The Grand Commander, at the appointed hour of midnight, crossed to Philipsland, and stood on the shore to watch the setting forth of the little army.

He addressed a short harangue to them, in which he skillfully struck the chords of Spanish chivalry, and the national love of glory, and was answered with loud and enthusiastic cheers.

Don Osorio d'Ulloa then stripped and plunged into the sea immediately after the guides.

He was followed by the Spaniards, after whom came the Germans and then the Walloons.

The two hundred sappers and miners came next, and Don Gabriel Peralta, with his Spanish company; brought up the rear.