| Citation |
AWM.745.046
3-10 Oct 1745:22 (1344)
Ostend, August 11. It is not impossible I may be with you
as soon as this letter; but as it is likewise possible I may
not, let me keep my word, and tell you how Oudenarde was
thrown away. --The white flag was hung out there by order of
an ensign, who had the guard of one of the gates. He, for
the sake of formality, held a council of war with his
serjeant and drum, and being inform'd by those worthy
officers, that it was to no purpose to hold out any longer,
determined to capitulate immediately, and his orders for
hanging out the flag were obey'd. -- The Austrian Governor
(for you must observe this great ensign was neither Austrian
nor English) ran immediately to the spot, and having
enquired into the affair, ordered the ensign into arrest,
and the flag to be taken down; --but both were prevented by
the stepping forth of the Colonel, or Conservator of the
Ensign's regiment, who justified his officer, and insisted
that he was to preserve his corps let what would become of
the place. -- All then that the poor Governor had to do, was
to obtain a good capitulation, and he would have obtained
it, if the conservator had been less in a hurry. But M.
Saxe seeming disposed to carry on the siege, rather than
grant the garrison the honours of war, our conservator
interposed, and declared his orders were to secure his
regiment, and therefore desired to march them out. -- This
had the effect, the Governor immediately capitulated on what
terms could be had; and thus, sir, this place is fallen into
the hands of the French, and the three Austrian, British,
and Dutch batallions are prisoners of war. Adieu.
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