object of the combination being to exclude Louis from the Netherlands
and West Indies, and to prevent the union of the crowns of France
and Spain upon the same head. King William might not have obtained
from the English parliament a ratification of the alliance had
not Louis just at this moment acknowledged the son of the ex-king
James as king of England. This insult roused the spirit of the
English people, the House of Commons approved the triple alliance,
and voted large supplies. King William died just after seeing his
favorite project successful, and was succeeded by Queen Anne, who
continued his policy. The Austrian Archduke Charles was recognized
by the allies as King of Spain, and preparation made for war.

An English army was landed near Cadiz; but the Spaniards showed
no signs of rising in favor of Charles, and, after bringing great
discredit on themselves and exciting the animosity of the Spaniards
by gross misconduct, the English army embarked again. Some treasure
ships were captured, and others sunk in the harbor of Vigo, but the
fleet was no more effective than the army. Admiral Sir John Munden
was cashiered for treachery or cowardice on the coast of Spain, and
four captains of vessels in the gallant Benbow's West India fleet
were either dismissed or shot for refusing to meet the enemy and
for abandoning their chief.

In 1703 little was done in the way of fighting, but the allies
received an important addition of strength by the accession of
Portugal to their ranks. In 1704 the allies made an attempt upon
the important city of Barcelona. It was believed that the Catalans
would have declared for Charles; but the plot by which the town
was to be given up to him was discovered on the eve of execution,
and the English force re-embarked on their ships. Their success