While we lay at Valencia, under the Vigilance and Care of the indefatigable Earl, News was brought that Alicant was besieg’d by General Gorge by Land, while a Squadron of Men of War batter’d it from the Sea; from both which the Besiegers play’d their Parts so well, and so warmly ply’d them with their Cannon, that an indifferent practicable Breach was made in a little time.

Mahoni commanded in the Place, being again receiv’d into Favour; and clear’d as he was of those political Insinuations before intimated, he now seem’d resolv’d to confirm his Innocence by a resolute Defence.  However, perceiving that all Preparations tended towards a Storm, and knowing full well the Weakness of the Town, he withdrew his Garrison into the Castle, leaving the Town to the Defence of its own Inhabitants.

Just as that was doing, the Sailors, not much skill’d in Sieges, nor at all times capable of the coolest Consideration, with a Resolution natural to them, storm’d the Walls to the Side of the Sea; where not meeting with much Opposition (for the People of the Town apprehended the least Danger there) they soon got into the Place; and, as soon as got in, began to Plunder.  This oblig’d the People, for the better Security of themselves, to open their Gates, and seek a Refuge under one Enemy, in opposition to the Rage of another.

General Gorge, as soon as he enter’d the Town, with a good deal of seeming Lenity, put a stop to the Ravages of the Sailors; and ordered Proclamation to be made throughout the Place, that all the Inhabitants should immediately bring in their best Effects into the great Church for their better Security.  This was by the mistaken Populace, as readily comply’d with; and neither Friend nor Foe at all disputing the Command, or questioning the Integrity of the Intention; the Church was presently crouded with Riches of all sorts and sizes.  Yet after some time remaining there, they were all taken out, and disposed of by those, that had as little Property in ’em, as the Sailors, they were pretended to be preserv’d from.

The Earl of Peterborow upon the very first News of the Siege had left Valencia, and taken Shipping for Alicant; where he arrived soon after the Surrender of the Town, and that Outcry of the Goods of the Townsmen.  Upon his Arrival, Mahoni, who was block’d up in the Castle, and had experienced his indefatigable Diligence, being in want of Provisions, and without much hope of Relief, desired to capitulate.  The Earl granted him honourable Conditions, upon which he delivered up the Castle, and Gorge was made Governor.

Upon his Lordship’s taking Ship at Valencia, I had an Opportunity of marching with those Dragoons, which escorted him from Castile, who had received Orders to march into Murcia.  We quarter’d the first Night at Alcira, a Town that the River Segra almost surrounds, which renders it capable of being made a Place of vast Strength, though now of small Importance.