He therefore announced to his officers a resolution as desperate as that ever formed by a sane man.
He had listened gravely and in silence while the officers gave their opinion, and then ordered that the footsore infantry, with a few of the horse, should march back to Vinaroz, a little town on the seaside a day's journey from Tortosa, where in case of necessity they might embark in boats and be taken off to the ships.

Then, to the stupefaction of his officers, he announced his intention of himself proceeding with the remaining dragoons, about a hundred and fifty in number, to conquer the province of Valencia! In vain the officers remonstrated, the earl was firm.

The council then broke up, and the troops prepared for their march in opposite directions.
The parting of Peterborough and his officers was very sad, for they doubted not it was a final one.
"I will yet endeavor," he said, "however our circumstances seem desperate, to secure the kingdom of Valencia; and since the king has thought conquest possible in this present case, he cannot complain of my motions, however rash they might appear.

I am resolved, therefore, never to repass the Ebro without positive orders from him." Before starting the earl wrote to Charles and explained fully his intentions.

It is evident from the tone of his letter that Peterborough did not expect to survive this extraordinary expedition.