The Spaniards had blocked up Ostalric and Castel-Follit: Noailles had been recalled, and the command devolved to the duke de Vendome, who no sooner understood that the forces from Italy were landed, than he dismantled Ostalric and Castel-Follit, and retired to Palamos.

The viceroy of Catalonia and the English admiral having resolved to give battle to the enemy and reduce Palamos, the English troops were landed on the ninth day of August, and the allied army advanced to Palamos.

The French appeared in order of battle; but the viceroy declined an engagement.

Far from attacking the enemy he withdrew his forces, and the town was bombarded by the admiral.

The miscarriage of this expedition was in a great measure owing to a misunderstanding between Russel and the court of Spain.