had crowded no fewer than seventeen battalions into the village of
Blenheim, on his extreme right and close to the bank of the great
river.

"Now, gentlemen, to your posts." These words, quietly and pleasantly
spoken by Marlborough, began the great battle of Blenheim. It was
about midday, August 13, 1704. The Duke had been waiting till he heard
that Prince Eugene was ready, and he had occupied the interval in
breakfast and prayers. Every man of his division was provided with a
good meal. He himself had attended divine service and had received the
sacrament the evening before.

Lieutenant Blackett found himself one of a body of 8,000 cavalry,
which were ordered to cross the Nebel so as to be within striking
distance of Tallard's troops drawn up beyond the brook. This work of
crossing was likely to be a long and tedious, not to say a difficult
bit of business, the intervening ground being very boggy. Matthew was
far towards the rear of this large body of horse, and it was evident
that it would be hours before his turn came to cross. In company with
hundreds of his comrades, he began to long for something more
exciting.

The first division to get into serious action was that under the brave
Lord Cutts, to the left of the allied forces. Cutts went by the
nickname of Salamander, so indifferent was he to danger when under
fire. This gallant leader led his men to attack the village of
Blenheim. Twice the assault was made with the utmost vigour and
determination; twice Cutts was driven back. The village was not only
filled with an immense force of French, but was protected by a strong
palisade.