The objects to be gained by the movements of this column would, if
attained, have had a material effect on the result of the whole expedi-
tion, and could only be attempted while the Duke of York possessed
a superiority of force. The enemy had left their right uncovered,
and a very strong country unoccupied, from which it was evident
that it would have been very difficult for them to correct their error
if the attack on that flank had been vigorously carried out, and they
had also left Amsterdam undefended on the only side by which it
was accessible. The strength of the column which attacked Bergen
would have been more than sufficient if it had been employed with
common prudence. This column was at all times very superior in
numbers to the enemy who opposed it, but it moved in mass in an
intersected country^ never covered its flanks, and its operations
having, contrary to order, been commenced long before daylight, its
fire was probably more destructive to itself than to the enemy.
That the other columns were not too weak is sufficiently sho\^n
by their having taken and held, until recalled, the points against
which they were directed.
The Eepublicans re-occupied all the positions from which they
had been driven, and their general line of defence was now covered
on the right by inundations^ the only roads acrosa which were
covered by field works. The space between Alkmaar and the



EXPEDITION TO THE IIELDEE. 37

Zuyder Zee was thus rendered defensible by small numbers, i'?^?-.
