William was much annoyed at this, for any brilliant success attained by Marlborough would have increased the feeling against his foreign favourites.

He had, therefore, despatched the division of General Scravenmore to besiege the town on the land side, and had placed in command of it the Duke of Wirtemberg, whose rank as a prince, and as a general of higher rank than Marlborough, would enable him to claim the supreme command, and to carry off the honour of any success that might be gained.
This force arrived before the town, within a day of the appearance of the fleet.

Marlborough had already made good use of his time, for immediately the leading vessels had effected the passage, troops were landed in boats, and the batteries attacked in rear and carried.

The rest of the fleet then entered, and, on the 23rd and 24th, the troops were landed on the south bank of the river, and commenced their march towards the city, the sailors dragging the guns.

Wirtemberg immediately sent to Marlborough, to claim the command of the whole force.
Marlborough replied that his commission was an independent one.