a small village of Brabant, in the Austrian Low Countries, 12 miles north of Namur, and 22 south-east of Brussels. Lat. 50° 51'. Long. 4° 48'. Famous for the battle fought by the allies commanded by the duke of Marlborough and M. d'Auverquirque, against that of the two crowns, commanded by the duke of Bavaria and Marshal Villeroi, the 22d of May 1706. See BRITAIN, No. 357.

The troops destined to compose the army of the allies being joined at the camp of Borchloon the 25th of May, halted the 21st. On the 22d the army marched from Borchloon in four columns, and posted itself the same day, with the right towards the mill of Quorem, extending with the left towards Blehen: from this camp was discovered the army of the two crowns, which was encamped with the left at Over-Eipen, and the right towards the wood of Chapiraux, Hyclifem in their front, and Tirlemont in their rear. It was resolved the same day to march the next morning towards the plain of Meerdorp or Mierdau, to view the posture of the enemies, and determine what would be the most proper means of attacking them according to the movement they should make. To this end, an advanced guard of 600 horse and all the quarter-masters of the army were sent forward on the 23d at break of day.

The same morning about four, the army marched in eight columns toward the aforesaid plain. The advanced guard and the quarter-masters arrived about eight at the height of Meerdorp or Mierdau; from whence the army of the enemy was seen in motion: a little after it was perceived that the enemy was marching through the plain of Mount St Andrew in four columns, of which information was given to the duke of Marlborough and M. d'Auverquirque, who immediately repaired to the said height; and by the time these generals were arrived there, the head of the enemy's army already appeared at the tomb of Ottomont upon the caufeway, near the Mehaigne; whereupon the duke of Marlborough and M. d'Auverquirque made the army advance with all expedition.

The enemy, as fast as they advanced, ranged in order of battle, with their right towards the tomb of Ottomont upon the Mehaigne, extending with their left to Autr'Eglife; having Tranquiers in front of the right, into which they had thrown several battalions of infantry and 14 squadrons of dragoons, who had dismounted their horses to support them. They had placed many of their infantry and a considerable part of their artillery in the village of Ramillies, which fronted the right of their main body, as well as into the village of Offuz, which fronted the left of their infantry, and into the village of Autr'Eglife, quite on their left. The front between the village of Ramillies and Autr'Eglife was covered by a small stream of water, which rendered the meadows in some places marshes, and also by several roads covered with hedges; which difficulties prevented our cavalry of the right wing from coming to action. As fast as the army of the allies arrived it was ranged in order of battle; with the left towards Bonnef, and the right towards Folz, and every thing was disposed in order to attack. To this end, four battalions were detached to attack the village of Franquenies, and 12 battalions to attack the village of Ramillies, which were to be supported by the whole infantry.

Our artillery began to cannonade the enemy at one; at about two, the attack began with the post of Franquenies, where our infantry had the good fortune to drive the enemy from the hedges, where they were advantageously posted, and at the same time all the cavalry of our left wing advanced to attack that of our enemy's right; soon after all was in action. Whilst the cavalry were engaged, the village of Ramillies was likewise attacked, and forced after a vigorous resistance.

The battle lasted about two hours, and was pretty obstinate; but so soon as our cavalry had gained ground enough to attack the enemy in flank, they began to give way; at the same time all their infantry were put in disorder, so that the whole retreated, in great confusion. The cavalry of their left wing formed a little upon the high ground, between Offuz and Mount St Andrew, to favour their retreat; but after the infantry and cavalry of our right wing had filed off between the bottom of the village of Ramillies and Offuz, the whole army marched in several columns to attack the enemy anew; but they gave way before we could come up with them, and retired in great confusion, some towards the defile of the abbey De la Ramée and towards Dongelberge, others towards Judogne, and others again towards Hougarde. They were pursued all night so closely that they were obliged to abandon all their artillery and baggage, part of which was found at Judogne and at Hougarde, with their chiefs of ammunition.

The enemy lost above 30,000 men, 60 cannon, eight mortars, standards, colours, baggage, &c.; we about 3000. The rest of the campaign was spent in the sieges of Offend, Menin, and Aeth. In fourteen days the duke defeated and dispersed the best appointed army the French ever had, and recovered all Spanish Brabant, the marquisate of the holy Roman empire. The army of the enemy consisted of 76 battalions and 142 squadrons, including the king's household troops (La Maison du Roi); and the army of the allies was 74 battalions and 123 squadrons. Considering the importance of the victory, the loss of the allies was very small, not above 1100 being killed, and 2600 wounded.