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by Daniel Defoe

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Title: Military Memoirs of Capt. George Carleton

Author: Daniel Defoe

Release Date: December 23, 2004 [EBook #14436]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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THE Military Memoirs

OF

Capt. _George Carleton_

FROM THE
DUTCH WAR, 1672.
In which he Serv'd, to the

Conclusion of the Peace at
UTRECHT, 1713.

Illustrating

Some of the most Remarkable TRANSACTIONS, both by Sea
and Land, during the Reigns of King _Charles_ and King
_James II_. hitherto unobserved by all the Writers of those
times.

Together with

An exact Series of the War in _Spain_; and a particular Description
of the several Places of the Author's Residence in
many Cities, Towns, and Countries; their Customs,
Manners, _&c_. Also Observations on the Genius of the
_Spaniards_ (among whom he continued some Years a
Prisoner) their Monasteries and Nunneries (especially that
fine one at _Montserat_) and on their publick Diversions;
more particularly their famous BULL-FEASTS.

_LONDON_, Printed for E. SYMON, over against the Royal
Exchange, _Cornhill_, MDCCXXVIII.

       *       *       *       *       *




TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

_Spencer_ Lord _Wilmington_,

_Knight of the_ Bath, _and one of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy
Council_.


'Twas my fortune, my Lord, in my juvenile Years, _Musas cum Marte
commutare_, and truly I have Reason to blush, when I consider the small
Advantage I have reap'd from that Change. But lest it should be imputed
to my Want of Merit, I have wrote these Memoirs, and leave the World to
judge of my Deserts. They are not set forth by any fictitious Stories,
nor imbelished with rhetorical Flourishes; plain Truth is certainly most
becoming the Character of an old Soldier. Yet let them be never so
meritorious, if not protected by some noble Patron, some Persons may
think them to be of no Value.

To you therefore, my Lord, I present them; to you, who have so eminently
distinguished your self, and whose Wisdom has been so conspicuous to the
late Representatives of _Great Britain_, that each revolving Age will
speak in your Praise; and if you vouchsafe to be the _Mecoenas_ of these
Memoirs, your Name will give them sufficient Sanction.

An old Soldier I may truly call my self, and my Family allows me the
Title of a Gentleman; yet I have seen many Favourites of Fortune,
without being able to discern why they should be so happy, and my self
so unfortunate; but let not that discourage your Lordship from receiving
these my Memoirs into your Patronage; for the Unhappy cannot expect
Favour but from those who are endued with generous Souls.

Give me Leave, my Lord, to congratulate this good Fortune, that neither
Whig nor Tory (in this complaining Age) have found fault with your
Conduct. Your Family has produced Heroes, in defence of injured Kings;
and you, when 'twas necessary, have as nobly adher'd to the Cause of
Liberty.

_My_ LORD,
_Your Lordship's
Most obedient
And most devoted
Humble Servant_,
G. CARLETON.




TO THE READER


_The Author of these Memoirs began early to distinguish himself in
martial Affairs, otherwise he could not have seen such Variety of
Actions both by Sea and Land. After the last Dutch War he went into
Flanders, where he not only serv'd under the Command of his Highness the
Prince of Orange, whilst he was Generalissimo of the Dutch Forces, but
likewise all the time he reign'd King of Great Britain. Most of the
considerable Passages and Events, which happened during that time, are
contained in the former Part of this Book_.

_In the Year 1705, the Regiment in which he serv'd as Captain was
order'd to embark for the West Indies; and he, having no Inclination to
go thither, chang'd with an half-pay Captain; and being recommended to
the Earl of Peterborow by the late Lord Cutts, went with him upon that
noble Expedition into Spain_.

_When the Forces under his Lordship's Command were landed near
Barcelona, the Siege of that Place was thought by several impracticable,
not only for want of experienc'd Engineers, but that the Besieged were
as numerous as the Besiegers; yet the Courage of that brave Earl
surmounted those Difficulties, and the Siege was resolv'd upon_.

_Our Author having obtain'd, by his long Service, some Knowledge of the
practick Part of an Engineer, and seeing at that critical Time the great
Want of such, readily acted as one, which gave him the greater
Opportunity of being an Eye-Witness of his Lordship's Actions; and
consequently made him capable of setting them forth in these his
Memoirs._

_It may not be perhaps improper to mention that the Author of these
Memoirs was born at Ewelme in Oxfordshire, descended from an ancient and
an honourable Family. The Lord Dudley Carleton, who died Secretary of
State to King Charles I. was his Great Uncle; and in_ _the same Reign
his Father was Envoy at the Court of Madrid, whilst his Uncle, Sir
Dudley Carleton, was Embassador to the States of Holland, Men in those
Days respected both for their Abilities and Loyalty._




MEMOIRS

OF AN

_English Officer, &c._


In the year one Thousand six Hundred seventy two, War being proclaimed
with _Holland_, it was looked upon among Nobility and Gentry, as a
Blemish, not to attend the Duke of _York_ aboard the Fleet, who was then
declared Admiral. With many others, I, at that Time about twenty Years
of Age, enter'd my self a Voluntier on board the _London_, commanded by
Sir _Edward Sprage_, Vice-Admiral of the _Red_.

The Fleet set Sail from the _Buoy of the Nore_ about the beginning of
_May_, in order to join the _French_ Fleet, then at Anchor in St.
_Hellen's Road_, under the Command of the _Count de Estree_. But in
executing this Design we had a very narrow Escape: For _De Ruyter_, the
Admiral of the _Dutch_ Fleet, having Notice of our Intentions, waited to
have intercepted us at the Mouth of the River, but by the Assistance of
a great Fog we pass'd _Dover_ before he was aware of it; and thus he
miscarried, with the poor Advantage of taking only one small Tender.

A Day or two after the joining of the _English_ and _French_, we sailed
directly towards the _Dutch_ Coast, where we soon got sight of their
Fleet; a Sand called the _Galloper_ lying between. The _Dutch_ seem'd
willing there to expect an Attack from us: But in regard the _Charles_
Man of War had been lost on those Sands the War before; and that our
Ships drawing more Water than those of the Enemy, an Engagement might be
render'd very disadvantageous; it was resolv'd in a Council of War to
avoid coming to a Battle for the present, and to sail direftly for
_Solebay_, which was accordingly put in Execution.

We had not been in _Solebay_ above four or five Days, when _De Ruyter_,
hearing of it, made his Signal for sailing in order to surprize us; and
he had certainly had his Aim, had there been any Breeze of Wind to
favour him. But though they made use of all their Sails, there was so
little Air stirring, that we could see their Fleet making towards us
long before they came up; notwithstanding which, our Admirals found
difficulty enough to form their Ships into a Line of Battle, so as to be
ready to receive the Enemy.

It was about Four in the Morning of the 28th of _May_, being _Tuesday_
in _Whitson Week_, when we first made the Discovery; and about Eight the
same Morning the Blue Squadron, under the Command of the Earl of
_Sandwich_, began to engage with Admiral _Van Ghent_, who commanded the
_Amsterdam_ Squadron; and about Nine the whole Fleets were under a
general Engagement. The Fight lasted till Ten at Night, and with equal
Fury on all Sides, the _French_ excepted, who appeared stationed there
rather as Spectators than Parties; and as unwilling to be too much upon
the Offensive, for fear of offending themselves.

During the Fight the _English_ Admiral had two Ships disabled under him;
and was obliged about Four in the Afternoon to remove himself a third
Time into the _London_, where he remain'd all the rest of the Fight, and
till next Morning. Nevertheless, on his Entrance upon the _London_,
which was the Ship I was in, and on our Hoisting the Standard, _De
Ruyter_ and his Squadron seem'd to double their Fire upon her, as if
they resolv'd to blow her out of the Water. Notwithstanding all which,
the Duke of _York_ remain'd all the time upon Quarter Deck, and as the
Bullets plentifully whizz'd around him, would often rub his Hands, and
cry, _Sprage, Sprage, they follow us still_. I am very sensible later
Times have not been over favourable in their Sentiments of that
unfortunate Prince's Valour, yet I cannot omit the doing a Piece of
Justice to his Memory, in relating a Matter of Fact, of which my own
Eyes were Witnesses, and saying, That if Intrepidity, and Undauntedness,
may be reckon'd any Parts of Courage, no Man in the Fleet better
deserv'd the Title of Couragious, or behav'd himself with more Gallantry
than he did.

The _English_ lost the _Royal James_, commanded by the Earl of
_Sandwich_, which about Twelve (after the strenuous Endeavours of her
Sailors to disengage her from two _Dutch_ Fire Ships plac'd on her, one
athwart her Hawsers, the other on her Star-board Side) took Fire, blew
up, and perish'd; and with her a great many brave Gentlemen, as well as
Sailors; and amongst the rest the Earl himself, concerning whom I shall
further add, that in my Passage from _Harwich_ to the _Brill_, a Year or
two after, the Master of the Pacquet Boat told me, That having observ'd
a great Flock of Gulls hovering in one particular Part of the Sea, he
order'd his Boat to make up to it; when discovering a Corpse, the
Sailors would have return'd it to the Sea, as the Corpse of a _Dutch
Man_; but keeping it in his Boat, it proved to be that of the Earl of
_Sandwich_. There was found about him between twenty and thirty Guineas,
some Silver, and his Gold Watch; restoring which to his Lady, she kept
the Watch, but rewarded their Honesty with all the Gold and Silver.

This was the only Ship the _English_ lost in this long Engagement. For
although the _Katherine_ was taken, and her Commander, Sir _John
Chicheley_, made Prisoner, her Sailors soon after finding the
Opportunity they had watch'd for, seiz'd all the _Dutch_ Sailors, who
had been put in upon them, and brought the Ship back to our own Fleet,
together with all the _Dutch Men_ Prisoners; for which, as they
deserv'd, they were well rewarded. This is the same Ship which the Earl
of _Mulgrave_ (afterwards Duke of _Buckingham_) commanded the next Sea
Fight, and has caus'd to be painted in his House in St. _James's Park_.

I must not omit one very remarkable Occurrence which happened in this
Ship, There was a Gentleman aboard her, a Voluntier, of a very fine
Estate, generally known by the Name of _Hodge Vaughan_. This Person
receiv'd, in the beginning of the Fight, a considerable Wound, which the
great Confusion, during the Battle, would not give them leave to inquire
into; so he was carried out of the Way, and disposed of in the Hold.
They had some Hogs aboard, which the Sailor, under whose Care they were,
had neglected to feed; these Hogs, hungry as they were, found out, and
fell upon the wounded Person, and between dead and alive eat him up to
his very Scull, which, after the Fight was over, and the Ship retaken,
as before, was all that could be found of him.

Another Thing, less to be accounted for, happen'd to a Gentleman
Voluntier who was aboard the same Ship with my self. He was of known
personal Courage, in the vulgar Notion of it, his Sword never having
fail'd him in many private Duels. But notwithstanding all his
Land-mettle, it was observ'd of him at Sea, that when ever the Bullets
whizz'd over his Head, or any way incommoded his Ears, he immediately
quitted the Deck, and ran down into the Hold. At first he was gently
reproach'd; but after many Repetitions he was laugh'd at, and began to
be despis'd; sensible of which, as a Testimonial of his Valour, he made
it his Request to be ty'd to the Main Mast. But had it been granted him,
I cannot see any Title he could have pleaded from hence, to true
Magnanimity; since to be ty'd from running away can import nothing less,
than that he would have still continued these Signs of Cowardice, if he
had not been prevented. There is a Bravery of Mind which I fansy few of
those Gentlemen Duellists are possess'd of. True Courage cannot proceed
from what Sir _Walter Raleigh_ finely calls _the Art_ or _Philosophy of
Quarrel_. No! It must be the Issue of Principle, and can have no other
Basis than a steady Tenet of Religion. This will appear more plain, if
those Artists in Murder will give themselves leave cooly to consider,
and answer me this Question, Why he that had ran so many Risques at his
Sword's Point, should be so shamefully intimidated at the Whiz of a
Cannon Ball?

_The Names of those English Gentlemen who lost their Lives, as I
remember, in this Engagement_.

Commissioner Cox, Captain of the _Royal Prince_, under the Command of
the Admiral; and Mr. _Travanian_, Gentleman to the Duke of _York_; Mr.
_Digby_, Captain of the _Henry_, second Son to the Earl of _Bristol_;
Sir _Fletchvile Hollis_, Captain of the _Cambridge_, who lost one of his
Arms in the War before, and his Life in this; Captain _Saddleton_, of
the _Dartmouth_; the Lord _Maidstone_, Son to the Earl of _Winchelsea_,
a Voluntier on board the _Charles_, commanded by Sir _John Harman_,
Vice-Admiral of the Red.

Sir _Philip Carteret_, Mr. _Herbert_, Mr. _Cotterel_, Mr. _Peyton_, Mr.
_Gose_, with several other Gentlemen unknown to me, lost their Lives
with the Earl of _Sandwich_, on board the _Royal James_; Mr. _Vaughan_,
on board the _Katherine_, commanded by Sir _John Chicheley_.

In this Engagement, Sir _George Rook_ was youngest Lieutenant to Sir
_Edward Sprage_; Mr. _Russel_, afterwards Earl of _Orford_, was Captain
of a small Fifth Rate, called the _Phnix_; Mr. _Herbert_, afterwards
Earl of _Torrington_, was Captain of a small Fourth Rate, called the
_Monck_; Sir _Harry Dutton Colt_, who was on board the _Victory_,
commanded by the Earl of _Offery_, is the only Man now living that I can
remember was in this Engagement.

       *       *       *       *       *

But to proceed, the _Dutch_ had one Man of War sunk, though so near the
Shore, that I saw some part of her Main Mast remain above Water, with
their Admiral _Van Ghent_, who was slain in the close Engagement with
the Earl of _Sandwich_. This Engagement lasted fourteen Hours, and was
look'd upon the greatest that ever was fought between the _English_ and
the _Hollander_.

I cannot here omit one Thing, which to some may seem trifling; though I
am apt to think our Naturalists may have a different Opinion of it, and
find it afford their Fansies no undiverting Employment in more curious,
and less perilous Reflections. We had on board the _London_ where, as I
have said, I was a Voluntier, a great Number of Pidgeons, of which our
Commander was very fond. These, on the first firing of our Cannon,
dispers'd, and flew away, and were seen no where near us during the
Fight. The next Day it blew a brisk Gale, and drove our Fleet some
Leagues to the Southward of the Place where they forsook our Ship, yet
the Day after they all returned safe aboard; not in one Flock, but in
small Parties of four or five at a Time. Some Persons at that Time
aboard the Ship admiring at the Manner of their Return, and speaking of
it with some Surprize, Sir _Edward Sprage_ told them, That he brought
those Pidgeons with him from the _Streights_; and that when, pursuant to
his Order, he left the _Revenge_ Man of War, to go aboard the _London_,
all those Pidgeons, of their own accord, and without the Trouble or Care
of carrying, left the _Revenge_ likewise, and removed with the Sailors
on board the _London_, where I saw them; All which many of the Sailors
afterwards confirm'd to me. What Sort of Instinct this could proceed
from, I leave to the Curious.

