may offer on this subject. Now, if any person should be sent to Hol-
land, besides the jealousy it would give abroad, and which many would
be glad to improve upon the first mention he makes of this matter, he
would no longer trust me with the secret; and as soon as the party
come to know that it is got into England, which cannot in that case be
long concealed from them, they would most certainly ruin him, as being
well assured it could come from no other hand but his. This would be
such a blow as might go near to stagger most of our friends. Therefore
I am of opinion that we take no manner of notice of it, till we have dis-
covered more of the secret; and then, when I come to the Hague, I
hope, with the assistance of our friends, I may be able entirely to break
their measures, or at least so far to weaken their interest, as that it may
not be in their power to carry on their designs. I shall send your letter
to-morrow to the pensioner, and press him to be very exact in letting me
know what farther steps these gentlemen are taking, of which I will give
you an account by the soonest; but must beg none may know it but her
majesty, the prince, and Mr. Harley."

"Frankfort, Nov. 1. 1705. -- At my arrival here yesterday I had the
happiness of yours of the 12th. What you mention to be in the speech
may do good, but at the same time I hope Mr. Secretary Harley will use
such arguments to the pensioner of Amsterdam, as may convince him
that this is a very improper time, as well as that England can never con-
sent that the Indies and Spain should remain in the hands of the duke of
Anjou."

IN the midst of these negotiations Marlborough had moved
from Tirlemont, as soon as it was dismantled, and crossing
the Demer, advanced to Aerschot. Here he remained about
ten days, continuing the demolition of the lines, and giving
orders for perfecting the works of Diest, Hasselt and Tongres,
which were intended to cover the winter quarters. He then
marched to Herenthals, where he pitched his camp on the
28th of September.

It was not only in the operations of the field that the
genius of Marlborough shone with peculiar lustre: his coun-
sels were as successful in the cabinet; and the confederates
looked, with that confidence which superior abilities inspire,
to his influence or advice. From the numerous failures of
the last campaign, and the dangers which were apprehended
in the ensuing year, the different members of the grand

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