And the civil war was the necessary consequence of the Earl's departure.
The English forces--reduced as they were by sickness, famine, and abject poverty--were but a remnant of the brave and well-seasoned bands which had faced the Spaniards with success on so many battle-fields.
The general who now assumed chief command over them--by direction of Leicester, subsequently confirmed by the Queen--was Lord Willoughby.

A daring, splendid dragoon, an honest, chivalrous, and devoted servant of his Queen, a conscientious adherent of Leicester, and a firm believer in his capacity and character, he was, however, not a man of sufficient experience or subtlety to perform the various tasks imposed upon him by the necessities of such a situation.

Quick-witted, even brilliant in intellect, and the bravest of the brave on the battle-field, he was neither a sagacious administrator nor a successful commander.

And he honestly confessed his deficiencies, and disliked the post to which he had been elevated.

He scorned baseness, intrigue, and petty quarrels, and he was impatient of control.