by the want of energy displayed
in his after proceedings, and from all parts of Spain masses of troops
were moving to crush the allies and stamp out the insurrection.

In Valencia only had the partisans of Charles gained considerable
advantages. In the beginning of December Colonel Nebot, commanding a
regiment of Philip's dragoons, declared for Charles, and, accompanied by
four hundred of his men, entered the town of Denia, where the people and
Basset, the governor, at once declared for Charles.

On the 11th Nebot and Basset attacked the little town of Xabea,
garrisoned by five hundred Biscayans, and carried it, and the same night
took Oliva and Gandia. The next day they pushed on through Alzira, where
they were joined by many of the principal inhabitants, and a detachment
of the dragoons under Nebot's brother, Alexander, surprised and routed
three troops of the enemy's horse, captured their convoy of ammunition,
and pursued them to the very gates of Valencia.

On the night of the 15th the main body marched from Alzira, and appeared
next morning before Valencia and summoned the town to surrender. The
Marquis de Villa Garcia refused, but Alexander Nebot put himself at the
head of his dragoons and galloped up to the gates shouting "Long live
the king!" The inhabitants overpowered the guard at the gate and threw
it open and Valencia was taken. When the news of these reverses reached
Madrid the Conde de las Torres, a veteran officer who had seen much
service in the wars of Italy, marched from Madrid in all haste to
prevent if possible the junction of the forces of Catalonia with the
Valencians.

He at once marched upon San Matteo, which lay on the main line of
communication, and commenced a vigorous siege of that city. The king
received the news on the 18th of January, 1706, and wrote at once to
Peterborough, urging him to go to the relief of San Matteo, but
giving him no troops whatever to assist him in his enterprise; and
Peterborough's difficulties were increased by General Conyngham, who
commanded a brigade at Fraga, hastily falling back upon Lerida upon
hearing exaggerated rumors of the strength of the enemy.

Peterborough, however, did not hesitate a moment, but mounting his
horse, and accompanied only by his aides de camp, Jack Stilwell and
Lieutenant Graham, rode for Tortosa. Changing his horse at the various
towns through which he passed, and riding almost night and day, he
reached Tortosa on the 4th, and at o