A History of the four Georges, Kings of England, etc

Front matter

A HISTORY OF THE FOUR GEORGES, Itrajs of <f itglattlt ; COSTAININO PERSONAL INCIDENTS OF THEIR LIVES, PUBLIC EVENTS OF THEIR REIGNS, AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OP THEIR CHIEF MINISTERS, COURTIERS, AND FAVORITES. BY SAMUEL M. SMUCKEK, LL.D. ATJTHOE OF "COTJBT AND EEIGN OF CATIIEEINE XL," "MEMOEABLE SCENES IN FEEXCQ HISTOEY," "LIFE AND TIMES OP ALEXANDEE HAMILTON," ETC. KEW YOKE : D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 346 & 348 BROADWAY. LONDON: 16 LITTLE BKITAIN. 1860. Enteeed, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by SAMUEL if. SMUCKEE, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Preface

. The period during which the Four Georges wielded the sceptre of the British empire, may justly be regarded as the Augustan era of British history. At no other period has the nation produced so many eminent statesmen, orators, generals, philosophers, poets, and savans ; nor have public events of equal magnitude and interest occurred at any other epoch of the nation's progress. If there were few features of the per sonal character of those sovereigns which rendered them worthy of notice, there never existed rulers in any age or country who derived so brilliant a reflected lustre from the colossal minds by whom they were surrounded ; from the thrilling transactions in which they were compelled to act a part ; and from the imposing eminence on which the accident of birth had placed them. Hitherto httle knowledge of this era and of its events could be obtained by the general reader, except at very con siderable expense, and by the perusal of many ponderous volumes.

As this process does not comport with the con venience or the leisure of a large portion of the reading pub he, it seemed to the writer that a work which narrated the chief incidents of the public history and private lives of the Four Georges, in a compact and convenient compass, might be useful, by filling up an unoccupied niche in that department of our literature. The present writer has therefore attempted the task ; and has endeavored to present, beside the matters just named, a survey of the causes and the consequences of PREFACE, events, historic portraits of the chief ministers, courtiers, and favorites of those sovereigns, with summary views of the nature and results of their measures. In performing such a task within the prescribed limits, a prudent condensation of materials became an essential element of success, while at the sanfe time the danger of being super ficial and unsatisfactory would be imminent.

The writer has carefully labored to attain the former, and to avoid the latter. His effort has been to select what was most important and noteworthy in the history of the men and the epoch under con sideration, at the same time omitting whatever seemed trivial in itself, incidental in its occurrence, and insignificant in its consequences. That the subject of this volume possesses an interest with American readers, cannot well be doubted. The era of which we have written was the formative period of the present time, both in England and in the United States. England then gave birth to the men and the institutions which were the predeces sors of those whj^h now exist among us ; and though, by as suming the airs of a stepmother, she compelled her offspring to desert her bosom, and maintain an independent, and for a time, a hostile relation toward her, they feel an interest in her history and her fate.

If this volume may diffuse information in reference to the past career and condition of the most im portant and influential nation of modern times, the writer will be happy to have contributed, in however humble a degree, to so desirable a result. j-, -\rr\nr\ 9 1N060 s. m. s. Philadelphia, Sept., 1859. CONTENTS.

Introduction

. EVENTS WHICH PRECEDED THE ACCESSION OF THE HOUSE OF HANOVER. PAGE Colossal Power of Louis XIV. at the commencement of the Eighteenth Century- William of Orange — Accession of Queen Anne— The "War of the Spanish Succession — Marlborough — Capture of Liege and Bonn — Events of 1704 — Memorable Conflict of Blenheim — Its Eesults — Eejoicing throughout the Continent — Exultations in England— Events of 1705— Third Campaign of the War— Battle of Ramillies — Defeat of the French — Eesults of the Victory — Supremacy of the Duchess of Marlborough — Decline of her Influence — Battle of Oudenarde — Humiliation of Louis XIV. — His Appeal to the French Nation — Great Battle of Malplaquet — Defeat of the French — Influence of Mrs. Masham — Disgrace of Marlborough — Extraordinary Treaty with Louis XIV. — Death of Queen Anne, 1 PAET I. LIFE AND REIGN OF GEORGE THE FIRST.

