To the Duchess.

"Sefelingen, August 25. 1704. -- I find by Mr. Secretary Harley's and
Lord Treasurers letters that they think it might be best to keep the
emperor from doing any thing in what he proposes, till towards the end
of the campaign. I should have done my part in that, and farther, that
it might have remained as it now is, without any thing more being done
in it; but I find by the answer of the queen, sent by M. de Hoffman to
the emperor, they think it is no more in my power to refuse. I send the
copy of it to lord treasurer, as the Count de Wratislaw has given it me.
However, I shall do what I can to have it delayed, since you think that
is best; for I think the only consideration now is, that the emperor may
not take it ill."

To Lord Godophin.

"Weissemberg, September 22. -- Two days ago the Count de Wratislaw
gave me a letter from the emperor, in which he acquaints me with having
made me a prince of the empire. I am very much surprised, and so I
told him, that such a step should be taken before I had the least notice.
Besides this was not the method in which it ought to be done, for the
notice ought to be sent to the several princes of the empire; and the lands
from whence I was to take my title to be named to them; for that I
could not have a seat in the diet till I was master of an imperial fief in
the empire. He said it was right, and that he would write to the em-
peror, and not own to any body that he has given me the letter. How.
ever, I send you a copy, but desire nobody may see it but Mr. Secretary;
for I believe the emperor must write another to me."

As the splendid victory of Blenheim produced an unusual
sentiment of joy and gratitude in the cold and phlegmatic
bosom of Leopold, we cannot wonder that it excited a trans-
port of enthusiasm in his ardent and generous son, the king
of the Romans. When the English minister conveyed to
him the compliments of the duke, Joseph testified the utmost
eagerness to contract a personal acquaintance with so illus-
trious a commander, and, above all, to enjoy the advantage
of his counsel and conduct during the remainder of the cam-
paign. Indeed, during his progress in Bavaria, Marlborough
had received a confidential letter from one of the imperial
ministers, testifying the earnest desire of the king of the
Romans to repair to the army and serve under his auspices.
Some objections which were made to the proposal by the
margrave of Baden, were overruled, and Joseph was accele-
rating the preparations for his departure, when the news of
the victory reached Vienna. The intelligence rendered him
doubly anxious to join the army; and in a letter which

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