533 Letter 238 To George Montagu, Esq.  Arlington Street, July 2, 1747.

Dear George, Though we have no great reason to triumph, as we have certainly been defeated,(1386) yet the French have as certainly bought their victory dear:  indeed, what would be very dear to us, is not so much to them.  However, their least loss is twelve thousand men; as our least loss is five thousand.  The truth of the whole is, that the Duke was determined to fight at all events, which the French, who determined not to fight but at great odds, took advantage of.  His Royal Highness’s valour has shone extremely, but at the expense of his judgment.  Harry Conway, whom nature always designed for a hero of romance, and who is d`eplac`e in ordinary life, did wonders; but was overpowered and flung down, when one French hussar held him by the hair, while another was going to stab him:  at that instant, an English sergeant with a soldier came up, and killed the latter; but was instantly killed himself; the soldier attacked the other, and Mr. Conway escaped; but was afterwards taken prisoner; is since released on parole, and may come home to console his fair widow,,(1387) whose brother, Harry Campbell, is certainly killed, to the great concern of all widows who want consolation.  The French have lost the Prince of Monaco, the Comte de Bavi`ere, natural brother to the last Emperor, and many officers of great rank.  The French King saw the whole through a spying-glass, from Hampstead Hill, environed with twenty thousand men.’  Our Guards did shamefully, and many officers.  The King had a line from Huske in Zealand on the Friday night, to tell him we were defeated; of his son not a word — judge of his anxiety till three o’clock on Saturday!  Lord Sandwich had a letter in his pocket all the while, and kept it there, which said the Duke was well.

We flourish at sea, have taken great part of the Domingo fleet, and I suppose shall have more lords.  The Countess touched twelve thousand for Sir Jacob Bouverie’s coronet.

I know nothing of my own election, but suppose it is over; as little of Rigby’s, and conclude it lost.  For franks, I suppose they don’t begin till the whole is complete.  My compliments to your brothers and sisters.

(1386) The Battle of Laffelt, in which the Duke of Cumberland was defeated.-E.

(1387) Caroline, widow of the Earl of Ailesbury, sister of Henry Campbell, here mentioned, and of John, Duke of Argyle.-E.

(1388) The King of France’ in allusion to the engagement, is said to have observed, that “the British not only paid all, but fought all.”  In his letter to the Queen, he also characterized the Austrians as “benevolent” spectators of the battle.  See M`emoires de Richelieu, t. vii.  P. 111.-E.

534 Letter 239 To sir Horace Mann.  Arlington Street, July 3, 1747.