Famous British Battles, from Crécy to Assye ... With original plans and maps. And illustrations by R. Caton Woodville

Preface

. ""*HE object of this book — like that of its companion -*- volume relating to a more limited period, "The Peninsular War and the Waterloo Campaign "—is to supply the general reader as well as the ordinary student of military history with a compact narrative, comprehending all the leading points, and yet unencumbered with laborious details, of the achievements of the forces of the English Crown. In the numerous popular books of battles the authors generally confine themselves to bringing into strong relief the picturesque elements, the exploits of particular regiments, or the adventures of individuals. On the other hand, in recent general works, whether of a popular or educational character, the limits of what has been dispa ragingly termed the " drum and trumpet " section have been so curtailed that the reader is presented with only a rough outline of the achievements of his countrymen on the field, with but here and there a detailed account of a great victory.

And this is almost becoming a necessity. For a good survey of the political, social, religious, and literary progress of the nation, without which no one can properly take his share, however humble, in the national

PREFACE.

. VI development, must occupy so large a portion of popular works that, except in the most voluminous, no adequate treatment can be bestowed on the military history. A place is still vacant, which these pages aspire to fill, for a work in which all the salient facts are knit into a connected narrative of Wars and Campaigns throughout the centuries from the opening triumphs of the Third Edward till victory again returned to the banners of England under the Third George. The military history deserves as serious study as any portion of our annals. However the philosopher or the theorizing politician may declaim against War, the arbitra ment of the sword ever shall be, as it ever has been, invoked, while human nature remains human nature. Na tions which are unable to hold their own must disappear in the future as in the past, leaving the field to the fittest.

By the sword England has won her empire ; by the sword she must retain it. Happily, her military records afford assurance that in any coming struggle for national existence, — a struggle which may, since millions are ready to spring to arms at the call of despot or democracy, exceed in magnitude any war of the past, — her stalwart sons, who lately paraded in thousands before their Queen for " De fence, not Defiance," will nobly emulate the glorious achievements of their forefathers. The " steady patriot of the world alone, And friend of every country but his own," — as common in these days as in Canning's, — clinging to a spurious political philosophy more destructive to a nation than rampant Chauvinism, may disparage the

PREFACE.

. VII bravery of his fellow-countrymen, and love to select as his special study the few dark days in our annals when, under incapable Ministers or brainless chiefs, the English soldiery was foiled. But to him who reads the history of his country as a student and not as a partisan, the mili tary records present, as a whole, a series of scenes of patriotism, self-sacrifice, and victory, unsurpassed by the annals of any nation. Defeats and checks there have been, but nothing to tarnish the reputation for cool valour first won by the English infantry on the grassy slope of Crecy, and since often proved in every clime. In the following pages the Author has attempted to present an account of the steady advance of the wave of English dominion— occasionally receding only to advance w.'th greater force — through nearly five centuries, from the triumphs of Crecy, Poitiers, and Azincourt, through the times of the vacillating Tudors ; the torpor of the Stuarts, and misdirected energy of Cromwell ; the days of stout hearted but luckless William of Orange ; the Spanish Suc cession struggle, with the glories of Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet, the surprise of Gibraltar, and the knightly feat on the Almenara hill ; the Austrian Suc cession, with the stubborn advance at Dettingen and the darkened splendour of Fontenoy ; the Seven Years' War, with the exploits of the infantry on the Heights of Abraham and the heath of Minden ; the virtual conquest of India on the fields of Piassey and Wandewash ; the struggle with the American Colonists, in which the fruits of victory were ever lost by the incapacity of the authorities ; the conse-

PREFACE.

