Folios 164-168. Copy of a letter from the Count de Solms to the Prince of Waldeck,...

Folios 164-168. Copy of a letter from the Count de Solms to the Prince of Waldeck, dated at Malines. Details his actions in regard to the garrisons, notably with regard to heating; in several matters he could not keep exactly to the King's orders, without greatly endangering the troops. Hopes his methods will be approved. He presses M de Dyckvelt incessantly on the subject of various necessities, but it seems he cannot do it all as he would wish and is required to. Regarding waggons from Liege and its roads, he has pressed and written to the Count of Tserclaes. It is much desired for the Prince of Vaudemont to go to Namur, but no sooner than he finds some money another obstacle must be overcome, namely that the Prince of Barbancon has written to declare that he would not obey the Prince of Vaudemont should he come to Namur. Refers to reports that the French have sent a good sum of money to Namur. Complains of various elements lacking in their preparation, and regrets that the Prince of Waldeck cannot be there in person as he would be able to remedy many things. Discussion of officers having taken leave and suggests a general order given by the Prince of Waldeck for their return. M de Dyckvelt continues to work to resolve the matter of the passports [see SP 8/10/118] but the Spanish will not accept anything reasonable. The Minister near the Louvain garrison is claiming some money per company, and the Count de Solms seeks instructions in this regard. Refers to an incident in which a French party of 32 horses came at 10pm to the gates of Brussels at Malines, staying at a 'Cabaret' there until 1am before being guided around various other locations; their host is being interrogated for further information and the names of other accomplices, while more care will be taken when moving about late at night around Malines. Seeks instructions in the event of an attack on Namur or Charleroi, noting that the King's orders do not allow for any exceptions while he considers there to be reasons for some. Encloses a letter from M Bresté. The Governor of Oudenaarde and one of his men have arrived, bringing information as to the movements of the enemy in the country round there, In his reply, dated at Culenburg on 4 December 1691, the Prince of Waldeck regrets that he is unable, on account of illness, to come to the Count. The first thing to do is to assemble the troops together with required necessities as the French will push them back if they are not met by a considerable army. Responds to various points raised in the Count of Solms' letter, including the need to get to the bottom of the affair of the enemy party so that someone can be punished as an example.