of the French had a disastrous effect upon the fortunes of
Philip. He could no longer hope for help from his grandfather, for Louis
was now called upon to muster his whole strength on his eastern frontier
for the defense of his own dominion, and Philip was forced to depend
upon his partisans in Spain only. The partisans of Charles at once took
heart. The Catalans had never been warm in the cause of Philip; the
crowns of Castile, Arragon, and Catalonia had only recently been united,
and dangerous jealousy existed between these provinces. The Castilians
were devoted adherents of Philip, and this in itself was sufficient to
set Catalonia and Arragon against him.

The English government had been informed of this growing discontent in
the north of Spain, and sent out an emissary to inquire into the truth
of the statement. As his report confirmed all that they had heard, it
was decided in the spring of 1705 to send out an expedition which was to
effect a landing in Catalonia, and would, it was hoped, be joined by all
the people of that province and Arragon. By the efforts and patronage
of the Duchess of Marlborough, who was all powerful with Queen Anne, the
Earl of Peterborough was named to the command of the expedition.

The choice certainly appeared a singular one, for hitherto the earl had
done nothing which would entitle him to so distinguished a position.
Charles Mordaunt was the eldest son of John Lord Mordaunt, Viscount
Avalon, a brave and daring cavalier, who had fought heart and soul
for Charles, and had been tried by Cromwell for treason, and narrowly
escaped execution. On the restoration, as a reward for his risk of
life and fortune, and for his loyalty and ability, he was raised to the
peerage.

His son Charles inherited none of his father's steadfastness. Brought
up in the profligate court of Charles the Second he became an atheist,
a scoffer at morality, and a republican. At the same time he had many
redeeming points. He was brilliant, witty, energetic, and brave. He
was generous and strictly honorable to his word. He was filled with a
burning desire for adventure, and, at the close of 1674, when in
his seventeenth year, he embarked in Admiral Torrington's ship, and
proceeded to join as a volunteer Sir John Narborough's fleet in the
Mediterranean, in order to take part in the expedition to restrain and
revenge the piratical depredations of the barbarous states of Tripoli
and Algiers.

He distinguished himse