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Prince Lichtenstein's Letter to Sir John Leake, dated
March the 25th, 1706.
HIS Majesty the King my Master finds at this Cojuncture the Principality attack'd on both sides by the Enemies considerable Armies: One whereof is under the Command of Anjou, and the Other of the Duke of Noailles, and the City of Barcelona like to be besieged; you may easily judge of the great Necessity there is to assist us speedily with the Squadron, Troops and Money, which the Queen your Mistress has design'd towards the succouring Catalonia. I hope these will find you within the Streights, nay, even on the Coast of the Kingdom of Valencia; and what confirms me in this Hope, is, that the Enemies Eighteen Men of War that have block'd up this City for this Seven Weeks are fail'd; but we know not whether they will return hither again, or go to Thoulon; 'tis wish'd you could have the same Success on these Ships, as you had last Year with those of Malaga. All the Advices we have of the Enemies Designs and Motions agree, that they resolve to leave the Towns of Lerida and Girone behind them, and to march with all their Forces directly for Barcelona; which Place, in the Condition it is in at present, is able to make but a very weak Defence, having no regular Troops, and only guarded by its Inhabitants. And the Fort of Monjuic is found in the same Condition as when it was taken, the City being also without Stores, Provisions, and Money. I well know his Majesty is confident of your Zeal and Application for his Royal Service, and the Common Cause; that you will use all possible Diligence to come hither with the Troops that are to
