On my rejoining the fleet with the mail, found the Commander-in-Chief had received orders to send _Malabar_, _Endymion_, _Tribune_, and _Childers_ to the coast of Spain. [Sidenote: Aug. 23.] After dining with the Admiral and Captains, took leave with regret of my kind and indulgent friends. CHAPTER XV THE CARLIST QUESTION [Sidenote: 1835. Aug. 30.] Ran into Quarantine Harbour, Malta; completed stores, provisions, etc. [Sidenote: Sept. 1.] Left Malta, and on the 12th came up with _Malabar_ and _Endymion_, standing out of the straits. [Sidenote: Sept. 14.] Joined company; with them came to in Cadiz Harbour. Found _Harlequin_, Lord Vernon’s beautiful yacht, built by Symonds. The wife of our senior officer, Sir William Montague, had a house in Cadiz, where parties were given by this charming lady. She also got up picnics, and other amusements. We visited Xeres, from whence our “sherry,” and saw barefooted natives, cigarette in mouth, treading out the juice of the grape. My interest was cut short by _Childers_ being ordered to Lisbon, under command of Sir William Gage. Before, however, reaching that distinguished officer I met _Endymion_, and was ordered back to the Mediterranean. [Sidenote: Oct. 11.] Came to inside the Mole at Gibraltar. From the Captain of the _Tribune_ received orders to visit Consuls and obtain information at the ports along the south coast of Spain. [Sidenote: Oct. 14.] Stood over to Algeciras for a clean bill of health, otherwise we should have been subject to seven days’ quarantine, although Malaga is in daily communication by land. The health officer, to show his knowledge of the English language, had our bill of health made for “Los Niños, Bergantine Inglese,” which answered our purpose as well. [Sidenote: Oct. 16.] Arrived at Malaga. A few words are necessary to explain the political situation. The late King, Ferdinand VII., died in 1833, having married in 1829 Doña Christina of Naples. A Princess, Isabella, was born in 1830, when Ferdinand, by “pragmatic sanction,” abolished the Salic Law in Spain, and appointed the Infanta Isabella heir to the throne. This act was disputed by his brothers, Dons Carlos and Francisco. On the death of Ferdinand, 1833, the small Isabella was proclaimed Queen, her mother Christina being appointed Queen-Regent. Don Carlos at once asserted his right to maintain the Salic Law, and was supported by some of the old nobility. The peasantry were led by the clergy, who followed Don Carlos. Lord Palmerston was Prime Minister, and carried the quadruple alliance with him. His orders to the Admiral in the Mediterranean were explicit and to the point. Subjects of Queen Isabella requiring help could claim it from the English ships. This was denied to the followers of Don Carlos, who was carrying on war against the Christina party with some success in the northern provinces.