"To Mr. Secretary Harley.
"I have not received the favour of any letter from you since my last. Yesterday we had the satisfaction to see the garrison of Menin march out to the number of about 4,300 men, besides the sick and wounded, which could not yet be transported for want of conveniency. We have put 5 battalions into the place under the command of Major-General Welderen; and while the neighbourhood of the French army obliges us to continue here to level our works and repair the breaches at Menin, we have ordered some cannon, with a detachment, to attack Dendermonde. The troops will be all before the place to-morrow or Saturday. My brother Churchill is appointed to command the siege, and if the dry weather hold, I hope we shall in a few days be masters of the town, which will secure the Pays de Waes and a good part of Brabant.
"Yesterday Lord John Hay, Colonel of the royal regiment of Scots Dragoons, died of a lingering fever, after about twenty days' illness, being generally regretted through the whole army. I fear we shall have ill news from our fleet after this violent storm of wind.
"I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
"Marlborough."
PETER HAY.
Muster ending 24 June, 1798, Cornet en second. Appointed Lieutenant (in Captain Balfour's troop), 4 May, 1800. Appointed Captain in 26th Dragoons, 21 August, 1801.
SIR ROBERT HAY.
1 January, 1693-4, made Captain of Foot and joined this Regiment of Dragoons as Captain, 24 June, 1706. Made Brevet-Major, 1 November, 1711. Major, 16 September, 1715. Lieutenant-Colonel, 12 June, 1717. Retires, and is succeeded by Major Sir Thomas Hay, 27 May, 1742.
SIR THOMAS HAY, Baronet.
Cornet, 1 June, 1717. Captain, 11 June, 1720. Made Major, 6 February, 1740-1, and on 27 May, 1742, Lieutenant-Colonel.