In the early part of the year 1709 a plan was formed to attack _Port Royal_ in the province of Nova Scotia, at that time in possession of the French: for this purpose a body of four hundred marines was embarked, and the expedition was entrusted to the joint conduct of Colonel Nicholson of the Marine forces, and Captain Martin of the Navy. The squadron proceeded for Boston, where they were reinforced by some ships, and provincial auxiliaries: for this intended conquest a council of war was held, and arrangements were made for the debarkation of a body consisting of two thousand five hundred men, which took place on the 24th of September. On the 1st of October the Governor surrendered the fortress, and a garrison of Marines took possession. The fortress was named _Anna-polis Royal_, in honour of Queen Anne, in whose reign it was conquered. At this period the prospects of King Charles III. in obtaining the monarchy of Spain, had become very gloomy and doubtful. The town of Alicant had sustained along and obstinate siege, against very powerful forces of Spain and France. The garrison, consisting principally of Marines, exhibited the most heroic perseverance in maintaining the place. The fleet under Admiral Sir George Byng, and the troops on board, under the command of General Stanhope, were to have attempted its relief, and the squadron was at the same time to have attacked the enemy’s lines along the sea shore; but the weather continuing severe, and heavy gales preventing communication with the town, the Commander-in-Chief deemed it necessary to propose terms of surrender, and the remainder of the brave troops were embarked on board of the fleet, which now proceeded to Tarragona, Port Mahon, and afterwards to Barcelona. During the remainder of the year 1709, the fleets attempted nothing beyond the protecting of the convoys of provisions, where they were considered necessary, and in harassing the commerce of the enemy. [Sidenote: 1710] On the 13th of March, 1710, Admiral Sir John Norris arrived at Port Mahon, as Commander-in-Chief of the Naval forces. After making arrangements for disposing of the ships and troops in attacks upon the enemy, he proceeded to Barcelona on the 18th of June, in order to concert future operations with His Majesty King Charles III. An expedition was planned against the _Isle of Cette_ in the province of Languedoc, where the troops and Marines were landed on the 13th of July. The place made a feeble resistance, and the Fort, upon which were mounted eighteen pieces of cannon, surrendered on the same day. The regiment of Stanhope, and three hundred Marines, advanced against Adge, and the town was delivered up without resistance. The Isle of Cette was shortly afterwards recovered by the French army, under the Duke of Roquetaine; but the British troops had previously re-embarked. [Sidenote: 1711]