It would have been absurd, in short, for England to go on
fighting for Charles.
The famous treaty of Utrecht, in 1713, brought the war to an end. By
this treaty several important matters were settled. Philip retained
Spain, but gave up for ever his claim to the throne of France. Louis
acknowledged the Hanoverian succession, and gave back to the Dutch the
line of "barrier fortresses" about which so much blood had been shed.
France gave up to Britain Newfoundland and some other possessions in
North America, and Spain resigned Gibraltar and Minorca. The Emperor
received Milan, Sardinia, and Naples. The rest of the Allies received
little or nothing, and loud was the outcry they raised.
George Fairburn did not remain abroad till the conclusion of peace.
During the year 1710, at a time when things were at a standstill in
the Netherlands, he received word that his father had been killed in
an accident at the pit. With a heavy heart he sought permission to
return home for a period, and in pursuing his application he found
himself in the presence of the great commander-in-chief himself. To
his delight Marlborough recognized him at once. The Duke was full of
sympathy, and not only readily granted the young captain any
reasonable leave of absence he might desire, but held out his hand
with a smile, as he dismissed him: "Major Fairburn, you go with my
sympathy and my regard.
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