A history of the four Georges, Kings of England; containing personal incidents of their lives, public events of their reigns, and biographical notices of their chief ministers, courtiers, and favorites

Front matter

A HISTORY

THE FOUR GEORGES,

llhujs of dkcskni) ;

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 personal 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 little knowledge of this era and of its events could be obtained by the general reader, except at very considerable expense, and by the perusal of many ponderous volumes. As this process does not comport with the convenience or the leisure of a large portion of the reading public, 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

IV PEEFACE.

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 same time the danger of being superficial 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 consideration, 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 predecessors of those which now exist among us ; and though, by assuming 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 important and influential nation of modern times, the writer will be happy to have contributed, in however humble a degree, to so desirable a result.

S. M. S.

Philadelphia, Sept., 1859.

Contents

INTRODUCTION".

EVENTS "WHICH PEECEDED THE ACCESSION OF THE HOUSE OF HANOVER.

PAGE

Part I. Life And Reign Of George The First

CHAPTEPw 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. . ... 19

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 — His 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 Royal Mistresses — First Visit of George I. to Hanover— Hostility between the King and Heir Apparent, 30

VI CONTENTS.

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 45

Chapter IV

Movements of the Pretender — Apprehensions felt in England — Bishop Attcrbury — 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 . . .57

Chapter V

Treaty formed between England and the Continental Powers— Horace Walpole— Dissatisfaction with the Treaty — Trial and Punishment 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 Royal 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 Reign — Joseph Addison — Dean Swift — His Genius and Irreligion — Writings of Alexander Pope — John Gay — Sir Isaac Newton — John Flamsteed — State of Morals and Religion in England during the Reign of George I. . . , 76

PAKT II.

LIFE AND REIGN OF GEORGE THE SECOND.

Chapter I

Birth of George II. — His Removal 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 Robert Walpole — Duke of Newcastle — Earl of Chesterfield— Lord Carteret — His Remarkable Talents

Chapter II

Revenues 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. Vll

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

Chapter 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

Chapter IV

George II. embarks for England— A Storm arises — Apprehensions for his Fate — He narrowly escapes Shipwreck — Congratulations of the Koyal Family and of Parliament— Revenues of Prince Frederic— Coarseness and Vulgarity of the King and Queen — Confinement of the Princess of Wales — Disgraceful feuds in the Royal Family — Declining health of the Queen — Domestic Scenes— The Queen's last Illness — Her Death — Ridiculous Conduct of the Bereaved Monarch . . 117

Chapter V

Fate of the Queen's Favorites — Lord Hcrvey — 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 Resign — His Services to the Monarch .... 128

Chapter 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 133

Chapter 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 Fling's Address to Parliament in November, 1755 — Furious Debates which Ensued — War with France — Cowardice of Admiral Byng — The Disappointment and Rage of the Nation — The Trial, Conviction, and Execution of the Admiral .... 143

Chapter 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

Vlll CONTENTS.

PAGE

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.

Chapter I

Birth of George III. — nis Connection with Hannah Lightfoot — Lady Sarah Lennox — Proposals for his Marriage— Researches of Colonel Graome — The Prince's .Marriage to Charlotte of Mecklenburg Strelitz — Her Character — Accession of George III. — His Mental Qualities— His Persona] Appearance — Administration of "William Pitt— Lord Bute— His Relation to the Princess Dowager — A New Ministry—Meeting of Parliament— War declared against Spain— Incidents of the Conflict 175

Chapter II

Birth of the Prince of Wales— Policy of tCe Bute Cabinet — Treaty of Peace with Spain — Dissatisfaction of the Nation — Eloquence of Pitt and Fox — Resignation of Lord Bute — His Great Unpopularity— George Grcnville 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

Chapter III

Financial Affairs of the Nation — Resolution to impose Stamp Duties on the American Colonies — A Council of Regency Appointed— Death of the Duke of Cumberland—The Rockingham Ministry — Inefficiency of this Cabinet— First appearance of Burke in Parliament — Dispute with the American Colonies — Discussions in reference to their Taxation — Arguments advanced on both sides of the Question— Return of William Pitt to Power 203

Chapter IV

Lord Chatham's Inefficiency— His Illness— His Absurd Conduct — His Singular Seclusion— Inflexibility of George III. — Resignation of Lord Chatham — The Par liamentary Election of 176S— Renewal of the Contest with Wilkes — His Repeated Election to, and Expulsion from, Parliament— His Ultimate Defeat — Charter of the British East India Company — The Letters of Junius — Intense Excitement produced by their Appearance 211

Chapter V

Lord North becomes Premier — Renewal of Wilkes'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 223

Chapter 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 — Hastings' final Triumph and Acquittal 239

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 IS.

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 1*

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 Napoleon—His Overthrow by the European Coalition — His Retirement at Elba . . 273

CHAPTER XL 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 Resources 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 the Continent — State of the Finances — Commotions in Ireland — Domestic Legislation — The Regency — Death of George III. — State of the British Empire at this Period 2T9

Chapter 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 Respect 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 WTalpoIe — Eminent Historians, Poets, and Prelates of the Reign of George III 296

PAKT IV

CHAPTER L Birth of George IV. — 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 Princo removes to Carlton House — His Peculiar Manner of Making Love — His Connection with Mrs. Crouch — He becomes the Admirer of Mrs. Fitzherbert — Her Origin and History — Her Extraordinary Beauty — She is privately Married to the Prince — Their Residence together — Unprincipled denial of their Marriage in Parliament by orders of the Prince — Mrs. Fitzherbert's Indignation at his Perfidy — Immense Debts of the Prince — They are paid by an Appropriation of Parliament 823

CHAPTER II.

