Surrounded by enraptured crowds, and overwhelmed by
tumultuous proofs of popular applause, Marlborough with
difficulty reached the hotel destined for his reception accom-
panied by a cavalcade less pompous indeed, but far more
gratifying than any which perhaps had ever graced the
triumph of a Roman general to the Capitol.

In closing our narrative of the campaign, we cannot neg-
lect to render justice to the candour and liberality of Athlone.
The veteran general, instead of indulging that jealousy,
which too often rankles in less noble minds, seized an early
opportunity to acknowledge his own errors, and applaud the
merits of his illustrious colleague. "The success of this
campaign," he said, "is solely due to this incomparable chief,
since I confess that I, serving as second in command, opposed
in all circumstances his opinion and proposals." No pane-
gyric can equal this candid avowal. It is alike honourable
to the general by whom it was made, and to him whom no
obstructions could divert from the accomplishment of his
beneficial designs.

A plan for the reduction of Cadiz had been formed by
William, and the scheme was approved, and promoted by
Marlborough among his friends in the ministry; but the
enterprise failed from mismanagement, and the Spanish
people, whom it was the interest of the allies to conciliate,
were rendered inveterately hostile against the English and
Dutch, by the excesses of the troops. After the ill success
of this attempt, the commanders of the expedition were
induced to undertake an attack against Vigo, where a rich
flota from America had taken refuge. By accident, rather
than skill, they succeeded in forcing their way into the har-
bour. But the plunder did not answer their expectations, or
compensate for the charges of the armament; for the flota
was destroyed in the conflict, and the principal part of the
cargoes either sunk, or conveyed into the interior.

This partial success, therefore, did not weaken the sense
of shame for the disgrace before Cadiz. The duke of Ormond
and Sir George Rooke, commanders of the army and fleet,
accused each other for their failure, and the animosity of
both parties proved their resolution to make the conduct and
result of the expedition a subject of parliamentary inquiry.
Marlborough was aware that such an investigation could

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