. VIII quent general war, with the heroic defence of Gibraltar, and Coote's victories on the plains of Hindostan ; and the war with the propaganda of the French Revolution, in which, under a Minister utterly incapable of organizing victory, the bravery of British soldiers was of no avail ; on to the humbling of Indian foes and the crowning triumph on the doab by Assye, where were first displayed the genius and the daring of the hero who was destined to shatter the blood-gorged sovereignty before which the nations of Europe were prostrate in servile awe. So much only of the political history has been introduced into the narrative as is needed to make intelligible the sequence of war and peace, and the causes of success or failure when these were extraneous to the Army itself. In a subject so well threshed-out as English history there is little for the writer of a general work to add from the original authorities.

But in the descriptions of battle-fields much remained to be done by bringing before the eye of the reader the local peculiarities of the historic scenes, whether from a personal visit to the ground or by the help of those familiar with it. In all relating to the soil of France the Author has received the warmest co-operation, and especially in regard to the three great battles. The plan of Crecy has been drawn under the superintendence of M. l'Abbe Delavier, Cure-Doyen of Cr^cy ; and resumes of modern French monographs have been supplied by M. le Baron de Calonne, President of the Society of Anti quaries of Picardy. The plan of the battle-field of Poitiers, by M. le Commandant St. Hippolyte, drawn for the paper

PREFACE.

. IX in vol. xi. of the " Memoires of the Society of Antiquaries of the West," is made available through the kindness of the President, M. le Vieil de la Marsouniez. And on the field of Azincourt, — which might as appropriately have been named Tramecourt, — the Author has received great assist ance from Madame la Marquise de Tramecourt, in whose family traditions the day of Azincourt occupies the chief place. For the original plan, hitherto unpublished, of the battle of Almenara — a much-neglected but glorious achievement — the Author is indebted to the kindness of Earl Stanhope. The plans of the battles of Ramillies, Oudenarde, and Fontenoy are reduced from the staff surveys. Clive's own account of the battle of Piassey, as given in his despatch, written three days after the event to the Secret Committee of the Directors, is for the first time published in its entirety by the favour of the Secretary of State for India (the Marquis of Hartington).

And some gleanings have been obtained as to the last great triumph in the series — Assye. Much care has been bestowed on all the plans, so that they may both be really illustrative of the text and repre sent correctly the features of the battle-scene. A Chronological Summary and a copious Index are added to render the work as generally serviceable as possible. H. R. C. Hollywood, Forest Hill, S.E. CONTENTS.

Chapter 1. Army Reorganization In The Fourteenth Century

Rise of modern military system in fourteenth century— The feudal militia— The feudal army— Royal body-guard— Cavalry the chief arm under feudalism— The archers— Light infantry— Rise of modern system— Importance of infantry— Recruiting under Edward III.— New system preceded firearms— The bow as a weapon of war— Slight influence of chivalry in England— Old system retained by the French Pages 1—7

Chapter II. The Hundred Years War

— THE TRIUMPHS OF THE EDWARDS. Consolidation of the French Monarchy — Claim of Edward III. to the French crown — Disagreement between English and French Courts— Character and policy of Edward III. — Edward's alliances — Popularity of a war with France — England's preparation for war — De Mannay's victory at Cadsand — French invade Guienne — Edward III. sails for Flanders — Is appointed Lieutenant of the Empire — Siege of Cambrai — Invasion of France — Edward's assumption of Arms — Victory off Sluys — Siege of Tournay — Truce for a year — War with Scotland — Succession war in Brittany — English intervention — Edward III. in Brittany — Truce with France — Edward III. in Flanders — Murder of the Brewer of Ghent — Campaign in Gascony — King Edward's great invasion of Normandy— Edward the Black Prince — Destruction of Norman towns — Storming of Caen — Advance up the Seine — Assembling of the French army — Critical position of the English army — Retreat to the coast begun — Passage of the Somme by the Blanque Taque — Arrival at Cr&y-en-Ponthieu — Battle of Cr&y — March to the coast resumed — Siege of Calais — Scottish war — Campaign in Aquitaine — D'Agworth in Brittany — Philip's measures after Cr^cy — Attempts to relieve Calais : surrender of Calais — Truce with France — The Free Companies — Order of St. George — Attempt to surprise Calais — The Black Death — Defeat of Spanish pirates off Winchelsea — Acquisition of Guines — Campaign in Saintonge — End of the Eight Years' Truces — Edward III. in Normandy — The Black Prince in Aquitaine — Black Prince's invasion of Languedoc — Disaffection in Normandy — Lancaster in Brittany — The Black Prince's march upon Paris — The retreat — The Prince in position at CONTENTS.

