Folios 306-309. A true account of the Battle of Staffarda [Piedmont], fought by the...

Folios 306-309. A true account of the Battle of Staffarda [Piedmont], fought by the Allied forces against the French. The writer was camped near Villefranche and his enemy near Cavours; the former understand that the latter was marching towards Saluces, a town which blocked the passage of the mountains of the Dauphiné. Understanding the significance of this, and having taken the advice of his principal officers, he decided to follow the enemy with all the cavalry. They left at eight in the morning, the Count of Louvigny staying with the Infantry, but the march of these lasted until three hours after midnight thus preventing the cavalry (which had arrived at one hour after midday at Staffarda) from tailing the enemy army. The enemy army was divided: one part had crossed the River Po for Saluces, but upon hearing of the allied march, they crossed back over to camp by the same river. It was determined to be indispensable for the infantry and light arms to arrive at the allied cavalry camp, in order that they could resist, pursue and move the enemy, preventing them from becoming masters of Saluces. In the morning, he gathered the troops that had arrived during the night and reviewed the best course of action and, having received reports that the enemy wanted to send a detachment to Casal, they resolved to cross the Po. They had begun movements when the enemy (perhaps having been alerted), either to worry the rearguard or for some other unknown motive, began to attack the allied 'Grand Garde' and followed a great skirmish which lasted some time. The enemy's camp was covered by trees and so it was difficult to see their movements. Describes the back and forth of the battle and asserts the probability that of the blood spilt, the greater part was on the side of the enemy. The allied troops ultimately fell into disorder and pulled back to Carmagnole. Highlights the Spanish troops as having singularly distinguished themselves as well as a large part of the infantry.