behalf. The confederates had now no other alternative,
than to visit the offences of the prince on his unfortunate
subjects. Numerous villages were burnt or destroyed, and
the whole country was given up to military execution, as far
as the vicinity of Munich. But although Marlborough was
thus compelled to fulfil the most unwelcome duty which can
fall tc a general, his private correspondence shows that he
felt as a man, and deplored the sad necessity to which he
was reduced. In one of his letters to the duchess, he
observes: --

"July 30. -- The succours which the elector expects on Sunday, have
given him so much resolution, that he has no thoughts of peace. How-
ever, we are in his country, and he will find it difficult to persuade us to
quit it. We sent this morning 3000 horse to his chief city of Munich,
with orders to burn and destroy all the country about it. This is so
contrary to my nature, that nothing but absolute necessity could have
obliged me to consent to it, for these poor people suffer for their master's
ambition. There having been no war in this country for above sixty
years, these towns and villages are so clean, that you would be pleased
with them."

In another he says, --

"You will, I hope, believe me, that my nature suffers when I see so
many fine places burnt, and that must be burnt, if the elector will
not hinder it. I shall never be easy and happy till I am quiet with
you."

At this period Count Wratislaw renewed the offer of the
emperor to reward the services of Marlborough with a prin-
cipality of the empire; but he made no other answer, than
that he was very sensible of the honour the emperor intended
him, but that the queen's pleasure must govern him in this,
as in all things else. Before, however, the answer of the
queen could reach the army, Marlborough had acquired a
new and higher title to this honourable distinction.

MEANWHILE the movements of the enemy created new em-
barrassments, and called forth the vigilance and resources of
the British commander. Marshal Tallard, after losing five

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