but this minute. My lord treasurer's letter in which it was inclosed, by
some mistake was sent to Amsterdam. I would not for any thing in my
power it had been lost; for it is so very kind, that I would in return
lose a thousand lives if I had them to make you happy. Before I sat
down to write this letter, I took yours that you wrote at Harwich out of
my strong box and have burnt it; and if you will give me leave it will
be a great pleasure to me to have it in my power to read this dear dear
letter often, and that it may be found in my strong box when I am dead.
I do this minute love you better than ever I did before. This letter of
yours has made me so happy, that I do from my soul with we could re-
tire and not be blamed. What you propose as to coming over, I should
be extremely pleased with; for your letter has so transported me, that I
think you would be happier in being here than where you are; although
I should not be able to see you often. But you will see by my last
letter, as well as this, that what you desire is impossible; for I am going
up into Germany, where it would be impossible for you to follow me;
but love me as you now do, and no hurt can come to me. You have by
this kindness preserved my quiet, and I believe my life; for till I had
this letter, I have been very indifferent of what should become of myself.
I have pressed this business of carrying an army into Germany, in order
to leave a good name behind me, wishing for nothing else but good suc-
cess. I shall now add, that of having a long life, that I may be happy
with you."

To prevent the restraints derived from the presence of the
field deputies, Marlborough had confined his demand of re-
inforcements to the auxiliaries in the pay of the States. To
obviate also the obstructions which might arise from the
pretensions of foreign officers, he obtained for his brother
the rank of general, with the command of the British in-
fantry; and Overkirk, who had been involved in some dis-
pute with General Churchill, relative to precedence, was
left with the Dutch troops, and the remainder of the auxili-
aries, to guard the frontier, and secure the conquests of the
former campaign.

Having completed all his preparations, he quitted the
Hague in the evening of the 5th of May, and proceeded in a
yacht to Utrecht. In his progress to the army, he spent a
social day at Vorst, the seat of the earl of Albemarle. Here
we find that while the fate of Europe hung on his projected
expedition, the internal politics of England did not the less
occupy his attention. We observe also that the spleen and
querulousness which had hitherto marked his correspondence,
began to give way to elevated hopes and renewed con-
fidence. He quitted this hospitable mansion at break of day,

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