George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 4, 15th edition.

[317] and daring deeds of more than three months, in May,

chap. XIV.} 1759.

it gained, by capitulation, that delightful and well watered island, whose harbor can screen whole navies from hurricanes, whose position gives the command of the neighboring seas.

From the continent of Europe came the joyous assurance, that a victory at Minden had protected Hanover. The French, having repulsed Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick at Frankfort, pursued their advantage, occupied Cassel, compelled Munster to capitulate, and took Minden by assault; so that Hanover could be saved only by a victory. Contades and Broglie, the French generals, with their superior force, were allured from their strong position, and accepted battle on narrow and inconvenient ground, on which their horse occupied the centre, their foot the wings. The French cavalry charged, but, swept by artillery and the rolling fire of the English and Hanoverian infantry, they were repulsed. At the moment, Ferdinand, whose daring forethought had detached the hereditary prince of Brunswick with ten thousand men to cut off the retreat, sent a message to the commander of the British cavalry, Lord George Sackville, by a German aid-de-camp. Lord George affected not to understand. Ligonier came next, with express directions that he should bring up the cavalry and attack the French, who were faltering. ‘See the confusion he is in,’ cried Sloper to Ligonier; ‘for God's sake repeat your orders.’ Fitzroy arrived with a third order from Ferdinand. ‘This cannot be so,’ said Lord George; ‘would he have me break the line?’ Fitzroy urged the command. ‘Do not be in a hurry,’ said Lord George. ‘I am out of breath with galloping,’ replied young