The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
XIV: The Campaign of 1707, 1708 explained
The chapter covers the military campaigns of 1707 and 1708, focusing on the inactivity of the Allied army under the Duke of Marlborough, the failed invasion attempt of the Chevalier de St.
What happens
The chapter covers the military campaigns of 1707 and 1708, focusing on the inactivity of the Allied army under the Duke of Marlborough, the failed invasion attempt of the Chevalier de St. George, the Battle of Oudenarde, and the siege of Lille. It highlights General Webb's growing reputation and his conflict with Marlborough, as well as the espionage activities of Mr. von Holtz.
Themes in this chapter
War and Military Life
Detailed descriptions of campaigns, battles, sieges, and the daily life of soldiers and commanders.
Politics and Loyalty
Intrigues at court and in the army, including Marlborough's alleged corruption, the influence of favorites, and the Jacobite cause.
Honor and Sacrifice
General Webb's pursuit of glory and recognition, and the bravery of soldiers in battle despite political machinations.
Characters to notice
- Henry Esmond
Narrator and participant in the campaigns; serves under General Webb and observes the political and military intrigues.
- General Webb
Gallant but boastful commander of the Fusileers; critical of Marlborough and victorious at Wynendael.
- Duke of Marlborough
Captain-General of the Allied forces; accused of corruption, bribery, and intentionally avoiding battle for personal gain.
- Captain von Holtz
Mysterious spy and messenger; involved in the failed Chevalier expedition and carries communications between French and English camps.
- Chevalier de St. George
The exiled King of England (James III); his invasion of Scotland fails due to bad weather, and he later campaigns with the French army.
- Duke of Berwick
French commander and nephew of Marlborough; victor at Almanza and in correspondence with his uncle.
- Prince Eugene
Prince of Savoy; leads the siege of Lille with personal hatred for the French king.
- Lady Masham
Royal favorite who gains influence over Queen Anne, contributing to Marlborough's declining favor.
Key passages
“During the whole of the year which succeeded that in which the glorious battle of Ramillies had been fought, our army made no movement of importance, much to the disgust of very many of our officers remaining inactive in Flanders, who said that his Grace the Captain-General had had fighting enough, and was all for money now, and the enjoyment of his five thousand a year and his splendid palace at Woodstock, which was now being built.”
In the year after the great victory at Ramillies, the army did nothing significant, frustrating many officers who believed the Duke of Marlborough was now more interested in wealth and his new palace than in fighting.
Highlights the perception of Marlborough's greed and inactivity.
“But that ill wind which ever opposed all the projects upon which the Prince ever embarked, prevented the Chevalier's invasion of Scotland, as 'tis known, and blew poor Monsieur von Holtz back into our camp again, to scheme and foretell, and to pry about as usual.”
Bad luck, which always thwarted the Prince's plans, stopped the Chevalier's invasion of Scotland and sent von Holtz back to the Allied camp to continue his scheming and spying.
Describes the failure of the Jacobite invasion and von Holtz's return.
“I believe on my conscience that 'twas my Lord Marlborough's intention to prevent those supplies, of which the Prince of Savoy stood in absolute need, from ever reaching his Highness; that he meant to sacrifice the little army which covered this convoy, and to betray it as he had betrayed Tollemache at Brest; as he had betrayed every friend he had, to further his own schemes of avarice or ambition.”
I am convinced that Marlborough deliberately intended to stop the supplies needed by Prince Eugene, sacrificing the small army guarding the convoy, just as he had betrayed others before, for his own greed and ambition.
Expresses the narrator's strong suspicion of Marlborough's treachery.
“With the most consummate generals in the world before them, and an admirable commander on their own side, they chose to neglect the councils, and to rush into a combat with the former, which would have ended in the utter annihilation of their army but for the great skill and bravery of the Duke of Vendosme, who remedied, as far as courage and genius might, the disasters occasioned by the squabbles and follies of his kinsmen, the legitimate princes of the blood royal.”
Despite having excellent generals and a good commander, the French princes ignored advice and rushed into battle, nearly destroying their army until the Duke of Vendosme's skill saved them from the consequences of their own quarrels and foolishness.
Criticizes the French royal princes' incompetence and praises Vendosme.