Chapter I

Origin of the House of Hanover — History of the Family of Zell — Birth of George I. — His Visit to England — His Accession to the Electorate of Hanover— His Marriage — Sophia Dorothea of Zell — Her Attachment to Koenigsmark — The Countess Von Platen — Her crafty and malicious Intrigues — Peculiar Qualities of her Family — The Imprudence of Koenigsmark and the Princess Sophia — They determine to elope— Discovery of the Plot — Violent and mysterious Death of Koenigsmark— Popular Rumors in reference to his Fate. . ... 33

Chapter II

Imprisonment of the Crown Princess — Her formal Separation from her Husband — Evidences of her Guilt — Her mode of lifo at Ahlden— Her Memoirs — Accession of her Husband to the British Throne — His indifference on the subject — Hi? arrival in England — State of Parties at that time— Doctrines of the Whigs and Tories — The Government in the hands of tho Whigs — Coronation of George I. — Proceedings in Parliament— Violence of Parties— The Eoyal Mistresses — First Tisit of George I. to Hanover — Hostility between the King and Heir Apparent, CONTENTS. VI PAGE

Chapter III

The Jacobite Rebellion— The Pretender proclaimed in Scotland— The Victory at Preston— The Septennial Bill— Furious Debates in Parliament— History of the South Sea Bubble— Its Unparalleled Effects— National frenzy— Universal Bankruptcy—Judicious measures adopted by Sir Robert Walpole— Peculiar qualities of this Minister— His Personal and Political History— His Eminent Services to the House of Hanover *5

Chapter IV

Movements of the Pretender — Apprehensions felt in England — Bishop Atterbury — His Trial for Treason, and Banishment — Theological Controversies — Doctrine of the Trinity— Spirit of Religious Toleration— The Earl of* Nottingham's Bill of Pains and Penalties — Bigotry and Intolerance of the Bishops — Persecution of the Roman Catholics— Relations of England with the Continental Powers . B7

Chapter V

Treaty formed between England and the Continental Powers— Horace Walpole— Dissatisfaction with the Treaty — Trial and Puuishment of the Earl of Macclesfield— Return of Bolingbroke to England— He unites with Pulteney and Windham in opposition — Character of William Pulteney — His remarkable Attainments — Character of Windham — Description of Bolingbroke — His Early History — His Physical Advantages — His Prodigious Talents — His Political Career — Death of the Wife of George I. at Ahlden 65

Chapter VI

Meeting of Parliament— The Eoyal Speech — Loyal Address of the Legislature — The Restoration of Gibraltar — Threatened Hostilities with France — Sudden Establishment of Peace — Domestic and Foreign Prosperity — Last Visit of George I. to Hanover — His Illness and Death — Character of this Monarch — His neglect of Literature — Survey of his Eeign — Joseph Addison — Dean Swift — His Genius and Irreligion — Writings of Alexander Pope — John Gay — Sir Isaac Newton — John Flamsteed — State of Morals and Eeligion in England during the Eeign of George I. . . , 76 PAET II. LIFE AND REIGN OF GEORGE THE SECOND. CHAPTEE I. Birth of George II.— His Eemoval to England— His Marriage— His Court in Leicester House— Commanding Talents of his Wife— Her Female Favorites— Prince Frederic — Hostility between him and his Parents— The Accession of George II.

He destroys his Father's Will— His Cabinet— He retains Eobert Walpole— Duke of Newcastle— Earl of Chesterfield— Lord Carteret— His Eemarkable Talents 91 CHAPTEE IL Bevenues and Expenses of the Government— Spanish Aggressions on British Com merce— The Treaty of Vienna— Walpole's Law of Excise— Marriage of the Prin- CONTENTS. VII PAGE cess Anne to the Prince' of Orange — Incidents connected with the Marriage — Mortifying conduct of Frederic, Prince of Wales— He leads the Opposition against Walpole — Motion to repeal the Septennial Parliament Act — Increase of the National Forces by Land and Sea 100 CHAPTEE III. Domestic Life of George II. — Quarrels with Prince Frederic — The King's Visit to Hanover — Singular Correspondence between the King and Queen — The Monarch's Contempt for the Bishops — Marriage of Prince Frederic proposed — First Speech of William Pitt in Parliament — The Princess Augusta of Saxe-Coburg— Her Marriage to the Heir Apparent— Her Arrival in England^- Visit of George II. to Hanover — His Intrigue with Madame Walmoden — Popular Satires and Caricatures of the Monarch at Home 103 CHAPTEE IV.

