Folio 205. Copy of a letter from Lord Galway to [Prince Eugene?], in compliance with...

Folio 205. Copy of a letter from Lord Galway to [Prince Eugene?], in compliance with orders dated 8 November 1695 to furnish a written opinion upon the operations of the next campaign. Opines that there are only two options - a siege on Pinerolo or a siege of Nice. The latter appears of the great importance, because of the presence of the King's fleet in the Mediterranean, which might not be possible another year. On the other hand the conquest of Pignerol is of great moment as it would facilitate any plan of the Allies, having nothing further to fear for Piedmont. To effect either the one or the other, measures must be taken to secure the concert of the allied armies, as success cannot be hoped for without the co-operation of the troops now in Flanders, and particularly those on the Rhine. Galway advises his Majesty to draw up a plan for the next campaign, with a statement of the artillery and troops he can collect, and a similar one for the Marquis of Leganez, and at the same time the amount of provisions and money that each can furnish; to see if the combined troops are sufficient for so great a scheme; if not to discuss the best means of augmenting them, and to keep the ministers in Vienna and the other courts of the Allies supplied with orders. This should be done without any loss of time, as it should have been done two months ago.