P R E F A CЕ. CONSUMMATE as were the abilities, unbroken the success, immense the services, of the Duke of Marlborough, the details of his campaigns can scarcely be said to be known. to the vast majority of his countrymen. They have heard the distant echo of his fame, as they have that of the exploits of Timour, of Bajazet, and of Genghis Khan; the names of Blenheim and Ramilies, of Malplaquet and Oudenarde, awaken a transient feeling of exultation in their bosoms; but as to the particulars of these events, the difficulties with which their general had to struggle, the objects for which he contended, even the places where they occurred, they are, for the most part, as ignorant as they are of similar details in the campaigns of Baber or Aurengzebe. What they do know is derived chiefly, if not entirely, from the histories of their enemies. Malice and party spirit have done much to dim the reputation of the illustrious General in his own country, but these disturbing passions have not been felt in other states; and, strange to say, no adequate opinion of his merits can be formed by his countrymen, but by viewing the impression he has made on her enemies, or studying the history of his victories by them. Marlborough's exploits have made a prodigious impres |