Briefwisseling en aantekeningen. Deel 1
(1934)–Willem Bentinck–
Auteursrecht onbekendDen Haag, 4 November 1746.......By what I hear of people, who have been at this action of the 11 Oct.: Charles had the grande garde the night of the 9 and was not relieved the 10, I don't know for what reason, so that he found himself the 11 in the morning the most advanced, and nearest to the enemy. He was forced to change his post, and to retire to the army, with the corps under his orders, which he did with a great deal of judgment and calmness in presence of the enemy, and in a very hot fire. In the action he had the good luck of being in the way of forcing two Bavarian Battaillons, who retired precipitantly upon the cavalry, to rally, and march up to the enemy, when they would no more obey their officers. So that I can really now congratulate you on the good behaviour Charles had that day, and the honour he has gain'd. I have already told you how much he is beloved and considered in the army. I can now add a particular, which is that after every discharge of the French artillery, and small arms, Charles was constantly one of those who were enquired after by the whole line; and he had so well gain'd the trust and affection of the men in the regiment, that of those that were wounded during the action, in the squadron under his orders, none quitted their rank to look for a surgeon, without asking first his permission... Charles is going to ask his dimission and the intention is to get him the commission of Deputy in the States General from the Province of Overyssel, which Count Rechteren has at present, and which becomes vacant in May. This ought to remain a secret: at least nobody of our side ought to own it, till one is sure of its succeeding... | |
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The contrary party feel the consequence of it, and Mr. de Witt, Burgomaster of Dort, was t'other day imprudent enough to say, speaking to me, that he knew that we were working to overturn Count Rechteren in Overyssel, but that I might be sure they on their side would do the utmost to maintain him. I this minute receive a letter from SandenburgGa naar voetnoot1), in which he says:... ‘I hope that Charles is already at the Hague. He is in the right to quitt. If I was in circumstances to do the same, I would not putt it off eight days, the service being at present a subject of grief and sorrow for officers who have any honour, and knowledge of the service’. I am just now informed that Charles is to be here tomorrow night, having made the first march with the regiment Tuesday, which he has left, and is coming with his own horses the rest of the way strait hither...... |