Soon after this Sea Engagement I left the Fleet. And the Parliament, the
Winter following, manifesting their Resentments against two of the
Plenipotentiaries, _viz. Buckingham_ and _Arlington_, who had been sent
over into _Holland_; and expressing, withal, their great Umbrage taken
at the prodigious Progress of the _French_ Arms in the _United
Provinces_; and warmly remonstrating the inevitable Danger attending
_England_ in their Ruin. King _Charles_ from all this, and for want of
the expected Supplies, found himself under a Necessity of clapping up a
speedy Peace with _Holland_.

This Peace leaving those youthful Spirits, that had by the late Naval
War been rais'd into a generous Ferment, under a perfect Inactivity at
Home; they found themselves, to avoid a Sort of Life that was their
Aversion, oblig'd to look out for one more active, and more suitable to
their vigorous Tempers Abroad.

I must acknowledge my self one of that Number; and therefore in the Year
1674,1 resolv'd to go into _Flanders_, in order to serve as Voluntier in
the Army commanded by his Highness the Prince of _Orange_. I took my
Passage accordingly at _Dover_ for _Calais_, and so went by way of
_Dunkirk_ for _Brussels_.

Arriving at which Place, I was inform'd that the Army of the
Confederates lay encamp'd not far from _Nivelle_; and under the daily
Expectation of an Engagement with the Enemy. This News made me press
forward to the Service; for which Purpose I carry'd along with me proper
Letters of Recommendation to Sir _Walter Vane_, who was at that time a
Major-General. Upon further Enquiry I understood, that a Party of Horse,
which was to guard some Waggons that were going to Count _Montery's_
Army, were to set out next Morning; so I got an _Irish_ Priest to
introduce me to the Commanding Officer, which he readily oblig'd me in;
and they, as I wish'd them, arriv'd in the Camp next day.

I had scarce been there an Hour, when happen'd one of the most
extraordinary Accidents in Life. I observ'd in the East a strange dusty
colour'd Cloud, of a pretty large Extent, riding, not before the Wind
(for it was a perfect Calm) with such a precipitate Motion, that it was
got over our Heads almost as soon as seen. When the Skirts of that Cloud
began to cover our Camp, there suddenly arose such a terrible
Hurricaine, or Whirlwind, that all the Tents were carry'd aloft with
great Violence into the Air; and Soldiers' Hats flew so high and thick,
that my Fansy can resemble it to nothing better than those Flights of
Rooks, which at Dusk of Evening, leaving the Fields, seek their roosting
Places. Trees were torn up by the very Roots; and the Roofs of all the
Barns, _&c._ belonging to the Prince's Quarters, were blown quite away.
This lasted for about half an Hour, until the Cloud was wholly past over
us, when as suddenly ensued the same pacifik Calm as before the Cloud's
Approach. Its Course was seemingly directly West; and yet we were soon
after inform'd, that the fine Dome of the great Church at _Utrecht_ had
greatly suffer'd by it the same Day. And, if I am not must mistaken, Sir
_William Temple_, in his Memoirs, mentions somewhat of it, which he felt
at _Lillo_, on his Return from the Prince of _Orange's_ Camp, where he
had been a Day or two before.

As soon after this, as I could get an Opportunity, I deliver'd, at his
Quarters, my recommendatory Letters to Sir _Walter Vane_; who receiv'd
me very kindly, telling me at the same time, that there were six or
seven _English_ Gentlemen, who had enter'd themselves Voluntiers in the
Prince's own Company of Guards: And added, that he would immediately
recommend me to Count _Solmes_, their Colonel. He was not worse than his
Word, and I was enter'd accordingly. Those six Gentlemen were as
follows, ---- _Clavers_, who since was better known by the Title of Lord
_Dundee_; Mr. _Collier_, now Lord _Portmore_; Mr. _Rooke_, since
Major-General; Mr. _Hales_, who lately died, and was for a long time
Governor of _Chelsea-Hospital_; Mr. _Venner_, Son of that _Venner_
remarkable for his being one of the Fifth-Monarchy Men; and Mr. _Boyce_.
The four first rose to be very eminent; but Fortune is not to all alike
favourable.

In about a Week's Time after, it was resolv'd in a Council of War, to
march towards _Binch_, a small wall'd Town, about four Leagues from
_Nivelle_; the better to cut off the Provisions from coming to the
Prince of _Conde's_ Camp that Way.

Accordingly, on the first Day of _August_, being _Saturday_, we began
our March; and the _English_ Voluntiers had the Favour of a Baggage
Waggon appointed them. Count _Souches_, the Imperial General, with the
Troops of that Nation, led the Van; the main Body was compos'd of
_Dutch_, under the Prince of _Orange_. as Generalissimo; and the
_Spaniards_, under Prince _Vaudemont_, with some Detachments, made the
Rear Guard.

As we were upon our March, I being among those Detachments which made up
the Rear Guard, observ'd a great Party of the Enemy's Horse upon an
Ascent, which, I then imagin'd, as it after prov'd, to be the Prince of
_Conde_ taking a View of our Forces under March. There were many
Defiles, which our Army must necessarily pass; through which that Prince
politickly enough permitted the _Imperial_ and _Dutch_ Forces to pass
unmolested. But when Prince _Vaudemont_, with the _Spaniards_, and our
Detachments, thought to have done the like, the Prince of _Conde_ fell
on our Rear Guard; and, after a long and sharp Dispute, entirely routed
'em; the Marquiss of _Assentar_, a _Spanish_ Lieutenant-General, dying
upon the spot.

Had the Prince of _Conde_ contented himself with this Share of good
Fortune, his Victory had been uncontested: But being pushed forward by a
vehement Heat of Temper (which he was noted for) and flush'd with this
extraordinary Success, he resolv'd to force the whole Confederate Army
to a Battle. In order to which, he immediately led his Forces between
our Second Line, and our Line of Baggage; by which means the latter were
entirely cut off; and were subjected to the Will of the Enemy, who fell
directly to plunder; in which they were not a little assisted by the
routed _Spaniards_ themselves, who did not disdain at that time to share
with the Enemy in the plundering of their Friends and Allies.

The _English_ Voluntiers had their Share of this ill Fortune with the
rest; their Waggon appointed them being among those intercepted by the
Enemy; and I, for my Part, lost every Thing but Life, which yet was
saved almost as unaccountably as my Fellow-Soldiers had lost theirs. The
Baggage, as I have said, being cut off, and at the Mercy of the Enemy,
every one endeavour'd to escape through, or over the Hedges. And as in
all Cases of like Confusion, one endeavours to save himself upon the
Ruins of others: So here, he that found himself stopt by another in
getting over the Cap of a Hedge, pull'd him back to make way for
himself, and perhaps met with the same Fortune from a Third, to the
Destruction of all. I was then in the Vigour of my Youth, and none of
the least active, and perceiving how it had far'd with some before me,
I clapt my left Leg upon the Shoulders of one who was thus contending
with another, and with a Spring threw my self over both their Heads and
the Hedge at the same time. By this Means I not only sav'd my Life (for
they were all cut to Pieces that could not get over) but from an
Eminence, which I soon after attain'd, I had an Opportunity of seeing,
and making my Observations upon the remaining Part of that glorious
Conflict.

It was from that advantageous Situation, that I presently discover'd
that the Imperialists, who led the Van, had now join'd the main Body.
And, I confess, it was with an almost inexpressible Pleasure, that I
beheld, about three a-Clock, with what intrepid Fury they fell upon the
Enemy. In short, both Armies were universally engag'd, and with great
Obstinacy disputed the Victory till Eleven at Night. At which Time the
_French_, being pretty well surfeited, made their Retreat. Nevertheless,
to secure it by a Stratagem, they left their lighted Matches hanging in
the Hedges, and waving with the Air, to conceal it from the Confederate
Army.

About two Hours after, the Confederate Forces follow'd the Example of
their Enemies, and drew off. And tho' neither Army had much Reason to
boast; yet as the Prince of _Orange_ remained last in the Field; and die
_French_ had lost what they before had gain'd, the Glory of the Day fell
to the Prince of _Orange_; who, altho' but twenty-four Years of Age, had
the Suffrage of Friend and Foe, of having play'd the Part of an old and
experienc'd Officer.

There were left that Day on the Field of Battle, by a general
Computation, not less than eighteen Thousand Men on both Sides, over and
above those, who died of their Wounds: The Loss being pretty equal, only
the _French_ carried off most Prisoners. Prince _Waldeck_ was shot
through the Arm, which I was near enough to be an Eye-witness of; And my
much lamented Friend, Sir _Walter Vane_, was carried off dead. A Wound
in the Arm was all the Mark of Honour, that I as yet could boast of,
though our Cannon in the Defiles had slain many near me.

The Prince _of Conde_ (as we were next Day inform'd) lay all that Night
under a Hedge, wrapp'd in his Cloke: And either from the Mortification
of being disappointed in his Hopes of Victory; or from a Reflection of
the Disservice, which is own natural over Heat of Temper had drawn upon
him, was almost inconsolable many Days after. And thus ended the famous
Battle of _Seneff_.

But though common Vogue has given it the Name of a Battle, in my weak
Opinion, it might rather deserve that of a confus'd Skirmish; all Things
having been forcibly carried on without Regularity, or even Design
enough to allow it any higher Denomination: For, as I have said before,
notwithstanding I was advantagiously stationed for Observation, I found
it very often impossible to distinguish one Party from another. And this
was more remarkably evident on the Part of the Prince of _Orange_, whose
Valour and Vigour having led him into the Middle of the Enemy, and being
then sensible of his Error, by a peculiar Presence of Mind, gave the
Word of Command in _French_, which he spoke perfectly well. But the
_French_ Soldiers, who took him for one of their own Generals, making
Answer, that their Powder was all spent, it afforded Matter of
Instruction to him to persist in his Attack; at the same Time, that it
gave him a Lesson of Caution, to withdraw himself, as soon as he could,
to his own Troops.

However, the Day after the Prince of _Orange_ thought proper to march to
_Quarignan_, a Village within a League of _Mons_; where he remain'd some
Days, till he could be supply'd from _Brussells_ with those Necessaries
which his Army stood in need of.

From thence we march'd to _Valenciennes_, where we again encamp'd, till
we could receive Things proper for a Siege. Upon the Arrival whereof,
the Prince gave Orders to decamp, and march'd his Army with a Design to
besiege _Aeth_. But having Intelligence on our March, that the Mareschal
_De Humiers_ had reinforc'd that Garrison, we march'd directly to
_Oudenard_, and immediately invested it.

This Siege was carried on with such Application and Success, that the
Besiegers were in a few Days ready for a Storm; but the Prince of
_Conde_ prevented them, by coming up to its Relief. Upon which the
Prince of _Orange_, pursuant to the Resolution of a Council of War the
Night before, drew off his Forces in order to give him Battle; and to
that purpose, after the laborious Work of filling up our Lines of
Contravallation, that the Horse might pass more freely, we lay upon our
Arms all Night. Next Morning we expected the Imperial General, Count
_Souches_, to join us; but instead of that, he sent back some very
frivolous Excuses, of the Inconveniency of the Ground for a Battle; and
after that, instead of joining the Prince, marched off quite another
way; the Prince of _Orange_, with the _Dutch_ and _Spanish_ Troops,
marched directly for _Ghent_; exclaiming publickly against the Chicanery
of _Souches_, and openly declaring, That he had been advertis'd of a
Conference between a _French_ Capuchin and that General, the Night
before. Certain it is, that that General lay under the Displeasure of
his Master, the Emperor, for that Piece of Management; and the Count _de
Sporck_ was immediately appointed General in his Place.

The Prince of _Orange_ was hereupon leaving the Army in great Disgust,
till prevail'd upon by the Count _de Montery_, for the general Safety,
to recede from that Resolution. However, seeing no likelihood of any
Thing further to be done, while _Souches_ was in Command, he resolv'd
upon a Post of more Action, though more dangerous; wherefore ordering
ten Thousand Men to march before, he himself soon after foliow'd to the
Siege of _Grave_.

The _Grave_, a strong Place, and of the first Moment to the
_Hollanders_, had been block'd up by the _Dutch_ Forces all the Summer;
the Prince of _Orange_ therefore leaving the main Army under Prince
_Waldeck_ at _Ghent_, follow'd the Detachment he had made for the Siege
of that important Place, resolving to purchase it at any Rate. On his
Arrival before it, Things began to find new Motion; and as they were
carried on with the utmost Application and Fury, the Besieged found
themselves, in a little Time, oblig'd to change their haughty Summer
Note for one more suitable to the Season.

The Prince, from his first coming, having kept those within hotly ply'd
with Ball, both from Cannon and Mortars, Monsieur _Chamilly_, the
Governor, after a few Days, being weary of such warm Work, desired to
capitulate; upon which Hostages were exchanged, and Articles agreed on
next Morning. Pursuant to which, the Garrison march'd out with Drums
beating and Colours flying, two Days after, and were conducted to
_Charleroy_.

By the taking this Place, which made the Prince of _Orange_ the more
earnest upon it, the _French_ were wholly expell'd their last Year's
astonishing Conquests in _Holland_. And yet there was another
Consideration, that render'd the Surrender of it much more considerable.
For the _French_ being sensible of the great Strength of this Place, had
there deposited all their Cannon and Ammunition, taken from their other
Conquests in _Holland_, which they never were able to remove or carry
off, with tolerable Prospect of Safety, after that Prince's Army first
took the Field.

The Enemy being march'd out, the Prince enter'd the Town, and
immediately order'd public Thanksgivings for its happy Reduction. Then
having appointed a Governor, and left a sufficient Garrison, he put an
End to that Campaign, and return'd to the _Hague_, where he had not been
long before he fell ill of the Small Pox. The Consternation this threw
the whole Country into, is not to be express'd; Any one that had seen it
would have thought, that the _French_ had made another Inundation
greater than the former. But when the Danger was over, their Joy and
Satisfaction, for his Recovery, was equally beyond Expression.

