castle, the governor was constrained to surrender, on condi-
tion that the garrison should be exchanged.

After the capture of Huy, some hesitation prevailed in
regard to ulterior operations. In a grand counsel of war
held at the confederate camp of Val notre Dame, the com-
mander-in-chief resumed his plan, and urged the policy
of profiting by the superiority of the allies, to force the
weakest part of the French lines, consisting of an accessible
space of ground, two leagues and a half in extent, between
the source of the Mehaigne and the Meuse. His opinion was
warmly supported by the English generals, and those com-
manding the auxiliary troops of Denmark, Luneburg and
Hesse. But he was again opposed by the Dutch deputies
and generals, who expatiated on the risk and danger of an
enterprise, which they termed dubious and desperate; as
well as on the little advantage which could be derived even
from success; they contended that the enemy would still
find ample resources for defence in the nature of the ground,
particularly by occupying the strong position of Ramilies. ^*
Finally, they dwelt with peculiar emphasis on the utility
which would arise from the possession of Limburg. In this
conflict of opinions, an appeal was made to the States; but
their decision only produced new deliberations, which ended
in the usual result.

These vexations were only a portion of what Marlborough
had to endure at this period. Writing to Godolphin he says,
"My eyes are so extremely sore with the dust and the want
of rest for these two days, that it is a very great trouble to
me to write." In another letter he adds, "I am going to
the siege of Limburg; so that I believe I shall be a fortnight
from this army, in which time I hope to recover my health;
for the unreasonable opposition I have met with has so
heated my blood, that I am almost mad with the head-ache."

Notwithstanding a series of heavy rains which deluged the
ground, the army was set in motion on the 5th of September,
and on the 10th, Limburg was invested. The trenches were
opened with all diligence, the batteries began to play on the
25th, and a wide breach being soon effected, on the 27th,
the governor, with a garrison of 1400 men, surrendered at
discretion. With this success the active operations of the

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