[CHAP. II.]
Upon the death of King William III. whose royal memory must long be dear to Englishmen, Queen Anne ascended the British throne. Previous to this event, the seeds of a new war had been forming, which was proclaimed against France and Spain, upon the 4th day of May, 1702.
The French King having advanced his grandson, the Duke of Anjou to the vacant Spanish monarchy, her Majesty espoused the interests and claims of the Archduke of Austria upon that sovereignty, and resolved upon sending a strong fleet into the Mediterranean, which was to become the theatre of their hostile efforts.
One of the first acts of her reign was a revival of the corps of Marines, but they were placed upon a different footing from these that existed under her royal predecessor. Destined for the mingled and active services of co-operation with the well-trained forces of our allies, along with a new establishment, a new constitution was also requisite. Their meritorious conduct, as soldiers, in the subsequent duties that were allotted them, reflected honour upon their discipline and their country, and they shared in the royal thanks of Him whose cause they maintained, by their frequent debarkations upon the sea-coasts of France, Spain, and Italy.
Her Majesty's order for levying this body of men was issued upon the first day of June, 1702, and runs thus:
ANNE R.
"Our pleasure is, that this establishment of six regiments of Marines, and six other regiments, for sea service, do commence and take place from the respective times of raising. And our farther pleasure is, That the order given by our dearest Brother the late King deceased, and such orders as are or shall be given by us touching the pay or entertainment of our said forces, or any of them, or any charges thereunto belonging, shall be duly complied with, and that no new charge be added to this establishment, without being communicated to our High Treasurer, or Commissioners of our Treasury for the time being.
"Given at our Court at St. James's, first day of June in the first year of our reign.