XII Poitiers-Negotiations— Battle of Poitiers-Causes of the victory— The Prince returns to Bordeaux-English rejoicings-French Regency— Truce signed— Black Prince's entry into London-State of France— La Jacquerie - Renewed in vasion-Commissariat arrangements in Middle Ages— Composition of Edward's army— Advanceupon Rheims— French descent on England— Edward III. before Paris— Peace of Breugny Pages Z— 70

Chapter III. The Hundred Years' War

CONTINUED— THE FAILURE OF THE EDWARDS. Non-fulfilment of Treaty of Bretigny— The Free Companies— Black Prince appointed Duke of Aquitaine— Accession of Charles V.— Rise of Du Guesclin— War in Brittany— Battle of Auray— Civil war in Spain— English alliance— Du Guesclin in Spain— English intervention in Spain— Black Prince enters Spain — Passage of the Pyrenees — Combat on the "Englishmen's Hill" — The English march by Vitoria— Critical position of the English army— Battle of Najera (Navarrete)— Sufferings of the English army— Return of Henry to Castile — The Black Prince's Government — The Hearth Tax — Appeal to French King — Renewal of war with France — Expeditions of Cambridge and Pembroke — Lancaster's foray from Calais — French invasion of Aquitaine — Expedition of Knolles — Storming of Limoges — Black Prince finally leaves France — Petty warfare in the South — Alliance with Brittany — Lancaster's claim to Castile — Defeat off La Rochelle — Success of Du Guesclin and Owen of Wales— Loss of La Rochelle — Intended expedition of Edward III. — Black Prince resigns Duchy of Aquitaine — Lord Salisbury in Brittany — Lancaster's march through France — Negotiations- French in Aquitaine — Earl of Cambridge in Brittany — Death of the Black Prince — War expenditure — Poll Tax — Death of Edward III. — Results of Edward III.'s wars — French descents on the coast — Expeditions to Cherbourg and St. Malo — Defeat at Bergerac — Trevet's march into Spain — Lancaster's claim to Castile — Expedition to Portugal — Revolt of the Flemings — Battle of Rosebecque— Crusade against the Clementists— Truce with France — French in Flanders an ". Scotland — Lancaster's expedition to Spain — Truce with France — Marriage of Richard II Pages 71— 106

Chapter IV. The Hundred Years' War Continued

— THE VICTORIES OF HENRY V. Relations with France under Henry IV.— Naval warfare— Interference in French dissensions— Expedition of the Duke of Clarence— Character of Henry V.— His claim to the French throne— Preparations for war— Invasion of Normandy —Siege of Harfleur— Surrender of Harfieur— The retreat upon Calais— Skir- CONTENTS. XIII mishes at Archies and Eu — Mustering of the French— Henry's march up the Somme— Skirmishes — Passage of the Somme — Passage at Bbngy-sur-Ternoise —Arrival at Azincourt— Numbers of the armies— The field of battle— The camps on the eve of the battle— Battle of Azincourt — The loss— The field after the battle — The journey to Calais and England— Results of the victory — Im perial alliance— French siege of Harfieur — Increased dissensions in France — Henry V.'s second invasion of Normandy — Conquest of Caen — Siege of Cher bourg — Henry's march to Rouen — Horrors in Paris — Siege of Rouen — Murder of John the Fearless — Peace of Troyes — Henry Regent of France— Siege of Montereau, Sens, and Melun— Henry V. enters Paris— Defeat of Clarence at Bauge— Henry V.'s third invasion of France— Siege of Meaux— Death of Henry V Pages 107— 149

