he passed through Ruremont, and arrived at Maestricht on
the 12th. From hence he proceeded without delay to review
the Dutch troops, who, being quartered on the Meuse, had
already reached the point of rendezvous. The enemy, how-
ever, appeared determined to maintain their position behind
the lines which had been formed on the Dyle, and the British
commander looked forward to a campaign more inefficient
than the last.

To Lord Godolphin.

"May 4-15. -- When I left the Hague on Sunday last I was assured
that I should find the army in a condition to march. But as yet neither
the artillery horses nor the bread waggons are come, so that we shall be
obliged to stay for the English, which will join us on Wednesday, and
then we shall advance towards Louvain. God knows I go with a heavy
heart, for I have no prospect of doing any thing considerable, unless the
French would do what I am very confident they will not, unless the
marshal de Marsin should return, as it is reported, with thirty battalions
and forty squadrons; for that would give to them such a superiority as
might tempt them to march out of their lines, which if they do, I will
most certainly attack them, not doubting, with the blessing of God, to
beat them, though the foreign troops I have seen are not so good as they
were last year; but I hope the English are better. If the French should
neglect the affairs in Germany, in order to have a superiority here, these
people will then not let their troops go for the descent. But I think
that project is so very necessary, that if you provide transport ships for
five regiments of foot, and one of dragoons, you may depend upon having
them out of the English; and I will press them all that in me lies to get
some of theirs, so that the project of the descent might be the more
considerable."

To the Duchess.

"May 4-15. -- You will see by my letters to lord treasurer, that in all.
likelihood I shall make the whole campaign in this country, and conse-
quently not such a one as will please me. But as I infinitely value your
esteem, for without that you cannot love me, let me say for myself that
there is some credit in doing rather what is good for the public than in
preferring our private satisfaction and interest; for by my being here
in a condition of doing nothing that shall make a noise has made me able
to send ten thousand men to Italy, and to leave nineteen thousand more
on the Rhine, till the marshal de Marsin shall bring his detachment to
this country."

To Lord Godolphin.

"Tongres, May 6-17. -- I must beg you will make my excuse to her
majesty, that I take upon me not to send her letter to the elector of
Hanover, for before it came to me I had received the second refusal;
and besides, if he should consent, it would, as every thing is now, be of
no use.

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