CHAP. XVI.] EIGHTEENTH CENTURY CAMPAIGNS. 



293 



up in two lines ; but in the centre of the second line of 

 the Ctavalry were placed three brigades of infnntry. 



Marlborough, on coming up to attack, saw the defects 

 of Tallard's dispositions. He at once perceived that the 

 long lines of cavalry in the centre, defending a position 

 behind a stream, made a weak point, where a vigorous 

 attack of his superior cavalry would break the hostile 

 line, separate the wings from each other, and enable him 

 to coop up the troops in Blenheim, and strike the whole 

 left wing of the Elector's army in flank, and drive it 

 from the field. 



Marlborough at once made his arrangements for 

 forcing the passage of the Nebel, and formed his army in 

 four lines, the first of infantry, the second and third of 

 cavalry, and the fourth of infantry in reserve. This 

 was a formation admirably adapted to the nature of the 

 ground, and the position of the enemy. The first line 

 of infantry was to secure the passage of the stream and 

 the erection of bridges, and to cover the crossing of the 

 cavalry, while the fourth line of infantry remained on 

 the bank to form a reserve in support of the manoeuvre. 

 The pontoons were immediately brought up, five bridges 

 constructed, and the stone one repaired. To confirm 

 Tallard in the idea that Blenheim was the important 

 point, Marlborough directed a powerful attack against 

 that place which was vigorously but unsuccessfully main- 

 tained for some time, while his dispositions in the centre 

 were being completed. The infantry of this attacking 

 column was charged in flank by three squadrons of 

 French gendarmes. Lord Coutts sent for a re-inforce- 

 ment of cavalry : five squadrons soon arrived and were 

 at once attacked by an equal number of French gendarmes 

 who saluted them with a 'ire of mousquetons, or carbines. 

 The allied horse charged at once sword in hand, and drove 

 them back through the intervals of the infantry, when, 

 being galled by musketry, in front and flank, they were 

 obliged to fall back. On the right of the allied army. 

 Prince Eugene on coming into action had been opposed 

 with determined bravery by the Elector of Bavaria and 

 his anny. The struggle lasted for some hours with 



