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CHAP. XVI.] EIGHTEENTH CENTURY CAMPAIGNS. 297 



seventeen scpadronH from the right, and the squadrons 

 which had attacked and defeated the dismounted dra- 

 goons, coming up on the othtT flank at the moment, 

 restored the battle, checked the; advance of the French 

 horsemen, and enabled the allied lines to regain their 

 order. 



Marlborough, seeing that the decisive struggle was 

 taking place among the cavalry, had ordered up from his 

 right every availaljle horseman. Twenty fresh squadrons 

 arrived at full speed, and formed a fourth line in rear of 

 the right flank. This turned the scale, and the French 

 right wing was swept back upon their centre — their 

 whole position pierced, and their line outflanked and 

 enfiladed. A vigorous attack in every part of the field 

 completed the victory, and the French retreated in 

 hurried rout, with the loss of many prisoners. 



In this battle we see the more decided use of reserves, 

 and the important effect produced by them in cavalry 

 actions. 



At Malplaquet, on the 11th of Septeml)er, 1708, 

 Marlborough again employed his cavalry to break the 

 enemy's line of battle, and here again the attack was 

 made in the centre. This charge of cavalry is the more 

 remarkable, as it was made against a strong line of 

 entrenchments which the French had thrown up to 

 defend their position. Marlborough's cavalry, under the 

 Prince d'Auvergne, penetrated through some gaps between 

 the redans, and deploying, were enabled to drive back the 

 defenders. Being quickly and bravely supported by a 

 large force of infantry, the lines were held by the English, 

 although the reserves of the French cavalry had checked 

 and repulsed the allied horsemen. 



About this period the practice of strengthening lines of 

 battle with field entrenchments was coming very much 

 into use, and for a time war was conducted very much 

 upon the principle of taking up strong positions, and 

 defending or attacking them, or manoeuvring to enforce 

 the evacuation of them. Marlborough on many occa- 

 sions used his cavalry very skilfully in forcing lines 

 of entrenchment of this kind. A celebrated instance 