George II. embarks for England — A Storm arises — Apprehensions for bis Fate — He narrowly escapes Shipwreck — Congratulations of the Eoyal Family and of Parliament — Eevenues of Prince Frederic — Coarseness and Vulgarity of the King and Queen — Confinement of the Princess of Wales — Disgraceful feuds in the Eoyal Family — Declining health of the Queen — Domestic Scenes — The Queen's last Illness — Her Death — Eidiculous Conduct of the Bereaved Monarch . . 117 CnAPTEE V. Fate of the Queen's Favorites—Lord Hervey — Intellectual and Moral Character of the defunct Queen — Spanish Aggressions — The National Forces Augmented — War Declared against Spain — Events of the War — Cabal in Parliament against Walpole — Its Failure — Hostility of the Prince of Wales to the Minister — Walpole compelled at last to Eesign — His Services to the Monarch .... 128 CHAPTEE VI.

The Members of the New Cabinet — The Pension Bill— Lord Carteret Prime Minister — The Seven Tears' War— George II. present at the Battle of Dettingen — Events of 1745— Battle of Fontenoy — Movements of the Pretender in Scotland — His Successor— His Defeat at Culloden— Success of British Arms at Home and Abroad— Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle 138 CHAPTEE VII. Death of Frederic, Prince of Wales— Peculiar Conduct of the King on the Occasion — Decline of the opposition in Parliament— Increasing Eminence of William Pitt — Character of his Eloquence— Mr. Murray— Henry Fox— Acts of Parliament- Death of Henry Pelham— Duke of Newcastle Prime Minister— War between the English and French Colonies in North America— The King's Address to Parliament in November, 1755 — Furious Debates which Ensued— War with France— Cowardice of Admiral Byng— The Disappointment and Eage of the Nation — The Trial, Conviction, and Execution of the Admiral .... 148 CHAPTEE VIII.

England without a Ministry— New Cabinet formed— William Pitt becomes Premier —His Extraordinary Character— The Vigor and Energy of his Government- Success of the British Arms by Land and Sea— National Exultation— The British CONTENTS. FAGS Empire in India— Its History and Vicissitudes — The French Power in India- Conflicts between the two Nations— Brilliant Victories of Clive — Surajah Doulah — Horrors of the Black Hole— Popularity of Pitt's Administration at Home — Death of George II.— His Intellectual and Moral Character — Eminent Men of Letters during his Reign— State of Religion and of the Established Church — Cardinal Principle of the Government of George II .... 159 PAKT III. LIFE AND REIGN OF GEORGE THE THIRD. CHAPTEE I. Birth of George III.— His Connection with Hannah Lightfoot— Lady Sarah Lennox- Proposals for his Marriage— Eesearches of Colonel Graeme— The Prince's Marriage to Charlotte of Mecklenburg Strelitz — Her Character — Accession of George III.— His Mental Qualities — His Personal Appearance — Administration of William Pitt— Lord Bute— His Eelation to the Princess Dowager— A New Ministry—Meeting of Parliament— War declared against Spain— Incidents of the Conflict 175 CHAPTEE II.

Birth of the Prince of Wales— Policy of the Bute Cabinet— Treaty of Peace with Spain— Dissatisfaction of the Nation— Eloquence of Pitt and Fox— Eesignation of Lord Bute— His Great Unpopularity— George Grenville becomes Premier- John Wilkes— His Singular Character— His Wit— His Contest with the Court— His Expulsion from Parliament— His Arrest for Libel— His "Essay on Woman"— His Intrepidity— His ultimate Triumph over the Ministers 189 CHAPTEE III. Financial Affairs of the Nation— Eesolution to impose Stamp Duties on the American Colonies— A Council of Eegency Appointed-Death of the Duke of Cumberland-The Eockingham Ministry-InefEciency of this Cabinet-First appearance of Burko in Parliament-Dispute with the American Colonies— Discussions in reference to their Taxation-Arguments advanced on both sides of the Question— Eeturn of William Pitt to Power .... 203 CHAPTEE IV.