Chapter V. The Hundred Years' War

CONTINUED— THE ENGLISH EXPELLED. Character of Charles VII. — His power — Character of the Regent Bedford — English dissensions and mismanagement — Battle of Cravant — Scottish reinforcements for Charles VII. — Siege of Ivry-sur-Eure — French at Verneuil — Battle of Verneuil — Gloucester's misconduct — Estrangement of Burgundy — Siege of Montargis — Siege of Orleans — Battle of Herrings (Rouvrai) — Overtures of the Orleans citizens — The Maid of Orleans — The Maid enters Orleans — Change in the military condition of France — Reinforcements in Orleans — The Maid attacks the lines — Siege of Orleans raised — Siege of Jargeau by the Maid — Talbot routed at Patay — Charles VII. crowned at Rheims — Charles VII. 's march on Paris — He gains Compiegne — Surprise of St. Denis — The Maid repulsed from Paris — Retreat of Charles VII. — The Maid captured at Compiegne — Execution of the Maid of Orleans — The cause of the English failure — Desultory warfare — Burgundy abandons the English — European Congress at Arras — Death of the Regent Bedford — Peace between Burgundy and Charles VII. — Fastolf's plan of warfare — York in France — Burgundy attacks Calais —Paris lost to the English —Petty warfare continued — Peace negotiations — Creation of the French standing army — Collapse of the English — The Praguerie rebellion — Advance of Charles VII. — Truce of Tours — Suffolk's peace intrigues — Rise of French power — Somerset surrenders Rouen — Battle of Formigny — Loss of Caen and Cherbourg — Misgovernment and insurrections in England — French invasion of Gascony— English lose Bordeaux — Rising of the Gascons — Battle of Castillon —Result of Talbot's death ... Pages 150— 186

Chapter VI. From Edward IV

TO ELIZABETH'S ACCESSION. Development of France and England — Decay of the enmity — The wars of the CONTENTS.

XIV Roses— French interference between the factions— Edward IV. invades France Treaty of Picquigny— Burgundy incorporated with France — Edward IV. threatens another invasion : his death— French support Tudor— The Yeomen of the Guard created— War in Flanders— Brittany _war— Aggrandizement of France— Henry VII. besieges Boulogne— Peace of Etaples— Result of Henry VII. 's policy— The Holy League — Henry VIII. 's war with France — The Gentle men-at-Arms created — Changes in military weapons — Dorset's expedition to Basque Provinces — Secessions from the Holy League — Henry VIII. 's siege of Terouenne— Battle of the Spurs (Guinegatte) — Henry VIII.'s mistake — Fall of Terouenne and Tournay— Scottish defeat at Flodden — Naval disaster — Peace with France — Dread of the Turks — French alliance — Henry VIII.'s vacillation — Alliance with the Empire — Norfolk's campaign in France — Suffolk's march upon Paris — French overthrow at Pavia — Rupture between England and the Empire — Isolation of England — Union of Schmaikaid — The defences of Eng land — The Emperor Charles V. threatens invasion — War with Scotland — French alliance with Turks — War with France — Campaign in Flanders — Henry VIII.'s second invasion of France — Siege of Boulogne— Siege of Montreuil — Return of Henry VIII. — French attempts to recover Boulogne — Defeat on Ancrum Moor — Perilous condition of England — Combats before Boulogne — Treaty of Campes — Death of Henry VIII. — English claim to suzerainty of Scotland — Renewed war — Cession of Boulogne — The Spanish match — French war with the Empire— Mary declares war against France— English contingent — Battle of St. Quentin — Storming of St. Quentin— Plan of Guise to recover Calais — Storming of Bushing Church— The English Government and the defences- French siege of Calais— Loss of Guines— English citizens expelled from Calais — Feeling in England— French successes in Flanders— Battle of Gravelines — Clinton at Le Conquet— Peace of Cateau-Cambresis— Effect of the peace Pages 187 — 205

