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CHAPTER XVI: France

Anne, second daughter of James II. and wife of George, prince of Denmark, immediately ascended the vacant throne; and, declaring her resolution to adhere to the grand alliance, war was declared by the three powers against France, on the same day, at London, the Hague, and Vienna. Her reign proved a series of battles and of triumphs. Being resolved to pursue the plans of her predecessor, she entrusted the command of the army to the earl of Marlborough, who obtained considerable successes in Flanders; while the combined English and Dutch fleets captured the galleons, laden with the treasures of Spanish America, which were lying in Vigo bay, under the protection of a French fleet. Meanwhile the French had the advantage in Italy and Alsace; but in Flanders the genius of Marlborough (now raised to a dukedom) continued to be an overmatch for the generals opposed to him. Having secured his conquests in that country, he resolved to march into Germany, to the aid of the emperor, who had to contend with the Hungarian insurgents as well as the French and Bavarians. He accordingly crossed the Rhine, and meeting prince Eugene at Mondlesheim, a junction was agreed on and effected with the imperialists under the duke of Baden; and, thus united, they advanced to the Danube. The rival armies each amounted to about 60,000 men. The French and Bavarians were posted on a hill near the village of Blenheim, on the Danube; but though their position was well chosen, their line was weakened by detachments, which Marlborough perceiving, charged through, and a signal victory was the result. 'The French commander, Tallard, was made prisoner, and 30,000 of the French and Bavarian troops were killed, wounded, and taken; while the loss of the allies amounted to 5,000 killed, and 7,000 wounded: A. D. 1704. By this brilliant victory the emperor was liberated from all danger; the Hungarian insurgents were dispersed; and the discomfited army of France hastily sought shelter within their own frontiers. In Spain and Italy the advantage was on the side of the French; but the victory of Blenheim not only compensated for other failures, but it greatly raised the English character for military prowess, and animated the courage of the allies.