The sun had scarcely risen on the morning of the memorable 20th of August, 1710, when the guns of both armies opened a tremendous fire, and the deep tones of the artillery reverberated in the mountains and valleys. The allied army stood prepared for action, and King Charles rode along the ranks to stimulate the officers and men to deeds of heroism. The SIXTH and other war-worn veterans in Wade's brigade excited his Majesty's attention: fatigue and privation had not quenched the native valour which glowed in their breasts and beamed in their sun-burnt countenances, and the King complimented the brigade as he passed. About mid-day, Lieut.-General Stanhope, whose conduct on this occasion excited applause[30], led forward a brigade of cavalry, and commenced the action by a gallant charge on the squadrons on the enemy's right; but the opposing horsemen having a great superiority of numbers, gained some advantage. Six squadrons of Portuguese dragoons in English pay, and clothed in scarlet uniforms, fled from the field; the French and Spanish troopers pursued with eagerness, and imagining they had routed the British cavalry, they concluded that victory was certain; but the British, Dutch, and Palatine foot, opposed to the enemy's right wing, were brought forward, and they soon gave a decisive turn to the fortune of the day. Advancing steadily up the rising ground, the SIXTH, and three other battalions under Major-General Wade, gained the crest of the enemy's position, and while the dragoons fought with deadly fury in the vale below, the four regiments raised a British shout, and rushing upon a brigade of the enemy's foot, broke its ranks with a fearful crash. A few battalions made a resolute resistance, but were overpowered and nearly annihilated. While the SIXTH were fighting on the high grounds on the left, the battle became general along the line; and eventually, King Charles gained a most decisive victory. The wreck of the opposing army fled from the field, leaving twenty-two pieces of cannon, a number of standards and colours, all their baggage, and King Philip's equipage and plate in possession of the victorious allied army. The behaviour of the British troops was applauded: they exhibited thirty standards and colours which they had captured from the enemy, as trophies of their valour; and were thanked by King Charles for the eminent service they had rendered to his cause. Colonel THOMAS HARRISON of the SIXTH was sent to England with the news of this victory to Queen Anne[31].