Chapter VII. The Protestant Wars Of Elizabeth

Religious wars in France-Contingents to aid the Huguenots— Evacuation of Havre —Second Peace of Troyes— The Calais claim— Scottish overtures to Spain- Dutch War of Independence— English volunteers— Battle of Rymenant— Union of Utrecht— Elizabeth sends a force for the cautionary towns— Leicester in command-Miserable state of the troops-Surrender of Grave— Advance on Zutphen— Battle of Zutphen-Death of Sidney-Desertions in the Low Countries- Defence of Sluys-Recall of Lord Leicester-Threatened Spanish invasion of England-The defences-Changes in arms and military organization-The Spanish Armada-Destruction of the Armada-Parma's attempt on Bergen-op-Zoom-The "journey of Portugal "-Descent on Coruna-March through Torres Vedras to Lisbon-Retreat from Lisbon-Religious wars in France- A,d to Henry IV. -Expedition against Cadiz-Return of the exoedition- CONTENTS.

XV Decay of Spanish power— Spanish claim to the English crown— Second ex pedition of Essex— His descent on the Azores— Second Armada— Peace between France and Spain— Death of Philip II.— Irish rebellion— Spanish help- Peace between Spain and England Pa^es 226— 251

Chapter VIII

, FROM JAMES I. TO THE REVOLUTION. The army under James I. — War of Dutch Independence — Contingent in Germany against the Emperor — Thirty Years' War— Support of the Elector Palatine- Rupture with Spain — Alliance with France— Cecil's expedition against Cadiz — League of France and Spain against England — Buckingham's expedition to La Rochelle — Descent on Re — Richelieu's blockade of La Rochelle— Buckingham assassinated — Fall of La Rochelle — Peace with France and Spain — The Great Rebellion — Armies of King and Parliament — Disuse of archery — Naming of regiments — Cromwell's Dutch war — War between France and Spain — Decadence of Spain — Descent of Penn and Venables on St. Domingo and Jamaica — Alliance with France against Spain — Blake at the Canaries — English contingent under Turenne — Capture of Mardyke — Battle of the Dunes — Surrender of Dunkirk — Support of Sweden — Sale of Dunkirk — The Queen's dowry — Changes in weapons and organization — Re-organization of the militia — The first standing army — Foundation of Chelsea Hospital — Insignificance of England — Dutch wars — Contingent in Flanders — Early career of Churchill (Marlborough) — Turenne's siege of Maastricht — Rise of Vauban — Operations in sieges — Fall of Maastricht — The engineer Coehom — Recall of English from Turenne's army — Rise of France under Louis XIV. — Alliance with Dutch against France — William of Orange and Marshal Luxembourg — Battle of St. Denis (Mons) — The army at the Revolution Pages 252 — 286

Chapter IX. The Revolution War

France and the English Revolution— James II. in Ireland — Siege of Londonderry Mine Years' War with France — Battle of Killiecrankie — Relief of Londonderry — Schomberg in Ireland— Official corruption— Pestilence in the camp— Combat of Walcourt— James II. retreats to the Boyne— Numbers of the armies— Battle of the Boyne — Disasters off Beachy Head and at Fleurus — First siege of Limerick —Marlborough in Ireland— Fall of Mons— English camp near Brussels— Recruiting — A summer of manœuvres — Capture of Athlone— Battle of Aghrim — Surrender of Galway — Second siege of Limerick— Pacification of Limerick — Marlborough's Jacobitism— Corruption of the age— William III.'s military capacities— Victory off La Hogue— Louis XIV. 's siege of Namur— Battle of Steenkirk (Enghien)— Expedition to St. Malo— Louis XIV in the camp— De- CONTENTS.

