who some years ago resided at Leipzig, and who speaks German tolerably well.

    At Barcelona may be seen all the colours of the levant, and all the forms of vessels peculiar to the Mediterranean. I also saw maltese ships, which much frequent this port. Not long ago two of these vessels from the archipelago loaded with cotton had completed their quarantine at the time when the french consul and some captains of ships appointed a fete to celebrate the union of Malta to the republic. This took place at the entrance of the port, and no expense was spared; neither wine, nor flags, nor discharges of artillery ; but the inhabitants of Barcelona were enraged both at the fete itself and the occasion of it.

    Some days after arrived the news of the battle of Aboukir by an american ship. At this the whole town rejoiced, and vied with each other who who should celebrate it most gaily as a triumph, Immediately the sailors of one of the maltese ships began to rise upon their captain, tore down the french colours, insulted them, and threw them into the sea, suspending them from the bowsprit. The crew of the other ship followed their example, and all cried out «Malta for England.» Of this the french commercial agent complained to the commissary of marine belonging to the port, but under various pretexts he was advised to be patient, and in the interim a thousand outrages were committed against the two french captains.

    Meanwhile the intelligence of the defeat of the French daily gained strength, and soon after was confirmed. Upon this the sailors of the two ships began to desert, and the two captains found no other way of keeping the rest, than going immediately out into the road. But as the sailors had hoisted english colours, and would not lower them though commanded to do so, the governor-general gave orders to fire upon the ship. This vigorous measure and the want of provisions brought them to their duty; a compromise was made, and it was agreed, that, till further intelligence should arrive relative to the fate of Malta, the french and maltese colours should be both hoisted together on board. The intelligence that came being favourable to the French, several of the sailors were put in irons, and the commercial agent reported the transaction to the French government. It was not known at my departure, how this affair would end.

    You will easily imagine, that on this occasion the Catalonians did not conceal the hatred they bore the French; for their antipathy exceeds all that can be conceived. Their manners and mode of life seem also rather to harmonize with those of Italy than of France. Every thing shows the influence of the climate remarked among oriental nations. The women have a clearer complexion than at Valencia, their hair is lighter, and their veils are more of the Italian form. Their kitchens, their furniture, the arrangement and decorations of their apartments, their food, and their profusion of sedias (chairs), add much to these similarities.

    At Barcelona are a vast number of literary and industrious establishments, the principal of which are La real academia de buenas letras, instituted at the commencement of the present (eighteenth) century, and which in 1762 obtained a royal charter: Real academia de ciencias naturales y artes, instituted in 1766; here are professors of algebra, geometry, and statics; hydrossatics and meteorology; electricity, optics, pneumatics, chemistry, and natural history ; botany and agriculture : Real academia de jurisprudencia teorico-pratica: Escuela gratuita de nautica (free school for navigation) : Escuela gratuita de los nobles artes. Add to these three libraries belonging to monasteries and that of the bishop, which are open three hours every day. Barcelona also publishes a gazette, though far inferior to that of Madrid both in paper and printing, and a diario or advertiser, and it is the only town except Madrid where an almanack or guide for foreigners (guida de forasteros) is printed.

    As to the means of supporting life, nothing is wanting} the provisions sold at Barcelona are of the best quality, and those which are imported, as bacallao, salt meat smoked, cheese and butter, are here in great abundance. Every where are seen magazines of wine, eating-houses,and itinerant bakers of spice-bread with their ovens, who also dress sausages and periwinkles.

    These last are a very common species of food at Barcelona. They are dressed in stew-pans hermetically closed, or they are strewed on the ground and straw laid over them, which is set on fire. While dressing they make a noise like boiling water, and when dressed, that is when they can be taken out of their shells, they are eaten with oil and pepper; but this mode of dressing is horribly cruel.

    Wine, in consequence of the high duties it pays, is much dearer than at Madrid.- A double quart costs near sixpence. It is also extremely harsh, deposits a sediment, and chalk is often put into a process which the Catalonians have learnt from the Italians. Most of the wines sold in the north of of Europe as french wines come from Catalonia, and are very prejudicial to the health.

    There are at Barcelona a number of coffee houses, but most of them are kept by Italians and especially by Genoese. The principal of these is near the palacio, which is the residence of the governor-general. At this coffee-house or in front of it all the captains and brokers of ships meet every day from ten till one.

    Considering the union of so many political, commercial, and social advantages, Barcelona would seem the residence to be recommended to foreigners in preference to all other towns in Spain without exception, if good Spanish were spoken there. It is true it is spoken in the chancery and among the higher orders; but the language spoken by the generality is a jargon a good deal resembling that of Provence, and in which the pronunciation and terminations of spanish and french words are often confused and mutilated in a strange manner. A vast number of short plays or farces called saynetes are written in this dialed:, which adds much to their comic effect.