The Year 1675 yielded very little remarkable in our Army. _Limburgh_ was
besieged by the _French_, under the Command of the Duke of _Enguien_,
which the Prince of _Orange_ having Intelligence of, immediately
decamp'd from his fine Camp at _Bethlem_, near _Louvain_, in order to
raise the Siege. But as we were on a full March for that purpose, and
had already reach'd _Ruremond_, Word was brought, that the Place had
surrender'd the Day before. Upon which Advice, the Prince, after a short
Halt, made his little Army (for it consisted not of more than thirty
Thousand Men) march back to _Brabant_. Nothing of moment, after this,
occurr'd all that Campaign.

In the Year 1676, the Prince of _Orange_ having, in concert with the
_Spaniards_, resolv'd upon the important Siege of _Maestrich_ (the only
Town in the _Dutch_ Provinces, then remaining in the Hands of the
_French_) it was accordingly invested about the middle of _June_, with
an Army of twenty Thousand Men, under the Command of his Highness Prince
_Waldeck_, with the grand Army covering the Siege. It was some Time
before the heavy Cannon, which we expected up the _Maes_, from
_Holland_, arrived; which gave Occasion to a Piece of Raillery of
Monsieur _Calvo_, the Governor, which was as handsomely repartec'd. That
Governor, by a Messenger, intimating his Sorrow to find, we had pawn'd
our Cannon for Ammunition Bread. Answer was made, That in a few Days we
hoped to give him a Taste of the Loaves, which he should find would be
sent him into the Town in extraordinary plenty. I remember another Piece
of Raillery, which pass'd some Days after between the _Rhingrave_ and
the same _Calvo_. The former sending Word, that he hoped within three
Weeks to salute that Governor's Mistress within the Place. _Calvo_
reply'd, He'd give him leave to kiss her all over, if he kiss'd her any
where in three Months.

But our long expected Artillery being at last arriv'd, all this Jest and
Merriment was soon converted into earnest. Our Trenches were immediately
open'd towards the _Dauphin_ Bastion, against which were planted many
Cannon, in order to make a Breach; my self as a Probationer being twice
put upon the forlorn Hope to facilitate that difficult Piece of Service.
Nor was it long before such a Breach was effected, as was esteem'd
practicable, and therefore very soon after it was ordered to be
attack'd.

The Disposition for the Attack was thus ordered; two Serjeants with
twenty Grenadiers, a Captain with fifty Men, my self one of the Number;
then a Party carrying Wool Sacks, and after them two Captains with one
Hundred Men more; the Soldiers in the Trenches to be ready to sustain
them, as Occasion should require.

The Signal being given, we left our Trenches accordingly, having about
one Hundred Yards to run, before we could reach the Breach, which we
mounted with some Difficulty and Loss; all our Batteries firing at the
same instant to keep our Action in countenance, and favour our Design.
When we were in Possession of the Bastion, the Enemy fir'd most
furiously upon us with their small Cannon through a thin brick Wall, by
which, and their hand Grenadoes, we lost more Men than we did in the
Attack it self.

But well had it been had our ill Fortune stopp'd there; for as if
Disaster must needs be the Concomitant of Success, we soon lost what we
had thus gotten, by a small, but very odd Accident. Not being furnished
with such Scoopes as our Enemies made use of, in tossing their hand
Grenadoes some distance off, one of our own Soldiers aiming to throw one
over the Wall into the Counterscarp among the Enemy, it so happen'd that
he unfortunately miss'd his Aim, and the Grenade fell down again on our
side the Wall, very near the Person who fir'd it. He starting back to
save himself, and some others who saw it fall, doing the like, those who
knew nothing of the Matter fell into a sudden Confusion, and imagining
some greater danger than there really was, every body was struck with a
panick Fear, and endeavour'd to be the first who should quit the
Bastion, and secure himself by a real Shame from an imaginary Evil. Thus
was a Bastion, that had been gloriously gain'd, inadvertently deserted;
and that too, with the Loss of almost as many Men in the Retreat, as had
been slain in the Onset, and the Enemy most triumphantly again took
Possession of it.

Among the Slain on our Side in this Action, was an Ensign of Sir _John
Fenwick_'s Regiment; and as an Approbation of my Services his Commission
was bestowed upon me.

A few Days after it was resolv'd again to storm that Bastion, as before;
out of three _English_, and one _Scotch_ Regiment, then in the Camp, a
Detachment was selected for a fresh Attack. Those Regiments were under
the Command of Sir _John Fenwick_ (who was afterwards beheaded) Colonel
_Ralph Widdrington_, and Colonel _Ashley_, of the _English_; and Sir
_Alexander Collier_, Father of the present Lord _Portmore_, of the
_Scotch_. Out of every of these four Regiments, as before, were detach'd
a Captain, a Lieutenant, and an Ensign, with fifty Men: Captain _Anthony
Bamwell_, of Sir _John Fenwick's_ Regiment, who was now my Captain,
commanding that Attack.

At break of Day the Attack was begun with great Resolution; and though
vigorously maintain'd, was attended with the desir'd Success. The
Bastion was again taken, and in it the commanding Officer, who in
Service to himself, more than to us, told us, that the Center of the
Bastion would soon be blown up being to his Knowledge undermin'd for
that purpose. But this Secret prov'd of no other use, than to make us,
by way of Precaution, to keep as much as we could upon the Rampart. In
this Attack Captain _Barnwell_ lost his Life; and it happened my new
Commission was wetted (not, as too frequently is the Custom, with a
Debauch) but with a Bullet through my Hand, and the Breach of my Collar
Bone with the Stroke of a Halberd.

After about half an hour's Possession of the Bastion, the Mine under it,
of which the _French_ Officer gave us warning, was sprung; the Enemy at
the same Time making a furious Sally upon us. The Mine did a little,
though the less, Execution, for being discovered; but the Sally no way
answer'd their End, for we beat them back, and immediately fix'd our
Lodgment; which we maintain'd during the Time of the Siege. But to our
double Surprize, a few Days after they fir'd another Mine under, or
aside, the former, in which they had plac'd a quantity of Grenadoes,
which did much more Execution than the other: Notwithstanding all which,
a Battery of Guns was presently erected upon that Bastion, which very
considerably annoy'd the Enemy.

The Breach for a general Storm was now render'd almost practicable; yet
before that could be advisably attempted, there was a strong Horn-work
to be taken. Upon this Exploit the _Dutch_ Troops only were to signalize
themselves; and they answered the Confidence repos'd in them; for though
they were twice repuls'd, at the third Onset they were more successful,
and took Possession; which they likewise kept to the Raising of the
Siege.

There was a Stratagem lay'd at this Time, which in its own Merit one
would have thought should not have fail'd of a good Effect; but to shew
the Vanity of the highest human Wisdom it miscarry'd. On the other side
of the _Maes_, opposite to _Maestrich_, lies the strong Fortress of
_Wyck_, to which it is join'd by a stone Bridge of six fair Arches. The
design was, by a false Attack on that regular Fortification to draw the
Strength of the Garrison to its Defence, which was but very natural to
imagine would be the Consequence. Ready to attend that well concerted
false Attack, a large flat bottom'd Boat, properly furnish'd with
Barrels of Gun-Powder, and other Necessaries, was to fall down under one
of the middle Arches, and when fix'd there, by firing the Powder to have
blown up the Bridge, and by that means to have prevented the Return of
the Garrison to oppose a real Attack at that instant of Time to be made
upon the Town of _Maestrich_ by the whole Army.

The false Attack on _Wyck_ was accordingly made, which, as propos'd,
drew the Main of the Garrison of _Maestrich_ to its Defence, and the
Boat so furnish'd fell down the River as projected, but unfortunately,
before it could reach the Arch, from the Darkness of the Night, running
upon a Shoal, it could not be got off; for which Reason the Men in the
Boat were glad to make a hasty Escape for fear of being discovered; as
the Boat was, next Morning; and the whole Design laid open.

This Stratagem thus miscarrying, all Things were immediately got ready
for a general Storm, at the main Breach in the Town; and the rather,
because the Prince of _Orange_ had receiv'd incontestable Intelligence,
That Duke _Schomberg_, at the Head of the _French_ Army, was in full
march to relieve the Place. But before every Thing could be rightly got
ready for the intended Storm (though some there were who pretended to
say, that a Dispute rais'd by the _Spaniards_ with the _Dutch_, about
the Propriety of the Town, when taken, was the Cause of that Delay) we
heard at some distance several Guns fir'd as Signals of Relief; upon
which we precipitately, and, as most imagin'd, shamefully drew off from
before the Place, and join'd the grand Army under Prince _Waldeck_. But
it was Matter of yet greater Surprize to most on the Spot, that when the
Armies were so joyn'd, we did not stay to offer the Enemy Battle. The
well known Courage of the Prince, then Generalissimo, was so far from
solving this Riddle, that it rather puzzled all who thought of it;
however, the prevailing Opinion was, that it was occasion'd by some
great Misunderstanding between the _Spaniards_ and the _Dutch_. And
Experience will evince, that this was not the only Disappointment of
that Nature, occasion'd by imperfect Understandings.

Besides the Number of common Soldiers slain in this Attack, which was
not inconsiderable, we lost here the brave _Rhingrave_, a Person much
lamented on account of his many other excellent Qualifications, as well
as that of a General. Colonel _Ralph Widdrington_, and Colonel _Doleman_
(who had not enjoy'd _Widdrington's_ Commission above a Fortnight).
Captain _Douglas_, Captain _Barnwell_, and Captain _Lee_, were of the
Slain among the _English_; who, indeed, had born the whole brunt of the
Attack upon the _Dauphin_'s Bastion.

I remember the Prince of _Orange_, during the Siege, receiv'd a Shot
through his Arm; which giving an immediate Alarm to the Troops under his
Command, he took his Hat off his Head with the wounded Arm, and smiling,
wav'd it, to shew them there was no danger. Thus, after the most gallant
Defence against the most couragious Onsets, ended the Siege of
_Maestrich_; and with it all that was material that Campaign.

Early in the Spring, in the Year 1677, the _French_ Army, under the Duke
of _Orleans_, besieged at once, both _Cambray_ and _Saint Omers_. This
last the Prince of _Orange_ seem'd very intent and resolute to relieve.
In order to which, well knowing by sad Experience, it would be to little
purpose to wait the majestick Motions of the _Spaniards_, that Prince
got together what Forces he could, all in _Dutch_ Pay, and marching
forward with all speed, resolv'd, even at the Hazard of a Battle, to
attempt the Raising the Siege. Upon his appearing the Duke of _Orleans_,
to whose particular Conduct the Care of that Siege was committed, drew
off from before the Place, leaving scarce enough of his Men to defend
the Trenches. The Prince was under the Necessity of marching his Forces
over a Morass; and the Duke, well knowing it, took care to attack him
near _Mont Cassel_, before half his little Army were got over. The
Dispute was very sharp, but the Prince being much out number'd, and his
Troops not able, by the Straitness of the Passage, to engage all at
once, was oblig'd at last to retreat, which he did in pretty good Order.
I remember the _Dutch_ Troops did not all alike do their Duty; and the
Prince seeing one of the Officers on his fullest speed, call'd to him
over and over to halt; which the Officer in too must haste to obey, the
Prince gave him a Slash over the Face, saying, _By this Mark I shall
know you another Time_. Soon after this Retreat of the Prince, Saint
_Omers_ was surrender'd.

Upon this Retreat the Prince marching back, lay for some time among the
Boors, who from the good Discipline, which he took care to make his
Troops observe, did not give us their customary boorish Reception. And
yet as secure as we might think our selves, I met with a little Passage
that confirm'd in me the Notions, which the generality as well as I, had
imbib'd of the private Barbarity of those People, whenever an
Opportunity falls in their Way. I was stroling at a Distance from my
Quarters, all alone, when I found my self near one of their Houses; into
which, the Doors being open, I ventur'd to enter. I saw no body when I
came in, though the House was, for that Sort of People, well enough
furnish'd, and in pretty decent Order. I call'd, but no body answering,
I had the Curiosity to advance a little farther, when, at the Mouth of
the Oven, which had not yet wholly lost its Heat, I spy'd the Corpse of
a Man so bloated, swoln and parch'd, as left me little room to doubt,
that the Oven had been the Scene of his Destiny. I confess the Sight
struck me with Horror; and as much Courage and Security as I enter'd
with, I withdrew in haste, and with quite different Sentiments, and
could not fansy my self out of Danger till I had reach'd our Camp. A
wise Man should not frame an Accusation on Conjectures; but, on Inquiry,
I was soon made sensible, that such barbarous Usage is too common among
those People; especially if they meet with a Straggler, of what Nation
soever.

This made me not very sorry when we decamp'd, and we soon after receiv'd
Orders to march and invest _Charleroy_; before which Place we stay'd
somewhat above a Week, and then drew off. I remember very well, that I
was not the only Person then in the Camp that was at a Loss to dive into
the Reason of this Investiture and Decampment: But since I at that time,
among the Politicians of the Army, never heard a good one, I shall not
venture to offer my Sentiments at so great a Distance.

We, after this march'd towards _Mons_; and, in our March, pass'd over
the very Grounds on which the Battle of _Seneff_ had been fought three
Years before. It was with no little Pleasure, that I re-survey'd a
Place, that had once been of so much Danger to me; and where my Memory
and Fansy now repeated back all those Observations I had then made under
some unavoidable Confusion. Young as I was, both in Years and
Experience, from my own Reflections, and the Sentiments of others, after
the Fight was over, methought I saw visibly before me the well order'd
Disposition of the Prince of _Conde_; the inexpressible Difficulties
which the Prince of _Orange_ had to encounter with; while at the same
Moment I could not omit to repay my Debt to the Memory of my first
Patron, Sir _Walter Vane_, who there loosing his Life, left me a
solitary Wanderer to the wide World of Fortune.

But these Thoughts soon gave place to new Objects, which every Hour
presented themselves in our continu'd March to _Enghien_, a Place famous
for the finest Gardens in all _Flanders_, near which we encamp'd, on the
very same Ground which the _French_ chose some Years after at the Battle
of _Steenkirk_: of which I shall speak in its proper Place. Here the
Prince of _Orange_ left our Army, as we afterwards found, to pass into
_England_; where he marry'd the Princess _Mary_, Daughter of the Duke of
_York_. And after his Departure, that Campaign ended without any thing
further material.

Now began the Year 1678, famous for the Peace, and no less remarkable
for an Action previous to it, which has not fail'd to employ the Talents
of Men, variously, as they stood affected. Our Army, under the Prince of
_Orange_, lay encamp'd at _Soignies_, where it was whisper'd that the
Peace was concluded. Notwithstanding which, two Days after, being
_Sunday_ the 17th Day of _August_, the Army was drawn out, as most
others as well as my self apprehended, in order to _feux de Joye_; but
in lieu of that, we found our March order'd towards St. _Dennis_, where
the Duke of _Luxembourg_ lay, as he imagin'd, safe in inaccessible
Entrenchments.