XVI section of Huy— William retreats to the Gette — William's entrenchments at Landen (Neerwinden)— Battle of Landen-Fall of Charleroi-Talmash's expedition to Brest— Death of Luxembourg— Villeroi out-generalled— William III. 's siege of Namur— Villeroi's movements— A battle imminent— Surrender of Namur —Success of the coalition— Financial crisis in England— Peace proposals—Ex haustion of France— French attempt on Brussels— Peace of Ryswick— Results of the Nine Years' War— The home-coming— Question of a standing army Pages 287—327

Chapter X. The War Of The Spanish Succession, — To Blenheim

The Spanish Succession— The Claimants— Partition Treaty— Dispute as to the standing army— Louis's repudiation of the Partition — The Grand Alliance formed— Marlborough's return to the Service — Louis XIV. proclaims "James HI." — Death of William III.— Anne continues William's policy — Recruiting for Marlborough's army — Enlistment of foreigners — Eugene's failure at Cremona — Marlborough assumes the command-in-chief — His genius — Position of the armies in the Low Countries — Siege of Kaisersworth and Landau — Boufflers attempts surprise of Nimeguen — Marlborough menaces Brabant — the Dutch committee — Sieges of Venloo, Roermond, and Liege — Line of the Maas gained — Marlborough surprised by bandits — Villars at Friedlingen — Rooke and Ormond at Cadiz — Descent on Vigo — The spoils of the galleons — Marlborough a duke — Differences between Whigs and Tories — French plans — Campaign of Villars in Germany — Tallard's victory at Spires — Marlborough's siege of Bonn — Opdam surprised at Eckeren — Marlborough's proposal to seize Antwerp — Sieges of Huy and Limburg — Marlborough's views on the war — Plans of Louis XIV. — Marlborough's march to the Danube — Arrangements with Eugene — Encampment in Wiirtemberg — Composition of Marlborough's army — Bavarian Elector seizes the Schellenberg — Storming of the Schellenberg (Donauworth) — The rout — Flight of the Elector to Augsburg — Devastation of Bavaria — Critical position of Marlborough — Blunder of the French commanders — Marlborough concentrates — The eve of Blenheim — Numbers of the hostile armies — Battle of Blenheim— The rout of the French — The surrender in Blenheim — The loss— Results of the battle— The prisoners— Marlborough's despatch — Threatened invasion of France— Frontier sieges — Gifts to Marlborough and the army— Conquest of Gibraltar— First Spanish siege of Gibraltar.

Pages 328—389

Chapter XI. The War Of The Spanish Succession

,— CONTINUED. Marlborough's plans for invading France— His retreat from Sierck— Villeroi's retreat from Liege— Villeroi's lines— Value of entrenchments— The French lines pierced at Tirlemont— French line on the Dyle— Dutch generals refuse to pierce the CONTENTS.