Lord Chatham's Inefficiency-His niness-His Absurd Conduct-His Singular Seclusion-Inflexibility of George III.-Eesignation of Lord Chatham-The Par Election of 1763-Eenewal of the Contest with Wilkes-His Eepcated f^T^l' V \^T tr"m' P»u"""*-Hi. Ultimate Defeat-Charter of the British East India Company-The Letters of Junius-Intense Excitement produced by their Appearance .... CHAPTEE V. IT* TT Premi"-E<=°<™l of WUkes's Case-The Stamp Act-Wilkes elected an Alderman of London-His Contest with the Court-Growing Troubles with the American Colonies-Benjamin Franklin in England-First Conven- CONTENTS, IX PAGE tion of the American Congress — Petition presented to George III. by Wilkes as Mayor of London — Commencement of the Revolutionary War — Hostilities between England and France— Disturbances in Ireland— Death of Lord Chatham 228 CnAPTEE VI.

Domestic Life of George III. — His Public and Private Cares — Repeal of the Laws against Roman Catholics — First Appearance of the second William Pitt in Parliament — Affairs of the British East India Company — The Rise and Progress of that vast Empire— Outrages and Tyranny which disgraced its history— Administration of Warren Hastings — Incidents of the War in America — Second Administration of Lord Rockingham— Proposals of Peace with the Colonies in America — Provisional Articles— Final Adjustment of the Treaty .... 230

Chapter VII

Joint Ministry of Lord North and Mr. Fox — Renewed Insanity of George III. — Mr. Fox's East India Bill— Dismissal of the Coalition Cabinet— The younger Pitt becomes Premier — The Quality and Effects of his Oratory— Splendid Era of British Eloquence— Mr. Pitt's East India Bill — Troubles in Ireland— Influence of Flood and Grattan — Pitt's Financial Measures — Affairs of India — Administration of Warren Hastings— His Life, Character, and Genius — His Trial before the House of Peers — Unrivalled Displays of Forensic Eloquence — Hastings1 final Triumph and Acquittal 289

Chapter VIII

Attempt to assassinate the King— State of his Mind — Disgraceful Conduct of the Prince of Wales— The King's Insanity returns— The peculiarities of his Disease— His Successive Attacks — Regency Bill — The King's sudden Recovery — Important Events in France — Their Influence on the Popular Mind in England — Debates in Parliament in reference to these Events — Riots — Recall of the British Ambassador at Paris — Expulsion of the French Ambassador from England — Dangerous Excitement pervading the Nation— The French Republic declares War against the King of England and the Dutch Stadtholder 249

Chapter IX

Events of the War with France — Increased Unpopularity of the King— He is assailed by the Populace — He is fired at in the Theatre— The Roman Catholic Bill- Demand of Bonaparte that the French Princes be expelled from England — Incidents of the Hostilities which ensued — Conspiracy of Robert Emmet in Ireland — Its Suppression — Decline of the Addington Ministry — Hostilities with France — Triumph of Nelson at Trafalgar— Exultation of the Nation — Death of William Pitt— He is succeeded by Charles James Fox— His short Administration and Death— Lord Howick — Mr. Canning becomes Foreign Secretary — British Victories in Spain and Portugal— Prodigious Power of Napoleon Bonaparte . . 261

Chapter X

Renewed and Hopeless Insanity of George III.— Details respecting the Origin, Nature, and Effects of his Mental Disease— His Physicians— His Treatment— His Condition officially communicated to Parliament — A Regency permanently l* X CONTENTS, PAGE appointed— Gradual Decline of the Health of George III.— War with the United States of America— Growth of the Power and Supremacy of Napo leon—His Overthrow by the European Coalition— His Eetirement at Elba . . 278 CHAPTEE XI. Napoleon's Escape from Elba— His Arrival at Paris— Combination of the Great Powers of Europe against him— His Prodigious Efforts to Confront them— Immense Eesources 'of the Allies— Conflict at Charleroi— At Ligny— At Quatre Bras— Preparation for a Decisive Battle— Th« Field of Waterloo— Incidents of this Memorable Battle— Heroism of the Combatants— Defeat of Napoleon- Gratitude of the British Nation to the British Generals and Soldiers— Pacification of tho Continent— State of the Finances— Commotions in Ireland — Domestic Legislation— The Eegency— Death of George III.— State of the British Empire at this Period 279 CHAPTEE XII.

