The History of Gibraltar and of Its Political Relation to Events in Europe, from the Commencement of the Moorish Dynasty in Spain to the Last Morocco

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1862 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. TWELFTH SIEGE OP GIBRALTAR. Although the British Government had expressed so little satisfaction at the capture of Gibraltar, Spain was fully alive to the importance of the place, and had no sooner lost it than she attempted its recovery. The more certainly to attain her object, she abandoned her operations on the frontiers of Portugal, and, withdrawing the troops, directed the whole energy of her resources against Gibraltar. The expedition was composed of 12,000 men, 9000 Spaniards and 3000 French, the whole under the command of the Marquis de Villadarias, a brave and able soldier. A French squadron, consisting of 12 shipsof-the-line, and seven frigates, under Commodore Points, also co-operated. The divisions of the Spanish army were commanded by the most distinguished men in Spain, amongst them General Count d'Aguilar, the Duke d'Ossuna, the Conde de Pinto, and the Marquis de Aitona. The French were led by General Cavanne. The garrison of the fortress did not exceed 3000 THE FORTIFICATIONS EXTENDED. 129 men, and many of these were in an undisciplined state; amongst them, says Ayala, many vagabonds from Spain and deserters from the Spanish army. Since the place had been in the hands of the English some additions had been made to the defences. Several bastions had been constructed, and the Land Port gate defended with 20 pieces of cannon j a tower was armed to command the enemy's camp, and the inundation, which still forms one of the most formidable obstacles to an advance upon the city from the north, was constructed. On the 9th of October, 1704, the enemy opened their trenches at about 400 toises distance from the Rock, and on the 15th opened fire from a battery of three guns, which destroyed the round tower. Sir George...