CHAP. XIV.] 



FRENCH CAVALRY. 



287 



of infantry on the flanks, the combat was carried on on the 

 principle of the double oblique, the two wings continually 

 being pressed forward, and so compelling the retreat 

 of the centre. From this time the peculiarities of the 

 battle-field are seen to exercise a certain influence upon 

 the formation of troops for action. 



Luxembourg followed closely in the steps of Turenne, 

 and knew well how to accommodate the disposition 

 of his troops to the nature of the ground.' He under- 

 stood fully the principle and the advantages of the 

 oblique order. The battle of Fleurus, fought on the 

 1st July, 1690, is a very good illustration of that kind 

 of formation for battle. The centre and left wing of his 

 army were drawn up as if to attack the position of the 

 Prince of Waldeck in front, while the right wing made 

 a turning movement, and fell upon the left flank of the 

 enemy's line. The cavalry of the left of Luxembourg's 

 army was deployed on each side of the village of Fleurus 

 in the fields, while the infantry were strongly posted in 

 the place itself. The turning movement was Successful, 

 and decided the fate of the battle, which would otherwise 

 have been doubtful, for the French cavalry on the left 

 were at first defeated, and thrown back in confusion, as 

 well as the infantry supporting them. 



The combat of Leuze, in 1691, is another illustration 

 of the ability of Marshal Luxembourg, and is of interest 

 as a most skilful employment of cavalry. Luxembourg 

 knew that the Prince of Orange was about falling back 

 across the river \ 'liich lay in his rear, and he suspected 

 that the Prince, relying on the great distance there was 

 between the two armies, would leave a rear-guard 

 of cavalry to cover the retreat, without attaching 

 infantry to support them.** When he knew the movement 

 was commencing, Luxembourg, with a good force 

 of cavalry, made a rapid night march, and early in the 

 morning came upon the cavalry rear-guard of Orange's 

 army, which was just about crossing the bridges. He 

 came upon them so suddenly that they were not formed 

 in line of battle, and had no time to prepare to receive 

 ' Grahaiae, 146. ' Feuquitre, in Liskenne, iv. 648, 649. 



