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reduced by Declaration. However, there was hopes, that another Place might be more culpable. And considering likewise that the constant Difficulties which attend Descents in an Enemies Country, where the Hazard is ever great, and the Success, at least, but uncertain; an Expedient was therefore thought of, whereby we might gain an Inlet or Key into the Kingdom, and a conveniency to land our Troops to carry on the War with a prospect of Success, and this was by engaging Portugal in an Alliance with us; which was happily effected, tho’ no means was left unessayed by France to overthrow it.
By this Treaty of Alliance, among other Things, it was stipulated, That the Arch Duke Charles, being undeniably entitled to the Spanish Monarchy, by virtue of a Renunciation from the Emperor his Father, and from the King of the Romans his elder Brother, should come in Person to Lisbon, attended by a Royal Fleet, and an Army of 12000 Men, two thirds English, and one Dutch, to which the King of Portugal was to join 13000 Portugueze, at the Expence of the Allies, and 15000 more at his own.
In this manner a Scheme was laid by the Ministers at home, for a vigorous prosecution of the War in Spain- and their part of it performed, by sending his Catholick Majesty, (who had before been Proclaimed at Vienna) to Portugal, after his arrival in England, according to the Terms of the Treaty, without loss of time; for King Charles Landed at Portsmouth about the latter end of December 1703. and notwithstanding the several delays occasioned by the Winds, yet he was conveyed to Lisbon by the Confederate Fleet, by the end of February.
