490 
GIBRALTAR. 
southern part of the rock, and is embosomed in a grove of large 
trees. 
The intercourse between the Spaniards and the garrison is per- 
mitted, in consequence of the advantages which both receive from 
it. The Spanish officers obtain permission, daily, to come iuto the 
town, to purchase articles which are contraband, particularly 
tobacco, of which the King of Spain has a monopoly, and which, in 
consequence, sells at ten shillings a pound. The Governor of Anda- 
lusia himself, sometimes comes in to pay his compliments to the 
General, when he always requests permission to take a walk in the 
town unattended, confessing that he and his party want to make 
some purchases. Even a relation of the Prince of Peace conde- 
scended to come in, on the same errand, a few days before I arrived. 
The trade between Algeziras and the garrison is carried on with the 
connivance of both parties, and the boats from the former arrive 
every morning with fruit, vegetables, and fresh meat ; they are sup- 
posed to carry back money, but, in reality, their cargo consists of 
British manufactures and colonial produce. It is said that Bona- 
parte has taken offence at this amicable arrangement, and the 
Spaniards have hinted, that if the present negotiations do not ter- 
minate in a peace, they shall be obliged to put an end to it. 
A perpetual war exists in the bay, between the Spanish gun-boats 
and the English ships of war; not that the former wish for fighting, 
but they are perpetually attacking the merchant vessels, and Bar- 
bary boats which are, of course, protected, but frequently the cur- 
rent carries them across to the Spanish coast, where they become a 
sure prey to the enemy's small craft, or to the batteries which line 
the shore. Some gun boats had even the impudence to attempt to 
