§ From George W. Erving. 13 August 1806, Madrid. No. 12. “A Courier arrived here last night to the French charge d’affaires who brings news to the 5th Inst: Contrary to all reasonable Expectation the peace between England & France is arranged. Telegraphick news had reached Paris from Calais that Lord Lauderdale had landed who is sent on the part of Great Britain to sign the preliminaries.”

Adds in a postscript: “As a Courier sets out this moment for Lisbon I have supposed that this important news may reach you sooner thro this than any other Channel.”

Adds in a 14 Aug. postscript: “I dispatched the foregoing (by original & duplicate) in great haste yesterday for Lisbon by a special Courier of the Portuguese Ambassador. The intelligence referred to comes from General Bournonville, & I presume may be relied upon. I learn nothing respecting the terms of the Treaty, Excepting only that Prussia is to lose considerably, at least that Hanover is to be restored to the King of England.”