David Carnegie Andrew Agnew

“ The Portuguese Government, awed by the British fleet, was outwardly true to the grand alliance; but, as far as the war was concerned, little was in Lord Galway’s power either as an ambassador or a general. The British government gave every assistance in the endeavour to make a favourable impression on the people. Luttrell noted at London, 15th May 1708, “Two rich coaches and forty liveries are making here for the Earl of Galway, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Portugal.” And it is recorded that he made a magnificent entry into Lisbon. ”

“ I see Lord Galway presses very much for troops. It is certain if the Court of Portugal will not come into the queen’s measures, whatever troops are sent will be useless to the common cause; for they will do nothing but defend their own frontier. ”

“ You have potent enemies and you require powerful friends. The ambition of France knows no bounds; the pride of Spain will teach her to keep up a perpetual claim to your territories and crown. To frustrate the views and defeat the endeavours of those potentates, you can have no recourse but to the maritime Powers ”

“ And as this proceeding would be a breach of the alliances subsisting between the two nations, numbers of the people so distressed might turn soldiers, and embarking on board the very ships turned out of the Portugal trade, might prove strong enough to attack and conquer the Brazils. Providence had made a wise and just distribution of wealth to the one and industry to the other, which proved a bond of harmony and a source of happiness to both ”

“ In Spain, his friend and admirer, Major-General Stanhope, commanded the British troops, and Count Staremberg, the German Marshal, was at the head of military affairs. It was a compliment to Lord Galway, that Marlborough, in congratulating Stanhope on the improved state of the confederate army, said, “Between ourselves, I fear, if Count Noyelles were living, matters would not go so easy.” [3]
The Parliamentary opposition continued to gain ground in England. They were determined to impute all the cowardice and inefficiency of the Portuguese to Lord Galway. ”

“ According to His distribution of things, riches belong to some nations and industry to others; and by this means the liberality of Heaven is made equal to all. Vain, Sire, are all human counsels when opposed to His wisdom, and feeble are the efforts, even of royal power, when directed to cross His will. You have forbid gold to be exported from your dominions, and you would willingly enforce this prohibition ”

“ Lord Galway knew how to serve the common cause by attractive courtesy and dignified hospitality. A letter dated Lisbon, Aug. 8, says —
“Everything is quiet on the frontiers. Three British men of war are going to meet the Brazil fleet. The news of the victory obtained at Oudenarde occasioned a great rejoicing at court, and public rejoicings were made for three days together, not only in the city, but likewise in all the other cities of Portugal. His Excellency, the Earl of Galway, gave a splendid entertainment to the grandees, attended with a fine consort [concert] of music, fireworks, &c.” ”