This nobleman in the month of January had crossed the sea to Holland, and concerted a scheme with the deputies of the states-general for the operations of the ensuing campaign.

They agreed that general Averquerque should lie upon the defensive with a small body of troops in the Netherlands, while the main army of the allies should act upon the Rhine, under the command of the duke of Marlborough.

Such was the pretext under which this consummate general concealed another plan, which was communicated to a few only in whose discretion he could confide.

It was approved by the pensionary and some leading men, who secured its favourable reception with the states-general when it became necessary to impart the secret to that numerous assembly.

In the meantime, the preparations were made on pretence of carrying the war to the banks of the Moselle.
MARLBOROUGH MARCHES WITH THE ALLIED ARMY INTO GERMANY.
In the month of April, the duke, accompanied by his brother general Churchill, lieutentant-general Lumley, the earl of Orkney, and other officers of distinction, embarked for Holland, where he had a long conference with a deputation of the states concerning a proposal of sending a large army towards the Moselle.