On arriving at Madrid in the first week in December, 1708, Desmond, after putting up at an hotel, and changing the uniform in which he travelled for his dress suit, proceeded to the headquarters of the Duke of Orleans, and sent in his name, together with Berwick's letter of introduction.

In a few minutes he was shown into his room.

The duke looked at him in some surprise.
"Are you Captain Kennedy ?" "I am, Your Royal Highness." "The Duke of Berwick has very strongly recommended you to me, saying that you had performed excellent service under him, and that he parted with you, with regret, at the express wish of His Majesty.

He speaks of you as a young officer, but I was hardly prepared to see one so youthful.

He says that you are devoted to your work, active and intelligent as well as brave; and as such your arrival is very welcome to me, for although excellent in battle, I own that my officers are less devoted to the hard work and detail that are as necessary as bravery on a general's staff.
"By the way, I seem to have heard your name before.