the arrears of their pay, a deficiency which rendered the
allied army much inferior in force. Marlborough was re-
joiced at the disposition evinced by the enemy to meet him
in the open field. He obtained a promise from the Danes
to advance by engaging for the discharge of their arrears,
and sent the most pressing orders for the immediate junction
of all his forces. He communicated the news with exulta-
tion to Lord Godolphin.

"Borchloen, May 9-20. -- The French knowing that it is not in our
power, in less than three weeks, to have the Hanoverians or Hessians
from the Rhine, they have taken the resolution of drawing as many of
their troops out of their garrisons as is possible, and marched yesterday
out of their lines, and are now camped at Tirlemont. The English join
the army this day, and the Danes two days hence. We shall be 122
squadrons, and 74 battalions. ^* They pretend to be stronger both in
foot and horse; but, with the blessing of God, I hope for success, being
resolved to venture; for as yet they have but twenty squadrons of the
marshal de Marsin's detachment. With my humble duty, assure her
majesty, that with all my heart and soul I pray to God I may be able to
send her good news, so that your faithful friend and servant might have
some quiet before he dies."

FULL of these pleasing forebodings, Marlborough witnessed
the junction of the English forces with the Dutch at Bilsen,
on the 20th of May. He instantly despatched orders for the
advance of the provision waggons; and, by engaging with
the Dutch deputies for the payment of the arrears due to
the Danes, prevailed on the duke of Wirtemberg, their leader,
to advance without delay. On the 22d, drawing towards the

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