Folio 94. From Margrave Louis of Baden-Baden [lieut-gen]. Acknowledges receipt of...

Folio 94. From Margrave Louis of Baden-Baden [lieut-gen]. Acknowledges receipt of two letters from Stepney one of which contained an extract of a relation from Heemskerck. Refers to the King's favourable reply to his, Louis's, proposal to go to Holland to co-ordinate operations of the approaching campaign. Explains, however, the urgency of arranging beforehand, matters 'in this country' [i.e. Germany]. Does not doubt the success of the campaign, provided the Upper Rhine is not entirely cut off from the aid of the other circles and of the rest of the Allies. There will be no lack of support by the 'two circles' [i.e. Swabia and Franconia]: they will place 24,000 men under his command and they have voted him 400,000fl. and allocated supplies and artillery. Their contribution towards the war effort ought to promote success provided there will be no interference from Saxony [This is a reference to a possible demand for an autonomous command] and that he is allowed sufficient time to put his plans into execution. But he cannot see how two circles can be expected to sustain the war against France on their own and unless an effective force is maintained on the 'Middle Rhine' and more financial aid is forthcoming from somewhere, the good intentions of the circles of which he has made the King aware, will not merely not be furthered but may falter. Asks that his letter be shown to the Spanish ambassador [Don Carlo Emanuele d'Este, marqués de Borgomanero] who is, more than anybody else, in a position to know the possible consequences. PS. He is prepared to give the King all necessary explanations. [Holograph].

Date and Place: 1693 Mar 13/23 Nuremberg