About three of the Clock our Army arriv'd there, when we receiv'd Orders
to make the Attack. It began with a most vigorous Spirit, that promis'd
no less than the Success which ensu'd. The three _English_ and three
_Scotch_ Regiments, under the Command of the ever renown'd Earl of
_Ossory_, together with the Prince of _Orange_'s Guards, made their
Attack at a Place call'd the _Chateau_; where the _French_ took their
Refuge among a Parcel of Hop-Poles; but their Resource was as weak as
their Defence; and they were soon beaten out with a very great
Slaughter.

It was here that a _French_ Officer having his Pistol directed at the
Breast of the Prince, Monsieur _D'Auverquerque_ interpos'd, and shot the
Officer dead upon the Spot.

The Fight lasted from three in the Afternoon till Nine at Night; when
growing dark, the Duke of _Luxembourg_ forsook his Entrenchments, into
which we march'd next Morning. And to see the sudden Change of Things!
that very Spot of Ground, where nothing but Fire and Fury appear'd the
Day before, the yest saw solac'd with the Proclamation of a Peace.

About an Hour before the Attack began, the Duke of _Monmouth_ arriv'd in
the Army, being kindly receiv'd by the Prince of _Orange_, bravely
fighting by his Side, all that Day. The Woods and the Unevenness of the
Ground, render'd the Cavalry almost useless; yet I saw a Standard, among
some others, which was taken from the Enemy, being richly embroidered
with Gold and Silver, bearing the Sun in the Zodiack, with these haughty
Words, _Nihil obstabit eunte_. On the News of this unexpected Victory,
the States of _Holland_ sent to congratulate the Prince; and to testify
how much they valued his Preservation, they presented Monsieur
_D'Auverquerque,_ who had so bravely rescued him, with a Sword, whose
Handle was of massy Gold set with Diamonds. I forgot to mention that
this Gentleman receiv'd a Shot on his Head at the Battle of _Seneff_;
and truly in all Actions, which were many, he nobly distinguished
himself by his Bravery. He was Father of this present Earl of
_Grantham_.

_The Names of the English Officers which I knew to be killed in this
Action_.

Lieut. Col. Archer,      Capt. Pemfield,
Capt. Charleton,         Lieut. Charleton,
Capt. Richardson,        Lieut. Barton,
Capt. Fisher,            Ensign Colville.
With several others, whose Names I have forgot.

Lieut. Col. _Babington_, who began the Attack, by beating the _French_
out of the Hop Garden, was taken Prisoner. Col. _Hales_, who was a long
time Governor of _Chelsea College_, being then a Captain, received a
Shot on his Leg, of which he went lame to his dying Day.

The War thus ended by the Peace of _Nimeugen_, The Regiment in which I
serv'd, was appointed to be in Garrison at the _Grave_. We lay there
near four Years, our Soldiers being mostly employ'd about the
Fortifications. It was here, and by that Means, that I imbib'd the
Rudiments of Fortification, and the practick Part of an Enginier, which
in my more advanc'd Years was of no small Service to me.

Nevertheless, in the Year 1684, our Regiment receiv'd Orders to march to
_Haren_, near _Brussels_, where, with other Forces, we encamp'd, till we
heard that _Luxemburg_, invaded by the _French,_ in a Time of the
profoundest Peace, had surrender'd to them. Then we decamp'd, and
march'd to _Mechlin_; where we lay in the Field till near _November_.
Not that there was any War proclaim'd; but as not knowing, whether those
who had committed such Acts of Hostility in time of Peace might not take
it in their Heads to proceed yet further. In _November_ we march'd into
that Town, where Count _Nivelle_ was Governor: The Marquiss _de Grana_,
at the same time, governing the _Netherlands_ in the Jurisdiction of
_Spain_.

Nothing of any Moment happen'd after this, till the Death of King
_Charles_ II. The Summer after which, the three _English_ and three
_Scotch_ Regiments receiv'd Orders to pass over into _England_, upon the
Occasion of _Monmouth's_ Rebellion; where, upon our Arrival, we receiv'd
Orders to encamp on _Hounslow-Heath_. But that Rebellion being soon
stifled, and King _James_ having no farther Need of us, those Regiments
were order'd to return again to _Holland_, into the proper Service of
those who paid them.

Tho' I am no stiff Adherer to the Doctrine of Predestination, yet to the
full Assurance of a Providence I never could fail to adhere. Thence came
it, that my natural Desire to serve my own native Country prevail'd upon
me to quit the Service of another, though its Neighbour and Allie.
Events are not always to direct the Judgment; and therefore whether I
did best in following those fondling Dictates of Nature, I shall neither
question nor determine.

However, it was not long after my Arrival in _England_ before I had a
Commission given me by King _James_, to be a Lieutenant in a new rais'd
Regiment under the Command of Colonel _Tufton_, Brother to the Earl of
_Thanet_. Under this Commission I sojourn'd out two peaceable Campaigns
on _Hounslow-Heath;_ where I was an Eye-Witness of one mock Siege of
_Buda_: After which our Regiment was order'd to _Berwick_, where I
remained till the Revolution.

King _James_ having abdicated the Throne, and the Prince of _Orange_
accepting the Administration, all Commissions were order'd to be renew'd
in his Name. The Officers of our Regiment, as well as others, severally
took out theirs accordingly, a very few excepted, of which Number was
our Colonel; who refusing a Compliance, his Commission was given to Sir
_James Lesley._

The Prince of _Orange_ presently after was declar'd and proclaim'd King,
and his Princess Queen, with a conjunctive Power. Upon which our
Regiment was order'd into _Scotland_, where Affairs appear'd under a
Face of Disquietude. We had our Quarters at _Leith_, till the Time the
Castle of _Edinburgh_, then under the Command of the Duke of _Gordon_,
had surrender'd. After which, pursuant to fresh Orders, we march'd to
_Inverness_, a Place of no great Strength, and as little Beauty; though
yet I think I may say, without the least Danger of an _Hyperbole_, that
it is as pleasant as most Places in that Country. Here we lay two long
Winters, perpetually harrass'd upon Parties, and hunting of somewhat
wilder than their wildest Game, namely, the _Highlanders,_ who were, if
not as nimble footed, yet fully as hard to be found.

But General _Mackay_ having receiv'd Orders to build a Fort at
_Inverlochy_, our Regiment, among others, was commanded to that Service.
The two Regiments appointed on the same Duty, with some few Dragoons,
were already on their March, which having join'd, we march'd together
through _Louquebar_. This sure is the wildest Country in the
_Highlands_, if not in the World. I did not see one House in all our
March; and their Oeconomy, if I may call it such, is much the same with
that of the _Arabs_ or _Tartars_. Hutts, or Cabins of Trees and Trash,
are their Places of Habitation; in which they dwell, till their
half-horn'd Cattle have devour'd the Grass, and then remove, staying no
where longer than that Convenience invites them.

In this March, or rather, if you please, most dismal Peregrination, we
could be very rarely go two on a Breast; and oftner, like Geeze in a
String, one after another. So that our very little Army had sometimes,
or rather most commonly, an Extent of many Miles; our Enemy, the
_Highlanders_, firing down upon us from their Summits all the Way. Nor
was it possible for our Men, or very rarely at least, to return their
Favours with any Prospect of Success; for as they pop'd upon us always
on a sudden, they never stay'd long enough to allow any of our Soldiers
a Mark; or even time enough to fire: And for our Men to march, or climb
up those Mountains, which to them were natural Champion, would have been
as dangerous as it seem'd to us impracticable. Nevertheless, under all
these disheartning Disadvantages, we arriv'd at _Inverlochy_, and there
perform'd the Task appointed, building a Fort on the same Spot where
_Cromwell_ had rais'd one before. And which was not a little remarkable,
we had with us one _Hill_, a Colonel, who had been Governor in
_Oliver's_ Time, and who was now again appointed Governor by General
_Mackay_. Thus the Work on which we were sent being effected, we march'd
back again by the Way of _Gillycrancky_, where that memorable Battle
under _Dundee_ had been fought the Year before.

Some time after, Sir _Thomas Levingston_, afterwards Earl of _Tiviot_,
having receiv'd Intelligence that the _Highlanders_ intended to fall
down into the lower Countries, in a considerable Body, got together a
Party of about five Hundred (the Dragoons, call'd the _Scotch Greys_,
inclusive) with which he resolv'd, if possible, to give them a Meeting.
We left _Inverness_ the last Day of _April_, and encamp'd near a little
Town call'd _Forrest_, the Place where, as Tradition still confidently
avers, the Witches met _Mackbeth_, and greeted him with their diabolical
Auspices. But this Story is so naturally display'd in a Play of the
immortal _Shakespear_, that I need not descend here to any farther
Particulars.

Here Sir _Thomas_ receiv'd Intelligence, that the _Highlanders_ design'd
to encamp upon the _Spey_, near the Laird of _Grant's_ Castle. Whereupon
we began our March about Noon; and the next Day, about the Break
thereof, we came to that River, where we soon discover'd the
_Highlanders_ by their Fires. Sir _Thomas_ immediately, on Sight of it,
issued his Orders for our fording the River, and falling upon them as
soon after as possible. Both were accordingly perform'd, and with so
good Order, Secrecy and Success, that _Cannon_ and _Balfour_, their
Commanders, were obliged to make their Escape naked.

They were about one Thousand in Number, of which were kill'd about three
Hundred; we pursued them, till they got up _Crowdale-Hill,_ where we
lost them in a Fog. And, indeed so high is that Hill, that they, who
perfectly knew it, assured me that it never is without a little dark Fog
hanging over it. And to me, at that Instant of Time, they seem'd rather
to be People receiv'd up into Clouds, than flying from an Enemy.

Near this there was an old Castle, call'd _Lethendy_, into which about
Fifty of them made their Retreat, most of them Gentlemen, resolving
there to defend themselves to the last. Sir _Thomas_ sent a Messenger to
them, with an Offer of Mercy, if they would surrender: But they refus'd
the profer'd Quarter, and fir'd upon our Men, killing two of our
Grenadiers, and wounding another. During my Quarters at the _Grave_,
having learnt to throw a Grenado, I took three or four in a Bag, and
crept down by the Side of a Ditch, or Dyke, to an old thatch'd House
near the Castle, imagining, on my mounting the same, I might be near
enough to throw them, so as to do execution. I found all Things answer
my Expectation; and the Castle wanting a Cover, I threw in a Grenado,
which put the Enemy immediately into Confusion. The Second had not so
good Success, falling short, and the Third burst as soon as it was well
out of my Hand, though without Damage to my self. But throwing the
Fourth in at a Window, it so increas'd the Confusion, which the first
had put them into, that they immediately call'd out to me, upon their
Parole of Safety, to come to them.

Accordingly I went up to the Door, which they had barricaded, and made
up with great Stones; when they told me they were ready to surrender
upon Condition of obtaining Mercy. I return'd to Sir _Thomas_; and
telling him what I had done, and the Consequence of it, and the Message
they had desir'd me to deliver (a great many of the _Highland_
Gentlemen, not of this Party, being with him) Sir _Thomas_, in a high
Voice, and broad _Scotch_, best to be heard and understood, order'd me
back to tell 'em, _He would cut them all to Pieces, for their Murder of
two of his Grenadiers, after his Proffer of Quarter_.

I was returning full of these melancholy Tidings, when Sir _Thomas_,
advancing after me a little Distance from the rest of the Company; _Hark
ye, Sir_, says he, _I believe there may be among 'em some of our old
Acquaintance_ (for we had serv'd together in the Service of the _States_
in _Flanders_) _therefore tell them they shall have good Quarter_. I
very willingly carry'd back a Message to much chang'd to my Mind; and
upon delivering of it, without the least Hesitation, they threw down the
Barricado, open'd the Door, and out came one _Brody_, who, as he then
told me, had had a Piece of his Nose taken off by one of my Grenadoes. I
carry'd him to Sir _Thomas_, who confirming my Message, they all came
out, and surrendered themselves Prisoners. This happen'd on _May Day_ in
the Morning; for which Reason we return'd to _Inverness_ with our
Prisoners, and Boughs in our Hats; and the _Highlanders_ never held up
their Heads so high after this Defeat.

Upon this Success Sir _Thomas_ wrote to Court, giving a full Account of
the whole Action. In which being pleas'd to make mention of my
Behaviour, with some Particularities, I had soon after a Commission
order'd me for a Company in the Regiment under the Command of Brigadier
_Tiffin_.

My Commission being made out, sign'd, and sent to me, I repair'd
immediately to _Portsmouth_, where the Regiment lay in Garrison. A few
Days after I had been there, Admiral _Russel_ arriv'd with the Fleet,
and anchor'd at St. _Hellen's_, where he remain'd about a Week. On the
18th of _May_ the whole Fleet set Sail; and it being my Turn the same
Day to mount the Main Guard, I was going the Rounds very early, when I
heard great shooting at Sea. I went directly to acquaint the Governor,
and told him my Sentiments, that the two contending Fleets were actually
engag'd, which indeed prov'd true; for that very Night a Pinnace, which
came from our Fleet, brought News that Admiral _Russel_ had engag'd the
_French_ Admiral _Turvile_; and, after a long and sharp Dispute, was
making after them to their own Coasts.

The next Day, towards Evening, several other Expresses arriv'd, one
after another, all agreeing in the Defeat of the _French_ Fleet, and in
the Particulars of the burning their _Rising Sun_, together with many
other of their Men of War, at _la Hogue_. All which Expresses were
immediately forwarded to Court by Mr. _Gibson_, our Governor.

About two Months after this, our Regiment, among many others, was,
according to Order, shipp'd off on a Secret Expedition, under the
Command of the Duke of _Leinster_, no Man knowing to what Place we were
going, or on what Design; no, not the Commander himself. However, when
we were out at Sea, the General, according to Instructions, opening his
Commission, we were soon put out of our Suspence, and inform'd, that our
Orders were to attack _Dunkirk_. But what was so grand a Secret to those
concern'd in the Expedition, having been intrusted to a Female
Politician on Land, it was soon discover'd to the Enemy; for which
Reason our Orders were countermanded, before we reach'd the Place of
Action, and our Forces receiv'd Directions to land at _Ostend_.

