and obtained their consent to extend his powers, as far as
their constitution would permit, without the usual tedious
appeal to the decision of the different provinces. He also
extorted a similar acquiescence in the proposed loan, of which
the Dutch were to guaranty one third.

He was equally successful in combating the fallacious
overtures of France, and appealed with effect to the feelings
of shame and disappointment which the patriotic party felt
for the late misconduct of their deputies and generals, and
their anxiety to make amends for the former failures. By
his skilful management of the passions of those with whom
he had to negotiate, he thus attained all his objects, and de-
parted with the full assurance that he should be supported
by all the energy of the Dutch government.

During this short interval of his stay, his departure from
the army was no less deeply felt than his appearance at the
Hague. "In his absence, says an eye-witness, "we were a
body without a soul. The French having thrown down a
little of their line, and laid bridges over the Nethe for con-
venience of forage, we were in perpetual alarms, as if an in-
ferior dispirited army would leave their lines, because the
duke had left us."

Returning to the camp, he again moved on the 20th of
October, and marched through Vlimmen to Campthout,
where the army took up a position to cover the siege of
Sandvliet, a fort on the Scheldt, the garrison of which had
harassed the inhabitants of Zealand with frequent incursions.
From hence the duke repaired to examine the preparations,
and give directions for the attack; and at the same time the
place was invested by a detachment under the Count de
Noyelles. Campthout was the last camp which he occupied
this campaign; for on the 22d of October he finally quitted
the army, leaving the command to Overkirk, to finish the
siege and distribute the troops into quarters.

HAVING closed the military operations, settled his journey to
Vienna, and finished his negotiations at the Hague, the duke

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