some days, preparations were made by the French for a general assault. These measures alarmed the English, and they withdrew their forces from the town. The Dutch troops would have followed them, but the bridge was broken down by the enemy's artillery, and being too weak for resistance now that they were deserted by their allies, they were obliged to surrender to the French without conditions. The town was indeed taken by assault, but the humanity of General Souham, who commanded the French, preserved the garrison and inhabitants of the place from the exercise of those severities which, the usage of war authorises in towns that are taken by storm.
The inhabitants of Nimeguen discourse of this calamitous period with the most vivid emotions, and a general air of melancholy and dejection reigns throughout the place. Beggars are numerous, and many of them appear as if they had enjoyed happier days.
The French garrison in Nimeguen consisted of about eight hundred men, most of whom had received wounds in the service.
