540 
SIEGE OE MINORCA. 
one of them. The French Fleet appeared from the Southward, they 
consisted of 19 Sail, from whence it is. conjectured they had taken 
some of our merchant Vessels. A few of the Enemy were seen in the 
Vineyards about three quarters of a mile from the Marlborough, who 
immediately made off on the firing some Wall pieces and small Arms. 
i s t. A Drummer came in from the Enemy to the Governour, with a Let¬ 
ter, contents not known, and was sent back in an hour or two ; 
supposed to be to demand a French Criminal which had been carried 
away by Captain Noel. 
Mr Boyd went out with the Drummer, and took that opportunity to 
walk up to the ground where two Windmills had been pulled down, 
but could not discover any works begun on that side ; nor does it 
appear that they have begun any Batteries, or brought up any Cannon 
as yet. 
An alarm was purposely given to try the readiness of the Troops, 
when they all appeared at their posts; the piquet ordered to mount 
at sunset, to continue at their posts all night; and hold themselves in 
readiness till sunset next Day, till relieved by the New piquet. The 
French Fleet off the harbour. 
Three Spanish Boats went off from the Western part of the Island, 
to the Enemy's Fleet; and continued amongst them till evening. 
2 nd. General Blakeney sent a Drummer to the Marshall, the message not 
known. About Evening a large party of the Enemy's Pioneers and 
Spaniards marched round to Cape Mola. We fired from the Queen's 
Redoubt at a Ship coming out of a Creek, by Quarrentine Island, we 
imagined she had carried Stores to the N. E. side of the harbour, 
where from the number of people frequently seen there, it is conjec¬ 
tured that the French are carrying on some work ; but Night coming 
on and the Vessel getting behind the Island, we were prevented from 
having any more than three shot at her. 
The French Fleet in sight. 
3 rd. We fired some Cannon Shot at the Enemy's Partys passing to and 
from Cape Mola, and threw some Shells which seemed to put them 
in great confusion. Mr Chissel was sent over to Cape Mola to make 
what discoveries he could, who brought us word the Enemy were at 
work where we judged them to be. A French Soldier came towards 
the principal Barrier, and by his gestures seemed inclined to desert; 
he was encouraged so to do, and some went over the Palissadoes to 
conduct him in, but he then turned back and made off, upon which 
the Sentrys were ordered to fire upon him, and he was killed. The 
Enemy's Fleet to leeward, a great distance off, Several Guns were fired 
from the Queen's Redoubt at a very considerable party of the Enemy 
who were marching along the Hills on the N. E. side of the harbour, 
many of them appeared to be Pioneers. A very strong party were 
seen this Morning at Cape Mola signal House, where they were reliev¬ 
ing their Guard. A considerable body of the Enemy were collected 
on the neck of Land adjoining to Cape Mola, where, it being imagined 
that they were busied in forming some Battery, several Shots were 
fired at them, and some Shells thrown, one of which upon its bursting 
made them disperse, and quit the place. 