XVII Dyle line— The armies in position at Waterloo— Dutch obstinacy- Lord Peter borough's expedition to Spain— Descent on Catalonia— Siege of Barcelona— Marlborough's proposals for an Italian campaign— Advance of Villeroi— Battle of Ramillies— The spoils of Ramillies— French abandon the Dyle— The Belgian cities won— Siege of Ostend— Venddme supersedes Villeroi— Marlborough's prestige— Siege of Menin— Dendermond— Ath— Governorship of the Spanish Low Countries— Eugene's victory at Turin— Peterborough's exploits— Philip V. 's siege of Barcelona— Philip V. retreats over the Pyrenees— The allies advance on Madrid— Retreat to Guadalajara— Departure of Peterborough— Allies retreat to Catalonia— Peterborough's plan of defensive warfare— Reinforcements under Rivers— Jealousies among the staff— Characters of Galway and Berwick— Siege of Yecla and Villena— Battle of Almanza— Peculiarity of the battle— Staremberg and Stanhope in command— Villars in South Germany— Marlborough harassed by the Dutch— Failure of Eugene and Shovel at Toulon— Philip V.'s siege of Xativa— Failure of French expedition to Scotland— Plans for campaign— French recover Ghent and Bruges— French advance on Oudenarde— Marlborough's pursuit to Oudenarde— Battle of Oudenarde— Results of the victory—Marl borough's difficulties — His plan of invading France— Siege of Lille— The com munications — Combat of Wynendale — Attempted relief of Lille— Surrendet r>f the city of Lille — Vendome cuts the communications — Brussels threatened — Marlborough pierces the Scheldt line— Bavarian Elector's siege of Brussels — Surrender of the citadel of Lille — Marlborough's siege of Ghent — Belgium de livered—Conquest of Sardinia — English conquest of Minorca — Defence of Ali cante — The frost of 1709 — Peace negotiations — Consequences of the rupture — Villars in command — Siege of Tournay — Allies march upon Mons — Advance of Villars to Malplaquet — The field of Malplaquet — French entrenchments— Battle of Malplaquet — The carnage — Marlborough's prospects — Siege of Mons— Disease in the allied army — Results of the campaign — Operations in Spain — Combat of La Gudina — Renewal of peace negotiations — Siege of Douai, Bethune, St. Venant, and Aire — Descent on Languedoc — The allies in Spain — Battle of Almenara — Philip V.'s retreat to Saragossa — Battle of Saragossa — The road open to Madrid — Allies again enter Madrid — Retreat of the allies — Error in plan of march — Vendome's advance — Stanhope capitulates in Brihuega — Indecisive battle of Villa Viciosa — Marlborough's difficulties from changes in England — The non plus ultra of Villars — Marlborough's manœuvres by Lens — The non plus ultra pierced — Siege of Bouchain — End of the War in Spain — Conquest of Nova Scotia — Failure of attempt on Quebec — Removal of Marl borough — Ormond in command in Flanders — Withdrawal of British troops — Battle of Denain — Retirement of Marlborough to the Continent — Peace of Utrecht Pages 390— 491

Chapter XII. The Austrian Succession, And The Seven Years' War

Scottish discontent at the Hanoverian accession — Origin of the Royal Artillery and Engineers — Jacobite Rebellion — Surrender of Preston — Battle of Sheriff-Muir b CONTENTS.

XVIII —Argyll's advance— Battle of Passaro— War against Spain— Second Spanish Siege of Gibraltar-Peace with Spain-The question of the Austrian Succession —War of the Polish Succession— Commercial quarrels with Spain— War renewed—Reduction of Porto Bello— Great expedition to the West Indies— Siege of Cartagena— Causes of English military failures— Siege of Cartagena abandoned—Descent on Santiago— Outbreak of the War of the Austrian Succession —Lord Stair in command of the British— Stair's advance into Germany— Stair's position at Dettingen— Battle of Dettingen— The retreat from Dettingen— Stair's resignation— Failure of French invasion— French conquests in Flanders —Cumberland advances to relieve Tournay— Saxe at Fontenoy— Battle of Fon tenoy—Surrender of Tournay— Cape Breton— Peace between Prussia and Aus tria—Rising under Prince Charles— Battle of Preston-Pans— Invasion of England —Retreat— Battle of Culloden— " The Butcher" terminates the rebellion- Defeat of the allies at Raucoux— Failure of L'Orient expedition — French invasion of Holland— Election of Stadtholder — Defeat of the allies at Lauffeld — Loss of Bergen-op-Zoom — Peace overtures — Saxe advances on Maastricht — Peace of Aix-La-Chapelle— The East India Company — War with the French in India — Indian Succession Wars— Clive at Arcot — Continued successes of Clive — French recall Dupleix — Quarrels with French in America — Naval war with France — Coalition with Prussia — The Seven Years' War — French descent on Minorca — Execution of Byng — The Seven Years' War declared — Expedition to Rochefort — Cumberland capitulates at Closter-Seven — Universal war — Howe's descent on St. Malo — French advance on Minden — Battle of Minden — Naval successes — Conquest of Cape Breton — Failure at Ticonderoga — Triple lines for the conquest of Canada — Wolfe in the St. Lawrence — Siege of Quebec — Battle of the Heights of Abraham — Death of Wolfe — Surrender of Quebec — French siege of Quebec — Conquest of Canada — Hindoo attack on Calcutta — War for the Deposition of the Subahdar— Battle of Piassey— De Lally and Coote— Wandewash and Pondicherry— The Family Compact — Peace of Paris.

