ing the halt occasioned by this operation, the most strenuous
exertions were made in collecting magazines, and establish-
ing communications across the Danube and Lech. A rein-
forcement of thirty squadrons was also despatched to Eugene,
with the hope of impeding the advance of the French rein-
forcements.

Neither labours nor anxiety could, however, divert the
cares of Marlborough from those who shared his tenderness.
From Purkheim, we find him conveying consolation to the
duchess, for the loss of their son, in a style of peculiar deli-
cacy and affection.

"July 13. -- Since my last I have had the happiness of yours of the
13th and 16th of last month, and am very sorry to see that you have had
a return of the illness that I saw you have once at St. Alban's. I con-
jure you not to neglect taking advice and doing what may be proper for
preventing it in future; for if you will make me happy now, you must
live long, and not have melancholy thoughts of what is passed; for I do
assure you I place all my hopes in ending my days quietly with you, and
to be contented with the children that it has pleased God to continue
to us.

"My blood is so heated, that I have had for the last three days a
violent head-ache; but not having stirred out of my chamber this day, I,
find myself much easier, so that I hope to-morrow morning to be very
well. Lord Treasurer will let you know all the news that I have writ to
Mr. Secretary Harley. Pray tell my dear children, that I hope in ten
days' time to have so much leisure as to write to them. I hope in God
my next will tell you I am quite well."

The garrison of Rain having surrendered on the 16th, the
army resumed its march on the following day, encamping
with the right at Holtz, and the left at Oesterhausen. The
18th they advanced to Aicha, where after some hesitation
they were admitted by the inhabitants. On the 19th they
proceeded towards Friedberg, of which the garrison did not
venture to wait their nearer approach, retiring with great
precipitation to their camp, on the other side of the Lech,
close to Augsburg.

Rapid as these movements may appear, the progress of
the confederates was not sufficiently rapid to satisfy the
aspiring views of the British commander. With that promp-
titude of decision which marked his conduct, he entertained
sanguine hopes of reducing Munich before the elector could
recover from his consternation, and with the capital to secure

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