Soon after this happen'd that memorable Battle at _Steenkirk_, which as
very few at that Time could dive into the Reason of, and mistaken
Accounts of it have pass'd for authentick, I will mention somewhat more
particularly: The Undertaking was bold; and, as many thought, bolder
than was consistent with the Character of the wise Undertaker.
Nevertheless, the _French_ having taken _Namure_; and, as the
Malecontents alledg'd, in the very Sight of a superior Army; and nothing
having been done by Land of any moment, Things were blown into such a
dangerous Fermentation, by a malicious and lying Spirit, that King
_William_ found himself under a Necessity of attempting something that
might appease the Murmurs of the People. He knew very well, though spoke
in the Senate, that it was not true, that his Forces at the Siege of
_Namure_ exceeded those of the Enemy; no Man could be more afflicted
than he at the overflowing of the _Mehaigne_, from the continual Rains,
which obstructed the Relief he had designed for that important Place;
yet since his Maligners made an ill Use of these false Topicks, to
insinuate that he had no Mind to put an End to the War, he was resolv'd
to evince the contrary, by shewing them that he was not afraid to
venture his Life for the better obtaining what was so much desired.

To that Purpose, receiving Intelligence that the Duke of _Luxemburg_ lay
strongly encamp'd at _Steenkirk_, near _Enghien_ (tho' he was sensible
he must pass through many Defiles to engage him; and that the many
Thickets between the two Armies would frequently afford him new
Difficulties) he resolv'd there to attack him. Our Troops at first were
forc'd to hew out their Passage for the Horse; and there was no one
difficulty that his Imagination had drawn that was lessen'd by
Experience; and yet so prosperous were his Arms at the Beginning, that
our Troops had made themselves Masters of several Pieces of the Enemy's
Cannon. But the farther he advanc'd, the Ground growing straiter, so
strait as not to admit his Army's being drawn up in Battalia, the Troops
behind could not give timely Succour to those engag'd, and the Cannon we
had taken was forcibly left behind in order to make a good Retreat. The
_French_ had lost all their Courage in the Onset; for though they had
too fair an Opportunity, they did not think fit to pursue it; or, at
least, did it very languidly. However, the Malecontents at Home, I
remember, grew very well pleas'd after this; for so long as they had but
a Battle for their Money, like true _Englishmen_, lost or won, they were
contented.

Several Causes, I remember, were assign'd for this Miscarriage, as they
call'd it; Some there were who were willing to lay it upon the _Dutch_;
and alledge a Saying of one of their Generals, who receiving Orders to
relieve some _English_ and _Scotch_ that were over-power'd, was heard to
say, _Dam 'em, since they love Fighting let 'em have their Bellies
full_. But I should rather impute the Disappointment to the great Loss
of so many of our bravest Officers at the very first Onset. General
_Mackay_, Colonel _Lanier_, the Earl of _Angus_, with both his
Field-Officers, Sir _Robert Douglas_, Colonel _Hodges_, and many others
falling, it was enough to put a very considerable Army into Confusion. I
remember one particular Action of Sir _Robert Douglas_, that I should
think my self to blame should I omit: Seeing his Colours on the other
Side the Hedge, in the Hands of the Enemy, he leap'd over, slew the
Officer that had them, and then threw them over the Hedge to his
Company; redeeming his Colours at the Expense of his Life. Thus the
_Scotch_ Commander improv'd upon the _Roman_ General; for the brave
_Posthumius_ cast his Standard in the Middle of the Enemy for his
Soldiers to retrieve, but _Douglas_ retriev'd his from the Middle of the
Enemy, without any Assistance, and cast it back to his Soldiers to
retain, after he had so bravely rescued it out of the Hands of the
Enemy.

From hence our Regiment receiv'd Orders to march to _Dixmuyd_, where we
lay some time employ'd in fortifying that Place. While we were there, I
had one Morning stedfastly fix'd my Eyes upon some Ducks, that were
swimming in a large Water before me; when all on a sudden, in the Midst
of a perfect Calm, I observ'd such a strange and strong Agitation in the
Waters, that prodigiously surpriz'd me. I was at the same Moment seiz'd
with such a Giddiness in my Head, that, for a Minute or two, I was
scarce sensible, and had much a-do to keep on my Legs. I had never felt
any thing of an Earthquake before, which, as I soon after understood
from others, this was; and it left, indeed, very apparent Marks of its
Force in a great Rent in the Body of the great Church, which remains to
this Day.

Having brought the intended Fortifications into some tolerable Order, we
receiv'd a Command out of hand to reimbarque for _England_. And, upon
our Landing, Directions met us to march for _Ipswich_, where we had our
Quarters all that Winter. From thence we were order'd up to _London_, to
do Duty in the _Tower_. I had not been there long, before an Accident
happen'd, as little to be accounted for, without a divine Providence, as
some would make that Providence to be, that only can account for it.

There was at that Time, as I was assur'd by my Lord _Lucas_, Constable
of it, upwards of twenty Thousand Barrels of Gun-powder, in that they
call the _White-Tower_, when all at once the middle Flooring did not
only give way, or shrink, but fell flat down upon other Barrels of
Powder, together with many of the same combustible Matter which had been
placed upon it. It was a Providence strangely neglected at that Time,
and hardly thought of since; But let any considerate Man consult the
Consequences, if it had taken fire; perhaps to the Destruction of the
whole City, or, at least, as far as the _Bridge_ and Parts adjacent. Let
his Thoughts proceed to examine, why, or how, in that precipitate Fall,
not one Nail, nor one Piece of Iron, in that large Fabrick, should
afford one little Spark to enflame that Mass of sulphurous Matter it was
loaded with; and if he is at a loss to find a Providence, I fear his
Friends will be more at a loss to find his Understanding. But the
Battle of _Landen_ happening while our Regiment was here on Duty, we
were soon remov'd to our Satisfaction from that pacifick Station, to one
more active in _Flanders_.

Notwithstanding that fatal Battle the Year preceding, namely, _A.D._
1694, the Confederate Army under King _William_ lay encamp'd at _Mont.
St. Andre_, an open Place, and much expos'd; while the _French_ were
entrench'd up to their very Teeth, at _Vignamont_, a little Distance
from us. This afforded Matter of great Reflection to the Politicians of
those Times, who could hardly allow, that if the Confederate Army
suffer'd so much, as it really did in the Battle of _Landen_, it could
consist with right Conduct to tempt, or rather dare a new Engagement.
But those sage Objectors had forgot the well-known Courage of that brave
Prince, and were as little capable of fathoming his Designs. The Enemy,
who to their Sorrow had by Experience been made better Judges, was
resolv'd to traverse both; for which Purpose they kept close within
their Entrenchments; so that after all his Efforts, King _William_
finding he could no way draw them to a Battle, suddenly decamp'd, and
march'd directly to _Pont Espiers_, by long Marches, with a Design to
pass the _French_ Lines at that Place.

But notwithstanding our Army march'd in a direct Line, to our great
Surprize, we found the Enemy had first taken possession of it. They gave
this the Name of the _Long March_, and very deservedly; for though our
Army march'd upon the String, and the Enemy upon the Bow, sensible of
the Importance of the Post, and the Necessity of securing it, by double
horseing with their Foot, and by leaving their Weary and Weak in their
Garrisons, and supplying their Places with fresh Men out of them, they
gain'd their Point in disappointing us. Though certain it is, that March
cost 'em as many Men and Horses as a Battle. However their Master, the
_French_ King, was so pleas'd with their indefatigable and auspicious
Diligence, that he wrote, with his own Hand, a Letter of Thanks to the
Officers, for the great Zeal and Care they had taken to prevent the
Confederate Army from entring into _French Flanders_.

King _William_, thus disappointed in that noble Design, gave immediate
Orders for his whole Army to march through _Oudenard_, and then ecamp'd
at _Rofendale_; after some little Stay at that Camp we were remov'd to
the _Camerlins_, between _Newport_ and _Ostend_, once more to take our
Winter Quarters there among the Boors.

We were now in the Year 1695 when the strong Fortress of _Namur_, taken
by the _French_ in 1692 and since made by them much stronger, was
invested by the Earl of _Athlone_. After very many vigorous Attacks,
with the Loss of many Men, the Town was taken, the Garrison retiring
into the Castle. Into which soon after, notwithstanding all the
Circumspection of the Besiegers, Mareschal _Bouflers_ found means, with
some Dragoons, to throw himself.

While King _William_ was thus engag'd in that glorious and important
Siege, Prince _Vaudemont_ being posted at _Watergaem_, with about fifty
Battallions, and as many Squadrons, the Mareschal _Villeroy_ laid a
Design to attack him with the whole _French_ Army. The Prince imagin'd
no less, therefore he prepar'd accordingly, giving us Orders to fortify
our Camp, as well as the little time we had for it would permit. Those
Orders were pursu'd; nevertheless, I must confess, it was beyond the
Reach of my little Reason to account for our so long Stay in the Sight
of an Army so much superior to ours. The Prince in the Whole could
hardly muster thirty Thousand; and _Villeroy_ was known to value himself
upon having one Hundred Thousand effective Men. However, the Prince
provisionally sent away all our Baggage that very Morning to _Ghent_,
and still made shew as if he resolv'd to defend himself to the last
Extremity in our little Entrenchments. The enemy on their Side began to
surround us; and in their Motions for that Purpose, blew up little Bags
of Gun-powder, to give the readier Notice how far they had acomplish'd
it. Another Captain, with my self, being plac'd on the Right, with one
Hundred Men (where I found Monsieur _Montal_ endeavouring, if possible,
to get behind us) I could easily observe, they had so far attain'd their
Aim of encompassing us, as to the very Fashion of a Horse's Shoe. This
made me fix my Eyes so intently upon the advancing Enemy, that I never
minded what my Friends were doing behind me; though I afterwards found
that they had been fileing off so very artfully and privately, by that
narrow Opening of the Horse-Shoe, that when the Enemy imagin'd us past a
Possibility of Escape, our little Army at once, and of a sudden, was
ready to disappear. There was a large Wood on the Right of our Army,
through which lay the Road to _Ghent_, not broader than to admit of more
than Four to march a breast. Down this the Prince had slid his Forces,
except to that very small Party which the Captain and my self commanded,
and which was designedly left to bring up the Rear. Nor did we stir till
Captain _Collier_, then _Aid de Camp_ to his Brother, now Earl of
_Portmore_, came with the Word of Command for us to draw off.

When _Villeroy_ was told of our Retreat, he was much surpriz'd, as
thinking it a Thing utterly impossible. However, at last, being sensible
of the Truth of it, he gave Orders for our Rear to be attack'd; but we
kept fireing from Ditch to Ditch, and Hedge to Hedge, till Night came
upon us; and so our little Army got clear of its gigantick Enemy with
very inconsiderable Loss. However, the _French_ fail'd not, in their
customary Way, to express the Sense of their vexation, at this
Disappointment, with Fire and Sword in the Neighbourhood round. Thus
Prince _Vaudemont_ acquir'd more Glory by that Retreat than an intire
Victory could have given him; and it was not, I confess, the least Part
of Satisfaction in Life, that my self had a Share of Honour under him to
bring off the Rear at that his glorious Retreat at _Arfeel_.

However, in further Revenge of this political Chicane of the Prince of
_Vaudemont_, and to oblige, if possible, King _William_ to raise the
Siege from before _Namur, Villeroy_ enter'd into the Resolution of
Bombarding _Brussells_. In order to which he encamp'd at _Anderleck_,
and then made his Approaches as near as was convenient to the Town.
There he caus'd to be planted thirty Mortars, and rais'd a Battery of
ten Guns to shoot hot Bullets into the Place.

But before they fir'd from either, _Villeroy_, in complement to the Duke
of _Bavaria_, sent a Messenger to know in what Part of the Town his
Dutchess chose to reside, that they might, as much as possible, avoid
incommoding her, by directing their Fire to other Parts. Answer was
return'd that she was at her usual Place of Residence, the Palace; and
accordingly their fireing from Battery or Mortars little incommoded them
that Way.

Five Days the Bombardment continu'd; and with such Fury, that the Centre
of that noble City was quite lay'd in Rubbish. Most of the Time of
Bombarding I was upon the Counterscarp, where I could best see and
distinguish; and I have often counted in the Air, at one time, more than
twenty Bombs; for they shot whole Vollies out of their Mortars all
together. This, as it must needs be terrible, threw the Inhabitants into
the utmost Confusion. Cartloads of Nuns, that for many Years before had
never been out of the Cloister, were now hurry'd about from Place to
Place, to find Retreats of some Security. In short, the Groves, and
Parts remote, were all crowded; and the most spacious Streets had hardly
a Spectator left to view their Ruins. Nothing was to be seen like that
Dexterity of our People in extinguishing the Fires; for where the
red-hot Bullets fell, and rais'd new Conflagrations, not Burghers only,
but the vulgar Sort, stood stareing, and with their Hands impocketted,
beheld their Houses gradually consume; and without offering prudent or
charitable Hand to stop the growing Flames.

But after they had almost thus destroy'd that late fair City,
_Villeroy_, finding he could not raise the Siege of _Namur_, by that
vigorous Attack upon _Brussels_, decamp'd at last from before it, and
put his Army on the March, to try if he could have better Success by
exposing to Show his Pageant of one Hundred Thousand Men. Prince
_Vaudemont_ had timely Intelligence of the Duke's Resolution and Motion;
and resolv'd, if possible to get there before him. Nor was the Attempt
fruitless: He fortunately succeeded, though with much Fatigue, and no
little Difficulty, after he had put a Trick upon the Spies of the Enemy,
by pretending to encamp, and so soon as they were gone ordering a full
March.

The Castle of _Namur_ had been all this Time under the Fire of the
Besieger's Cannon; and soon after our little Army under the Prince was
arriv'd, a Breach, that was imagin'd practicable, being made in the
_Terra Nova_ (which, as the Name imports, was a new Work, rais'd by the
_French_, and added to the Fortifications, since it fell into their
Hands in 1692 and which very much increas'd the Strength of the Whole) a
Breach, as I have said, being made in this _Terra Nova_, a Storm, in a
Council of War, was resolv'd upon. Four entire Regiments, in conjunction
with some Draughts made out of several others, were order'd for that
Work, my self commanding that Part of 'em which had been drawn out of
Colonel _Tiffins_. We were all to rendevouze at the Abbey of _Salsines_,
under the Command of the Lord Cutts; the Signal, when the Attack was to
be made, being agreed to be the blowing up of a Bag of Gun-powder upon
the Bridge of Boats that lay over the _Sambre_.

So soon as the Signal was made, we march'd up to the Breach with a
decent Intrepidity, receiving all the Way we advanc'd the full Fire of
the _Cohorn_ Fort. But as soon as we came near enough to mount, we found
it vastly steep and rugged. Notwithstanding all which, several did get
up, and enter'd the Breach; but not being supported as they ought to
have been, they were all made Prisoners. Which, together with a Wound my
Lord _Cutts_ receiv'd, after he had done all that was possible for us,
necessitated us to retire with the Loss of many of our Men.

