In October of the same year, the Garrison, composed of Marines under the Prince of Hesse, sustained a siege by 7000 men. The purpose of the enemy was to have stormed from the south mole, united with the desperate attempt of a Spanish forlorn hope climbing the rock, and a general attack from the main land. Against very superior forces Gibraltar was maintained, until relieved by Sir John Leake, who reinforced the place with 2000 men.
This Fortress, seated upon the territories of our natural foe, has long stood a monument of our naval power, which has oftener than once been especially devoted to relieve its wants; and has also afforded to the world, a brilliant instance of military defence under the late Lord Heathfield.
Nothing worthy of notice occurred until the month of September 1705, when it was deemed essential by the Earl of Peterborough Commander in Chief, to attempt something worthy of our arms, and the service of the King.
At the desire of his Lordship, a large body of Seamen and Marines were landed at Barcelona, who were auxiliary in the reduction of that important place, at which his Majesty was present.
This city was destined to an attack from the enemy, early in 1706, whither Sir John Leake, having the Earl of Peterborough on board, proceeded in April.
His Majesty, King Charles, who was then within its walls, very strongly urged the immediate debarkation of all our forces; upon which, 1400 land troops, and the Marines of the fleet, were on the 9th of April, sent to his aid. Their appearance was well timed, as the French had made a practicable breach, which they would otherwise have stormed upon the following day.--After repeated attempts they relaxed in their efforts, and many volunteers from the city, as well as peasants from the mountains pouring down in numbers, obliged them to raise the siege precipitately, upon the 11th.--After ten at night the enemy began to retreat; but first setting fire to their magazines, and placing matches to their mines. Many of the former, however, were preserved by the natives, and a number of the latter were extinguished by the soldiery. The morning's dawn presented their army retreating in disorder, and grievously harassed by our troops, and the enraged Catalans.