BOOK VI
The campaign of 1707
Unlike the previous year, France was successful in 1707. In the Netherlands
Villeroy had been succeeded by the far more competent Vendome. The allies
had set all their hopes on the campaign in South France, where Eugene of
Savoy was to lay siege to Toulon. In the northern theatre of operations both
parties remained inactive the first two months. Only after Vendome's position
had been weakened following the assignment of a number of detachments to
South France, did Marlborough take efforts to force a battle or have the enemy
at least abandon its communications. The battle did not take place as Vendome
withdrew to a favourable position in due time. Further, all action remained
restricted to mutual observation, without resulting in any operations of signi
ficance.
Meanwhile, after a short siege of Toulon, the campaign in South France
had ended in the retreat to Italy. In South Germany Villars penetrated into
Wurtemberg following a successful crossing of the Rhine and on forcing
the allied lines near Stolhofenhe occupied Stuttgart and collected vast amounts
of taxes. When his communication with the Rhine was threatened, he began
to withdraw so that the operation ended without any strategic result.
In Spain the allied plan to undertake a new march to Madrid failed at Almansa
2 j April, where Berwick inflicted a crushing defeat on the English-Nether
lands-Portugese troops under Gal way and Das Minas. The kingdom of Valencia
Charles in lost almost at once. In October Orleans laid siege to the important
town of Lerida, which was forced to surrender 11 November after a heroic
defence. This was the first step towards the submission of Catalonia.
BOOK VII
The campaign of 1708
This campaign is distinguished for its duration, uncertain course and many
thrilling episodes alike. 3 July the French surprise Ghent and Bruges and the
danger arises that the allies will lose the whole of Flanders. This danger is war
ded off by the victory which Eugene of Savoy and Marlborough win over Ven
dome near Oudenarde 11 July. The disagreement between Vendome and the
Duke of Bourgundy, grandson of Louis xiv, had no little share in this victory. 1 3
August the allies lay siege to the stronghold of Lille, valiantly defended by
Boufflers. Efforts to relieve the town failed (11 September). The French sub
sequently occupy the right bank of the Scheldt leading to the encirclement of
the allies in turn. Ammunition for the siege has to be supplied oversea, via
Ostend. This gives rise to the battle near Wynendaal, where Webb and
Nassau-Woudenberg gain a glorious victory over La Mothe. The situation be
comes very grave when Vendome inundates the entire coast line by opening
the locks near Nieuport so that supplies have to be brought in across the
inundated area. For the moment the surrender of Lille (22 October) brings
the allies some relief. This is followed by the siege of the citadel, which holds
on till 8 December. Eventually, the attack of Maximilian of Bavaria on Brussels
(22-28 November) gives rise to a forcing of the French line of encirclement on
the Scheldt (27 November). The campaign is concluded with the recapture of
Ghent and Bruges, whereupon both armies occupy their winter-quarters in the
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