Importance of the Era of George III.— Historic Portraits of its most Distinguished Personages— William Pitt, Earl of Chatham— His Appearance— Character of his Eloquence — His high sense of Honor — His Enlarged and Enlightened Views — Lord North— His Character and Talents— The Difficulties of his Position — Splendid array of Parliamentary Orators of this Era — Varied Talents of Edmund Burke— His Imagination — His Erudition — His Conservative Opinions — Charles James Fox — His Contrast in every Eespect to Burke — His prodigious Power as a Parliamentary Debater — His Efforts as an Author — The Younger Pitt the sole Rival of Fox as a Debater — Sheridan — His Merits and Defects— William Windham — Junius — Distinguished Jurists — Horace Walpole — Eminent Historians, Poets, and Prelates of the Eeign of George III 296 PAKT IV LIFE AND REIGN OF GEORGE THE FOURTH CHAPTEE L Birth of George TV.— Congratulations on the Event — His Early Education — His Talents — His Disposition— His Connection with Miss Darby — Her_History — 'Frantic Admiration of the Prince — Incidents of their Attachment — The Prince removes to Carlton House — His Peculiar Manner of Making Love1 — His Connection with Mrs. Crouch — He becomes tho Admirer of Mrs. Fitzherbert — Her Origin and History— Her Extraordinary Beauty— She is privately!

Married to the Prince— Their Residence together— Unprincipled denial of tnMr Marriage in Parliament by orders of the Prince— Mrs. Fitzherbert's IndigStion at his Perfidy — Immense Debts of the Prince — They are paid by an Appropriation of Parliament 323 CHAPTEE II. Eemoval of the Prince of Wales to Brighton— His Attachment to Mrs. Fitzherbert— • His Extravagance— His Marriage proposed to a German Princess — Alleged Invalidity of his Marriage with Mrs. Fitzherbert— His Match with Caroline of CONTENTS. XI Brunswick Consummated— Her Character and Appearance— Arrival of the Princess in England — Her first Interview with her future Husband — Its Un happy Result — The Marriage Ceremony — Disgraceful Conduct of tho Bride groom — His Removal to Carlton House — Liquidation of the enormous Debts of tho Prince— Domestic Quarrels between the Prince and Princess of Wales — Birth of the Princess Charlotte — Final Separation of her Parents , . . 332

CHAPTER III.

Defects of the Prince of Wales — The Inconsistency of his Political Conduct — The Situation of the Princess of Wales — Lord and Lady Douglas — Malicious Charges of the latter against the Princess — Trial of the Princess for Adultery — Evi- . dence in her favor — Her Acquittal — The Sympathy of the Nation in her behalf — The Prince of Wales takes a new Mistress — Lady Hertford — Financial Embarrassments of the Princess of Wales — Death of Mr. Percival — Duke of Wellington — The Prince of Wales obtains an unrestricted Regency . . . 849

CHAPTER IV.

Unpleasant Position of the Princess Charlotte — Published Letter of the Princess of Wales — Flight of the Princess Charlotte from her Father's Residence — She Is compelled to return — Rage of the Prince Regent at her Flight — Persecutions of her Mother — The Princess of Wales resolves to travel on tho Continent — Marriage of the Princess Charlotte — Her Subsequent Death — General Grief of the Nation — Conduct of the Princess of Wales during her Travels — The Milan Commission—Resolution of the Princess to return to England— Her Second Trial for Adultery is resolved upon 358

CHAPTER V.

