particulars, I am inclined to believe he has no just right to, and certainly he should not make use of the queen's favour but to serve her in the first place."

The impatience of Marlborough to depart for the scene of action was finally gratified; the wind, which had for several days been contrary, changing to a favourable quarter. At this moment, the prospect of a long separation from the tenderest connections, and the anxieties attending his important commission, threw a gloom over his mind, and he saw the signal for departure with the keenest anguish. No lover ever quitted an adored mistress with more poignant sorrow, than he felt on taking leave of his countess. His agitation overcame him, and he hurried on board to hide the agony of his mind, and indulge his grief. A hasty note which he wrote to her on this occasion, presents an interesting picture of his affection.

"Wednesday morning, May 15-26.

"It is impossible to express with what a heavy heart I parted with you when I was by the water's side. I could have given my life to have come back, though I knew my own weakness so much that I durst not, for I knew I should have exposed myself to the company. I did for a great while, with a perspective glass, look upon the cliffs, in hopes I might have had one sight of you. We are now out of sight of Margate, and I have neither soul nor spirits, but I do at this minute suffer so much that nothing but being with you can recompense it. If you will be sensible of what I now feel, you will endeavour ever to be easy to me, and then I shall be most happy, for it is you only that can give me true content. I pray God to make you and your's happy; and if I could contribute any thing to it with the utmost hazard of my life, I should be glad to do it."

Another letter, written during his stay at the Hague, deserves peculiar notice. It shews that ardent affection for his wife which shines in all his correspondence, while it exhibits, like the others, an early proof of those petty bickerings which arose from their discordance in political opinion. His indulgent character and natural mildness are also proved by the complacency with which he takes on himself the blame of irritability of temper.

"Hague, May 29.

"We have very ill news from Italy, which makes me very uneasy till I get to the army, fearing that might encourage the french to attempt in these countries. But till I have finished this convention with Hanover, for the 10,000 men, I shall not be able to stir from hence. ****

66

Nowithstanding my being so ill at sea, I thank God my health is much better than when I left you.

“I am extreme uneasy at what you have writ me concerning lord Nottingham's letter. But you might plainly see there was no thought of turning Mr. Palm out. I do assure you, upon my soul, I had much rather the whole world should go wrong than you should be uneasy; for the quiet of my life depends only upon your kindness, and I beg you to believe that you are dearer to me than all things in this world. My temper may make you and myself sometimes uneasy; but when I am alone, and I find you kind, if you knew the true quiet I have in my mind, you would then be convinced of my being entirely your's, and that it is in no other power in this world to make me happy but yourself."

HARING FLET

to elucidate the CAMPAIGNS of 1702, 1703 81705.

CLEVE

Eupen

London Published Jan 1 1818 by Longman & Pater Noster Row.

Teele Scalp S

CHAPTER 11.

1702.

Return of Marlborough to the Hague-Difficulties respecting the appointment of a generalissimo, finally terminated in his favour-State of the confederacy-Situation of the armies-Attempt of the french to surprise Nimeguen-Marlborough repairs to the army-Obstacles and delays arising from the timidity of the dutch government, and hesitation of their generals—Passage of the Waal-Camp at OverAsselt.

RETURNING to the Hague, Marlborough again laboured

to obtain the nomination of the prince of Denmark to the chief command. But fortunately for the honour of England, and the welfare of Europe, his instances were fruitless; and as the preliminary arrangements for the campaign were all matured, he acquiesced in the exclusion of the prince.

Other obtacles, however, arose from the pretensions of the prince of Nassau Saarbruck and the earl of Athlone; the first a prince of the empire; the last a general of great experience and high reputation, and as a native of Holland, warmly supported by such of his countrymen as were jealous of foreign influence, or averse to the extensive system of operation proposed by Marlborough. At length these obstacles were overcome, by the patriotic exertions of pensionary Heinsius, and the party attached to England. The prince and Athlone generously withdrew their pretensions, and Marlborough was raised to the important office, with a salary of £. 10,000 a year.

Although his efforts in favour of the prince of Denmark, were as sincere as they were fruitless, the prince who was anxious to signalize himself in a military capacity, was highly chagrined at his exclusion, and suspected that his pretensions had not been