The regiment was stationed at Gibraltar during the following twelve years. The American war commenced in 1775, and three Hanoverian regiments afterwards joined the garrison of Gibraltar. In 1778 France united with the revolted British subjects, and the Spanish monarch contrived to introduce himself into the dispute, in the character of a mediator; but his proposals were of so injurious a character to the interests of Great Britain, that they were instantly rejected. The King of Spain then seized on what appeared to be a favorable opportunity to declare war, and to wrest from Great Britain the important fortress of _Gibraltar_, which had resisted every attempt to retake it, since its capture by the British in 1704. In June, 1779, the intercourse of the garrison of Gibraltar with the Spanish territory was suddenly stopped, so that several officers on leave of absence, experienced difficulty in rejoining their corps. A numerous Spanish army speedily blockaded the fortress on the land side, and the garrison became insulated from the rest of the world. Resolving on a desperate defence of the fortress intrusted to their care, the troops undertook the task with cheerfulness, and severe toil and spare diet were sustained without complaint. The works were increased; the pavement of the streets was taken up; the towers of conspicuous buildings pulled down; the stone sentry-boxes removed; guard-houses unroofed; traverses were raised in different places, and a covered way begun. Several staff appointments took place; among others, Major Hardy, of the FIFTY-SIXTH, was nominated quarter-master-general: Captain Valloton, aide-de-camp to the governor; and Lieutenant S. Wood, assistant town-major: the regiment was commanded by Major Bulleine Fancourt[2]. [Sidenote: 1780] A rigorous blockade being established by sea and land, a scarcity of provision was soon experienced; the soldiers, being resolutely determined to defend their position, submitted to privations which were unavoidable, although the scurvy made great ravages among them, and reduced their numbers. Early in 1780 Admiral Sir George Rodney arrived with a convoy, to the great joy and relief of the garrison, which was augmented by the second battalion of the Seventy-third Regiment. The British fleet having departed, the Spaniards renewed the blockade by sea, and attempted to destroy the vessels in the harbour by fire-ships, but failed. Towards the close of the year, provision again became short; a limited supply was occasionally obtained from the Moors; the effects of the scurvy were mitigated by cultivating vegetables on the rock; and the gallant defenders of Gibraltar maintained their attitude of defiance to the power of Spain. [Sidenote: 1781] In April, 1781, the garrison was again relieved by the arrival of a numerous fleet under Vice-Admiral Darby.