bitter censures were again lavished on the military conduct
of the illustrious chief.

The letter of Marlborough being surreptitiously printed
before it was communicated to the States, produced a deep
sensation in Holland. The English partisans, who had
long deplored the timid policy of their government, were
roused to indignation; and at the Hague, in particular, the
burghers held an assembly to remonstrate against the mis-
conduct of their deputies and generals.

From Holland, the same feeling spread into England: a
deep sentiment of indignation was diffused through all ranks;
the people warmly espoused the cause of their general; and,
in numerous publications hawked about the streets, the
severest reflections were cast on the Dutch nation, and in
particular on the deputies of the States, for not suffering the
duke to engage the enemy. In the British cabinet the im-
pulse derived from public opinion was strengthened by the
indignant complaints of the commander himself, in his cor-
respondence with Godolphin and Harley.

To Lord Godolphin.

"August 19. -- You will see by the inclosed to the States, that after
four days' march, I found the enemy encamped as I expected, so
that I thought we should have had a very glorious day. But as the
deputies would not consent without first consulting the generals, who
were all against it, except M. Overkirk, we have been obliged to retire
from the enemy, notwithstanding we were at least one-third stronger than
they, which I take to be very prejudicial to the common cause, and
scandalous for the army. I think this will show very plainly, that it is
next to impossible to act offensively with this army, so governed as
they are; for when their general and I agree, as we did in this, that it
shall be in the power of subaltern generals to hinder the execution, is
against all discipline. This last action of the Dutch generals has given
us great mortification; for the enemy will see very plainly that they
have nothing to fear on this side, nor can I ever serve with them without
losing the little reputation I have; for in most countries they think I
have power in this army to do what I please. I beg you will give my duty
to the queen, and assure her, that if I had had the same power I had the
last year, I should have had a greater victory than that of Blenheim, in
my opinion, for the French were so posted, that if we had beat them,
they could not have got to Brussels."

Convinced, indeed, from bitter experience, that the evil
was irremediable, Marlborough seems to have formed the
resolution of suffering the Dutch to remain on the defensive,
as more congenial to their character and constitution, and

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