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And that nothing might be left unattempted towards the Reduction of Spain, the Earl of Peterborough was sent with the 7500 Land Forces on Board the Grand Fleet already mentioned, to carry the War into another Part of that Monarchy, whilst my Lord Galway was acting on the Side of Portugal to improve those Advantages that were reasonably hoped for from the good Inclinations of a Warlike People, who as they had been ever vigorous in the Defence of their Own just Liberties, so were now no less active in asserting the Rights of their Lawful Sovereign; and to their Honour it must be said, that they made a much better Figure in this War than any other part of Spain, so much Virtue does a Notion of Liberty inspire.
The Fleet and Forces proceeded directly toward Barcelona (having first set Major General Ramos Basset a Shore at Denia to begin the Conquest of Valencia) and arrived there the 12th of august 1705. with his Catholick Majesty on Board, who receiving daily fresh Assurances from the People of Catalonia of their entire Affection for his Service, was very pressing to have the Forces landed, and the Siege undertaken, whilst the zealous People flock'd to him, bringing all manner of Refreshments for the Army.
In the first Council of War (August 16) the Generals came to a Resolution that the Siege could not, with any manner of hopes of Success, be undertaken. In the second Council of War, on the 22d, the Earl of Peterborough dissented from the rest of the Generals in their Opinion, and gave the Reasons following.
B3
