MAJOR SEMPLE LISLE. IO9 



early in the morning, which I entered full fpeed 

 in almoft every diredion. 



The effe(5ls of this well concerted furprize 

 were fuch as I expeded; the Commiffaries and 

 their guard fled with the greateft precipitation 

 towards Breda^ infomuch that I was only able to 

 take two prifoners of the huzars de la libertd, 

 I however prevented the waggons from putting 

 in execution the bufinefs for which the French 

 had collected them; and after cutting down the 

 Bonnet Rouge planted by the regicides, I began 

 my retreat in the forenoon of the 15th of March 

 towards Bois le Due. When I left Tirlebourgh 

 on the 14th, I had difpatched a meflenger to 

 the Due Frederic, acquainting him that I found 

 it neceflary to go on to Alphen that day, and 

 might perhaps be obliged to go on ftill further; 

 I therefore folicited his Serene Highnefs to fend 

 out a detatchment of infantry to fecure my re- 

 treat, otherwife my return would become prob-" 

 lematic. I delayed no time in regaining the 

 village of Alphen, where I found the detatch- 

 ment I left there form in 2[ en hattaille. in confe- 

 quence offome of the enemy's fcouts having ap- 

 'peared at a diftance. 



After having reconnoitred the country and 

 given fome refrelhment to my huzars, I con- 

 tinued my march under fome anxiety, uling 

 every precaution to prevent furprife by the 



enemy, 