_VILLEROY_ all this while lay in fight, with his Army of One Hundred
Thousand Men, without making the least Offer to incommode the Besiegers;
or even without doing any thing more than make his Appearance in favour
of the Besieged, and reconnoitring our Encampment: And, at last, seeing,
or imagining that he saw, the Attempt would be to little purpose, with
all the good Manners in the World, in the Night, he withdrew that
terrible Meteor, and reliev'd our poor Horses from feeding on Leaves,
the only Inconvenience he had put us to.

This Retreat leaving the Garrison without all Hope of Relief, they in
the Castle immediately capitulated. But after one of the Gates had been,
according to Articles, delivered up and Count _Guiscard_ was marching
out at the Head of the Garrison, and _Bouflers_ at the Head of the
Dragoons; the latter was, by order of King _William_, arrested, in
reprize of the Garrison of _Dixmuyd_ (who, contrary to the _Cartel_, had
been detain'd Prisoners) and remain'd under Arrest till they were set
free.

At the very Beginning of the Year 1696 was discover'd a Plot, fit only
to have had its Origin from Hell or _Rome_. A Plot, which would have put
_Hottentots_ and Barbarians out of Countenance. This was call'd the
_Assassination Plot_, from the Design of it, which was to have
assassinated King _William_ a little before the Time of his usual
leaving _England_ to head the Army of the Confederates in _Flanders_.
And as nothing could give a nobler Idea of the great Character of that
Prince than such a nefarious Combination against him; so, with all
considerate Men, nothing could more depreciate the Cause of his
inconsiderate Enemies. If I remember what I have read, the Sons of
ancient _Rome_, though Heathens, behav'd themselves against an Enemy in
a quite different Manner. Their Historians afford us more Instances than
a few of their generous Intimations to Kings and Generals, under actual
Hostilities, of barbarous Designs upon their Lives. I proceed to this of
our own Countrymen.

Soon after the Discovery had been made, by Persons actually engag'd in
that inhuman Design, the Regiment, in which I served, with some others
then in _Flanders_, receiv'd Orders, with all Expedition, to embarque
for _England_; though, on our Arrival at _Gravesend_, fresh Orders met
us to remain on board the Transports, till we had surther Directions.

On my going to _London_, a few Days after, I was told, that two
Regiments only were now design'd to come a-shore; and that the rest
would be remanded to _Flanders_, the Danger apprehended being pretty
well over. I was at _White Hall_ when I receiv'd this Notice; where
meeting my Lord _Cutts_ (who had ever since the storming of the _Terra
Nova_ at _Namur_ allow'd me a Share in his Favour) he express'd himself
in the most obliging Manner; and at parting desir'd he might not fail of
seeing me next Morning at his House; for he had somewhat of an
extraordinary Nature to communicate to me.

At the time appointed, I waited on his Lorship, where I met Mr. _Steel_
(now Sir _Richard_, and at that time his Secretary) who immediately
introduc'd me. I found in company with him three Gentlemen; and after
common Salutations, his Lordship deliver'd into my Hands, an Order from
the King in Council to go along with Captain _Porter_, Mr. _de la Rue_,
and Mr. _George Harris_ (who prov'd to be those three with him) to
search all the Transports at _Gravesend_, in order to prevent any of
the Conspirators getting out of _England_ that Way. After answering,
that I was ready to pay Obedience, and receiving, in private, the
further necessary Instructions, we took our Leave, and Oars soon after
for _Gravesend_. 'Twas in our Passage down, that I understood that they
had all been of the Conspiracy, but now reluctant, were become
Witnesses.

When we came to _Gravesend_, I produc'd my Authority to the Commanding
Officer, who very readily paid Obedience, and gave Assistance; But after
our most diligent Search, finding nothing of what we look'd for, we
return'd that very Night to _London_.

Next Day a Proclamation was to come out for the apprehending three of
four Troopers, who were sent over by King _James_, with a thousand
Pounds Reward for each: Mr. _George Harris_, who was the fourth, being
the only Evidence against the other three. No sooner were we return'd
from _Gravesend_, but _Harris_ had Intelligence brought him, that
_Cassells_, one of the three, was at Mr. _Allens_ in the _Savoy_, under
the Name of _Green_. Upon which we went directly to the Place; and
enquiring for Mr. _Green_, we were told he lodg'd there, and was in his
Room.

I was oblig'd by my Order to go along with them, and assist 'em; and
very well was it that I was so: For in consideration of the Reward in
the Proclamation, which, as I have said, was to come out the next Day,
_Harris_ and the rest were for deferring his Seizure, till the coming
out of that Proclamation; but making answer, that in case of his Escape
that Night, I must be responsible to my Superiors; who, under the most
favourable Aspect, would construe it a Neglect of Duty, they were forc'd
to comply; and so he was taken up, and his Name that Night struck out of
the Proclamation. It is very true, by this faithful Discharge of my
Trust, I did save the Government one Thousand Pounds; but it is equally
so, that I never had of my Governors one Farthing Consideration for what
others term'd an over-officious Piece of Service; though in Justice it
must be own'd a Piece of exact and disinterested Duty.

Some few Days after, attending by Direction at the Secretary's Office,
with Mr. _Harris_, there came in a _Dutchman_, spluttering and making a
great Noise, that he was sure he could discover one of the Conspirators;
but the Mein and the Behaviour of the Man, would not give any Body Leave
to give him any Credit or Regard. However, the Man persisting in his
Assertions, I spoke to Mr. _Harris_ to take him aside, and ask him what
Sort of a Person he was; _Harris_ did so; and the _Dutchman_ describing
him, says _Harris_, returning to me, I'll be hang'd if it be not
_Blackburn_. Upon which we had him question'd somewhat more narrowly;
when having no room to doubt, and understanding where he was, Colonel
_Rivet_ of the Guards was sent for, and order'd to go along with us to
seize him. We went accordingly; and it proving to be _Blackburn_, the
_Dutchman_ had five Hundred Pounds, and the Colonel and others the
Remainder. _Cassels_ and _Blackburn_, if still alive, are in _Newgate_,
confin'd by Act of Parliament, one only Witness, which was _Harris_,
being producible against them.

When _Blackburn_ was seiz'd, I found in the Chamber with him, one
_Davison_, a Watch-maker, living in _Holbourn_. I carry'd him along with
me to the Secretary of State; but nothing on his Examination appearing
against him, he was immediately discharg'd. He offer'd afterwards to
present me with a fine Watch of his own making, which I refus'd; and he
long after own'd the Obligation.

So soon as the Depth of this Plot was fathom'd, and the intended Evil
provided against, as well as prevented, King _William_ went over into
_Flanders_, and our Regiment thereupon receiv'd Orders for their
immediate Return. Nothing of any Moment occurr'd till our Arrival at our
old Quarters, the _Camerlins_, where we lay dispers'd amongst the
Country Boors or Farmers, as heretofore. However, for our better
Security in those Quarters, and to preserve us from the Excursions of
the neighbouring Garrison of Furnes, we were oblig'd to keep an
Out-guard at a little Place call'd _Shoerbeck_. This Guard was every
forty-eight Hours chang'd, and remounted with a Captain, a Lieutenant,
an Ensign, and threescore Men.

When it came to my Turn to relieve that Guard, and for that Purpose I
was arriv'd at my Post, it appear'd to me with the Face of a Place of
Debauch, rather than Business; there being too visible Tokens, that the
hard Duty of both Officers and Soldiers had been that of hard Drinking,
the foulest Error that a Soldier can commit, especially when on his
Guard.

To confirm my Apprehensions, a little after I had taken Possession of my
Guard, the Man of the House related to me such Passages, and so many
of'em, that satisfy'd me, that if ten sober Men had made the Attack,
they might have fairly knock'd all my Predecessors of the last Guard on
the Head, without much Difficulty. However, his Account administer'd
Matter of Caution to me, and put me upon taking a narrower View of our
Situation. In consequence whereof, at Night I plac'd a Centinel a
Quarter of a Mile in the Rear, and such other Centinels as I thought
necessary and convenient in other Places; with Orders, that upon Sight
of an Enemy the Centinel near should fire; and that upon hearing that,
all the other Centinels, as well as he, should hasten in to strengthen
our Main Guard.

What my Jealousy, on my Landlord's Relation, had suggested, happen'd
accordingly: For about one in the Morning I was alarm'd with the Cry of
one of my Centinels, _Turn out for God's sake_; which he repeated, with
Vehemence, three or four times over. I took the Alarm, got up suddenly;
and with no little Difficulty got my Men into their Ranks, when the
Person who made the Outcry came running in, almost spent, and out of
Breath. It was the Centinel, that I had luckily plac'd about a Quarter
of a Mile off, who gave the Alarm, and his Musket flashing in the Pan,
without going off, he endeavour'd to supply with his Voice the Defect of
his Piece. I had just got my Men into their Ranks, in order to receive
the Enemy, when by the Moonlight, I discover'd a Party advancing upon
us. My out Centinel challeng'd 'em, and as I had precaution'd, they
answer'd, _Hispanioli_; though I knew 'em to be _French_.

However, on my Survey of our Situation by Day-light, having mark'd in my
Mind a proper Place for drawing up my Men in Case of an Attack, which
was too narrow to admit of more than two on a Breast; and which would
secure between us and the Enemy a Ditch of Water: I resolv'd to put in
practice what had entertain'd me so well in the Theory. To that Purpose
I order'd my first Rank to keep their Post, stand still and face the
Enemy, while the other two Ranks stooping should follow me to gain the
intended Station; which done, the first Rank had Orders to file off and
fall behind. All was perform'd in excellent Order; and I confess it was
with no little Pleasure, that I beheld the Enemy, for the best Part of
an Hour, in Consultation whether they should attack us or no. The
result, nevertheless, of that Consultation ended in this; that, seeing
us so well upon our Guard, it was most adviseable to draw off. They soon
put their Resolution into practice, which I was very glad to see; on
Examination a little before having found that my Predecessor, as in
other Things, had fail'd of Conduct in leaving me a Garrison without
Ammunition.

Next Morning I was very pleasingly surpriz'd with a handsome Present of
Wine, and some other necessary Refreshments. At first I made a little
Scruple and Hesitation whether or no to receive 'em; till the Bearer
assur'd me, that they were sent me from the Officers of the next
Garrison, who had made me a Visit the Night before, as a candid
Acknowledgment of my Conduct and good Behaviour. I return'd their
Compliment, that I hop'd I should never receive Men of Honour otherwise
than like a Man of Honour; which mightily pleas'd them. Every of which
Particulars the _Ghent Gazettier_ the Week after publish'd.

We had little to do except Marching and Counter-marching all the
Campaign after; till it was resolv'd in a Council of War, for the better
preserving of _Brussels_ from such Insults, as it had before sustain'd
from the _French_, during the Siege of _Namur_, to fortify _Anderlech_;
upon which our Regiment, as well as others, were commanded from our more
pacifick Posts to attend that Work. Our whole Army was under Movement to
cover that Resolution; and the Train fell to my Care and Command in the
March. There accompany'd the Train a Fellow, seemingly ordinary, yet
very officious and courteous, being ready to do any thing for any
Person, from the Officer to the common Soldier. He travell'd along and
mov'd with the Train, sometimes on Foot, and sometimes getting a Ride in
some one or other of the Waggons; but ever full of his Chit-chat and
Stories of Humour. By these insinuating Ways he had screw'd himself into
the general good Opinion; but the Waggoners especially grew particularly
fond of him. At the End of our March all our Powder-Waggons were plac'd
breast a-breast, and so close, that one miscarrying would leave little
doubt of the Fate of all the rest. This in the Camp we commonly call
_the Park_; and here it was that our new Guest, like another _Phaeton_,
though under Pretence of Weariness, not Ambition, got Leave of the very
last Carter to the Train to take a Nap in his Waggon. One who had
entertain'd a Jealousy of him, and had watch'd him, gave Information
against him; upon which he was seiz'd and brought to me as Captain of
the Guard. I caus'd him to be search'd; and upon search, finding Match,
Touchwood, and other dangerous Materials upon him; I sent him and them
away to the Provoe. Upon the Whole, a Council of War was call'd, at
which, upon a strict Examination, he confess'd himself a hir'd
Incendiary; and as such receiv'd his Sentence to be burnt in the Face of
the Army. The Execution was a Day or two after: When on the very Spot,
he further acknowledged, that on Sight or Noise of the Blow, it had been
concerted, that the _French_ Army should fall upon the Confederates
under those lamentable Circumstances.

The Peace of _Riswick_ soon after taking place, put an End to all
Incendiarisms of either Sort. So that nothing of a Military Kind, which
was now become my Province, happen'd of some Years after. Our Regiment
was first order'd into _England_; and presently after into _Ireland_:
But as these Memoirs are not design'd for the Low Amuzement of a
Tea-Table, but rather of the Cabinet, a Series of inglorious Inactivity
can furnish but very little towards 'em.

Yet as little as I admir'd a Life of Inactivity, there are some Sorts of
Activity, to which a wise Man might almost give Supineness the
Preference: Such is that of barely encountring Elements, and wageing War
with Nature; and such, in my Opinion, would have been the spending my
Commission, and very probably my Life with it, in the _West Indies_. For
though the Climate (as some would urge) may afford a Chance for a very
speedy Advance in Honour, yet, upon revolving in my Mind, that those
Rotations of the Wheel of Fortune are often so very quick, as well as
uncertain, that I my self might as well be the First as the Last; the
Whole of the Debate ended in somewhat like that Couplet of the excellent
_Hudibras_:

_Then he, that ran away and fled,
Must lie in Honour's Truckle-bed._

However, my better Planets soon disannull'd those melancholy Ideas,
which a Rumour of our being sent into the _West Indies_ had crowded my
Head and Heart with: For being call'd over into _England_, upon the very
Affairs of the Regiment, I arriv'd there just after the Orders for their
Transportation went over; by which Means the Choice of going was put out
of my Power, and the Danger of Refusing, which was the Case of many, was
very luckily avoided.

It being judg'd, therefore, impossible for me to return soon enough to
gain my Passage, one in Power propos'd to me, that I should resign to an
Officer then going over; and with some other contingent Advantages, to
my great Satisfaction, I was put upon the Half-pay List. This was more
agreeable, for I knew, or at least imagin'd my self wise enough to
foretel, from the over hot Debate of the House of Commons upon the
Partition Treaty, that it could not be long before the present Peace
would, at least, require patching.

Under this Sort of uncertain Settlement I remain'd with the Patience of
a _Jew_, though not with Judaical Absurdity, a faithful Adherer to my
Expectation. Nor did the Consequence fail of answering, a War was
apparent, and soon after proclaim'd. Thus waiting for an Opportunity,
which I flatter'd my self would soon present, the little Diversions of
_Dublin_, and the moderate Conversation of that People, were not of
Temptation enough to make my Stay in _England_ look like a Burden.