Pages 492—569

Chapter XIII. The War Of American Independence

Battle of Buxar— First Mysore War— Falkland Islands— Quarrels with the American Colonies— Declaration of Rights — Skirmish at Lexington — Battle of Bunker's Hill— Washington in command of the Colonists— Their invasion of Canada- Siege of Quebec— Howe evacuates Boston— Howe lands on Staten Island- Battle of Brooklyn— Washington driven from New York across the Delaware- Washington Surprises Trenton— Combat of Princeton— Burgoyne's march from Canada— Battle of Stillwater— Capitulation of Saratoga— Clinton's advance- Howe's expedition to Philadelphia— Result of the capitulation of Saratoga- European War— Philadelphia abandoned— Combat of Monmouth Court-house —French fleet arrives— Expedition to Savannah— General war— Inactivity in America-Defence of Savannah— War with Spain— Siege of Gibraltar begun— CONTENTS.

XIX Clinton's expedition to the South— His siege of Charleston — Battle of Camden — Rochambeau's armament — Arnold's treason — Rodney's victory — The Armed Neutrality — Dutch war — French attempt to surprise Jersey — Battle of Cow-pens — Guilford Court-house — Cornwallis in Virginia — Retreat to Yorktown — Battle of Hobkirk's Hill — Battle of Eutaw Springs — Cornwallis besieged in Yorktown — Capitulation of Cornwallis — End of the Independence War — Final loss of Minorca — Third siege of Gibraltar— First Mahratta and second Mysore War — Peace of Versailles — Third Mysore War Pages 570— 611

Chapter XIV. The French Revolution And Indian Wars

War with the French Republic — Duke of York's expedition to Flanders — Battles of St. Amand and Famars — York's siege of Valenciennes — Combats of Mairechin and Marquion — Combat of Lincelles — Siege of Dunkirk — Battle of Hoondschoote — York's retreat from Dunkirk — Hood in Toulon — Combats of Villers-en-Cauchie, Cateau, and the Marque — Battle of Turcoing — Battle of Pont-4- Chin (Tournay) — Austrian overthrow at Fleurus — York's retreat by Antwerp to the Maas — Retreat to Nimeguen — Holland evacuated by the British — Sufferings in the retreat — Return of the expedition — The First of June — Quiberon Bay— Colonial conquests— War with Spain — Hoche's invasion — Naval victories and Colonial War — Napoleon's expedition to the East — Coote's expedition to Ostend — French aid to the Irish rebels — The Second Coalition — Fourth Mysore War — Battles of Sedasir and Mallavel'y — Storming of Seringapatam — Pitt's Second Coalition — Failure in Italy— York's expedition to Holland — Second Armed Neutrality — Reduction of Malta — Quiberon Bay and Belle-Isle — Pulteney at Ferrol — Attempt on Cadiz — Expedition to Egypt— Battle ol Alexandria French capitulation in Cairo — Surrender of Alexandria — Nelson at Boulogne Peace of Amiens — Second Mahratta War — Storming of Ali-Ghur— Batde of Deihi — Fall of Agra — Battle of Laswari — Wellesley's campaign — Capture of Ahmednuggur — Advance in double lines — Batde of Assye — Pursuit of the Mahrattas — Battle of Argaum — Convention with Scindia— Siege of Gawilgurh— Peace with Bonsla and Scindia — Hostilities with Holkar — Third Mahratta War —Rewards of the victors Pages 612—659 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.