Admiral Russel, who wintered at Cadiz, was created admiral, chief-commander, and captain general of all his majesty's ships employed, or to be employed, in the narrow-seas and in the Mediterranean.

He was reinforced by four thousand five hundred soldiers, under the command of brigadier-general Stewart; and seven thousand men, Imperialists as well as Spaniards, were drafted from Italy for the defence of Catalonia.

These forces were transported to Barcelona under the convoy of admiral Nevil, detached by Russel for that purpose.

The affairs of Catalonia had already changed their aspect.

Several French parties had been defeated.