  • Se recibe a Manuel Godoy con más extravagancia que a Carlos IV

    The king’s visit to Barcelona last year (1802) when the double marriage took place, is still the subject of conversation. The grandest scene on this occasion was, the three nights’ procession representing the blessings of peace, and the ancient triumphs of Spanish history, particularly the eastern expeditions of the Catalans and Arragonese in the fourteenth century. The dresses are said to have been very splendid; but judging by the prints which are now sold, not much taste was displayed in the machines and decorations made use of in this festival. To discharge the expense, the town was laid under a contribution; an English merchant told us that his share amounted to seventy pounds. The king was a month on his road from Madrid, through Sarragosa, and his retinue was like an army: upwards of eighty thousand persons, exclusive of the inhabitants of the city, were collected; and the Catalans felt a generous pride in observing that no accident or quarrel occurred, and no life was lost, notwithstanding the enmity subsisting between them and the Spaniards. This enmity is carried to such a height, that, when it was proposed to strike a medal in honour of the king’s visit, the academy of arts of St. Fernando, at Madrid, were requested to superintend the execution; but this body actuated by a most illiberal and unworthy spirit, endeavoured to excuse themselves, and made every possible delay; which so enraged the Catalans, that they withdrew the business from their hands, and entrusted it to their own academy. The medal was produced in a month, and remains a record rather of their loyal zeal, than of their ability in the fine arts. The Prince of the Peace [Godoy] appeared here in greater state than the king himself; he was lodged in the palace of commerce, and had a guard of honour daily mounted before his door.

    [Undated]

  • Un pueblo religioso, el espantoso palacio de la Virreina, la Escuela Llotja

    We were surprised to find the bishop’s palace not more considerable than most of the better sort of houses in the town. The present prelate is much esteemed, and we heard from the English residents here a very favourable character of the Spanish hierarchy. We observed among the middle and lower orders of people that attention to religion which we expected. The booksellers’ shops have an enormous proportion of theological literature: hardly any door is without a print of the Virgin or some saint; and it is a common custom here to bow to a church in passing, when the bell is tolling.

    About half-past one we walked to the maison de plaisance of Mr. ___, who had invited us to dinner: it was about two miles from the city. The whole surrounding country was sprinkled, over with little boxes, generally consisting of a kitchen below, and above stairs a dining room, a bed room or two, and an open arcade; principally places for retirement and relaxation, but hardly any of them large enough for receiving a family. In our way to Mr. ___’s, we passed an ugly painted house, with four towers ending in short spires, built by a viceroy of Peru, who sent the plan over from that country; and it is said to be a specimen of the Peruvian style of architecture: nothing can be more frightful, and it appears very small for an officer holding so high and lucrative a post. It stands close to the road, and is merely surrounded by a little garden.

    After dinner we returned to Barcelona, which from the country has a pretty appearance, by a road bounded on each side by a hedge of lofty aloes. We were in time for the ballet, and the second act of the opera; which is performed twice a week by a company of Italians, at the theatre already described, which is indeed the only one in the city: it was executed in a very creditable style, and the first female has considerable vocal powers. The house was extremely crowded. We visited the academy of arts, instituted in the palace of commerce, and supported in the most magnificent manner by the merchants of Barcelona. We were conducted through a long suite of apartments, in which seven hundred boys were employed in copying and designing: some of them, who display superior talents, are sent to Rome, and to the academy of St. Fernando at Madrid; the others are employed in different ways by the merchants and manufacturers. The rooms are large and commodious; and are furnished with casts of celebrated statues, and every proper apparatus. We observed a few drawings of considerable merit, produced by the scholars: but the grand picture before us of liberality and industry, amply rewarded our visit; and was the more striking to us, from having of late been continually accustomed to lament the traces of neglect and decay, so visibly impressed on every similar institution in the impoverished cities of Italy.

  • Nelson y el Victory en la costa

    TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

    Victory, off Barcelona, November 15th, 1804.

    The appearances of a rupture with Spain induced me to proceed off this place, in hopes of hearing from his Majesty’s Minister at the Court of Madrid; or, should he not think it proper to write to me, that I might be able to form a judgment whether War or Peace was likely to take place, of the uncertainty which, for some weeks past, has prevailed. For this purpose I sent the Fisgard to Rosas for the purpose of watching, and desiring water and refreshments. The Governor seemed very anxious that he should anchor between the Forts, when he told the Officer the Ship should be furnished with whatever she wanted. In short, his conduct, from rudeness, was so polite, that no doubt was entertained in Lord Mark Kerr’s mind of the views of the Spanish Governor, and he joined me last night.

    The Ambuscade, which I stationed off Barcelona, joined me this morning, with a Merchant Brig which was lying in Barcelona Roads. She was yesterday, on her attempting to join the Ambuscade, fired at by the batteries, and very much damaged, but she escaped. The enclosed letter from Mr. Frere has made me give orders for the general seizure of all Spanish Vessels, whether of War or Merchandize. I have the honour to be, &c.

    NELSON AND BRONTE.
    The Fleet is perfection itself. We have just captured a complete Regiment going to Minorca.1

    1 «Thursday, 15th November. A.M. Boarded an Imperial Ship from Barcelona.
    At 7·15, AEtna boarded a Spanish Bark, having Troops onboard. At 9·30, Ambuscade boarded a Vessel under Spanish colours, having troops onboard. At 10·30, Spencer boarded a Ship, under Russian colours, having Spanish troops onboard.» —Victory’s Log. «On the 18th of November, Lord Nelson sent the Officers, &c. belonging to the Spanish Regiment onboard a Swedish Ship for Barcelona.»—Ibid. «Monday, 19th November. A.M. At 7·20, Excellent detained the Bona Adventura Spanish Schooner of War.»—Ibid.