ivers proceeded by land to Valencia, in order to assist at a
general council of war. The operations of the ensuing campaign being
concerted, and the army joined by the reinforcement from England, earl
Rivers, disliking the country, returned with the admiral to Lisbon.

THE KING OF SWEDEN MARCHES INTO SAXONY.

Poland was at length delivered from the presence of the king of Sweden,
who in the beginning of September suddenly marched through Lusatia
into Saxony; and in a little time laid that whole electorate under
contribution. Augustus being thus cut off from all resource, resolved
to obtain peace on the Swede's own terms, and engaged in a secret treaty
for this purpose. In the meantime the Poles and Muscovites attacked the
Swedish forces at Kalish in Great Poland, and by dint of numbers routed
them with great slaughter. Notwithstanding this event, Augustus ratified
the treaty, by which he acknowledged Stanislaus as true and rightful
king of Poland, reserving to himself no more than the empty title of
sovereign. The confederates were not a little alarmed to find Charles
in the heart of Germany, and the French court did not fail to court
his alliance; but he continued on the reserve against all their
solicitations. Then they implored his mediation for a peace; and he
answered, that he would interpose his good offices as soon as he
should know they would be agreeable to the powers engaged in the grand
alliance.

THE FRENCH KING DEMANDS CONFERENCES FOR A PEACE.

The pride of Louis was now humbled to such a degree as might have
excited the compassion of his enemies. He employed the elector of
Bavaria to write letters in his name to the duke of Marlborough and
the deputies of the states-general, containing proposals for opening
a congress. He had already tampered with the Dutch, in a memorial
presented by the marquis d'Alegre. He likewise besought the pope to
interpose in his behalf. He offered to cede either Spain and the West
Indies, or Milan, Naples, and Sicily, to king Charles; to give up a
barrier for the Dutch in the Netherlands; and to indemnify the duke of
Savoy for the ravages that had been committed in his dominions. Though
his real aim was' peace, yet he did not despair of being able to excite
such jealousies among the confederates as might shake the basis of their
union. His hope was not altogether disappointed. The court of Vienna was
so much alarmed at the offers he had made, and the reports circul