But though the War was proclaim'd, and Preparations accordingly made for
it, the Expectations from all receiv'd a sudden Damp, by the as sudden
Death of King _William_. That Prince, who had stared Death in the Face
in many Sieges and Battles, met with his Fate in the Midst of his
Diversions, who seiz'd his Prize in an Hour, to human Thought, the least
adapted to it. He was a Hunting (his customary Diversion) when, by an
unhappy Trip of his Horse, he fell to the Ground; and in the Fall
displac'd his Collar-bone. The News of it immediately alarm'd the Court,
and all around; and the sad Effects of it soon after gave all _Europe_
the like Alarm. _France_ only, who had not disdain'd to seek it sooner
by ungenerous Means, receiv'd new Hope, from what gave others Motives
for Despair. He flatter'd himself, that that long liv'd Obstacle to his
Ambition thus remov'd, his Successor would never fall into those
Measures, which he had wisely concerted for the Liberties of _Europe_;
but he, as well as others of his Adherents, was gloriously deceiv'd;
that God-like Queen, with a Heart entirely _English_, prosecuted her
royal Predecessor's Counsels; and to remove all the very Faces of
Jealousy, immediately on her Accession dispatch'd to every Court of the
great Confederacy, Persons adequate to the Importance of the Message, to
give Assurances thereof.

This gave new Spirit to a Cause, that at first seem'd to languish in its
Founder, as it struck its great Opposers with a no less mortifying
Terror; And well did the great Successes of her Arms answer the Prayers
and Efforts of that royal Soul of the Confederacies; together with the
Wishes of all, that, like her, had the Good, as well as the Honour of
their Country at Heart, in which the Liberties of _Europe_ were
included. The first Campaign gave a noble Earnest of the Future. _Bon_,
_Keyserwaert_, _Venlo_, and _Ruremond_, were sound Forerunners only of
_Donawert_, _Hochstet_, and _Blenheim_. Such a March of _English_ Forces
to the Support of the tottering Empire, as it gloriously manifested the
ancient Genius of a warlike People; so was it happily celebrated with a
Success answerable to the Glory of the Undertaking, which concluded in
Statues and princely Donatives to an _English_ Subject, from the then
only Emperor in _Europe_. A small Tribute, it's true, for ransom'd
Nations and captiv'd Armies, which justly enough inverted the
Exclamations of a _Roman_ Emperor to the _French_ Monarch, who
deprecated his Legions lost pretty near the same Spot; but to a much
superior Number, and on a much less glorious Occasion.

But my good Fortune not allowing me to participate in those glorious
Appendages of the _English_ Arms in _Flanders_, nor on the _Rhine_, I
was resolv'd to make a Push for it the first Opportunity, and waste my
Minutes no longer on Court Attendances. And my Lord _Cutts_ returning
with his full Share of Laurels, for his never to be forgotten Services
at _Venlo_, _Ruremond_, and _Hochstet_, found his active Genius now to
be repos'd, under the less agreeable Burden of unhazardous Honour, where
Quiet must provide a Tomb for one already past any Danger of Oblivion;
deep Wounds and glorious Actions having anticipated all that could be
said in Epitaphs or litteral Inscriptions. Soon after his Arrival from
_Germany_, he was appointed General of all her Majesty's Forces in
_Ireland_; upon which going to congratulate him, he was pleas'd to
enquire of me several Things relating to that Country; and particularly
in what Part of _Dublin_ I would recommend his Residence; offering at
the same time, if I would go over with him, all the Services that should
fall in his Way.

But Inactivity was a Thing I had too long lamented; therefore, after I
had, as decently as I could, declin'd the latter Part, I told his
Lordship, that as to a Place of Residence, I was Master of a House in
_Dublin_, large enough, and suitable to his great Quality, which should
be at his Service, on any Terms he thought fit. Adding withal, that I
had a Mind to see _Spain_, where my Lord _Peterborow_ was now going; and
that if his Lordship would favour me with a Recommendation, it would
suit my present Inclinations much better than any further tedious
Recess. His Lordship was so good to close with both my Overtures; and
spoke so effectually in my Favour, that the Earl of _Peterborow_, then
General of all the Forces order'd on that Expedition, bad me speedily
prepare my self; and so when all Things were ready I embarqu'd with that
noble Lord for _Spain_, to pursue his well concerted Undertaking; which,
in the Event, will demonstrate to the World, that little Armies, under
the Conduct of auspicious Generals, may sometimes produce prodigious
Effects.

The _Jews_, in whatever Part of the World, are a People industrious in
the increasing of _Mammon_; and being accustom'd to the universal
Methods of Gain, are always esteem'd best qualify'd for any Undertaking,
where that bears a Probability of being a Perquisite. Providing Bread,
and other Requisites for an Army, was ever allow'd to carry along with
it a Profit answerable; and _Spain_ was not the first Country where that
People had engag'd in such an Undertaking. Besides, on any likely
Appearance of great Advantage, it is in the Nature as well as Practice
of that Race, strenuously to assist one another; and that with the
utmost Confidence and prodigious Alacrity. One of that Number, both
competent and willing enough to carry on an Undertaking of that kind,
fortunately came at that Juncture to solicit the Earl of _Peterborow_ to
be employ'd as Proveditor to the Army and Troops, which were, or should
be sent into _Spain_.

It will easily be admitted, that the Earl, under his present Exigencies,
did not decline to listen. And a very considerable Sum being offer'd, by
way of Advance, the Method common in like Cases was pursu'd, and the Sum
propos'd accepted; by which Means the Earl of _Peterborow_ found himself
put into the happy Capacity of proceeding upon his first concerted
Project. The Name of the _Jew_, who sign'd the Contract, was _Curtisos_;
and he and his Friends, with great Punctuality, advanc'd the expected
Sum of One Hundred Thousand Pounds Sterling, or very near it; which was
immediately order'd into the Hands of the Pay-master of the Forces. For
though the Earl took Money of the _Jews_, it was not for his own, but
public Use. According to Agreement, Bills were drawn for the Value from
_Lisbon_, upon the Lord _Godolphin_ (then Lord Treasurer) all which
were, on that Occasion, punctually comply'd with.

The Earl of _Peterborow_ having thus fortunately found Means to supply
himself with Money, and by that with some Horse, after he had obtain'd
Leave of the Lord _Galoway_ to make an Exchange of two Regiments of
Foot, receiv'd the Arch-Duke, and all those who would follow him, aboard
the Fleet; and, at his own Expense, transported him and his whole
Retinue to _Barcelona_: For all which prodigious Charge, as I have been
very lately inform'd, from very good Hands, that noble Earl never to
this Day receiv'd any Consideration from the Government, or any Person
whatsoever.

We sail'd from _Lisbon_, in order to join the Squadron under Sir
_Cloudsley Shovel:_ Meeting with which at the appointed Station off
_Tangier_, the Men of War and Transports thus united, made the best of
their Way for _Gibraltar_. There we stay'd no longer than to take aboard
two Regiments out of that Garrison, in lieu of two out of our Fleet.
Here we found the Prince of _Hesse_, who immediately took a Resolution
to follow the Arch-Duke in this Expedition. He was a Person of great
Gallantry; and having been Vice-Roy of _Catalonia_, was receiv'd on
board the Fleet with the utmost Satisfaction, as being a Person capable
of doing great Service in a Country where he was well known, and as well
belov'd.

Speaking _Latin_ then pretty fluently, it gave me frequent Opportunies
of conversing with the two Father Confessors of the Duke of _Austria_;
and upon that Account I found my self honour'd with some Share in the
Favour of the Arch-Duke himself. I mention this, not to gratify any vain
Humour, but as a corroborating Circumstance, that my Opportunities of
Information, in Matters of Consequence, could not thereby be suppos'd to
be lessen'd; but that I might more reasonably be imagin'd to arrive at
Intelligence, that not very often, or at least not so soon, came to the
Knowledge of others.

From _Gibraltar_ we sail'd to the Bay of _Altea_, not far distant from
the City of _Valencia_, in the Road of which we continu'd for some Days.
While we were there, as I was very credibly inform'd, the Earl of
_Peterborow_ met with some fresh Disappointment; but what it was,
neither I nor any Body else, as far as I could perceive, could ever dive
into: Neither did it appear by any outward Tokens, in that noble
General, that it lay so much at his Heart, as those about him seem'd to
assure me it did.

However, while we lay in _Altea_ Bay, two Bomb-Vessels, and a small
Squadron, were order'd against _Denia_, which had a small Castle; but
rather fine than strong. And accordingly, upon our Offer to bring to
bear with our Cannon, and preparing to fix our Bomb-Vessels, in order to
bombard the Place, it surrender'd; and acknowledg'd the Arch-Duke as
lawful King of _Spain_, and so proclaim'd him. From this time,
therefore, speaking of that Prince, it shall be under that Title.
General _Ramos_ was left Commander here; a Person who afterwards acted a
very extraordinary Part in the War carry'd on in the Kingdom of
_Valencia_.

But notwithstanding no positive Resolutions had been taken for the
Operations of the Campaign, before the Arch Duke's Departure from
_Lisbon_, the Earl of _Peterborow_, ever solicitous of the Honour of his
Country, had premeditated another Enterprize, which, had it been
embrac'd, would in all Probability, have brought that War to a much more
speedy Conclusion; and at the same time have obviated all those
Difficulties, which were but too apparent in the Siege of _Barcelona_.
He had justly and judiciously weigh'd, that there were no Forces in the
Middle Parts of _Spain_, all their Troops being in the extream Parts of
the Kingdom, either on the Frontiers of _Portugal_, or in the City of
_Barcelona_; that with King _Philip_, and the royal Family at _Madrid_,
there were only some few Horse, and those in a bad Condition, and which
only serv'd for Guards: if therefore, as he rightly projected within
himself, by the taking of _Valencia_, or any Sea-Port Town, that might
have secur'd his Landing, he had march'd directly for _Madrid_; what
could have oppos'd him? But I shall have occasion to dilate more upon
this Head a few Pages hence; and therefore shall here only say, that
though that Project of his might have brought about a speedy and
wonderful Revolution, what he was by his Orders afterwards oblig'd to,
against his Inclinations, to pursue, contributed much more to his great
Reputation, as it put him under a frequent Necessity of overcoming
Difficulties, which, to any other General, would have appear'd
unsurmountable.

_VALENCIA_ is a City towards the Centre of _Spain_, to the Seaward,
seated in a rich and most populous Country, just fifty Leagues from
_Madrid_. It abounds in Horses and Mules; by reason of the great
Fertility of its Lands, which they can, to great Advantage, water when,
and as they please. This City and Kingdom was as much inclin'd to the
Interest of King _Charles_ as _Catalonia_ it self; for even on our first
Appearance, great Numbers of People came down to the Bay of _Altea_,
with not only a bare Offer of their Services, but loaded with all Manner
of Provisions, and loud Acclamations of _Viva Carlos tercero, Viva_.
There were no regular Troops in any of the Places round about it, or in
the City it self. The nearest were those few Horse in _Madrid_, one
hundred and fifty Miles distant; nor any Foot nearer than _Barcelona_,
or the Frontiers of _Portugal_.

On the contrary, _Barcelona_ is one of the largest and most populous
Cities in all _Spain_, fortify'd with Bastions; one Side thereof is
secur'd by the Sea; and the other by a strong Fortification call'd
_Monjouick_. The Place is of so large a Circumference, that thirty
thousand Men would scarce suffice to form the Lines of Circumvallation.
It once resisted for many Months an Army of that Force; and is almost
at the greatest Distance from _England_ of any Place belonging to that
_Monarchy_.

This short Description of these two Places will appear highly necessary,
if it be consider'd, that no Person without it would be able to judge of
the Design which the Earl of _Peterborow_ intended to pursue, when he
first took the Arch-Duke aboard the Fleet. Nevertheless the Earl now
found himself under a Necessity of quitting that noble Design, upon his
Receipt of Orders from _England_, while he lay in the Bay of _Altea_, to
proceed directly to _Catalonia_; to which the Arch-Duke, as well as many
Sea and Land Officers, were most inclin'd; and the Prince of _Hesse_
more than all the rest.

On receiving those Orders, the Earl of _Peterborow_ seem'd to be of
Opinion, that from an Attempt, which he thought under a Probability of
Success, he was condemn'd to undertake what was next to an Impossibility
of effecting; since nothing appear'd to him so injudicious as an Attempt
upon _Barcelona_. A Place at such a Distance from receiving any
Reinforcement or Relief; the only Place in which the _Spaniards_ had a
Garrison of regular Forces; and those in Number rather exceeding the
Army he was to undertake the Siege with, was enough to cool the Ardour
of a Person of less Penetration and Zeal than what the Earl had on all
Occasions demonstrated. Whereas if the General, as he intended, had made
an immediate March to _Madrid_, after he had secur'd _Valencia_, and the
Towns adjacent, which were all ready to submit and declare for King
_Charles_; or if otherwise inclin'd, had it not in their Power to make
any considerable Resistance; to which, if it be added, that he could
have had Mules and Horses immediately provided for him, in what Number
he pleas'd, together with Carriages necessary for Artillery, Baggage,
and Ammunition; in few Days he could have forc'd King _Philip_ out of
_Madrid_, where he had so little Force to oppose him. And as there was
nothing in his Way to prevent or obstruct his marching thither, it is
hard to conceive any other Part King _Philip_ could have acted in such
an Extremity, than to retire either towards _Portugal_ or _Catalonia_.
In either of which Cases he must have left all the middle Part of
_Spain_ open to the Pleasure of the Enemy; who in the mean time would
have had it in their Power to prevent any Communication of those Bodies
at such opposite Extreams of the Country, as were the Frontiers of
_Portugal_ and _Barcelona_, where only, as I said before, were any
regular Troops.

And on the other Side, as the Forces of the Earl of _Peterborow_ were
more than sufficient for an Attempt where there was so little Danger of
Opposition; so if their Army on the Frontiers of _Portugal_ should have
march'd back upon him into the Country; either the _Portugueze_ Army
could have enter'd into _Spain_ without Opposition; or, at worst,
supposing the General had been forc'd to retire, his Retreat would have
been easy and safe into those Parts of _Valencia_ and _Andahzia_, which
he previously had secur'd. Besides, _Gibraltar_, the strongest Place in
_Spain_, if not in the whole World, was already in our Possession, and a
great Fleet at Hand ready to give Assistance in all Places near the Sea.
From all which it is pretty apparent, that in a little time the War on
our Side might have been supported without entering the _Mediterranean_;
by which Means all Reinforcements would have been much nearer at Hand,
and the Expences of transporting Troops and Ammunition very considerably
diminish'd.

