On 4/15 August 1704, Johann Philipp von Hoffmann, Minister Resident in London for the Emperor and King Charles III of Spain, presented this memorial to Queen Anne:

The Kings of Spain and Portugal believe it for the interest of the common cause that the fleet should make some attempt upon Cadiz, if not to take it for want of a garrison to put into it, at least to give a diversion to the enemy's forces by it in obliging them to draw down that way; and that after this expedition they should return into the Mediterranean and attack Port Mahon, which they hope in the defenceless condition it is in to take with the marines only that are on board the fleet, whereby the fleet will not only have one of the best ports in the world in case of accidents, but command in the Mediterranean, secure the Levant trade, keep the coast of Italy in dependence, relieve the Duke of Savoy by hindering the continual transport of the enemy's troops into Italy; and above all it would animate the intentions of the Catalonians, who are disposed to declare for their lawful king, and make this province submit upon the reduction of which all Spain seems to depend.