Folios 163-176. Undated and unsigned 'Memorial for the King'. Apparently a French...

Folios 163-176. Undated and unsigned 'Memorial for the King'. Apparently a French account of a report made for Louis XIV, with regard to the strategy of the campaigns with the Dutch. Discusses proposals of Cazier and relative strengths of the French and enemy forces, by reference to the experience with the Prince of Orange and the Dutch forces in 1672 -1674 (including the troops raised for the sieges of Charleroi and Bonn) noting the historic weakness of their extensive coastal border and that the Dutch have never had as many troops as they had in 1672. Monsieur Talon advises that if the King wishes to advance and secure his conquests in Flanders he must take the town of Antwerp. Considers the successful execution of the proposals would only require one more site visit to assure themselves nothing had changed aince 1688 (when Cazier last visited the location). Considers the merits of taking Brussels before or after Antwerp. Notes that compared with 1678, the King could pursue the proposed plan for Antwerp by sea, and if also attacking by land at the same time will find himself in a superior position there with many of the Dutch troops moved out to help defend the coastline. Discussion of how land and sea superiority will be achieved without an accompanying increase in cost, noting that if the advantage of greater crew numbers per vessel were worth the expense, the English would be following this approach given it is clear from their bombardments and machines that they spare no expense. Refers to the benefits of smaller vessels in the German sea, as proved by Captain Baert, and how they might be used in the proposals for Antwerp. Outlines preparatory steps to be taken in the event the King favours Cazier's proposals. Refers to vengeance to be taken on the Dutch fleet and Amsterdam for the temerity they had in coming to bombard and burn the city of Dieppe. Includes an extract from a letter written to Monsiegneur de Pontchartrain on 28 December 1694 [from Cazier?], seeking to correct a misunderstanding in the memorandum regarding the number of vessels required.