The regiment remained in England until the summer of 1697, when it again proceeded to the Netherlands, joined the army encamped before Brussels on the 14th of July, and on the 16th was reviewed by his Majesty. This war was terminated in September by the Peace of Ryswick; and the regiment returned to England the same year. The establishment of the regiment after the peace was 44 officers, and 884 non-commissioned officers and men.
1701
On the 28th of June, 1701, General Selwyn exchanged from the Queen's to the 22nd Regiment of Foot, with Sir Henry Bellasis, Kt.
The throne of Spain having become vacant by the death of King Charles II., which took place in 1701, the Duke of Anjou was crowned king, under the title of Philip V., and was supported by his grandfather Louis XIV. of France.
The conduct of France alarmed the other Powers of Europe, and the death of the late King of England, James II., having taken place at St. Germains on the 16th of September, 1701, the resentment of England against France was further called forth by Louis XIV. having proclaimed his son, (the pretended Prince of Wales) King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and having also influenced Spain to concur in the same affront and indignity.
1702
War was determined, and whilst active preparations were making for prosecuting it, King William III. received a fall from his horse, and his death took place on the 8th of March, 1702. His policy was adopted by his successor, Queen Anne, who entered into treaties of alliance with the Emperor of Germany, the States General of the United Provinces, and other princes and potentates, for preserving the liberty and balance of Europe, and for reducing the exorbitant power of France.
Declaration of war was accordingly proclaimed against France and Spain on the 4th of May, 1702. The importance of rescuing Spain from foreign oppression, and of checking the ambitious views of France, was also acknowledged by the English Parliament, and liberal provision was made for increasing the means of prosecuting the war with activity and vigour, both by sea and land.
The Earl of Marlborough was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the English troops in Holland, whither he had proceeded as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, immediately after her Majesty's accession to the throne.
In the beginning of June, 1702, it was arranged that a naval force, consisting of fifty sail of the line, besides frigates, under Admiral Sir George Rooke, and a land force, consisting of nearly fourteen thousand men, under the command of the Duke of Ormond, should proceed to the coast of Spain. The following corps were employed on this service; namely,—