Life and diary of Lieut. Col. J. Blackader

CHAP. VI. wAlt IN FLANDERS. 129
ing the wliole action, showed the greatest courage and
presence of mind. He visited every post in person,
faced every danger, and undertook to remove every
difficulty. He alighted not less than four times to
head the infantry in their attacks, performing the
office of a subaltern, as well as of a general. He con-
tinued from the dawn on horse-back, and had only
taken two hours sleep in his coach, the preceding
night. Several officers fell hy his side ; his own, and
two led horses were killed. He had refused to put
on his armour, that his movements might be more
easy and expeditious. One musket ball went through
his peruke, another through the sleeve of his coat, and
a third passed through his sash, slightly grazing his
body. *
The only other achievment of the French this
campaign, was the reduction of Charleroi, which was
taken in October, — the allies finding it impossible to
relieve the garrison, without forcing the lines of the
besiegers, f
In the spring of 1694, the Confederates were again
ready for action. Their misfortunes seemed only to
• The escapes recorded of William are truly miraculous. He had
the art of turning his' faults to good account, and of making his rash-
ness a matter of policy. The invulnerability of Dundee and Dalzell,
was attributed to the possession of infernal spells : William's intrepi-
dity was ascribed to his belief in Predestination, according to which,
it was supposed, that swords and bullets had their commission, and
their bounds set them, beyond which they could not pass. This opi-
nion of him was confirmed the more by his frequent exposures and es-
capes in danger ; and he even countenanced the belief, as he saw it
made his troops more regardless of fear, and contributed to their
courage and resolution.
f Beaurain, Ralph, Burnet.