Commencement of the Scrutiny — The FamouB Bill of Pains and TPenalties— The Queen's Accusers and Defenders — Imposing Scene in the House of Lords — Distinguished Rank of the Judges, Accuser, Defendant, and Counsel — Examination of the Witnesses — Learning and Acuteness of Messrs. Denman and Brougham — Overwhelming Power of their Eloquence — The Virtual Triumph of the Queen — The Withdrawal of tho Bill — Exultation of her Friends— Popular Rejoicings and Processions— Mortification and Malignity of the King . . . S6T

CHAPTER VI.

Preparations for the Coronation of George IV.— Intense interest felt by him in tho Ceremony — Determination of Queen Caroline to. be present — Efforts made to dissuade her from so doing— Her Unconquerable Obstinacy— Splendor and Magnificence of the Ceremony — Effort of the Queen to gain admission to tho Abbey — Her Ignominious Failure — Her Dreadful Mortification — The effect produced by it upon her Health — Her immediate and rapid Decline— Her Death— Her Character— Malignant Hatred of her Husband— His Joy at her Deatli — Removal of her Remains to Brunswick— Her Burial S76

CHAPTER VII.

Death of the Duke of Kent— Historic Portrait of his Life — His early Education — Jlis Residence at Geneva— His Sudden Flight to England— Tyranny of George ILL— The Duke is ordered to Gibraltaf— His 'Poverty— His Campaign in tho WesrinT&^hftgJtesh&iice'in Canada— He is appointed Governor of Gibraltar CONTENTS, PAGE — Character of his Administration — He returns to England — His Debts — His Marriage with the Princess of Leinengen — His Residence at Amoorback — Birth of the Princess Victoria— The Duke of Clarence— George IV. visits Ireland, Scotland, and Hanover — Abilities of Mr. Huskisson — Financial state of the Empire — Valuable services of Mr. Canning 889

CHAPTER VIIL

Disturbed state of Ireland— Miseries endured by the Laboring Classes— Establishment of Secret Societies — The Catholic Association — The Talents and Influence of Daniel O'Connell — Agitation in favor of Irish Emancipation— Repeal of the Corn Laws Proposed — Death of Lord Liverpool — Dilemma of George IV. — Mr. . CanDing becomes Premier — His Death — Lord Goderich succeeds him and resigns — Duke of Wellington becomes Prime Minister — Opposition of George IV. to Catholic Emancipation— Passage of the Catholic Relief Bill — English antipathy to Papists and Jesuits — Parliamentary Reform Bill introduced — Illness of George IV.— His Death— His Character 401

CHAPTER IX.

Survey of Distinguished Personages During the Reign of George IV. — Mr. Canning—Mr. Brougham— Details of their Lives and Labors — Estimate of their Talents— William Wilberforce— Charles Earl Grey— Eminent Men of Letters^ — Sir Walter Scott— Lord Byron— Thomas Campbell— Thomas Moore — Metaphysicians—The School of Modern British Essayists— Historians — Artists — Tragedians and Preachers of the Era of George IV.— Conclusion .... HISTORY OF THE FOUR GEORGES. INTEODUCTION. EVENTS WHICH PRECEDED THE ACCESSION OP THE HOUSE OF HANOVER. Colossal Power of Louis XIV. at tho commencement of tho Eighteenth Century- William of Orange — Accession of Queen Anne — The War of the Spanish Succession — Marlborough — Capture of Liege and Bonn— Events of 1704 — Memorable Conflict of Blenheim — Its Eesults — Rejoicing throughout the Continent — Exultations in ■England— Events of 1705— Third Campaign of the War— Battle of Eamillies— Defeat of the French — Eesults of the Victory — Supremacy of the Duchess of Marlborough — Decline of her Influence — Battle of Oudenarde — Humiliation of Louis XIV. — His Appeal to the French Nation — Great Battle of Malplaquet — Defeat of the French — Influence of Mrs. Masham — Disgrace of Marlborough — Extraordinary Treaty with Louis XIV. — Death of Queen Anne.

