Folios 130-133. Copy of two letters from Montmorency Luxembourg to the King [Louis...

Folios 130-133. Copy of two letters from Montmorency Luxembourg to the King [Louis XIV] relating to the French campaign in Flanders, dated at the camp in front of Charleroi. (1) Letter dated 10 September reports that Charleroi is invested; Ximenez took 16 squadrons and advanced the day before to ensure they were not prevented from burning the forage. He came to Charleroi with 12 squadrons of dragoons, 20 of cavalry and 30 battalions (that is what he and Monsieur Vauban considered necessary to invest the place). He has reconnoitred the area and found it wooded and mountainous, such that they are not yet camped regularly. Arms from Mons have arrived beyond Gauchili and they are awaiting boats from Namur with cannons and munitions. Has agreed with Monsieur Vauban that as long as there is only question of a siege he will have the best of it, but Luxembourg will take it should the enemy approach. All will be done to open the trenches soon, noting that the King has never seen them opened on the second day before. Marshal de Villeroy will come there the next day and they will relieve each other every 24 hours. He has no news of the enemy that evening, but was assured the day before that they were working on the road from their camp to Notre dame de Halle, indicating that they may approach Nivelle; reports on the condition of the French troops there. (2) Letter dated 11 September, still no news of the enemy, which makes him think that they have not marched and may try a diversion. Monsieur Vauban wants to allocate troops to remain there for the siege and troops that could be sent to oppose them, which may be difficult - requests the King's orders.