Delphi Complete Works of Daniel Defoe (Illustrated) by Daniel Defoe

Author:Daniel Defoe [Defoe, Daniel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Classics
ISBN: 9781908909428
Google: HlUbAgAAQBAJ
Publisher: Delphi Classics
Published: 2013-11-16T19:00:00+00:00

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.

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