At the commencement of the eighteenth century, the colossal power and the restless ambition of Louis XIV. of France, were sources of apprehension to England, and to every community in Europe. He was a monarch of more than ordinary ability, and his controlling characteristic was an insatiable desire for the increase of his power, and the aggrandizement of his dominions. He was indeed intensely despotic in his views ; and his whole life was devoted to the concentration of all the authority of the state in his own august person.* Every portion of Europe, in * The most reliable sources from which information may be derived in reference to the events which occurred during the reign of Queen Anne, and pre pared the way for the accession of the House of Hanover, are : Life of the Duke of Marlborough, by Archdeacon Coxe ; History of the Last Four Years of Queen Anne, by Jonathan Swift, London, 1758 ; History of Great Britain during the Reign of Queen Anne, by Thomas Sumerville, London, 1798 ; Bishop Burnet's History of his Own Time, London, 1734.

HISTOEY OF THE FOTXK GEOEGES. addition to his own kingdom, felt the operation of this absolute and all-absorbing principle. He was the acknowledged political head of the Roman Catholic interest. He was also the invinci ble foe of the integrity and prosperity of the Low Countries, as was evinced by his rapid conquest of Flanders, and his de clared determination to annex the Dutch provinces in the vicinity of the Eastern frontiers of France to his already compact and overgrown empire. The most formidable opponent whom Louis XIV. had yet encountered in the execution of his gigantic plans of conquest, was the able and indomitable Prince of Orange. That remarkable and mysterious man, whose peculiar qualities have been depicted with such masterly skill by the most gifted historian whom the nineteenth century has produced,* devoted his whole life to the task of curbing that aspiring spirit, and humbling that haughty head.

In spite of all his efforts Louis obtained, partly by treaty and partly by conquest, not only Flanders, but Bava ria, Sardinia, Naples, Sicily, while he ruled the Spanish empire through Philip V. its sovereign ; but William of Orange succeeded in establishing a memorable coalition against his foe, of which England, Hanover, Prussia, Denmark, and Holland were mem bers. Before these hostile nations could effectively array their armaments against each other, the soul of the conspiracy expired in the person of its founder ; and several years of undiminished supremacy were thus insured to the French autocrat, by the death of William III. In 1702 Queen Anne ascended the British throne. Her accession did not change the intentions of the confederated powers in reference to the common enemy ; but it brought upon the stage of action great heroes who were destined to take a prominent part in some of the most momentous events of modern times.

The War of the Succession still remained the all-absorbing topic of interest in England. The preservation of the bal ance of power on the continent, the subjugation of Louis, and the firm establishment of the Protestant religion in England, al' * Macaulay, History of England, Vol. II. page 48, Amer. Ed. rNTEODTJCTION. seemed to be dependent upon the events of the war which were about to ensue. Hostilities commenced in 1703. The allied army amounted to fifty-six thousand men, that of the French numbered sixty thousand. The former was commanded by two generals whose abilities and fame have never been surpassed in modern times, and whose sagacity and self-control were so re markable, that they never permitted any jealous feeling to inter fere for a moment in their perfect harmony of action. These were Marlborough and Prince Eugene.

They judiciously divided the supreme command between them, each exercising it on alter nate days, and this arrangement was uniformly observed during eight successive campaigns. The French army was placed under the orders of Marshal Tallard, the most able and experienced general in the French service. The first events of the war were the capture of Liege, Bonn, and Lienburg ; but soon incidents of far more absorbing and thrilling interest were destined to occur. On the 2d of August, 1704, the French and allied armies took their positions near the then obscure but now immortal village of Blenheim, in Bavaria. The former were posted between Blen heim on the right, and Lutzingen on the left. The right wing was commanded by Marshal Tallard, the left by Marshal Marsin, and the extreme left by Duke Maximilian of Bavaria.

The lines extended two miles in length. Between the combatants several rivulets flowed, which it was necessary for the allies to cross, near to their confluence with the Danube, before they could reach the elevated plateau on which the French were admirably posted, protected by the whole of their artillery. Ere the battle began, Marlborough visited in person every battery and every division of his army. His lines were drawn up four deep. Before the order to advance was given, divine service was cele brated, both according to the Protestant and the Catholic ritual, at the head of each division ; and the God of Battles was sol emnly invoked to aid in crushing the vaunting pride and power of the most inflated and presumptuous of mortals. Marlborough and Eugene, having each received the sacrament in the centre of their lines, at the conclusion of the service the order to march was given.