'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