Removal 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 Unhappy Result — Tlio Marriage Ceremony — Disgraceful Conduct of the Bridegroom— His Removal to Carlton House— Liquidation of the enormous Debts of the 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 — Evidence 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 Trince 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 the 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 Famous Bill of Pains and Penalties— 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 Aeuteness of Messrs. Denman and Brougham — Overwhelming Power of their Eloquence — The Virtual Triumph of the Queen — The Withdrawal of the Bill — Exultation of her Friends — Popular Rejoicings and Processions — Mortification and Malignity of the King . . . 867

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 Death — Removal of her Remains to Brunswick — Her Burial 376

CHAPTER VII.

Death of the Duke of Kent — Historic Portrait of his Life — His early Education —

His Residence at Geneva — His Sudden Flight to England — Tyranny of George

III. — The Duke is ordered to Gibraltar — His Poverty— His Campaign in tho

West Indies— His Residence in Canada— He is appointed Governor of Gibraltar

Xll CONTENTS.

PAGB

— Character of his Administration — Ho returns to England — His Debts — His Marriage with the Princess of Leinengen — His Eesidence 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 VIII.

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. Canning 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 .... 418

HISTORY OF THE FOUR GEORGES.

INTKODUCTION.

SVENTS WHICH PRECEDED THE ACCESSION OP THE HOUSE OP HANOVER.

Dolossal Power of Louis XIV. at the 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 Results — Rejoicing throughout the Continent — Exultations in England— Events of 1705— Third Campaign of the War— Battle of Ramillies— Defeat of the French — Results of the Victory — Supremacy of the Duchess of Marlborough — Decline of her Influence — Battle of Oudenarde — Humiliation of Louis XIV. — His Appeal to tho 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.

\.t the commencement of the eighteenth century, the colossal >ower and the restless ambition of Louis XIV. of France, were ources of apprehension to England, and to every community in Durope. He was a monarch of more than ordinary ability, and is controlling characteristic was an insatiable desire for the icrease of his power, and the aggrandizement of his dominions, le was indeed intensely despotic in his views ; and his whole fe was devoted to the concentration of all the authority of the tate in his own august person.* Every portion of Europe, in

* The most reliable sources from which information may be derived in refernce to the events which occurred during the reign of Queen Anne, and preared the way for the accession of the House of Hanover, are : Life of the Duke ' Marlborough, by Archdeacon Coze ; History of the Last Four Years of Queen nne, by Jonathan Swift, London, 1758 ; History of Great Britain during the 'eign of Queen Anne, by Thomas Sumerville, London, 1798 ; Bishop Burnet's 'istory of his Own Time, London, 1734. 1 ti HISTOEY OF THE FOUE GEOEGES.

addition to his own kingdom, felt the operation of this absolute and all-absorbing principle. He was the acknowledged political head of the Eoman Catholic interest. He was also the invincible foe of the integrity and prosperity of the Low Countries,; as was evinced by his rapid conquest of Flanders, and his declared 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 remarka^ ble and mysterious man, whose peculiar qualities have beeni 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-i ria, Sardinia, Naples, Sicily, while he ruled the Spanish empire through Philip V. its sovereign ; but William of Orange succeed-l ed in establishing a memorable coalition against his foe, of which England, Hanover, Prussia, Denmark, and Holland were members. Before these hostile nations could effectively array theii 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. Hei 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 prom inent part in some of the most momentous events of moderr times. The War of the Succession still remained the all-absorb ing 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.

INTEODUCTION". 6

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 remarkable, that they never permitted any jealous feeling to interfere 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 alternate 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 Blenheim on the right, and Lutzingen on the left. Tine 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 celebrated, both according to the Protestant and the Catholic ritual, at the head of each division ; and the God of Battles was solemnly 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. Instantly fifty-six thousand men stood to their arms. The rivulets and marshes in front of Blenheim and Unterglau were quickly passed, notwithstanding the heavy fire of artillery which was poured upon them by the French. The latter calmly awaited the attack. At length the combatants closed ; and both sides fought with the utmost desperation. The English, under Lord Cutts, attacked the village of Blenheim, where the strongest portion of the French infantry were posted. Twenty thousand men became furiously engaged around and within the village. The charges of the allies were made with prodigious energy, and were repulsed with equal resolution. At length the French prevailed, and drove back their assailants with immense slaughter. Victory seemed about to settle upon their standards. The centre of the allied lines also failed at this crisis, in their attack upon the infantry posted under Marshal Marsin in the village of Oberglau ; and the communication of the allies with their right wing under Prince Eugene, was thus very nearly cut off. The consummate ability of Marlborough, at this critical moment, alone saved the fortunes of the clay, and turned the wavering tide of battle. He instantly ordered the powerful reinforcements of infantry, cavalry and artillery which had been placed in reserve, to advance to support the troops engaged both in Blenheim and in Oberglau, and against the long line of cavalry which Tallard had stationed between these two points as their connecting link. After a tremendous conflict, those formidable squadrons were broken ; they fled, and were pursued toward the Danube. By this means the French infantry posted in Blenheim, became iso lated, and more assailable both in front and in flank.