But none of these Arguments, though every one of them is founded on
solid Reason, were of Force enough against the prevailing Opinion for an
Attempt upon _Catalonia_. Mr. _Crow_, Agent for the Queen in those
Parts, had sent into _England_ most positive Assurances, that nothing
would be wanting, if once our Fleet made an invasion amongst the
_Catalans_: The Prince of _Hesse_ likewise abounded in mighty Offers and
prodigious Assurances; all which enforc'd our Army to that Part of
_Spain_, and that gallant Prince to those Attempts in which he lost his
Life. Very much against the Inclination of our General, who foresaw all
those Difficulties, which were no less evident afterwards to every one;
and the Sense of which occasion'd those Delays, and that Opposition to
any Effort upon _Barcelona_, which ran thro' so many successive Councils
of War.

However, pursuant to his Instructions from _England_, the repeated
Desires of the Arch-Duke, and the Importunities of the Prince of
_Hesse_, our General gave Orders to sail from _Altea_ towards the Bay of
_Barcelona_, the chief City of _Catalonia_. Nevertheless, when we
arriv'd there, he was very unwilling to land any of the Forces, till he
saw some Probability of that Assistance and Succour so must boasted of,
and so often promis'd. But as nothing appear'd but some small Numbers of
Men, very indifferently arm'd, and without either Gentlemen or Officers
at the Head of them; the Earl of _Peterborow_ was of Opinion, this could
not be deem'd sufficient Encouragement for him to engage in an
Enterprize, which carry'd so poor a Face of Probability of Success along
with it. In answer to this it was urg'd, that till a Descent was made,
and the Affairs thoroughly engag'd in, it was not to be expected that
any great Numbers would appear, or that Persons of Condition would
discover themselves. Upon all which it was resolv'd the Troops should be
landed.

Accordingly, our Forces were disembark'd, and immediately encamp'd;
notwithstanding which the Number of Succours increas'd very slowly, and
that after the first straggling Manner. Nor were those that did appear
any way to be depended on; coming when they thought fit, and going away
when they pleas'd, and not to be brought under any regular Discipline.
It was then pretended, that until they saw the Artillery landed as well
as Forces, they would not believe any Siege actually intended. This
brought the General under a sort of Necessity of complying in that also.
Though certainly so to do must be allow'd a little unreasonable, while
the Majority in all Councils of War declar'd the Design to be
impracticable; and the Earl of _Peterborow_ had positive Orders to
proceed according to such Majorities.

At last the Prince of _Hesse_ was pleas'd to demand Pay for those
Stragglers, as Officers and Soldiers, endeavouring to maintain, that it
could not be expected that Men should venture their Lives for nothing.
Thus we came to _Catalonia_ upon Assurances of universal Assistance; but
found, when we came there, that we were to have none unless we paid for
it. And as we were sent thither without Money to pay for any thing, it
had certainly been for us more tolerable to have been in a Country where
we might have taken by Force what we could not obtain any other way.

However, to do the _Miquelets_ all possible Justice, I must say, that
notwithstanding the Number of 'em, which hover'd about the Place, never
much exceeded fifteen Hundred Men; if sometimes more, oftner less; and
though they never came under any Command, but planted themselves where
and as they pleas'd; yet did they considerable Service in taking
Possession of all the Country Houses and Convents, that lay between the
Hills and the Plain of _Barcelona_; by means whereof they render'd it
impossible for the Enemy to make any _Sorties_ or Sallies at any
Distance from the Town.

And now began all those Difficulties to bear, which long before by the
General had been apprehended. The Troops had continu'd under a State of
Inactivity for the Space of three Weeks, all which was spent in
perpetual Contrivances and Disputes amongst our selves, not with the
Enemy. In six several Councils of War the Siege of _Barcelona_, under
the Circumstances we then lay, was rejected as a Madness and
Impossibility. And though the General and Brigadier _Stanhope_
(afterward Earl _Stanhope_) consented to some Effort should be made to
satisfy the Expectation of the World, than with any Hopes of Success.
However, no Consent at all could be obtain'd from any Council of War;
and the _Dutch_ General in particular declar'd, that he would not obey
even the Commands of the Earl of _Peterborow_, if he should order the
Sacrifice of the Troops under him in so unjustifiable a Manner, without
the Consent of a Council of War.

And yet all those Officers, who refus'd their Consent to the Siege of
_Barcelona_, offer'd to march into the Country, and attempt any other
Place, that was not provided with so strong and numerous a Garrison;
taking it for granted, that no Town in _Catalonia, Barcelona_ excepted,
could make long Resistance; and in case the Troops in that Garrison
should pursue them, they then might have an Opportunity of fighting them
at less Disadvantage in the open Field, than behind the Walls of a Place
of such Strength. And, indeed, should they have issu'd out on any such
Design, a Defeat of those Troops would have put the Province of
_Catalonia_, together with the Kingdoms of _Aragon_ and _Valencia_,
into the Hands of King _Charles_ more effectually than the taking _of
Barcelona_ it self.

Let it be observ'd, _en passant_, that by those Offers of the Land
Officers in a Council of War, it is easy to imagine what would have been
the Success of our Troops, had they march'd directly from _Valencia_ to
_Madrid_. For if after two Months Alarm, it was thought reasonable, as
well as practicable, to march into the open Country rather than attempt
the Siege of _Barcelona_, where Forces equal, if not superior in Number,
were ready to follow us at the Heels; what might not have been expected
from an Invasion by our Troops when and where they could meet with
little Opposition? But leaving the Consideration of what might have
been, I shall now endeavour at least with great Exactness to set down
some of the most remarkable Events from our taking to the Relief of
_Barcelona_.

The repeated Refusals of the Councils of War for undertaking the Siege
of so strong a Place, with a Garrison so numerous, and those Refusals
grounded upon such solid Reasons, against a Design so rash, reduc'd the
General to the utmost Perplexity. The Court of King _Charles_ was
immerg'd in complaint; all belonging to him lamenting the hard Fate of
that Prince, to be brought into _Catalonia_ only to return again,
without the Offer of any one Effort in his Favour. On the other Hand,
our own Officers and Soldiers were highly dissatisfy'd, that they were
reproach'd, because not dispos'd to enter upon and engage themselves in
Impossibilities. And, indeed, in the Manner that the Siege was propos'd
and insisted upon by the Prince of _Hesse_, in every of the several
Councils of War, after the Loss of many Men, thrown away to no other
purpose, but to avoid the Shame (as the Expression ran) of coming like
Fools and going away like Cowards, it could have ended in nothing but a
Retreat at last.

It afforded but small Comfort to the Earl to have foreseen all these
Difficulties, and to have it in his Power to say, that he would never
have taken the Arch-Duke on Board, nor have propos'd to him the Hopes of
a Recovery of the _Spanish_ Monarchy from King _Philip_, if he could
have imagin'd it probable, that he should not have been at liberty to
pursue his own Design, according to his own Judgment. It must be allow'd
very hard for him, who had undertaken so great a Work, and that without
any Orders from the Government; and by so doing could have had no
Justification but by Success; I say, it must be allow'd to be very hard
(after the Undertaking had been approv'd in _England_) that he should
find himself to be directed in this Manner by those at a Distance, upon
ill grounded and confident Reports from Mr. _Crow_; and compell'd, as
it were, though General, to follow the Sentiments of Strangers, who
either had private Views of Ambition, or had no immediate Care or
Concern for the Troops employ'd in this Expedition.

Such were the present unhappy Circumstanches of the Earl of _Peterborow_
in the Camp before _Barcelona_: Impossibilities propos'd; no Expedients
to be accepted; a Court reproaching; Councils of War rejecting; and the
_Dutch_ General refusing the Assistance of the Troops under his Command;
and what surmounted all, a Despair of bringing such Animosities and
differing Opinions to any tolerable Agreement. Yet all these
Difficulties, instead of discouraging the Earl, set every Faculty of his
more afloat; and, at last, produc'd a lucky Thought, which was happily
attended with Events extraordinary, and Scenes of Success much beyond
his Expectation; such, as the General himself was heard to confess, it
had been next to Folly to have look'd for; as certainly, _in prima
facie_, it would hardly have born proposing, to take by Surprize a Place
much stronger than _Barcelona_ it self. True it is, that his only Hope
of succeeding consisted in this: That no Person could suppose such an
Enterprize could enter into the Imagination of Man; and without doubt
the General's chief Dependence lay upon what he found true in the
Sequel; that the Governor and Garrison of _Monjouick_, by reason of
their own Security, would be very negligent, and very little upon their
Guard.

However, to make the Experiment, he took an Opportunity, unknown to any
Person but an _Aid de Camp_ that attended him, and went out to view the
Fortifications: And there being no Horse in that strong Fortress; and
the _Miquelets_ being possess'd of all the Houses and Gardens in the
Plain, it was not difficult to give himself that Satisfaction, taking
his Way by the Foot of the Hill. The Observation he made of the Place it
self, the Negligence and Supineness of the Garrison, together with his
own uneasy Circumstances, soon brought the Earl to a Resolution of
putting his first Conceptions in Execution, satisfy'd as he was, from
the Situation of the Ground between _Monjouick_ and the Town, that if
the first was in our Possession, the Siege of the latter might be
undertaken with some Prospect of Success.

From what has been said, some may be apt to conclude that the Siege
afterward succeeding, when the Attack was made from the Side of
_Monjouick_, it had not been impossible to have prevail'd, if the Effort
had been made on the East Side of the Town, where our Forces were at
first encamp'd, and where only we could have made our Approaches, if
_Monjouick_ had not been in our Power. But a few Words will convince any
of common Experience of the utter Impossibility of Success upon the East
Part of the Town, although many almost miraculous Accidents made us
succeed when we brought our Batteries to bear upon that Part of
_Barcelona_ towards the West. The Ground to the East was a perfect Level
for many Miles, which would have necessitated our making our Approaches
in a regular Way; and consequently our Men must have been expos'd to the
full Fire of their whole Artillery. Besides, the Town is on that Side
much stronger than any other; there is an Out-work just under the Walls
of the Town, flank'd by the Courtin and the Faces of two Bastions, which
might have cost us half our Troops to possess, before we could have
rais'd a Battery against the Walls. Or supposing, after all, a competent
Breach had been made, what a wise Piece of Work must it have been to
have attempted a Storm against double the Number of regular Troops
within?

On the contrary, we were so favoured by the Situation, when we made the
Attack from the Side of _Monjouick_, that the Breach was made and the
Town taken without opening of Trenches, or without our being at all
incommoded by any Sallies of the Enemy; as in truth they made not one
during the whole Siege. Our great Battery, which consisted of upwards of
fifty heavy Cannon, supply'd from the Ships, and manag'd by the Seamen,
were plac'd upon a Spot of rising Ground, just large enough to contain
our Guns, with two deep hollow Ways on each Side the Field, at each End
whereof we had rais'd a little Redoubt, which serv'd to preserve our Men
from the Shot of the Town. Those little Redoubts, in which we had some
Field Pieces, flank'd the Battery, and render'd it intirely secure from
any Surprize of the Enemy. There were several other smaller Batteries
rais'd upon the Hills adjacent, in Places not to be approach'd, which,
in a manner, render'd all the Artillery of the Enemy useless, by reason
their Men could not play 'em, but with the utmost Danger; whereas ours
were secure, very few being kill'd, and those mostly by random Shot.

But to return to the General; forc'd, as he was, to take this
extraordinary Resolution, he concluded, the readiest Way to surprize his
Enemies was to elude his Friends. He therefore call'd a Council of War
a-shore, of the Land Officers; and aboard, of the Admirals and Sea
Officers: In both which it was resolv'd, that in case the Siege of
_Barcelona_ was judg'd impracticable, and that the Troops should be
re-imbark'd by a Day appointed, an Effort should be made upon the
Kingdom of _Naples_. Accordingly, the Day affix'd being come, the heavy
Artillery landed for the Siege was return'd aboard the Ships, and every
thing in appearance prepar'd for a Re-imbarkment. During which, the
General was oblig'd to undergo all the Reproaches of a dissatisfy'd
Court; and what was more uneasy to him, the Murmurings of the Sea
Officers, who, not so competent Judges in what related to Sieges, were
one and all inclin'd to a Design upon _Barcelona_; and the rather,
because as the Season was so far spent, it was thought altogether
improper to engage the Fleet in any new Undertaking. However, all Things
were so well disguis'd by our seeming Preparations for a Retreat, that
the very Night our Troops were in March towards the Attack of
_Monjouick_, there were publick Entertainments and Rejoicings in the
Town for the raising of the Siege.

The Prince of _Hesse_ had taken large Liberties in complaining against
all the Proceedings in the Camp before _Barcelona_; even to
Insinuations, that though the Earl gave his Opinion for some Effort in
public, yet us'd he not sufficient Authority over the other General
Officers to incline them to comply; throwing out withal some Hints, that
the General from the Beginning had declar'd himself in favour of other
Operations, and against coming to _Catalonia_; the latter Part whereof
was nothing but Fact. On the other Side, the Earl of _Peterborow_
complain'd, that the boasted Assistance was no way made good; and that
in failure thereof, his Troops were to be sacrificed to the Humours of a
Stranger; one who had no Command; and whose Conduct might bear a
Question whether equal to his Courage. These Reproaches of one another
had bred so much ill Blood between those two great Men, that for above
a Fortnight they had no Correspondence, nor ever exchang'd one Word.

The Earl, however, having made his proper Dispositions, and deliver'd
out his Orders, began his March in the Evening with twelve Hundred Foot
and two Hundred Horse, which of necessity were to pass by the Quarters
of the Prince of _Hesse_. That Prince, on their Appearance, was told
that the General was come to speak with him; and being brought into his
Apartment, the Earl acquainted him, that he had at last resolv'd upon an
Attempt against the Enemy; adding, that now, if he pleas'd, he might be
a Judge of their Behaviour, and see whether his Officers and Soldiers
had deserv'd that Character which he had so liberally given 'em. The
Prince made answer, that he had always been ready to take his Share; but
could hardly believe, that Troops marching that way could make any
Attempt against the Enemy to satisfaction. However, without further
Discourse he call'd for his Horse.

By this we may see what Share Fortune has in the greatest Events. In all
probability the Earl of _Peterborow_ had never engag'd in such a
dangerous Affair in cold Blood and unprovok'd; and if such an Enterprize
had been resolv'd on in a regular Way, it is very likely he might have
given the Command to some of the General Officers; since it is not
usual, nor hardly allowable, for one, that commands in chief, to go in
Person on such kind of Services. But here we see the General and Prince,
notwithstanding their late indifferent Harmony, engag'd together in this
most desperate Undertaking.

Brigadier _Stanhope_ and Mr. _Methuen_ (now Sir _Paul_) were the
General's p