He had long been at variance with the duke of Marlborough; a circumstance which recommended him the more strongly to the ministry.
He landed at Barcelona on the twenty-ninth of May, and found the British troops in the utmost distress for want of subsistence.

The treasurer had promised to supply him liberally; the commons had granted one million five hundred thousand pounds for that service.

All their hopes of success were fixed on the campaign in that kingdom; and indeed the army commanded by the duke de Vendome was in such a wretched condition, that if Staremberg had been properly supported by the allies, he might have obtained signal advantages.

The duke of Argyle, having waited in vain for the promised remittances, was obliged, to borrow money on his own credit, before the British troops could take the field.

At length Staremberg advanced towards the enemy, who attacked him at the pass of Prato del Key, where they were repulsed with considerable damage.