n over the Danube between Hochstadt and
Blenheim, but they were so closely pursued, that those who escaped the
slaughter threw themselves into the river, where they perished. Tallard,
being surrounded, was taken near a mill behind the village of Sonderen,
together with the marquis de Montperouz, general of horse, the
major-generals de Seppeville, de Silly, de la Valiere, and many other
officers of distinction. While these occurrences passed on the loft
wing, Marsin's quarters at the village of Oberklau, in the centre, were
attacked by ten battalions under the prince of Holsteinbeck, who passed
the rivulet with undaunted resolution; but before he could form his men
on the other side, he was overpowered by numbers, mortally wounded,
and taken prisoner. His battalions being supported by some Danish and
Hanoverian cavalry, renewed the charge, and were again repulsed: at
length the duke of Marlborough in person brought up some fresh squadrons
from the body of reserve, and compelled the enemy to retire. By this
time prince Eugene had obliged the left wing of the enemy to give
ground, after having surmounted a great number of difficulties,
sustained a very obstinate opposition, and seen his cavalry, in which
his chief strength seemed to lie, three times repulsed. The duke of
Marlborough had no sooner defeated the right wing, than he made a
disposition to reinforce the prince, when he understood from an aidecamp
that his highness had no occasion for assistance; and that the elector,
with monsieur de Mar-sin, had abandoned Oberklau and Luteingen. They
were pursued as far as the villages of Morselingen and Teissenhoven,
from whence they retreated to Dillingen and Lawingen. The confederates
being now masters of the field of battle, surrounded the village of
Blenheim, in which, as we have already observed, twenty-seven battalions
and twelve squadrons were posted. These troops seeing themselves cut off
from all communication with the rest of their army, and despairing of
being able to force their way through the allies, capitulated about
eight in the evening, laid down their arms, delivered their colours and
standards, and surrendered themselves prisoners of war, on condition
that the officers should not be rifled. This was one of the most
glorious and complete victories that ever was obtained. Ten thousand
French and Bavarians were left dead on the field of battle: the greater
part of thirty squadrons of horse and dragoons perished i