ere he negotiated
for a reinforcement of eight thousand Prussians, to serve under prince
Eugene in Italy during the next campaign. Thence he proceeded to the
court of Hanover, where, as in all other places, he was received with
particular marks of distinction. When he arrived at the Hague, he was
congratulated by the states-general on his victories at Schellenberg and
Blenheim, and as much considered in Holland as if he had been actually
stadt-holder. He had received a second letter from the emperor couched
in the warmest terms of acknowledgment, and was declared prince of the
empire. In December he embarked for England, where he found the people
in a transport of joy, and was welcomed as a hero who had retrieved the
glory of the nation.

STATE OF THE WAR IN EUROPE.

In Flanders nothing of moment was executed, except the bombardment of
Bruges and Namur by baron Spaar, with nine thousand Dutch troops; and
two attempts upon the French lines, which were actually penetrated by
Auverquerque, though he was not able to maintain the footing he had
gained. The elector of Bavaria, who had retired to Brussels after his
defeat, formed a scheme for surprising the Dutch general at the end of
the campaign, and assembled all his troops at Tirlemont: but the French
court, apprehensive of his temerity, sent Villeroy to watch his conduct,
and prevent his hazarding an engagement, except with a fair prospect of
advantage. The mareschal finding him determined to give battle at all
events, represented the improbability of succeeding against an enemy
so advantageously posted; and the ill consequences of a repulse: but
finding the elector deaf to all his remonstrances, he flatly refused to
march, and produced the king's order to avoid an engagement. In Italy
the French met with no opposition. The duke of Savoy, being unable to
face the enemy in the field, was obliged to lie inactive. He saw the
duke de Vendome reduce Vercelli and Ivrea, and undertake the siege of
Verac; while he posted his little army on the other side of the Po, at
Crescentino, where he had a bridge of communication by which he supplied
the place occasionally with fresh troops and provisions. The place
held out five months against all the efforts of the French general: at
length, the communication being cut off, the duke of Savoy retired to
Chivas. He bore his misfortunes with great equanimity, and told the
English minister that though he was abandoned by the allies, he